We used AI travel recommendations to decide where to go this year! Here’s how it went 👇
Planning trips is fun… until it’s not. We’ve been there before: bookmarking random TikTok recommendations, scouring through YouTube videos, opening hundreds of travel blogs just to decide where to go (we see the irony here!)
So we tried something new by using AI to decide the best places to visit in the second half of 2025!
Trip.Best — AI-Powered Travel Recommendations
Enter Trip.Best, an AI-powered platform by Trip.com which curates different lists of the best destinations, experiences, and attractions all over the world.
Before I start using any AI tool — whether it’s for planning my trips, or something else — it’s important for me to know that it’s reliable!
So the best part for me is learning that the lists in Trip.Best are based on historical quality standards, popularity, and verified user reviews. This reassures me that I’m getting recommendations from real travellers, instead of some robot mumbo-jumbo.
With it, we could plan the best destinations to visit based on the month, and check out top things to do there — all in a matter of minutes! Here’s the list we came up with:
July: Escape to a beach getaway in Sanya, China
Trip.Best Ranking (July): #5 in Top Islands & Beaches (Global)
Since this time of year is typically warm in Asia, I visited Trip.Best to check out the top island getaways in July. As I was browsing, Sanya in Hainan Island, China caught my attention because it wasn’t as common as usual beach getaways like Bali and Phuket.
Plus, I heard it was affectionately called the “Hawaii of China” — due to its year-round tropical climate and beautiful beaches!
Photo credit: Trip.com
But that doesn’t mean Sanya doesn’t pack any adventure! In fact, one of its top attractions is the Atlantis Adventure Waterpark, which has 15 slides across different thrill levels. There’s even a near-vertical slide called the Leap of Faith that passes through a shark pool tunnel.
For a leisurely nature stroll, head to Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park, a sprawling 1,506-hectare area filled with lush greenery, scenic walking trails, and ocean views. The hike to the top takes around 2 hours, but there’s also a cable car to get you up quicker.
Don’t miss IG-worthy spots like the Dragon Rope Bridge and the Glass Bridge for epic photo ops!
A 20-minute ferry ride from Sanya will lead you to Wuzhizhou Island, where you can go diving to see vibrant coral reefs. Or take photos at many scenic sightseeing attractions like Lover Bridge, a picturesque wooden bridge overlooking the pristine waters.
Aside from these, there are more cool things to do in “the Hawaii of China” like watersports, fishing, and of course: surfing!
Read also: 4-Day Hainan Itinerary Under S$650 — A Short Island Getaway to the Hawaii of China
August: Embark on a solo trip to Edinburgh, Scotland
Trip.Best Ranking (August): #3 in Top Must-Visit Destinations (Global)
If you’re the type to plan one biiiig solo trip for the year, then consider heading to Edinburgh in Scotland. This vibrant city ranked #3 in Trip.Best’s top must-visit destinations in the world for August.
There are many free guided walking tours where all you’re expected to shell out is the tip for your guide. Also, it’s pretty easy to get around town with walkable streets and public transportation.
This makes Edinburgh especially great for solo travellers, who are on a budget and enjoy discovering new places on their own terms.
To get an idea of their unique architecture, head to Edinburgh Castle. Its historic stone walls are a marvellous sight that serves as a reminder of the country’s medieval past.
Stick around for the Noonday Gun Performance, a daily traditional ceremony where a cannon is fired precisely at noon.
For an epic viewpoint, check out Calton Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with several striking monuments. It’s the perfect spot to catch the sunset over the Edinburgh skyline — you might even get to see Arthur’s Seat, too.
And if there’s anything that Scots know how to do, it’s alcohol! Go on a Scotch Whisky-making experience to learn about its rich history through the sense of taste, and to make friends with other travellers.
You even get to go around the distillery in a vehicle designed as a whiskey barrel. Slàinte! 🥃
September: Chase autumn in Kyoto, Japan
Trip.Best Ranking (September): #1 in Top Fall Viewing Destinations (Global)
Photo credit: @ryutaro via Pexels
Late September marks the start of autumn in East Asian countries! And according to Trip.Best, Kyoto is the top fall-viewing destination worldwide for this month… and we can’t really argue with that 🤷🏼
Even if you’ve been to Kyoto in another season, visiting again in autumn is totally worth it. During this time, leaves turn into shades of red and gold — making for dreamy fall landscapes.
Read also: 6D5N Kyoto-Based Japan Itinerary — Things to do Beyond Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nara Deer Park
Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Photo credit: @bapak-moto-2150116313 via Pexels
For example, the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest become even more spectacular during this time. The vibrant autumn leaves make them look like a Studio Ghibli film.
Photo credit: Sagano-kanko.co.jp
Go on the Arashiyama Sagano Romantic Train, a 25-minute ride with stunning views of Hozugawa River and forested mountains.
Photo credit: Kyoto by the Sea
And to really soak in the peaceful Kyoto atmosphere, try going on a Zen Meditation experience. Many meditation centres are tucked away in quieter parts of the forest. Perfect for some mindful introspection! 🧘
*Pro-tip: Looking for hotels in Kyoto with “zen vibes”? On the mobile app, go to Trip.Best > Kyoto > Stays > Cultural > Theme Filters > Zen vibes.
One “zen” accommodation recommended by Trip.Best is Nazuna Kyoto Gosho, which features beautifully landscaped gardens and private baths — great for experiencing both luxury and traditional Japanese hospitality.
Photo credit: Trip.com
October: Take on outdoor adventures in Sydney, Australia
Trip.Best Ranking (October): #1 in Top Hiking & Driving Destinations (Global)
I always look forward to the -ber months. It’s generally cooler this time of year in Asia and Australia, so outdoor adventures are much more enjoyable.
