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  • Layla AI Review 2026: I Tested This AI Trip Planner on a Real Itinerary

    Layla AI Review 2026: I Tested This AI Trip Planner on a Real Itinerary

    Layla AI is a next-generation AI trip planner that doesn’t just generate text — it builds a complete travel package: flights, hotels, activities, and budget in one place. Sounds like the future. But how well does it actually work?

    After my Wanderlog review, I decided to test Layla on the same route — a 4-day family trip to Istanbul. Same prompt, same questions, honest comparison. Same format: real screenshots, real data verification, no sponsored content.

    For this Layla AI review, I used: 2 adults, a 7-year-old child, March 2026, moderate budget.

    → Wanderlog Review: I Tested This Free AI Trip Planner on a Real Istanbul Itinerary
    → AI Travel Planner Test: I Tested 3 Tools on a Real Dubrovnik Trip

    What Is Layla AI?

    Layla AI is an AI travel agent, not just a planner. The difference matters: Wanderlog gives you tools for DIY planning, Layla takes over the planning and delivers a ready product.

    Key features:

    • AI assistant with personalization (remembers name, location, preferences)
    • Live flight search — real flights with real-time prices
    • Hotel booking — integration with Vio.com, Skyscanner
    • Web search — current data from the internet, no outdated cutoff
    • Bookable activities — tours and excursions with prices
    • Weather forecast — weather for each day of your trip

    Pricing:

    • Free: trip overview, map, total price
    • Trial (3 days): day-by-day details, but no PDF
    • Premium ($49.99/year): everything + PDF export

    First Difference: Layla Asks Questions

    Layla AI review showing initial conversation

    My prompt:

    Plan a 4-day family trip to Istanbul, Turkey. 2 adults and a 7-year-old child. We’re interested in: authentic Turkish food (street food + restaurants), shopping for clothes and souvenirs (Grand Bazaar, local markets), key sights but without rushing, and kid-friendly activities. Budget: moderate. March 2026.

    Wanderlog: immediately generated a 4-day plan.

    Layla: stopped and asked:

    “Are you flying out from Budva (Podgorica or Tivat airport)? Do you have specific dates, or should I pick a nice long weekend?”

    This is a fundamentally different approach. Wanderlog assumes for you, Layla clarifies. Yes, this uses “messages,” but with Layla there’s no limit (in Premium), and the result is more accurate.

    My response:

    Yes, flying from Podgorica. Dates: March 12-15, 2026. That plan sounds perfect — let’s go!

    ayla asks clarifying questions before generating the itinerary

    First Plan: What Layla Initially Generated

    After clarification, Layla delivered not just text, but an interactive trip card:

    • 3-Day Family Istanbul Discovery
    • 3 days · 1 city · 20 experiences · 1 hotel · 2 transports
    • Hotel: Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamış Marina (5-star)
    • Flight: Turkish Airlines, overnight
      • TGD Mar 12, 8:15 PM → IST Mar 13, 12:05 AM
    • Price: ~$1,548 (Flights & Hotels incl.)
    • Flights: $816

    And immediately offered improvement options:

    • Foodie Focus: add Ismail (wet burgers), street food tour
    • Kid-Friendly Tweaks: Istanbul Aquarium, Miniatürk
    • Hotel Location: move closer to Blue Mosque
    Layla generates initial trip package with Turkish Airlines night flight

    ⚠️ Date Logic Bug: Layla showed Day 1 as Mar 12 with “Evening Stroll in Sultanahmet,” but the flight arrives Mar 13 at 12:05 AM. Technically on the evening of March 12, I’m still in Podgorica. The AI didn’t account for the overnight flight arriving the next calendar day.

    Paywall: What’s Available for Free

    As soon as I tried to view day-by-day details — paywall:

    “Unlock Your Full Trip. Continue with Premium for unlimited planning and exclusive savings.”

    Layla’s payment tiers:

    TierPriceWhat You Get
    Free$0Trip overview, map, total price
    Trial$0 (3 days)Day-by-day details, but no PDF
    Premium$49.99/yearEverything + PDF download + unlimited trips

    For this Layla AI review, I activated the trial to show the complete picture.

    ⚠️ Important: The trial looks like “try everything free,” but PDF export is Premium-only. Even during the trial, attempting to download a PDF triggers a $49.99 payment prompt.

    Layla paywall showing trial and Premium options
    PDF download blocked during trial — requires $49.99 Premium upgrade

    Live Flights: Real Flights in Real Time

    Layla AI review I clicked Get Live Prices — and Layla pulled real Turkish Airlines flights

    I clicked “Get Live Prices” — and Layla pulled real Turkish Airlines flights:

    • TGD (Podgorica) Mar 12, 8:15 PM → IST Mar 13, 12:05 AM
    • IST Mar 15, 1:50 PM → TGD Mar 15, 1:40 PM
    • $816 total (all flights, 3 people)

    Plus filters: Direct / 1 stop / 2+ stops, airline selection (Air Montenegro, Air Serbia, Turkish Airlines, etc.), departure time slider.

    What impressed me most — AI commentary on the flight:

    “These direct Turkish Airlines flights offer maximum efficiency, though the late-night arrival on the first day may be tiring for a 7-year-old. The afternoon return provides a smooth transition home.”

    Layla proactively warned that the late arrival might be tough for a child. Wanderlog didn’t even ask about timing.

