The TOMA & COE Blog

Why AI is no substitute for local expertise

In the age of instant answers and smart suggestions, it’s no surprise AI is becoming a go-to tool for planning holidays. We’ve noticed more and more travellers coming to us with AI-generated itineraries in hand, asking for help booking transport or hiring guides for certain monuments.

A corner of Cordoba Ai might not take you to
A corner of Cordoba Ai might not take you to

And while TOMA & COE is always happy to support where we can, we’ve got to be honest – these AI-created plans often fall short when it comes to the actual experience.

We’re not here to knock technology. AI can be a useful tool. It can quickly list the top attractions in a city or suggest the ‘must-see’ museums. But a great holiday isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about timing, atmosphere, rhythm, and real-life logistics. That’s where local expertise makes all the difference.

What AI can’t see

AI doesn’t stroll the streets each morning. It doesn’t know which plaza feels magical at a certain hour or which restaurant quietly serves the best seafood away from the tourist traps. It can’t tell you that the popular viewpoint you’ve been recommended is overrun at 11am but beautifully peaceful at 7. Nor can it tell you that on Tuesdays, the local market spills into a side street and completely changes your route to the next stop.

These are small but vital details that make a good itinerary great, and they’re exactly what we bring to the table.

5 star review which shows why using experts rather than AI pays off
5 star review which shows why using experts rather than AI pays off

The problems we’re seeing

The AI-generated itineraries we’ve reviewed recently are often packed to the point of exhaustion, with timings that don’t allow for rest, traffic, or the occasional unexpected delight (because some of the best memories happen when you slow down). They overlook seasonal changes, local festivals, and, quite often, opening times that may have changed since the last web update.

We’ve seen clients plan to visit a cathedral during mass, schedule lunch in a spot that doesn’t open until dinner, or stack monuments across town from each other with just 15 minutes between them.

There’s a reason those plans need tweaking and it’s not a flaw in your planning skills. It’s simply the difference between digital data and lived experience.

Why it pays to trust the experts

Another 5 star review showing why our skill and expertise is a key part of your Andalucia experience
Another 5 star review showing why our skill and expertise is a key part of your Andalucia experience

We work closely with our network of local guides, drivers, and hosts to tailor every trip to your pace, your preferences, and the real-life rhythm of the destination. Whether it’s finding the perfect family-run winery for a private tasting or knowing the best place for a glorious vista, we match your interests with insider insight.

There’s a reason TOMA & COE holds 5-star ratings across all our review sites. It’s not just about what we know. It’s about how we listen, adapt, and enhance. We don’t just build itineraries; we craft journeys you’ll actually enjoy.

Use AI as a starting point not the final word

If AI helps you get inspired, that’s great. Use it to get a sense of the place. But when it comes to crafting an itinerary that flows smoothly, avoids the crowds, and reflects your unique travel style, that’s where we shine.

So, if you’ve got a few ideas or even a full AI-generated plan, bring it to us. Let us refine it, reshape it, and turn it into the kind of trip you’ll rave about for years.

Because there’s no algorithm for authenticity but there is a team of passionate locals who can’t wait to show you around.

TOMA & COE – Experts in Andalucian Experiences

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