Shawn Walchef’s family vacation to Bulgaria began with a modern twist — letting ChatGPT plan the trip. From the mountains of Bulgaria, the plan was set: drive six hours east to the Black Sea, meet up with London friend Scot Turner, and see where AI would take them.
Sunny Beach was home base, with ChatGPT pointing them to the five-star Hotel Dune — the only hotel in the area with loungers right on the sand. The family-friendly perks included a pool for the kids, a breakfast spread overlooking the water, and no surprise charges for chairs, umbrellas, or towels.
But while AI handled the booking, local knowledge quickly became the real guide.
A Day in Nessebar
‘One of the trip’s highlights came not from an algorithm, but from a grandmother — affectionately known as “Baba.” She insisted they visit Plakamoto in the ancient fishing village of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site just a short boat ride away.
There, owner Dimitri welcomed them like family. A veteran who opened the restaurant in 1992, Dimitri served fresh-caught Black Sea fish from trusted local fishermen in a garden shaded by two century-old fig trees, planted to celebrate his sons’ births. The restaurant’s name comes from a nearby rock formation — Bulgaria’s own version of San Diego’s Bird Rock.
“If you are coming to the Black Sea, make the trip,” Shawn says. “Plakamoto is not just a restaurant. It is Bulgaria at its best.”
Beyond the Tourist Map
ChatGPT’s itinerary also pointed them toward Soul Beach, a relaxed marina-side spot perfect for families and groups. With cocktails, fresh seafood, and loungers just steps from the water, it became one of the trip’s most memorable hangouts.
There was also Kane’s Tent, a lively dinner venue with traditional Bulgarian food, live dancers, and musicians that turned the evening into a full cultural show. Street food was another highlight — especially Kiko Fast Food, a family-run stand on Sunny Beach serving gyros, crepes, and bubble waffles for over two decades.
The trip blended planned stops with spontaneous discoveries, like a sunrise gratitude walk along the Black Sea and exploring Nessebar’s centuries-old churches. AI may have started the journey, but Bulgaria’s people, places, and traditions defined it.