    Layla live flight search with real prices and filters

    Day-by-Day Plan: Initial Version

    Here’s how Layla structured the 4 days in the first plan:

    Day 1 · Mar 12 — Arrival and Evening Stroll in Historic Sultanahmet

    • 4 Experiences
    • Note: “Arrive at Istanbul Airport and take a private transfer to your hotel”
    • Restaurant: Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta (4.1★, 9348 reviews)
    • Place: Sultanahmet Square
    • Note: “Enjoy a gentle evening stroll to see the illuminated Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia from the square”

    Day 2 · Mar 13 — Imperial Landmarks and Flavors of the Old City

    • 6 Experiences
    • Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia Tour ($31/person, 2.5 hours)
    • Topkapi Palace
    • Pandeli Restaurant (4.2★)
    • Egyptian Bazaar
    • Galata Bridge

    Day 3 · Mar 14 — Bazaars Shopping and Kid Friendly Discoveries

    • 5 Experiences
    • Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)
    • Deraliye (4.7★)
    • Miniatürk
    • Istanbul Toy Museum — directly matching the “kid-friendly” request
    • Çiya Sofrası (4.0★, 12529 reviews)

    Day 4 · Mar 15 — Relaxed Morning at Gulhane Park and Departure

    • 3 Experiences
    • Note: “Enjoy a final traditional Turkish breakfast at your hotel”
    • Gülhane Park (4.7★)
    • Note: “Check out and transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight back to Podgorica”
    Layla day-by-day plan with kid-friendly Istanbul Toy Museum

    Accuracy Test: Hagia Sophia

    This is the key test. Wanderlog failed it — called Hagia Sophia a museum (wrong since 2020) and said entry was free (wrong since 2024).

    My prompt:

    Is Hagia Sophia a museum or a mosque now? What’s the entry fee?

    Layla’s response:

    “Getting latest information from the web…”

    Then:

    • Status: Active Mosque
    • Entry Fee: €25 per person
    • Child Policy: Children under 8 enter free
    • Access: Tourists go to upper gallery, ground floor for prayer
    • Dress Code: Modest dress, headscarf for women

    All correct. Layla performs live web search — this is a fundamental difference from Wanderlog (2023 cutoff).

    I especially appreciated the dress code tip: Layla warned that you can’t enter in a short skirt or bare shoulders. Tourists can plan their outfit accordingly before leaving the hotel in the morning.

    WanderlogLayla AI
    Hagia Sophia status❌ “Museum”✅ “Active Mosque”
    Entry fee❌ “Free”✅ “€25 per person”
    Dress code tip❌ None✅ Practical advice
    Data sourceCutoff 2023✅ Live web search

    Budget Breakdown: Initial Estimate

    My prompt:

    Can you break down the estimated budget for this trip? Include accommodation, food, transport, activities, and shopping separately.

    Layla’s response:

    CategoryEstimated Cost (USD)Details
    Flights$1,300–1,500Round-trip, 3 people
    Accommodation$600–9003 nights, 4-5 star hotel
    Food & Drink$400–600Street food + restaurants
    Activities$250–400Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, cruise
    Transport$150–200Transfers, Istanbulkart, taxis
    Shopping$300–500+Grand Bazaar wildcard
    TOTAL$3,000–4,100Full family trip

    Plus money-saving tips:

    • Istanbul Museum Pass for 3+ sites
    • Street food: Lachmacun, Balık Ekmek for a few dollars
    • Haggling: at Grand Bazaar, negotiate 30-40% off starting price

    Family-Friendly Neighborhoods: Deeper and More Practical

    My prompt:

    Which areas of Istanbul are best for families with kids? And which should we avoid?

    Layla provides detailed family-friendly neighborhood guide with areas to avoid

    Layla’s response (summarized):

    🏆 Best for families:

    • Sultanahmet: walking distance to Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, flat terrain, easy hotel naps
    • Karaköy/Galataport: modern, car-free promenade, “very stroller/kid-friendly”
    • Moda (Kadıköy): local vibe, parks, ice cream, nostalgic tram

    ⚠️ Caution:

    • Taksim/Istiklal: crowded, loud, “easy to lose sight of a child”
    • Beşiktaş: heavy traffic, steep sidewalks

    🚫 Avoid:

    • Tarlabaşı: run-down, less safe at night
    • Aksaray/Laleli: wholesale districts, chaotic, trucks

    And immediate follow-up: “Would you like me to move our hotel search to Sultanahmet or Karaköy?”

    Comparison with Wanderlog:

    WanderlogLayla AI
    Recommendations4 areas3 areas + details
    “Avoid” list2 areas4 areas with explanations
    Kid-specific reasoningBasic“stroller-friendly”, “lose a child”
    Follow-up action❌ No✅ “Move hotel search?”

    Extra Questions: Where Layla Shined

    Since Layla has no message limit (in Premium), I asked several more questions:

    Airport Transfer

    What’s the best way to get from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet with a 7-year-old?

    Layla provided 4 options with prices:

    1. Private Transfer ($45-55) — “Sanity Saver”, door-to-door
    2. Havaist Shuttle (~$6/person) — budget option, HVIST-12 line
    3. Taxi — wildcard, ensure they use meter
    4. Metro — “Avoid for this route”, too many transfers with a child

    Rain Plan

    What if it rains on Day 2?

    Indoor alternatives:

    • Basilica Cistern — “feels like a movie set”
    • Istanbul Archaeology Museums — children’s section
    • Grand Bazaar — “60+ covered streets”
    • Rahmi M. Koç Museum — “climb into vintage cars, explore a submarine”

    Vegetarian Child

    Our child is vegetarian. Can you adjust?

    Layla updated restaurants in the trip card:

    • Çiya Sofrası — “half the menu is naturally vegetarian”
    • Kumpir — baked potatoes with veggie toppings
    • Çiğ Köfte — spicy bulgur wrap, no meat

    Hamam with a Kid

    Is a Turkish bath appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    “Getting latest information from the web…”

    • Most historical hamams allow 6+ ✅
    • Gender segregation — important for family logistics
    • Recommendation: Hürrem Sultan Hamamı (between Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia)

    Current Events

    Are there any special events in Istanbul in March 2026?

    “Getting latest information from the web…”

    • Ramadan (mid-Feb to mid-Mar 2026) — special Iftar menus, festive evenings
    • TangoTOistanbul (Mar 10-17) — tango festival
    • Early tulips in Gülhane Park

    Exchange Rate

    What’s the current exchange rate USD to Turkish Lira?

    “Getting latest information from the web…”

    “As of today, February 21, 2026: 1 USD = 43.8 TRY“

    I verified on Google: 43.83 TRY. Difference of 0.07% — this is live data.

