When I first planned this series, I had one goal: to find out if tech could genuinely make the chaos of travel planning less stressful.
Not just cool new apps or viral hacks, but useful tools. The kind that actually help when you’re staring down 47 tabs, trying to coordinate with a group of friends, book something vaguely affordable, and not cry when your card declines at a French café.
Spoiler: Tech helped. But it didn’t fix everything. And honestly? Some parts were still a total mess.
So now that we’ve wrapped up five weeks of posts, videos, guides and prompts, here’s my honest round-up: what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d do differently next time.
1. Planning is overwhelming, and AI can help (a bit)
When I planned our 24-hour trip to Paris, I spent hours doing what most of us do:
- Searching Google
- Reading blog posts
- Asking friends
- Trying to compare every option
It was overwhelming.
Too much information, too many opinions, and no clear “best” choice.
Out of curiosity, I gave ChatGPT the exact brief:
“Plan me a 24-hour Paris itinerary – authentic food, great coffee, iconic sights, and time to explore.”
And honestly? It nailed it.
Some of the exact restaurants it suggested were ones my Parisian friend had also recommended. It knew the best times to see the Eiffel Tower sparkle. It gave structure to what I’d spent hours trying to pull together.
It didn’t replace me. But it would have saved me so much time.
What I learned:
AI is great for ideas and structure—but it still needs human judgement. It’s a helpful assistant, not a replacement.
2. Booking travel is still more complicated than it needs to be
I tested Skyscanner, Hopper and Google Flights.
They all… work. But none are perfect.
- Prices change constantly
- Luggage isn’t always included
- You need 3-4 tabs open to compare total costs
- And the “best” option isn’t always best for you
Some platforms are great for inspiration. Others are good for filtering. But there’s still no all-in-one solution that makes booking feel smooth and trustworthy.
What I learned:
The tools are powerful but they rely on you to do the detective work.
(And that includes toggling filters, checking luggage policies, and not flying at 2am just because it’s cheaper.)
3. Group trips are chaos, but tech helps (a bit)
I love a group holiday. But coordinating one?
It’s a part-time job.
Between WhatsApp polls, travel planning, budgeting, meal plans and multiple personality types, you end up becoming:
- Event manager
- Budget police
- Google spreadsheet guru
I used Splitwise to manage costs (love it), Canva to make an itinerary (of course), and ChatGPT to plan a weekend menu (yes, really).
There’s still no one app that does it all. But using the right combo helped me stay (mostly) sane.
What I learned:
Tech makes planning easier, but it doesn’t replace clear decisions and group leadership.
4. Travel money is one area where tech genuinely shines
Of all the tech I tested, app-based banking was the most straightforward win.
Switching from a regular bank card to something like Starling, Monzo, or Chase made everything easier:
- No overseas fees
- Real-time notifications
- Ability to freeze my card from my phone
- Budgeting tools that helped me prepare for holiday
I used to come home from trips and cry at my credit card statement. Now I know exactly what I’ve spent and it feels so much more under control.
What I learned:
Digital banking = tech that actually makes a noticeable difference.
If you haven’t switched, do it before your next trip.
5. There’s still no perfect system, but it’s getting better
I wish I could say: “Here’s the one app that will make your next trip 100% stress-free.”
But that’s not real life.
The truth is: you still need to compare prices, juggle group logistics, and make trade-offs.
But there are tools that can lighten the load.
AI won’t replace travel agents (yet).
Flight tools won’t stop surprise fees.
And yes, you’ll still end up doing more than your fair share of the planning.
But you can take back some control.
Save time. Save money. Reduce the stress.
And maybe… just maybe… actually enjoy the planning process.
So what’s next?
Up next, I’m diving into something a bit different…
Pregnancy tech.
From tracking apps to AI advice, baby product spreadsheets to hospital bag checklists, I’ll be sharing all the tools that helped me navigate the weird, wonderful, and occasionally overwhelming journey of pregnancy.
Same format: honest, personal, and practical.
Follow along on Instagram @theeverydaytechgirl, or check back here for weekly posts and downloads.
Thanks for following this series – let me know what you found most helpful!
The Everyday Tech Girl 
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