How I Used AI on Holiday (and How You Can Too)

When you think about using AI, you probably imagine work-related tasks: streamlining admin, managing your inbox, generating content. But on a recent trip to Greece, I started experimenting with ways AI could help while I was off the clock.

It turns out, AI tools can be surprisingly useful on holiday too. They can help you feel more prepared, less stressed, and more in control (without taking over the experience).

Here are three ways I used AI on my trip away, and how you might want to use them too on your next holiday or trip abroad:

1. Planning public transport with voice-based AI tools

   Getting from A to B in an unfamiliar place can be time-consuming and expensive if you’re not sure how the local transport works. Instead of spending ages on route planners or relying on taxis, I used the voice function in Perplexity to describe where I was staying, where I needed to go, and what time of day I was travelling.

   It quickly gave me clear information about:

   • Which bus to take

   • Where to find the nearest stop

   • What kind of ticket I needed to buy (and where I could buy it)

   This small change helped me feel more confident using local transport, and saved money compared to taking Ubers everywhere. For any small business owner who wants to feel a bit more grounded while travelling, this kind of support is genuinely helpful.

2. Translating menus and navigating local customs

   One of the things I love about staying in residential neighbourhoods is discovering places that aren’t geared towards tourists. But often, that means menus and signs are only in the local language, which is great, but needs a workaround for non-native speakers!

   I used ChatGPT to upload photos of Greek menus, then asked it to translate the items for me. I also asked it for a few polite phrases I could use when ordering, so I could feel confident communicating with staff without feeling awkward or rude.

3. Finding the perfect coffee shop (without wandering in 38° heat)

   After a fantastic morning at the Archaeological Museum, I wanted an iced coffee somewhere quiet, shaded, and close by. Rather than scrolling through map reviews or aimlessly walking around, I asked Perplexity to recommend cafés within a 10-minute walk, based on the type of places I usually enjoy. It gave me three great options. I picked one, and it was exactly what I needed. No wasted time, no heatstroke, no hassle.

   
   

Small tools, big difference

These weren’t life-changing uses of AI. But together, they made my trip feel more relaxed, less rushed, and easier to enjoy.

If you’re a small business owner heading away this summer, don’t feel like you have to completely switch off your digital skills. A few well-chosen tools can take some of the pressure off, while still allowing you to be present and enjoy the experience.

And if this kind of technical know-how is something you want to bring more of into your business, that’s exactly the sort of thing I support my clients with. Not just using tools, but using them well.

Want to chat more about how tech and automation could help your business run more smoothly? You’re very welcome to get in touch.