    How Layla Re-Optimized the Plan During Dialogue

    After the question about vegetarian food for our child, something interesting happened — Layla silently rebuilt the entire plan. I noticed this when the trip card changed:

    Before (first plan):

    • Flight: Turkish Airlines, overnight (TGD 8:15 PM → IST 12:05 AM)
    • Flights: $816
    • Hotel: Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamış Marina (far from center, 30 min by car)
    • Total price: ~$1,548
    • ❌ Date logic bug on Day 1

    After (following dialogue):

    • Flight: Air Montenegro, daytime (TGD 3:25 PM → IST 7:05 PM)
    • Flights: $604 ($212 cheaper!)
    • Hotel: CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel (central location, family rooms, babysitting)
    • Total price: ~$1,320
    • ✅ Day 1 Evening Stroll now makes sense — arrival at 7:05 PM
    Layla automatically re-optimized the trip with better flights and central hotel

    This isn’t a bug — it’s a feature. Layla doesn’t just answer questions, it rethinks the entire plan as it receives additional context. The initial flight estimate ($1,300–1,500) was conservative — actual Air Montenegro tickets cost $604.

    Real Tickets: This Isn’t a Simulation

    Important point: Layla doesn’t generate fake flight data. Clicking “Book Flights” opens BudgetAir.com with real bookable tickets:

    • Outbound: Thu Mar 12, 2026 — Podgorica 3:25 PM → Istanbul 7:05 PM (Interjet, 1h 40m, Direct)
    • Inbound: Sun Mar 15, 2026 — Istanbul 7:45 PM → Podgorica 7:35 PM (Interjet, 1h 50m, Direct)
    • Total: US$599.40 (2 Adults + 1 Child, all bags included)

    The price on BudgetAir was actually slightly lower than what Layla showed ($604). The tickets are real and purchasable.

    BudgetAir booking page with real purchasable tickets

    Hotel Check: CVK Park Bosphorus

    After optimization, Layla suggested CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul:

    • 5-star, rating 8.8 (6,502 reviews)
    • $716 total for 3 nights (~$239/night)
    • Central location
    • Family rooms + babysitting services

    Comparison with initial Wyndham:

    • Wyndham: €518 (~$560), but 30 min from center
    • CVK Park: $716, but central + family-oriented

    For a family with a child, the $156 premium for central location makes sense — you save on taxis and stress.

    What’s Missing: View Details → Google Maps

    All “View Details” links for places just redirect to Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/?q=place_id:...

    Comparison with Wanderlog:

    WanderlogLayla AI
    Place detailsOwn database + travel blog mentionsGoogle Maps redirect
    Curated content✅ Yes❌ No
    Bookable prices❌ No✅ $31/person shown

    Wanderlog = research tool with its own content.
    Layla = booking tool with Google integration.

    Layla AI Pros and Cons

    Based on my Layla AI review testing, here’s what stands out:

    Pros:

    • Live web search — current data as of today (Hagia Sophia, exchange rates, events). This is a game-changer.
    • Full trip package — flights + hotel + activities + price in one place
    • Real bookable tickets — not a simulation, actual flights via BudgetAir/Skyscanner
    • Auto-optimization — plan improves during dialogue
    • Personalization — remembers name, adapts restaurants to vegetarian, offers alternatives
    • Proactive advice — “late-night arrival may be tiring for a 7-year-old”, mosque dress code
    • No message limit (Premium) — endless follow-up questions

    Cons:

    • $49.99/year — more expensive than Wanderlog ($39.99) with no real free tier
    • Paywall on details — day-by-day plan only in trial/premium
    • PDF only in Premium — can’t download even during trial
    • Date bug in first plan — didn’t account for overnight flight (fixed after optimization)
    • No original content — View Details → Google Maps, no travel blog mentions
    • First hotel far from center — required dialogue for optimal result

    Layla vs Wanderlog: Final Comparison

    CriteriaWanderlogLayla AI
    PriceFree (5 msg) / $39.99 ProTrial 3 days / $49.99 Premium
    ApproachOrganizer (framework)Agent (ready product)
    Data freshnessCutoff 2023✅ Live web search
    Hagia Sophia test❌ Failed✅ Passed
    Flight booking❌ No✅ Real bookable tickets
    Hotel bookingAggregator view✅ Integrated booking
    Map quality✅ Best in class + travel blog mentionsBasic Google Maps
    Day 1 logic❌ Plans from morning✅ Adapts after optimization
    PersonalizationBasic✅ Name, preferences, follow-ups
    Auto-optimization❌ No✅ Improves during dialogue
    Message limit5 freeUnlimited (Premium)

    Who Is Layla AI For?

    Ideal for:

    • Those who want “press button, get ready package”
    • Travelers who value data accuracy
    • Families with kids — AI genuinely adapts plans for kid-friendly activities

    Works well for:

    • Complex itineraries with flights
    • Quick estimation of total trip cost
    • Those willing to engage in dialogue with AI for better results

    Not suitable for:

    • Those who want a free tool (3-day trial isn’t enough)
    • DIY planners who love research (Wanderlog Explore is better)
    • Those not ready to pay $50/year

    Layla AI Review Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

    After completing this Layla AI review, I can say: this is the best AI trip planner for data accuracy and product readiness.

    Live web search is a fundamental advantage. When I asked about Hagia Sophia, Layla showed “Getting latest information from the web…” and returned correct, current data. Wanderlog failed the same question with outdated 2023 data.

    I was especially impressed by the auto-optimization: the initial plan had a date bug and an inconvenient hotel, but after a few questions Layla silently rebuilt everything — found a daytime flight $212 cheaper and a central hotel with family services.

    But these advantages come at a price — $49.99/year with no real free tier. If you travel 2-3 times a year and value your time more than $50 — Layla pays for itself. If you’re a DIY planner who loves researching — Wanderlog + ChatGPT will be cheaper and more flexible.

    My approach: use Layla for quick cost estimation and current data, Wanderlog for visual planning and research, ChatGPT for deep questions.

