Google's New Vacation Planning Features - Search, Maps & Gemini

Google Enhances Travel Planning with New Features Across Search, Maps, and Gemini

A comprehensive suite of new functionalities is being deployed by Google, leveraging AI in many cases, across its Search engine, Maps application, and Gemini platform. These updates are specifically designed to streamline and improve the process of planning summer vacations for users.

This rollout occurs as an increasing number of individuals are utilizing AI-powered tools, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, to assist with their travel arrangements.

AI Overviews for Trip Ideation

Google Search’s AI Overviews, which present a concise summary of information at the top of search results, now facilitate the generation of trip ideas for specific regions or countries. Beginning this week, users can input queries like “create an itinerary for Costa Rica with a focus on nature.”

Users will then be presented with a visual exploration of photos and user reviews, alongside an interactive, expandable map displaying relevant locations. Itineraries can be exported and shared via Docs or Gmail, or saved directly as customized lists within Google Maps.

Currently, this feature is available for queries in English within the United States, accessible on both mobile and desktop devices.

Gemini Gems: Personalized AI Travel Assistants

Gemini’s Gems feature is now freely accessible to all users. A Gem functions as a customizable AI expert tailored to specific tasks within the Gemini environment. This allows users to create a dedicated trip planner capable of suggesting destinations and providing packing recommendations.

Hotel Price Tracking

Building upon existing flight price drop alerts, Google is extending this functionality to include hotels. Users will now have the option to monitor hotel prices for their desired dates and locations.

Specific filters, such as star ratings or proximity to beaches, can be applied to refine hotel searches. Should prices decrease, users will receive an email notification.

This hotel price tracking feature is being launched globally this week on both mobile and desktop browsers.

Maps: Transforming Screenshots into Travel Plans

Google Maps is introducing a new capability that allows users to convert screenshots into organized vacation plans. Many travelers capture screenshots of potential destinations, but these images can easily become lost within their photo libraries.

By granting Maps access to their photos, users enable the app to automatically identify locations featured in screenshots. These identified places can then be reviewed and saved to custom lists, appearing on the map for a comprehensive overview of planned activities.

This feature is currently being rolled out this week in the U.S. for English-language users on iOS, with an Android launch planned for the near future.