Because what’s a road trip without unsolicited advice from machines?
There’s nothing revolutionary about hitting the road in summer. It’s a classic setup: a car, some snacks, the open road, and a few roadside attractions. Nothing dramatic—definitely not a full-blown indie movie. But the AIs seem to disagree. Ask five artificial minds what you must do on a summer road trip, and the answers read like deleted scenes from a quirky road trip comedy.Maybe it’s the prompt. Maybe it’s the algorithmic optimism. Maybe AI just thinks we all need a little weirdness with our windshield time.
Here’s what we asked them:
“You’re an AI helping a human plan the ultimate summer road trip. What’s one thing they absolutely have to do along the way? Make it memorable. Think smart, funny, or straight outta left field—just keep it universal (no specific locations). Format your answer using these bullet points: ‘Must-Do,’ ‘Why,’ ‘How,’ and ‘Bonus Tip.”
Let’s see what our AI panel thinks you must do.
ChatGPT
Must-Do: Pull over just to chase a weird roadside attraction (think: the world’s largest ball of twine).
Why: These quirky pit stops are the spice rack of road trips—totally unnecessary, but suddenly everything’s more flavorful. They break up the drive, spark stories you’ll tell for years, and remind you that the journey is the destination (especially when that destination is a giant fiberglass potato).
How: Stay flexible. Spot a hand-painted sign for “Mystery Hole” or “Lizard Town?” Take the exit. Keep your map loose, your schedule looser, and your curiosity cranked to high.
Bonus Tip: Pack a small notebook labeled “Absurd Wonders Logbook.” Award each attraction a rating out of five rubber chickens. You’ll thank yourself later—especially when your GPS history reads like a surrealist novel.
Claude
Must-Do: Stop at a random roadside diner and order whatever the grumpiest-looking local recommends.
Why: You’ll discover hidden culinary gems that no travel blog will ever mention, plus you get authentic local flavor (literally and figuratively). There’s something magical about letting a weathered regular with strong opinions guide your taste buds into uncharted territory. You might end up with the best pie of your life or a sandwich combination that defies logic but somehow works perfectly.
How: Walk into any diner that looks like it hasn’t been renovated since the 80s, scan for the person who clearly has Opinions about everything, and ask them what you should order. Bonus points if they’re wearing a hat with farm equipment logos or have been nursing the same coffee for an hour.
Bonus Tip: Take a photo of your mystery meal before eating it, then write the story of how you ended up with it on the back of your receipt. Years later, you’ll have a collection of weird food adventures that are way better than any tourist trap photos.
Copilot
Must-Do: Pack a bizarre item and challenge strangers to guess its purpose.
Why: It breaks the ice in hilarious ways, sparks unforgettable interactions, and gives you a legendary backseat mascot/story.
How: Find an oddball object at a thrift shop—a rubber chicken in a tux, a mysterious brass contraption, anything that screams “conversation starter.” At rest stops or scenic spots, ask, “What do you think this is?” You’ll get a mix of genuine guesses, tall tales, and maybe a few strange stares (bonus).
Bonus Tip: Give the item a name, keep a log of the wildest explanations, and crown a “Champion Guess” at trip’s end. Extra flair: offer a small prize (like a snack or sticker) to top responses.
Deepseek
Must-Do: Start a “Strangers” Photo Album—collect Polaroid or phone pics with one fascinating
stranger you meet at each stop (with their permission, of course).
Why: It turns random interactions into a keepsake adventure. You’ll remember not just places, but the people who made them unique—plus, it’s a killer conversation starter for life.
How: Carry a disposable camera or use your phone, and ask, “Hey, I’m documenting my road trip with cool humans—mind if we snap a pic together?” Offer to send them a copy if they’re into it.
Bonus Tip: Jot down their name, where you met, and one quirky fact about them on the back of the photo (or in your phone notes). Later, you’ll have a wild cast of characters starring in your summer saga.
Gemini
Must-Do: Embrace the “No Map Left Unturned (Literally)” Rule.
Why: In an era of GPS, there’s a certain rebellious joy in pulling out a good old-fashioned paper map, spreading it across the hood of the car, and pointing aimlessly. This forces serendipity. You’ll stumble upon the world’s largest ball of twine, a diner with suspiciously good pie, or a field of incredibly happy cows. It’s about the journey, not just the destination, and sometimes the best detours are unplanned.
How: Before you leave, acquire a physical, foldable map (or several!) of the regions you’ll be traversing. At least once a day, or whenever a whim strikes, put away the phone, unfold the map, and let a random finger-point dictate your next hour.
Bonus Tip: Pack a compass. Not because you’ll need it, but because it adds to the whole “intrepid explorer” vibe when you’re explaining your detour to a confused gas station attendant.
Can we all agree to make this feel a little less like a 2000s road trip movie next time?
Not every journey needs to involve unsolicited photos of strangers or become a rubber chicken mascot saga.
Have a plan, and keep a physical map handy—especially if you’re headed somewhere unfamiliar.
Stopping for a weird roadside attraction or saying yes to a grumpy local’s food recommendation? That’s a no-brainer. Honestly, it should be common sense.
This time, Copilot felt more like a backseat driver than a helpful travel buddy.