    Related Articles

    This Layla AI review was personally tested: February 2026. All screenshots from real testing on layla.ai.

  • Wanderlog Review 2026: I Tested This Free AI Trip Planner on a Real Itinerary

    Wanderlog is a free AI trip planner and travel organizer that positions itself as an “all-in-one” solution: itinerary, map, budget, and hotels. Sounds great. But how well does it actually work?

    I already tested Wanderlog in my first article, where I compared three AI travel planners on a Budva → Dubrovnik route. The tool performed decently on mapping but struggled with budget understanding. This time, I decided to give it a second chance and dig deeper — with a different route and different questions.

    For this Wanderlog review, I used a family trip to Istanbul: 2 adults, a 7-year-old child, March 2026, moderate budget. Same format: real prompts, real questions, screenshots as proof — no sponsored content.

    → AI Travel Planner Test: I Tested 3 Tools on a Real Dubrovnik Trip

    What Is Wanderlog?

    Wanderlog is a web application with mobile versions for iOS and Android, created by Travelchime Inc. from San Francisco. It launched several years ago as a simple trip organizer, with the AI assistant added later — in response to ChatGPT and competitors.

    Key features:

    • AI Assistant — chat interface for itinerary planning
    • Interactive map — automatically adds places from your itinerary
    • Explore — curated places catalog with ratings and mentions from 50+ travel blogs
    • Hotels — hotel aggregator with prices from Booking.com and Google
    • Budget tracker — expense tracker with category breakdown

    The free version includes all of the above, but the AI assistant is limited — more on that below.

    Free vs Pro ($39.99/year): The free version gives you 5 AI messages per trip. Wanderlog Pro removes this limit, adds offline maps and PDF export.

    Wanderlog Without AI: What the Platform Does on Its Own

    Before diving into the AI, it’s important to understand: Wanderlog is an organizer first, AI second. And as an organizer, it’s quite solid.

    Home page. When you log in, you’re greeted with a “Plan new trip” button, hotel search, and a map marking countries you’ve visited. During my test, there was a “$1000 Dream Trip Contest” banner — Wanderlog is clearly working on audience growth.

    Wanderlog homepage with trip planning interface and contest banner

    Да, логично. Вот исправленные версии:

    Hotels:

    Hotels. The hotel aggregator works transparently: it shows 368 options for Istanbul with prices from $32 to $1,650 per night. Sorting by user rating, filters by class and price. Prices come from Booking.com and Google — and importantly, Wanderlog states this openly: “we show full prices and don’t rank by commission, unlike other sites.” Honest approach.

    Wanderlog hotel aggregator with price comparison across booking platforms

    Explore. The places catalog is arguably the platform’s best feature without AI. Each place has ratings, photos, reviews, and most importantly, “Mentions” — references from real travel blogs and publications. This isn’t just Google Maps; it’s aggregated recommendations from people who’ve actually been there.

    Bottom line without AI: Wanderlog is a sleek hybrid of Booking and TripAdvisor with a convenient map. A useful tool for organizing an already-planned trip, but not a replacement for planning from scratch.

    Wanderlog AI Test: Istanbul Itinerary

    Creating a trip is simple: enter the city name, dates — and you land in a workspace with a map and AI assistant chat. Enter your prompt — and off you go.

    Which Prompt Works Best: Three Variations

    In this Wanderlog review test, I used three levels of prompt detail to see how Wanderlog handles different amounts of input.

    Option 1 — Short (minimal context):

    Plan a 4-day family trip to Istanbul. 2 adults + 1 child (7 years old). We want local food, shopping (clothes, souvenirs), and the real Istanbul vibe. March 2026.

    Option 2 — Medium (more details, closer to a real request):

    Plan a 4-day family trip to Istanbul, Turkey. 2 adults and a 7-year-old child. We’re interested in: authentic Turkish food (street food + restaurants), shopping for clothes and souvenirs (Grand Bazaar, local markets), key sights but without rushing, and kid-friendly activities. Budget: moderate. March 2026.

    Option 3 — Detailed (maximum context):

    Plan a 4-day family trip to Istanbul for 2 adults and a 7-year-old. We want the authentic Istanbul experience: Turkish breakfast spots, street food in Karaköy, a nice dinner with Bosphorus view. Shopping: Grand Bazaar for souvenirs, local markets for leather and textiles. Must-see sights without exhausting the kid. We prefer walking-friendly neighborhoods. Budget: moderate, no luxury hotels but comfortable. March 2026.

    Result: The short prompt produced a basic plan, but the AI made many assumptions on its own — including budget level and activity types. The medium prompt (which I used for the main test) delivered a balanced response. The detailed prompt, as expected, gave the most accurate match to the request — but this tests how well AI follows instructions rather than its ability to “understand” travelers.

    Takeaway: The more details in your prompt, the less AI fills in the blanks. But given the 5 free message limit, a detailed first prompt saves your questions for refinements.

    Question 1 — Day-by-Day Itinerary

    My prompt:

    Plan a 4-day family trip to Istanbul, Turkey. 2 adults and a 7-year-old child. We’re interested in: authentic Turkish food (street food + restaurants), shopping for clothes and souvenirs (Grand Bazaar, local markets), key sights but without rushing, and kid-friendly activities. Budget: moderate. March 2026.

    The Wanderlog AI delivered a structured 4-day plan:

    • Day 1: Sultanahmet — Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet Köftecisi for lunch
    • Day 2: Bosphorus + Spice Bazaar
    • Day 3: Grand Bazaar + shopping
    • Day 4: Miniatürk, Gülhane Park

    Specific restaurants: Sultanahmet Köftecisi, Karaköy Güllüoğlu (baklava), Hamdi, Çiya Sofrası. Not just “try local food” but actual places with addresses.

    The map is a separate story. While generating the itinerary, Wanderlog automatically added pins to the interactive map. To the right of the chat, a map appeared with markers for places from the itinerary and info cards — for example, the Sultanahmet Köftecisi card showing a 4.1 rating (9,668 Google reviews), description, and mentions from 15+ travel lists. This is powerful: you see the route not just as text but geographically, in real-time during planning.

