Several Google platforms offer helpful updates that can make it easier to compare travel options and plan upcoming trips. Specifically, Search, Maps, and Shopping have improved travel tools. Here's more information on what's changed on each platform.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 09: The exterior of the new Google headquarters is seen at 550 … (+)
Generative AI in research
Google Search has started integrating generative AI to provide personalized travel advice during the summer of 2023. Since then, its research capabilities have improved. Features include travel reviews, photos and suggestions for over 200 million destinations.
This search experience suggests follow-up questions and allows users to enter questions to receive answers within seconds. It includes excerpts from answers and suggested links to learn more from subject matter experts.
You can start receiving this additional information by subscribing to Research laboratories and activating the Generative Research Experience (GES). After enabling this feature, look for the “generate” button on the search engine.
Recommendation lists in Maps
Customizable lists of recommendations are deployed in certain cities when searching for locations in Google Maps. Curated collections can make it easier for first-time and repeat visitors to find the best restaurants, popular activities, and other current events.
Recommendations lists have three different list modes:
- List of trends: Weekly updates with places seeing a noticeable increase in popularity on Maps.
- Top list: Places that Maps users consistently like and provide positive reviews for.
- List of gems: Overlooked places and secret spots with high ratings that are less visible than popular restaurants, shops and attractions.
It is also possible to create and share customizable lists. Additionally, Google's AI tools summarize photos and reviews left by other visitors to speed up the search process.
Translate text on screen
As of January 2024, some Android devices have the Circle to Search feature. It allows users to select the text currently on the screen after long-pressing the navigation bar or home button. This tool doesn't require switching apps and has circling, highlighting, scribbling, and tapping features to learn more about that particular snippet.
Soon, this feature will be able to translate text, including PDF files of restaurant menus and social media posts.
This blog post Lists compatible devices and deployment dates for other Android handhelds.
Custom Travel Cabinets
Most households may not realize that Google Shopping contains over 45 billion product listings, including travel items. The Shopping Graph now provides personalized style recommendations after selecting the “style recommendations” label.
Other filters include customer reviews, merchants offering discounted prices, color, brand, and certain design features. It's now easier to check items off the packing list for travel in any season and to any destination.
Suggestions for travel-friendly clothing, luggage, and accessories become more specific as you evaluate options with a thumbs-up or thumbs-down. If now is not the time to buy, the shopping platform saves your preferences so you can find the most relevant matches in future searches.
Final Thoughts
These new features can help you easily create personalized itineraries using Google's multiple travel and shopping tools. The new benefits add to recent travel bookings, including price protection coverage on eligible flights and AI-powered travel planning features.
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