Abandoning AI for Outdoor Excursion Planning: The Numerous Risks Involved
Not Your Average Hiking Guide: 5 Reasons You Should Ditch AI for Adventure Planning
Think AI makes trip planning a breeze? Think again.
Just type in "hidden gems near me," and voila-instant disappointment. AI might suggest popular trails and tourist spots, but it can't deliver an authentic adventure. Here are five reasons why you should leave the computer-generated suggestions behind.
Bye-Bye, Unique Adventures
Bland and generic trail suggestions that bore even the most enthusiastic hiker. AI's suggestions are just that-suggestions, based on basic patterns and algorithms. It doesn't understand the beauty of a hidden trail or the thrill of discovering something new. So if you're looking for something truly unforgettable, you'll need to put down the phone and get out there.
Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics
Just because it's on the internet, doesn't mean it's accurate. Don't be fooled by all those mileage and difficulty ratings. AI can get it wrong sometimes, and when it does, it can ruin your hiking experience. Remember that Avalanche Lake via Trail of Cedars isn't actually 4.5 miles, and the Highline Trail isn't 11.8 miles. Check and double-check those numbers before you hit the trail.
Keeps Zero Tabs on the Weather
The weather can turn a great hike into a nightmare. But AI doesn't care about that. It doesn't check snowpack, trail conditions, or weather forecasts. So if you're planning a spring hiking trip to Glacier and AI suggests those same trails, well, good luck. You might just end up with a freezing cold hike and a long drive back home.
Can't Read a Map to Save Its Life
Trails are not all connected like the internet, but AI doesn't seem to understand that. You might ask for hikes near a specific location, and it'll suggest something a hour away. Worse, it might not even know that a trail is closed or impassable. So it's always a good idea to pull out a map and double-check AI's suggestions.
Support the Real-Life Adventurers
AI can be a helpful starting point, but it can't replace real-life experience and local knowledge. By doing your own research and reading blogs, you'll get better advice and support the outdoor community. Local sources provide nuanced insights, such as recent trail conditions, hazards, or insider tips. So before you hit the trail, take some time to read up and make those experts part of your adventure.
Disregard Impersonal Backpacking Recommendations: AI may recommend popular trails, but it lacks the capacity to suggest unique, off-the-beaten-path hiking trails that deliver authentic adventure.
Distrust Online Information: Because of inaccuracies in mileage, difficulty ratings, and trail condition details, it's crucial to verify all information before starting a hike.
Ignore AI's Weather Prognostication: AI does not take weather forecasts, snowpack, or trail conditions into account, which can lead to unfavorable hiking conditions and long drives back home.
Embrace Real-Life Intelligence: Relying solely on AI for trail planning can overlook valuable local knowledge and insights found in blogs, books, and conversations with experienced hikers.