    Wanderlog review test showing AI chat with Istanbul itinerary and interactive map with location pins

    ⚠️ Pro Tip: Specify Your Arrival and Departure Times

    Wanderlog suggests a plan starting from early morning on Day 1 — the AI doesn’t ask what time you arrive. In the free version, clarifying “we land at 2 PM” uses up one of your five precious messages.

    Solution: Include timing in your first prompt. For example: “…March 2026. We arrive on Day 1 at 2 PM and leave on Day 4 at 8 PM.”

    This saves a message and gives you a realistic plan from the start.

    Question 2 — Budget Breakdown

    My prompt:

    Can you break down the estimated budget for this trip? Include accommodation, food, transport, activities, and shopping separately.

    The Wanderlog AI provided a breakdown:

    • Hotel: $400–600 (3 nights, family room)
    • Food: $480–540
    • Transport: $120
    • Activities: $120
    • Shopping: $100–200

    Total: $1,220–$1,580 for 4 days. The figures look realistic for a moderate budget in Istanbul in spring 2026 — at least, $130–200/night for a hotel is market rate, not fantasy.

    Question 3 — Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

    My prompt:

    Which areas of Istanbul are best for families with kids? And which should we avoid?

    Here the AI gave a useful, practical answer:

    • Sultanahmet — good, touristy, safe, everything nearby
    • Beyoğlu and Kadıköy — good for walks
    • Taksim late at night and parts of Fatih — recommended avoiding
    • Grand Bazaar: fine, but better in the morning and no longer than 1-2 hours with a child

    These aren’t generic tips but specific neighborhood navigation — exactly what you need when planning with kids.

    Question 4 — Accuracy Check: Hagia Sophia

    My prompt:

    Is Hagia Sophia a museum or a mosque now? What’s the entry fee?

    This is where problems started. In the itinerary, Wanderlog wrote: “Visit Hagia Sophia — it’s now a museum.” This is wrong: Hagia Sophia became a mosque in 2020.

    I clarified. The AI corrected itself — called it a mosque. Good. But then added: “Entry is free” — and this is also wrong: since 2024, entry costs €25 for tourists. The AI even wrote in parentheses “as of 2023,” essentially admitting the data is outdated.

    This is a key point: Wanderlog AI operates on data with a 2023 cutoff date. For rapidly changing information (prices, opening hours, venue status), this is critical.

    Wanderlog AI provides Hagia Sophia details with place card and map
    AI says entry is free but Wanderlog's own booking tab shows $28.79 ticket price

    Question 5 — Data Updates and Map Limitations

    My prompt:

    Actually, the entry fee for Hagia Sophia is now $27 for tourists (changed in 2024). Can you add some more breakfast spots to the map?

    I informed about the €25 fee. The AI accepted the correction and updated the information in its response. But here another limitation emerged: the AI cannot add new places to the map from chat. The map is generated automatically with the first response, but after that — manual mode only. The AI literally wrote: add them via Google Maps yourself.

    And immediately after this — paywall.

    Free Version Limit: 5 Messages

    After the fifth question, this appeared: “You’ve used all your free messages. Subscribe to keep the conversation going” — and a “Get unlimited” button.

    I verified this twice: in Dubrovnik and Istanbul. The limit is the same — 5 messages per trip. In practice, this means:

    • 1 message — main itinerary
    • 1 — budget
    • 1 — neighborhoods
    • 1 — Hagia Sophia clarification
    • 1 — map and wrap-up

    Enough for a basic framework. Not enough for clarifications, alternatives, or detailed planning. If you want to work with AI seriously, 5 messages is the lobby, not the apartment.

    Wanderlog Pro paywall at $39.99year, You've used all your free messages button, Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque card

    Wanderlog Pricing: Free vs Pro

    FreePro ($39.99/year)
    Trip planning + map✓✓
    Explore + Hotels✓✓
    Budget tracker✓✓
    AI assistant5 messagesUnlimited
    Offline maps✗✓
    PDF export✗✓
    Adsyesno

    For comparison: Layla AI — $49/year, ChatGPT Plus — $20/month ($240/year), Wanderlog Pro — $39.99/year. Price-wise, Wanderlog Pro sits in the middle. But it’s important to understand: these aren’t direct competitors — each tool does something different.

    Based on my Wanderlog review testing, here’s what stands out: Wanderlog Pros and Cons

    Pros:

    • Interactive map with automatic pins — best implementation in class. Seeing your route on a map in real-time while talking to AI is genuinely useful, not just pretty.
    • Explore with travel blog mentions — not just ratings but aggregated real recommendations. There’s a difference.
    • Structured budget tracker with category breakdown.
    • AI suggests specific restaurants with addresses, not abstract “try local cuisine.”
    • Transparent hotel search without hidden commissions — at least, that’s what the service claims.
    • Free version is functional even without AI.

    Cons:

    • AI runs on outdated data. Hagia Sophia — “museum” (wrong since 2020). Prices “as of 2023.” For travel planning, this matters: the world changes.
    • 5 free messages is too few for proper planning. Essentially, it’s a demo, not a tool.
    • AI cannot add places to the map from chat — the map generates once with the first response.
    • AI doesn’t ask about arrival/departure times — plans from morning of Day 1, which rarely matches reality.
    • AI doesn’t check weather, seasonal closures, or current attraction prices.
    • In the Dubrovnik test, AI suggested hotels at $430–860/night for a “moderate budget” request — clear misunderstanding of budget context.

    Who Is Wanderlog For?

    Ideal for independent travelers who like planning visually and want everything in one place: itinerary, map, budget, hotels.

    Works well for families with kids — Explore can filter kid-friendly places, and the map helps assess logistics.

    Not suitable for those expecting “press button, get finished plan” without clarifications and data verification. The AI assistant here is a good starting point but not the final answer.

    Wanderlog Review Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

    Wanderlog is the best free AI trip planner by combined functionality when you consider the AI + map + Explore + Hotels bundle.

