The Twenty Minute Day

Hint – It’s not just for students trying to cheat and quite the time saver

I am always amazed at what ChatGPT and other AI platforms can do. For the longest time, the biggest concern seemed to be academia worrying about students cheating their way through school. Not needing it for this purpose, I was dismissive of AI for way too long.

But then someone showed me an itinerary they made for an upcoming vacation using ChatGPT, and I was incredibly impressed. With the right questions they were able to find the best hotels, get restaurant recommendations and discover points of interest during their stay.

So, I had to give it a try. Planning a last-minute trip in the off-season, I wanted to know where to go based on the weather.

I started with a pretty open question

My Question to ChatGPT to start: What are the top 10 warmest places to visit in March.

Here was its response:

Cancun, Mexico: With its stunning beaches and warm temperatures, Cancun offers an ideal escape in March. It’s also a great time to visit before the summer crowds arrive.

Maui, Hawaii: March brings pleasant weather to Maui, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the island’s natural beauty.

Miami, Florida, USA: Known for its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches, Miami boasts warm temperatures in March, ideal for soaking up the sun and enjoying the city’s lively atmosphere.

Phuket, Thailand: March is one of the best times to visit Phuket, with warm weather and minimal rainfall. Travelers can relax on pristine beaches, explore tropical landscapes, and experience Thai culture.

Barbados: With its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, Barbados offers a tropical paradise year-round. March brings warm temperatures and is an excellent time for water sports and beach activities.

Dubai, UAE: March marks the transition from winter to summer in Dubai, with warm temperatures perfect for exploring the city’s attractions, desert adventures, and luxury shopping.

Seychelles: March falls within the dry season in the Seychelles, making it an ideal time to visit this Indian Ocean paradise. Travelers can enjoy sunny days, crystal-clear waters, and stunning beaches.

Gran Canaria, Spain: Located off the northwest coast of Africa, Gran Canaria enjoys warm temperatures in March, making it a popular destination for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: March is the end of summer in Rio de Janeiro, offering warm weather and festive vibes. Visitors can experience the city’s famous Carnival celebrations or simply relax on the beautiful beaches.

Cape Town, South Africa: March brings the end of summer to Cape Town, with warm temperatures and fewer crowds. Travelers can explore the city’s cultural attractions, sample delicious cuisine, and visit nearby wineries.

I appreciated the short descriptions provided for each. I wasn’t familiar with Gran Carnaria Spain and wanted to explore that further.

Learning More About Gran Canaria

I asked ChatGPT: What are the top 5 things to do in Gran Canaria, Spain.

Its response:

Gran Canaria offers a diverse range of activities and attractions, catering to different interests. Here are the top five things to do in Gran Canaria:

1. Explore the Dunes of Maspalomas:

Head to Maspalomas to witness the iconic sand dunes, a vast expanse of golden sands that resemble a desert landscape. Visitors can take a camel ride through the dunes or simply enjoy a leisurely walk while taking in the breathtaking views.

2. Visit Roque Nublo:

Roque Nublo is a prominent rock formation and a symbol of Gran Canaria. Hike to the summit for panoramic views of the island’s diverse landscapes. The surrounding areas offer excellent opportunities for nature walks and photography.

3. Discover Vegueta, Las Palmas’ Historic District:

Explore Vegueta, the historic quarter of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Wander through cobbled streets lined with colonial architecture, visit the Cathedral of Santa Ana, and explore museums like Casa de Colón and the Canarian Museum.

4. Relax in Puerto de Mogan:

Known as “Little Venice” for its picturesque canals, Puerto de Mogan is a charming coastal village. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the harbor, relax on the beach, and explore the local market held every Friday.

5. Hike in the Tamadaba Natural Park:

Nature enthusiasts can explore Tamadaba Natural Park, a protected area with diverse flora and fauna. Hike through lush forests, encounter unique plant species, and enjoy breathtaking views of the rugged landscapes. The park also features the impressive Risco Caido and the Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

And then I wanted to know where to stay

What I asked ChatGPT: Can you recommend where to stay in Gran Canaria, Spain

What it said: Here are recommendations for different types of stays:

Luxury Resorts:

Lopesan Villa del Conde Resort & Thalasso: Located in Meloneras, this 5-star resort offers a luxurious experience with beautiful architecture, multiple pools, and direct access to the beach.

Bohemia Suites & Spa: Situated in Playa del Inglés, this adults-only hotel provides a stylish and sophisticated retreat with a rooftop bar, spa, and panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Beachfront Hotels:

Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel: Found in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, this historic hotel offers a beachfront location, elegant rooms, and easy access to the city’s attractions.

Hotel Riu Palace Oasis: Located in Maspalomas, this beachfront property is part of the popular Riu chain and provides all-inclusive options along with direct access to the beach.

Family-Friendly Options:

Cordial Mogan Valle: Situated in Puerto de Mogan, this family-friendly complex features spacious apartments, pools, and a children’s playground, making it ideal for families.

Gloria Palace Royal Hotel & Spa: Located in Amadores, this hotel offers family-friendly amenities, including a kids’ club and entertainment, along with stunning ocean views.

Boutique Hotels:

Hotel Madrid: Situated in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, this boutique hotel offers a charming and unique atmosphere, combining modern amenities with historic architecture.

Casa Mozart: Located in the heart of Vegueta, the historic district of Las Palmas, Casa Mozart provides a boutique experience with personalized service and stylish decor.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation:

Roca Verde Apartments: Situated in Puerto Rico, these apartments offer a cost-effective option with self-catering facilities and proximity to the beach.

Dunasol Apartments: Located in Playa del Ingles, Dunasol Apartments provide budget-friendly accommodation with a central location and easy access to the area’s attractions.

While these are all still at a pretty high level, you get the idea of how quickly it helped me pick a destination to explore and learn more about. A crucial lesson was to be more specific. Because I wasn’t, ChatGPT provided various types of accommodation. If I had asked for Boutique Hotels in my original question, it would have given me a more synchronized response. That’s all part of the learning process, though.

I was able to keep asking it questions to further and further refine my vacation without needing to jump between various websites and bother another human with all my questions.

It’s definitely a time saver, and with each search query, I get better at learning how to refine my request for the next time.