Building a Python Itinerary Generator with AI

Create a standalone Python tool for dynamic travel planning using AI and location scraping.

By Casey Builds It · YouTube Video cNigjD-GZfI

What is the main goal of this project?

The project aims to create a standalone Python itinerary planning tool from scratch. It uses AI and location scraping to dynamically pull travel ideas instead of relying on pre-scraped data.

What tools are used to build this itinerary generator?

The build session utilizes Cursor for coding and Google Gemini 2.5 Flash as the AI model. Location data is scraped from sources like OpenStreetMap, Wikipedia, and DuckDuckGo.

What features are included in the itinerary tool?

The tool includes features for date selection, specifying adult/kid/dog counts, setting budget preferences, requesting custom activities, and exporting the itinerary to PDF.

How does the tool gather location-based ideas?

It scrapes real businesses, restaurants, and activities from various online sources for a given location. This is tested live with cities like Colorado Springs, Portland, Oregon, and Portland, Maine.

What are the alternatives to free scraping methods?

The video discusses the pros and cons of using free scraping methods versus paid APIs like Google Places. It also touches on API costs, comparing Gemini Flash with Claude.

What are some ideas for improving the itinerary generator?

Potential enhancements include integrating a weather API, adding GPS-based distance filtering, and incorporating event APIs for concerts and local happenings.

What is 'vibe-coding' as mentioned in the video?

Vibe-coding refers to the real, unfiltered process of building the application within Cursor, including debugging and exploring the capabilities of LLMs for practical app development.

Can this tool be scaled into a larger application?

Yes, the tool can be scaled into a full web application. Ideas for scaling include using database caching for previously scraped areas.

Where can I get the finished itinerary tool?

The finished tool will be uploaded to the free tools section of the Casey Builds It website, allowing users to download it and customize it with their own Google API key.

What kind of Python projects does this video cover?

This video covers Python automation projects, AI-powered travel planning tools, and building practical apps using AI and scraping techniques.

What is the purpose of using Cursor in this build?

Cursor is used as the coding environment to facilitate the build process. It helps in defining features, writing code, and integrating with AI models like Gemini.

What data sources are used for scraping locations?

The tool scrapes information from sources such as OpenStreetMap, Wikipedia, and DuckDuckGo to find relevant businesses, restaurants, and activities.

What are the cost considerations for using AI and APIs?

The video discusses API costs, comparing different AI models like Gemini Flash and Claude, and the trade-offs between free scraping and paid API services.

What is the benefit of using a standalone Python app for itineraries?

A standalone Python app offers a self-contained solution for itinerary planning, allowing for customization and integration into personal projects or business applications.

Related guides for these FAQs:

• Build a Python Itinerary Generator (Action Sheet)
• Roadmap: Python Itinerary Generator Build (Timeline)

Build your own AI-powered travel planner with Python and Cursor.