    But it’s important to understand the architecture: Wanderlog’s main strength is the map, Explore, and organizer. The AI assistant is a useful starter helper that sketches out the framework. Final data verification (prices, venue status, accuracy) still needs to be done yourself.

    5 free messages is enough to understand if the tool works for you. If it does — $39.99/year is a reasonable price for those who travel at least once or twice a year.

    For me, Wanderlog remains in my toolkit — primarily for the map and Explore. But for serious planning, I always supplement it with ChatGPT or another AI without message limits.

    Related Articles

    Personally tested: February 2026. All screenshots from real testing on wanderlog.com.

  • I Tested 3 AI Trip Planners on a Real Dubrovnik Trip — Here’s What Actually Worked

    Valentine’s weekend, February 2026. Budva → Dubrovnik. One prompt, three AI travel planners, one real road trip.

    This AI travel planner review is based on a real road trip, not a demo.

    Why I Did This

    Every other AI travel planner review looks the same: someone opens a tool, screenshots the interface, writes “nice UI, recommended.” Nobody goes anywhere. Nobody checks if the restaurants are open, if drive times hold up, or what happens when February on the Adriatic brings days of nonstop rain.

    This isn’t a UI review — it’s an AI travel planner field test on a real trip.

    AI travel planner tested on real Dubrovnik trip

    I took a different approach. I gave three tools — ChatGPT, Layla AI, and Wanderlog — the exact same prompt, then drove the route myself. Rockfall debris near a tunnel, gravel roads, a ferry, a quiet border, and rain so heavy we didn’t reach a single restaurant the AI tools recommended.

    No sponsorships here. Just a trip report.

    The Prompt (Same for All Three)

    I sent each AI the same request. No hints, no follow-ups, no second chances:

    “Plan a romantic Valentine’s weekend trip from Budva, Montenegro to Dubrovnik, Croatia. 2 adults, February 14-16. We want: scenic coastal route, best restaurant recommendations for Valentine’s dinner, things to do for couples, and budget breakdown.”

    This prompt is a good stress test for any AI travel planner.

    Whatever came back on the first try — that’s what I’m judging.

    AI travel planner prompt in ChatGPT
    AI travel planner itinerary in Layla AI
    AI travel planner map and budget in Wanderlog

    What Each AI Suggested

    ChatGPT AI Travel Planner Output

    ChatGPT returned a detailed text-only plan covering three days. Route through Herceg Novi and the Bay of Kotor. Estimated drive: 2h 20m. Restaurant picks: Nautika, Restaurant 360 (Michelin), Panorama on Mount Srđ. Budget: €700–1,300 for two.

    What worked: Very thorough, broken down day by day, with source links. It was the only tool that flagged some restaurants might close for winter.

    What didn’t: Text-only — no interactive map, minimal visuals. Didn’t name a specific hotel or price. Nothing about the ferry, the border crossing, parking, or road conditions in winter.

    ChatGPT travel itinerary — Day 1 scenic drive Budva to Dubrovnik with Valentine's dinner recommendations -ai trip planner
    ChatGPT travel planner — Dubrovnik budget €700-1300, tips, and restaurant map -ai trip planner
    ChatGPT Valentine's dinner list — Nautika, Restaurant 360, Panorama with Google Maps sidebar - ai trip planner
    ChatGPT Dubrovnik restaurant recommendations with Nautika fine dining details sidebar - ai trip planner

    Layla AI Travel Planner Output (First Impressions)

    Layla stood out visually. Within a minute it built a full itinerary with a map, photos, and a specific hotel recommendation: Rixos Premium Dubrovnik, €245 for 2 nights, complete with a “Book” button and a 9.1 rating.

    Restaurant picks: Nautika, Panorama, Proto Fish Restaurant. Drive time: 2h 05m. The tone was casual, almost joking (“How original, Alex. Just kidding”).

    What worked: Clean visual itinerary, a real hotel with a real price, booking button, route on a map.

    What didn’t: Budget only covered the hotel (€245) — no full cost estimate. Nothing about the ferry, border, weather risk, parking, or winter driving. The €245 turned out to be a standard room with breakfast only.

    Layla AI review — 2-day romantic coastal getaway Budva to Dubrovnik with route map and hotel review
    Layla AI trip planner — Rixos Premium Dubrovnik hotel €245 with booking button review
    Layla AI review — full 3-day Dubrovnik itinerary with photos, map, and daily plans
    Layla AI itinerary Day 1 — Pile Gate, Stradun, and romantic sunset cruise in Dubrovnik review
    Layla AI itinerary Day 2 — Dubrovnik City Walls, Old Town, cable car and sunset tour
    Layla AI itinerary Day 3 — St. Lawrence Fortress and departure from Dubrovnik

    Wanderlog AI Travel Planner Output (First Impressions)

    Wanderlog built an interactive trip with a map and pins. Its built-in AI Assistant laid out a 3-day plan: Restaurant 360, Proto, Lokrum Island, the cable car up to Srđ. Budget: €705–1,180.

    Worth noting: the free version caps the AI Assistant at 5 messages. By my fourth message, I was already seeing “4 free messages left.” Something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a free AI trip planner.

    What worked: Solid interactive map with pins, budget broken out by category (hotel, food, transport, activities), easy to add your own stops. Wide selection of activities and restaurants. You can check reviews and hotel photos right inside the app.

    What didn’t: AI Assistant is limited on the free plan. Hotel suggestions — Hotel Excelsior or Villa Dubrovnik at €200–400/night — ran higher than necessary. No mention of ferry, border, or road conditions.