That means it’s the perfect time to say “g’day mate” to Sydney: a gateway to many amazing hikes, diverse wildlife, and gourmet food!
Step into a real-life painting by visiting the Blue Mountains National Park, with scenic trails suited to all fitness levels.
For hikes with rewarding views, take on the path to the dramatic Wentworth Falls, or explore the iconic Three Sisters rock formation. Get here at sunrise or sunset to see it glow in golden light!
Photo credit: Destination NSW
Sydney is also home to many experiences with different creatures. Go on a seasonal whale-watching cruise (May to November), or visit Taronga Zoo to see koalas, kangaroos, and platypuses up close.
Fish at the Rocks. Photo credit: Uber Eats
And finally, dine in at one of the top Sydney restaurants to understand the hype behind their culinary scene. If you don’t know where to start, here are some top recommendations from Trip.Best:
a) Fish at the Rocks (#1 local restaurant)
b) Bennelong (#1 fine dining restaurant)
c) Quay Restaurant (#1 restaurant with a view)
November: Attend a lantern festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Trip.Best Ranking (November): #1 in Top Local Festivals (Global)
Experiencing a local festival is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and customs of a place. With Trip.Best, I was instantly able to check which cities would be holding a festival for a particular month.
And how could I forget the fairytale-esque Loi Krathong and Yi Peng festivals in Chiang Mai, Thailand, held every November? It’s that time of the year when thousands of people release krathongs (small rafts made of banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense) into rivers, and lanterns into the night skies!
The exact dates are decided based on the Thai lunar calendar, typically occurring on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month. This year, it’s expected to be celebrated on 5 to 6 November.
Just like in Bangkok, nightlife in Chiang Mai is vibrant with cabaret and dragon shows, street bazaars, and more. A trendy area to do some dining and shopping in specialty stores is Nimmanahaeminda Road.
While you’re there, don’t miss out on Doi Suthep! You’ll see an iconic golden temple and a panoramic view of the city from an altitude of more than 1,600m. It’s a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset, too!
And there are many amazing day trips out of Chiang Mai to do! My favourites were visiting the flower fields and hilltop cafes in Mon Jam, and the stunning temples in Chiang Rai.
December: Bond with the family in Seoul, South Korea
Trip.Best Ranking (December): #9 in Top Family-Friendly Destinations (Global)
Nami Island. Photo credit: WelkinLight Photography via Facebook
With many families flying abroad for the holidays, it’s nice to see a list of top family-friendly destinations on Trip.Best. And Seoul is a great pick for December, to take advantage of the cold weather before the year ends!
There’s a good mix of attractions and cultural experiences that families will enjoy in Korea’s capital.
Photo credit: Trip.com
For starters, they have three theme parks for both kids and kids-at-heart — Everland (Korea’s largest theme park), Lotte World, and their very own Legoland! You could easily squeeze out a day’s worth of adventure each from visiting any of these.
Gyeongbokgung Palace. Photo credit: WelkinLight Photography via Facebook
All park’d out? Visit the Bukchon Hanok Village to see a more traditional side of Seoul. Walk along streets lined with hanok houses, where high-ranking officials during the Joseon Dynasty used to live.
For the full Joseon K-drama experience, wear hanboks (traditional Korean attire) with the family while exploring the area, and nearby spots like Gyeongbokgung Palace — the largest of the Five Royal Palaces in Seoul.
And for the cherry on top, take a day trip to the picturesque Nami Island. It’s a laidback place with many charming sceneries and photo-worthy spots, famously featured in the classic K-drama, Winter Sonata.
You might even spot quirky wildlife roaming around such as peacocks and rabbits!
Is Using an AI Travel Planner Effective?
In my opinion, using AI-powered travel recommendations like Trip.Best is helpful for planning trips. It’s user-friendly and intuitive enough to significantly reduce the time you need to find, organise, and compare information.
It would be easy to plan my next getaways thanks to the many “best of” lists it curated — from destinations, all the way to hotels, attractions, and restaurants.
You’d be surprised how uber-specific the lists can get, like say, the “Top Bars in the Top Less-Crowded Destinations for the month of December”. Plus, there’s also a lot of reassurance knowing that these lists are based on millions of traveller reviews and bookings.
*Pro-tip: You can click on a specific activity or place to view more details about it — like the average cost, address, and reviews — and even book a ticket immediately after browsing!
Make planning your trip easier with Trip.Best — browse through AI-generated travel recommendations based on historical quality standards, popularity, and verified user reviews!
How to Access and Use Trip.Best
For mobile
1) Download and open the Trip.com app (iOS / Android)
2) Tap on Top Picks — the Trip.Best logo is on the icon
3) To look for travel destinations for a certain month: tap on the Destinations button
4) To look for recommendations within a certain city: tap on the button with a city name (beside the Destinations button)
For desktop
1) Access the Trip.Best page here.
2) Click on a list you want to view.
3) Scroll through the list, and click on a destination/attraction/activity/accommodation to learn more!
For me, it’s best to use Trip.Best to give an initial idea of where to go, stay, and eat. Of course, when using any AI-powered platform, we still encourage you to check out other travel resources to get a better sense of what you’re getting yourself into.
My personal favourite is, you guessed it, The Travel Intern 😉! We have detailed guides exploring iconic attractions and hidden gems in various destinations that we’ve personally travelled to all over the world — including the ones in this list.
*Pro-tip: Need more help planning your trip? Try TripGenie, Trip.com’s free AI-powered chatbot that gives you travel advice and itineraries suited to your needs.
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to meet the future of planning your travels… it’s already here!
What are your thoughts on using AI to help plan your trips? Let us know in the comments below!
This post was brought to you by Trip.com.
