This week, I used AI to plan a road trip. With AI all over the travel news right now, this is the perfect moment to see what it can really do for us — the good, the bad, and the “Why did I just drive 40 minutes for a statue of a giant peanut?”
Here’s the scenario: I’m in New York City because I’m speaking at the NYC Travel & Adventure Show on January 24th. I spend the weekend with my family in NYC, then leave on the 27th, arriving in Orlando on January 30th to present as a cruise speaker for Cunard Lines.
So, picture me staring at my calendar thinking, What in the world do I do between the 27th and the 30th? One thing I can do is plan a road trip. Sounds time-consuming and complicated.
So that’s exactly what I did. I followed the instructions in my eBook for using ChatGPT. I typed in everything I wanted from a road trip: festivals, local attractions, quirky bookshops, culture-vulture moments, and delicious luxury-for-less hotels.
I also asked about the route, timing, and pacing. I asked AI for “Brooklyn Pacing,” which is faster than a New York Minute.
In this week’s newsletter, you’ll see precisely what AI suggested.
And in our usual sections, you’ll find:
Ask Adriane: How to stay fit on a long road trip
News You Can Use: Washington’s Holocaust Museum’s new exhibit, and more on Longevity and Travel
Culture Vulture: An important New Film event on black writers, and the AI-generated culture & literary road trip
Luxury Travel for Less: Budget-Friendly Airports, More Dark Sky Adventures
Our podcast episode this week is another in the Travel Bros series with expert hiker and hiking club organizer Philip Ferranti. Discover the health benefits and spiritual benefits of hiking that add to happiness and longevity.
It’s time to book your cruise! Hundreds of discounted cruises are available through our affiliate CruisesIt. If prices drop below what you booked, you’ll be notified and receive the best price. Click here to select your trip. Bon voyage!
This Week’s Highlights
On Our Podcast
Hiking After 60
“Hiking is not just a physical activity; it’s a way to connect with nature and oneself. Hiking has helped me build confidence and self-reliance.” Philip Ferranti
In this episode of The Ageless Traveler, we explore the world of hiking and its profound impact on health and community with Philip Ferranti, author of the renowned hiking guide 140 Great Hikes in and Near Palm Springs. Discover how hiking fosters not only physical well-being but also mental resilience and social connections. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the joys of nature, the founding of hiking clubs, and the importance of conservation in preserving our beautiful landscapes. Let’s embark on this journey together—because adventure awaits just outside your door!
Dear Black Writers, releasing Spring 2026, is more than a documentary — it’s a movement. The film takes viewers behind the scenes of Black Writers Weekend, tracing its grassroots beginnings and its powerful evolution into a creative community that uplifts Black voices across publishing, film, and media.
Dear Black Writers is coming to cities across the country through Black Writers Weekend Pop-Up Screenings. These immersive events feature exclusive screenings, artist panels with creatives from books, film, and media, creative mixers, networking opportunities, and book signings. Catch a screening in Washington, D.C. (March 14, 2026), Los Angeles (April 18), Newark, NJ (April 25), Dallas (May 2), and Chicago (May 23), with more cities to be announced.
TADA!!! The AI Generated Road Trip
DAY 1 NYC → Philadelphia → Baltimore, Driving time: 3 hours
DAY 2 Baltimore → Asheville, NC,Driving: 7.5 hours
DAY 3 Asheville → Charleston → Savannah,Total driving: 5 hours
DAY 4 Savannah → Jacksonville → Orlando,Driving: 4 hours
Luxury Travel for Less
Airport Costs Report: A new Airfare Affordability Report from Savings.com reveals that where you fly from can dramatically impact the price of your airline ticket. According to the study, flexible travelers can save up to $277 per ticket by choosing a different departure airport, as average fares vary widely across the U.S.
Florida airports dominate the affordability rankings, led by Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) with average fares of just $280.67. At the same time, Washington Dulles International (IAD) ranks as the most expensive major airport at $475.05 per ticket. The report highlights how small changes — like flying from Reagan National instead of Dulles, or Phoenix-Mesa Gateway instead of Sky Harbor — can save hundreds of dollars, making airport choice one of the most intelligent travel decisions you can make.
More: Dark Sky Adventures
We’ve been writing a lot about astro-tourism, and it’s no surprise why — escaping light-polluted cities to experience truly dark skies is one of travel’s most awe-inspiring trends. Around the world, officially designated Dark Sky Places now span more than 60,000 square miles across 22 countries, with many of the best spots right here in the U.S. New places to add to your stargazing bucket list include Big Bend National Park in Texas, home to the darkest skies in the lower 48; Craters of the Moon in Idaho, with its otherworldly volcanic landscape and seasonal star parties; Katahdin Woods and Waters in Maine, the first Dark Sky Park in New England; Kissimmee Prairie Preserve in Florida, where you can spot the Milky Way and even the International Space Station; and Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota, one of the best places to witness the Aurora Borealis. If you’ve ever wanted to see the night sky the way our ancestors did, these destinations make looking up the highlight of the journey.
Friends Meeting Friends
Here’s A Fresh Perspective on Midlife and Aging
The Late Bloomer Living Podcast inspires you to find joy, embrace change, and live playfully at ANY age. Whether you’re navigating midlife, moving beyond it, launching a new career, or simply looking for more fun and fulfillment, this show will empower you to take bold steps toward the life you truly want.
Redefining What’s Possible at Midlife & Beyond
Every Wednesday, join host Yvonne Marchese on latebloomerliving.com as she interviews inspiring guests who’ve dared to reinvent themselves after 40 and experts who provide valuable guidance on navigating the unique challenges of midlife and beyond.
Don’t Forget to Download Our FREE Ageless Traveler eBooks