    Wanderlog review — AI assistant Dubrovnik itinerary with interactive map and day plan
    Wanderlog AI assistant review — Dubrovnik trip budget breakdown €705 to €1180 total
    Wanderlog — top 49 things to do in Dubrovnik with Lokrum island detail and ratings
    Wanderlog review — Dubrovnik Old Town place card with 4.6 rating and map
    Wanderlog — Rector's Palace Dubrovnik listing with museum info and Google reviews
    Wanderlog app — Dubrovnik City Walls detail with ratings, photo, and interactive map
    Wanderlog — Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik details with 4.8 rating and booking links
    Hotel Excelsior reviews 4.8 out of 5 from 1273 Google reviews
    Wanderlog — Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik photo gallery showing room, pool and Old Town view
    Wanderlog — Hotel Excelsior mentioned in Good Housekeeping and The Culture Trip articles

    AI Travel Planner Comparison: What Each Tool Promised

    ChatGPTLayla AIWanderlog
    Drive time2h 20m2h 05mNot specified
    Hotel“Boutique hotel in Old Town”Rixos Premium, €245Hotel Excelsior, €200-400/night
    RestaurantsNautika, 360, PanoramaNautika, Panorama, Proto360, Proto
    Budget€700–1,300~€245 (hotel only)€705–1,180
    MapNoYesYes (interactive)
    FerryNoNoNo
    Border crossingNoNoNo
    Weather warningNoNoNo
    ParkingNoNoNo
    Winter seasonalityMentionedNoNo

    Now — What Actually Happened

    The Road: Rockfall, Gravel, a Ferry, and a Border

    We left Bečići (near Budva) in the morning. A few kilometers out, we ran into the aftermath of a rockfall near the Mogren tunnel. Rocks and soil across the road, traffic squeezed to one lane. No AI tool warned about this — they couldn’t have — but it’s not unusual: rockfalls along the Montenegrin coast are a regular thing in winter.

    Rockfall blocking road near Mogren tunnel Budva — winter driving hazard Montenegro coast

    Then came a long stretch of roadworks past Lastva Grbaljska. Several kilometers with no asphalt, just gravel. Slow. Dusty. Not fun.

    Road construction near Lastva Grbaljska — gravel road and construction seen in side mirror
    Road construction on Montenegro coastal highway — gravel detour with truck and traffic cones

    After that — the Bay of Kotor ferry (Lepetane → Kamenari). €5 for a car. In February it was nearly empty, zero wait. But none of the AI planners even mentioned there’s a ferry crossing on this route. You can drive around the bay instead, but that only makes sense in good weather — and in summer the detour is brutal: narrow road, bumper-to-bumper traffic.

    Loading onto Kotor Bay ferry Lepetane-Kamenari — car approaching open ramp
    Bay of Kotor ferry car deck with vehicles — Lepetane to Kamenari crossing February
    Car on Bay of Kotor ferry deck — Budva to Dubrovnik road trip winter crossing

    Border crossing, Montenegro → Croatia (Debeli Brijeg). Montenegrin side: completely empty. Croatian side: 6 cars ahead, service started after 4 minutes. Total time at the border: 15 minutes. Fast for February. In summer, expect an hour or more. Not one of the three AI tools mentioned the border.

    Montenegro-Croatia border road sign CARINA DOUANE 200m approaching Debeli Brijeg
    Debeli Brijeg border crossing Montenegro to Croatia — nearly empty checkpoint in February
    Croatian coastal road after Debeli Brijeg border — empty winter highway through rocky hills

    Past the border — two more roadwork zones on the Croatian side. Single-lane traffic controlled by lights.

    Road sign Cavtat and Dubrovnik on Croatian highway — approaching destination

    Bottom line: Bečići to the border took 58 km and 2h 09m. The AI tools promised around 2 hours to Dubrovnik total. Actual driving time door to door: roughly 2h 40m.

    SegmentWhat happenedDid any AI mention it?
    Mogren tunnelRockfall, one lane❌
    Lastva GrbaljskaRoadworks, gravel❌
    Bay of KotorFerry €5, no queue❌
    Debeli BrijegBorder, 15 min❌
    CroatiaTwo roadwork zones❌

    Weather: Three Straight Days of Rain

    All three AI tools painted the same picture: romantic Old Town strolls, sunset dinners with a view, cable car up to the Panorama Restaurant on Mount Srđ.

    What we got: rain for three days straight. We drove to Nautika — the nearest parking wasn’t close, and even with umbrellas we would’ve been drenched. Turned around, went back to the hotel.

    Rain on Rixos Premium Dubrovnik hotel terrace — wet deck and grey Adriatic sea view

    City Walls in the rain? Slippery, miserable, pointless. Cable car to Srđ? Closed for winter. Lokrum Island (Wanderlog’s suggestion)? We didn’t even bother checking tickets — a boat ride in that weather didn’t sound remotely appealing.

    Weather app screenshot Dubrovnik February — rain 80-95% chance, temperature 11°C all week

    Not one AI vacation planner checked the weather forecast for our dates. This is probably the biggest miss across all three tools. February on the Adriatic means 7–13°C, frequent rain, and short days. Suggesting “sunset at Mount Srđ” and “walk the City Walls” without a weather caveat — that’s not planning, that’s a fantasy.

    The Hotel: Our Best Call

    We’d been to Dubrovnik before, so we booked Rixos Premium Dubrovnik — 5-star, with spa, pool, and half board. Turned out to be the single best decision of the whole trip.

    When it’s pouring outside, you end up spending your time between the pool, the sauna, and the terrace with its Adriatic view. Valentine’s dinner at the hotel’s Turquoise restaurant. Live piano in the Lobby Bar from 20:00 to 23:00. Couples Hamam Ritual for €50 — but you need to book ahead; by February 14 it was sold out.

    Rixos Premium Dubrovnik Valentine's Day lobby decoration — LOVE sign, hearts, roses
    Breakfast at Rixos Premium Dubrovnik — fresh pastries with heart-shaped danish and champagne

    Here’s something none of the AI tools mentioned: in winter Dubrovnik, don’t cut corners on the hotel. The hotel isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s where you’ll spend most of your time. Spa, restaurant, pool, the view: in February these aren’t extras, they’re the core of your trip. Book a cheap guesthouse in Old Town (like ChatGPT suggested) and a rainy February will leave you with nothing to do by noon on day one.

