Layla

Using Layla is like texting a well-traveled friend who also happens to know flight options. Describe the trip you want, whether it's a beach week or a city break, and it builds a day-by-day itinerary with suggested flights and hotels.

The chat format makes it easy to change your mind. Ask for a cheaper hotel, an extra day somewhere or more food stops, and it reshuffles the plan. We found it especially good at sparking ideas when we didn't know where to go.

Layla is free to use, making it a low-risk way to start planning. It's best treated as a first draft, though: confirm prices and availability on the booking page, and expect to fine-tune the itinerary to your own pace.