Google Introduces New Vacation-Planning Tools Across Search, Maps, and Gemini

Google is introducing a range of new AI-powered features across Search, Maps, and Gemini to assist users in planning summer vacations. This update comes as more travelers turn to tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT for trip planning.

Google Search’s AI Overviews, which provide a summarized snapshot of key information at the top of search results, can now generate travel ideas for specific regions or countries. Beginning this week, users can search for prompts like “plan a nature-focused itinerary for Costa Rica” to receive tailored recommendations.

Easily Save and Share Your Travel Itinerary

You can then explore photos, read reviews, and view locations on an expandable map. When you’re ready to keep an itinerary, simply tap “Export” to share it via Docs or Gmail, or save it as a custom list in Google Maps.

The new feature is now available for English-language searches in the U.S. on both mobile and desktop.

Additionally, Google is making Gemini’s Gems feature free for all users. Gems allow users to create custom AI assistants for various tasks, including trip planning. With this tool, travelers can get destination suggestions and packing recommendations tailored to their needs.

Get Alerts on Rate Drops

Google is also expanding its price-tracking capabilities beyond flights to include hotels. Users can now monitor hotel prices for specific dates and locations, applying filters like star ratings or beach access. If rates drop, Google will send an email alert.

Hotel price tracking rolls out globally this week on mobile and desktop browsers.

Google Maps is introducing a new feature that helps users turn their screenshots into organized vacation plans. Many travelers take screenshots to save places they want to visit but often forget about them in their camera roll.

Now, by granting Maps access to their photos, users can let the app automatically recognize locations mentioned in screenshots, making it easy to review and save them to a list. Saved places will then appear on the map, providing a clear overview of the itinerary.

This feature is rolling out this week in the U.S. for English-language users on iOS, with an Android launch coming soon.

Read the original article on: TechCrunch

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