    Practical tip: go with half board. You won’t depend on weather or parking. In low season, half the restaurants in Old Town run shortened hours or don’t open at all. When you check in at Rixos Premium Dubrovnik, create a free account — you get at least a 5% discount right away. Half board adds about $60 per dinner for two, and at this particular hotel it’s absolutely worth it: several meat options, several fish dishes, vegetarian, and gluten-free.

    Rixos Premium Dubrovnik breakfast buffet — salads, olives, Mediterranean spread

    Valentine’s Day: What the AIs Left Out

    The prompt said “romantic Valentine’s weekend.” All three tools focused on restaurants and walking tours. None of them suggested:

    Room decoration — flowers, rose petals, balloons. That’s what makes a regular weekend feel like Valentine’s. We ordered through the hotel: €558 total. The two bouquets alone ran about €300. You could probably find cheaper options through local florists, but the AI tools didn’t even raise the idea.

    Booking couples spa early. The Rixos Hamam Ritual (€50 for two) was fully booked for February 14. A week’s advance notice would’ve been enough — but no AI itinerary planner thought to mention it.

    Looking for a hotel with a Valentine’s program. The pianist and themed evening at Rixos weren’t a coincidence — most good hotels run something for February 14. But none of the tools suggested searching for that specifically.

    Rixos Premium Dubrovnik hotel atrium — multi-level interior with pool, shops and Valentine's decor
    Valentine's room decoration at Rixos Dubrovnik — rose petals spelling I Love You on bed
    Valentine's Day room at Rixos Premium Dubrovnik — balloons, roses, towel swans, heart on bed
    Rixos Premium Dubrovnik indoor pool and spa — guests swimming on a rainy February day
    Rixos Premium Dubrovnik Valentine's Day program — piano, dinner, party, Hamman Ritual €50

    Budget: AI vs. What We Actually Spent

    What the AIs Predicted

    AI ToolBudget Estimate
    ChatGPT€700–1,300
    Wanderlog€705–1,180
    Layla~€245 (hotel only)

    What We Actually Spent

    ItemCost
    Rixos hotel (2 nights, half board)€437 *
    Parking (2 nights)€16
    City tax€7
    Room decor (flowers, balloons, petals)€558
    Diesel (round trip ~160 km)€40
    Ferry (2 × €5)€10
    Total~€1,068

    * Price with a Rixos club discount. Standard rate without the discount runs higher.

    Strip out the decor (€558) and our base cost was about €510 — below the lowest AI estimates. But we also skipped city restaurants entirely, eating on half board. Add Nautika or 360 and you’d land around €800–1,000, which lines up with what ChatGPT and Wanderlog predicted.

    The real point: the AI tools gave a reasonable range for an average scenario. But your actual spend depends on decisions none of them help you make — half board vs. restaurants, whether to do room decor, spa treatments, hotel tier.

    ChatGPT vs Layla AI vs Wanderlog — AI trip planner comparison banner for real trip test

    Verdict: Who Won?

    As an AI travel planner, each tool is useful — but incomplete.

    Layla AI — Best for Getting Started Quickly

    The only tool that gave a specific hotel with a price and a booking button right away. The itinerary is clean and easy to act on. If you want a plan and want to start booking fast, Layla is the pick. But it doesn’t calculate a full budget and skips real-world logistics entirely.

    ChatGPT — Best for Depth and Detail

    The most thorough text-based ChatGPT travel itinerary of the three. The only one that noted winter closures. But there’s no visual map, no concrete hotel pricing, and you have to handle all the booking yourself.

    Wanderlog — Best for Hands-On Planning

    The interactive map and budget categories are useful if you like building the trip yourself. Wide range of activities and restaurants, easy to browse reviews and photos. Downside: the free AI assistant is capped at 5 messages, and hotel picks ran expensive.

    The Overall Loser: All Three

    None of them:

    • Checked the weather forecast
    • Mentioned the ferry on the route
    • Warned about the border crossing
    • Factored in winter road conditions
    • Offered Valentine’s-specific ideas (room decor, couples spa, themed hotel events)
    • Said: “In February, half board and a solid hotel matter more than a restaurant list”

    5 Lessons No AI Road Trip Planner Will Teach You

    1. In winter Dubrovnik, spend more on the hotel. It becomes your main experience. Spa, pool, restaurant, the view. A budget guesthouse in Old Town means boredom when it rains.

    2. Go with half board. Parking in central Dubrovnik is a hassle. Winter restaurant hours are unpredictable. In the rain, you’re not making it comfortably to Nautika or Proto — both of which were closed for winter anyway. Half board takes all of that off the table.

    3. Book spa and massage early. Valentine’s Day fills up. The Hamam Ritual for two at Rixos — €50 — is a great deal. But last-minute? No chance.

    4. Add 30–60% to any AI drive time estimate in winter. “2 hours” became 2h 40m with rockfalls, roadworks, the ferry, and the border. In summer, the border alone can add an hour or more.

    5. Check the weather yourself. No AI tool will do it for you. February on the Adriatic = 7–13°C, frequent rain. Plan indoor activities as your main scenario, not your backup.

    Should You Use AI for Trip Planning?

    Yes — as a starting point. All three tools produced a decent foundation: solid restaurant names (Nautika and Proto really are among the best in Dubrovnik — in high season, anyway), a reasonable route, a rough budget.

    An AI travel planner is great for ideas and shortlists, but not for final decisions.

    No — as your final plan. AI doesn’t replace common sense, checking the forecast, or knowing what February actually looks like on the ground. The choices that saved our trip — Rixos with half board, skipping Old Town restaurants in the rain, spa instead of outdoor sightseeing — were all ours, not the tools’.

    Best strategy: use AI for ideas and restaurant shortlists. Make your own calls on the hotel, meal plan, and activities — factoring in the season and the weather.

    Tested by: Alexander, aitravel.tools — February 2026 Route: Budva (Bečići) → Dubrovnik → Budva AI tools used: ChatGPT (free version), Layla AI (free version), Wanderlog (free version)

    Sources / Tools:
    – ChatGPT (OpenAI): https://openai.com/chatgpt
    – Layla AI: https://layla.ai/
    – Wanderlog: https://wanderlog.com/

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