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Google Unveils AI-Powered Travel Planning Tools for Search, Maps, and Gemini
Google is introducing a suite of new functionalities across its Search, Maps, and Gemini platforms, leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline summer vacation planning. These enhancements arrive as users increasingly utilize AI tools like ChatGPT for trip organization.
Enhanced Trip Planning with AI-Powered Google Search Overviews
Google Search’s AI Overviews, which present summarized information atop search results, are now equipped to assist users in generating travel ideas for various regions or countries. Starting this week, users can initiate searches such as “create a nature-focused itinerary for Costa Rica.”
Exploring and Saving Itineraries
Users can then explore photos, read reviews, and view locations on an interactive, expandable map. Once an itinerary is finalized, users can select “Export” to disseminate recommendations via Docs or Gmail, or save them as customized lists within Google Maps.
This feature is currently accessible for English language queries within the United States on both mobile and desktop devices.
Gemini’s Gems: Personalized AI Travel Experts Now Free for All Users
Google is also making Gemini’s Gems feature, which allows users to design custom AI experts for specific tasks, freely available to all users. This empowers individuals to establish a personalized trip planner within Gemini capable of suggesting destinations and recommending packing essentials.
Hotel Price Tracking and Flight Price Alerts Expanded
Building on existing flight price drop alerts, Google is extending this functionality to hotels. Users will now find a new option to monitor hotel prices for chosen dates and destinations. Refine hotel searches using filters such as star ratings or proximity to beaches within a specific locale. Google will dispatch email notifications when prices decrease.
Hotel price tracking is launching globally this week across mobile and desktop browsers.
Transform Screenshots into Vacation Plans with Google Maps
Google Maps is introducing a new feature that enables users to convert screenshots into concrete vacation plans. Recognizing that individuals often screenshot places of interest while planning travel, which can later be forgotten, Maps now offers a solution.
Automated Screenshot Analysis for Place Identification
By granting Maps access to their photos, users allow the application to automatically identify locations mentioned in screenshots. Users can then review and save desired places to a list. Saved locations are displayed on the map, providing a visual overview of planned destinations.
This screenshot-to-plan feature is rolling out this week in the U.S. in English on iOS, with an Android release anticipated soon.