There’s been a lot of talk about the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) lately. Billionaire Bill Gates gave it to us straight when he said that AI could eventually eliminate the need for doctors and teachers in an April 16 episode of the People by WTF podcast. Weekes earlier, the tech genius predicted that the software would only take 10 years to replace humans “for most things,” as per Fortune.
Many people have been battling whether they support the changes or prefer, to put it bluntly, the old-school method of doing things without AI’s help. However, one thing is for sure: AI has proven to be a valuable tool in the travel industry, with many turning to ChatGPT to plan their getaways without the hassle of scouring the Internet on their own.
The First AI-Powered Trip Planner for U.S National Parks
Taking advantage of this is Chimani, a longtime leader in mobile travel guides, which just launched the first AI-powered trip planner designed specifically for U.S. national parks.
“We’ve woven this personalized trip itinerary tool into the core experience, so users don’t need to juggle multiple apps or tabs to plan their national park adventures,” Kerry Gallivan, Founder & CEO of Chimani, told us about the release via email.
“The idea is to keep everything in one place: guides, maps, and now, custom itineraries powered by AI and Chimani’s deep park expertise.”
Chimani’s Vision
The Chimani app had already been widely popular among travelers looking for an escape in nature, as it has attracted over 3.5 million national park visitors. The app first launched in 2010 with the intention of being a “modern-day park ranger in your pocket,” said Gallivan, offering detailed park guides, maps that can be used offline, and curated tips for the most enjoyable experience.
Since the COVID-19 prompted many people to turn to national parks for the fresh air and exercise they craved during the worldwide lockdowns, Chimani has focused on trip planning and helping travelers navigate busy tourist spots.
“We’re also really tuned into an often-overlooked audience: older adults who are increasingly exploring our national parks. Chimani is building with them in mind too — intuitive design, accessibility, and more relevant trip suggestions,” Gallivan added about the app’s focus.
An Itinerary in Your Pocket
As we mentioned in a recent article about the ideal times to visit national parks, U.S. national parks saw a 2 percent increase in visitors in 2024, as many sought to spend more time outdoors. The AI feature Chimani has integrated into the app makes it easier for travelers to schedule their trips and prioritize what’s important to them, like hiking, seeing wildlife, or catching breathtaking sunset views.
This is done through AI-powered itineraries, which blend user preferences with its extensive database of professional travel content, per Chimani’s website. It also assures stress-free planning for the consumer, mapping out their entire excursion so they don’t have to.
“With the new itinerary tool, we’re not just suggesting what to do—we’re helping travelers tell their own story. We combine Chimani’s trusted content with smart technology to guide people toward richer, more meaningful national park experiences,” Gallivan explained.
The feature is available globally for iOS users and will soon be via Android as well.
