Holiday Season Travel Content Trends Influenced by AI Technology

Wiki Article

Through my travels to more than 40 countries and thousands of pieces of travel content created, I have seen the way that travel content is created and consumed evolve dramatically. The holiday season of 2024 has come along and is a major turning point for the industry because AI tools are no longer used only for experimental purposes but as a viable and widely used technology, changing the way in which travel content is created and consumed. It is fascinating to note that the use of AI technologies does not diminish the authenticity of traveling experiences, but allows for a greater number of users to be able to access high-quality and robust travel content. 

It's important to note that not all travel bloggers have the financial means to travel to their dream destinations every week. The cost of flights, accommodations, meals, and other travel expenses can quickly accumulate and add to a large expanse of money quickly. As an example, one international trip could cost upwards of 15-25 million in Rupiah. In addition, the amount of time that one has to spend on creating travel content vs. traveling also represents a large opportunity cost.

The holiday season is also the most competitive time for travel creators. Many travel creators will be competing against each other to post content regarding winter wonderlands, tropical beaches and/or other exotic cultural festivals. Due to this intense competition, travel creators are feeling extreme pressure to create the most unique content that they can; however, the vast majority of travel creators do not have the ability to fly to exotic destinations like Switzerland or to the Maldives to create and/or post content regarding those locations.

AI Background Swap

With the rise of AI ethical compliant background replacement, the emergence of platforms such as VISBOOM enables travel creators to upload their images taken locally and have the AI generate clickable images from diverse countries globally.

I have to admit; my original reaction was not very positive. As an authenticity, I was skeptical about the viability of "fake place" photographs. However, my views have changed as I witnessed some creative and ethical uses of the platform.

A primary takeaway from this experience is that the content produced isn't meant to trick or deceive an audience into thinking that we are in locations where we haven't traveled, but rather an opportunity to make aspirational images or provide styling advice and educational content from an array of destinations globally.

Legitimate Use Cases

1. Outfit Style for Various Weather Conditions

As a travel and fashion blogger, I've had many requests from followers asking me to show them "what to wear" depending on where they are headed. So, I figured that if I could do an AI background swap from Jakarta in winter attire, to snowy mountains or European winter streets, I could give my followers a clear and easy visual to follow without actually having to travel to ten different locations each season.

2. Travel Inspiration Series

As a part of my travel blogger series titled "Dream Destinations 2025," I wanted to showcase myself dressed properly for each of the dream destinations I have selected to feature. I made sure to fully disclose to my audience that this was AI enhanced content so they are not misled in any way and can still find inspiration for travel without making a false statement about what they might expect.

3. Cost Effective Production Methods

For micro-influencers who are looking to become a travel blogger and have low or no sponsorship budgets while they're growing their followers, my AI tools equal the playing field. As such, aspiring travel bloggers can produce quality travel-related content while they're building their audience and revenue for actual travel experiences.

Ethical Guidelines I Follow

Transparency is non-negotiable. I always disclose when content uses AI-enhanced backgrounds. In captions, I clearly state "AI-enhanced location" or "Styled for [destination] coming soon!"

Content using AI background swap I categorize differently from actual travel content. Hashtags and descriptions are made clear to avoid misleading audiences.

For actual travel experiences, reviews, recommendations, cultural insights, I exclusively use real photos from real travels. AI-enhanced content is only for styling, inspiration, or educational purposes.

Emerging Trends

I have learned from my audience that they value transparency. AI-disclosed engagement rates do not differ significantly from regular post engagement rates with the added element of being unique, resulting in a higher rate of interest from my audience.

Brands are beginning to embrace AI-enhanced content within specific industries; for example, fashion brands have begun to use AI to present items in multiple environments through their advertising campaigns.

As an example, Visboom's AI swap technology does not detract from the integrity of travel content but instead creates new opportunities for travel content creators through ethical use of technology with complete transparency. For travel bloggers, AI can increase the potential for creativity while supporting long-term financial success.

The future of travel content will be a combination of authentic experiences documented in a traditional manner and aspirational and educational content generated by AI, with disclosure about artificial intelligence. While embracing this technology, always maintain your integrity with your audience; discover the intersection of innovation and integrity.