Google has enhanced its Search, Maps, and Shopping features to assist users in preparing for upcoming summer vacations. As reported by Forbes, these updates offer personalized itinerary building capabilities, alongside recent enhancements such as price protection coverage for eligible flights and AI-driven trip planning functions.
Six Enhanced Google Tools
This year, Google has introduced or will introduce several advancements, including generative AI integration into Search, customized Maps recommendations, travel wardrobe suggestions, on-screen text translation via Circle to Search, and multisearch functionality in Lens.
1. Effortless Trip Planning
To leverage Google’s AI for trip planning:
- Enable the Search Generative Experience (SGE) and Search Labs.
- Input “Plan me a (select a number) day trip to (choose a location)” in the search bar.
- Explore the suggestions provided, encompassing attractions, dining options, accommodations, flights, and more.
If satisfied with the proposed itinerary, Google offers export options to Gmail, Docs, or Maps, according to TechCrunch.
2. Discover Attractions and Dining Recommendations
To access curated lists of attractions or dining suggestions in Maps, or create your own:
- Search for a specific location or city in Maps.
- Scroll to find “Lists in (location).”
- Select a list to view featured locations, reviews, and images of top destinations.
Forbes highlights that the recommendation lists include:
- Trending list: Popular places in the past week.
- Top list: Consistently favored locations.
- Gems list: Highly rated yet lesser-known spots.
To craft your list:
- Navigate to “Saved.”
- Click on “+ New List” at the top.
- Name and describe the list.
- Choose privacy settings.
- Add destinations using the “+” button.
- Enhance descriptions with website or social media links.
- Rearrange the list order as desired.
3. Personalized Wardrobe Selection
Google offers a feature to discover new wardrobe pieces for your travels:
- Search for a specific clothing item.
- Click on “personalized style recommendations.”
- Rate items by swiping right or left.
- Access saved items under “liked” for future reference.
4. On-the-Go Translation Assistance
For translating foreign text in various settings:
- Install Circle to Search.
- Long press the home button when encountering unfamiliar text.
- Select the translate icon.
- Adjust the language display on your screen.
Circle to Search allows users to initiate a Google search by circling text or images, as per Skift.
Additional AI Travel Platforms
For those interested in AI-driven travel assistance, here are other recommended websites to explore:
Utilizing AI for Travel: Considerations
According to CNBC, a survey by the National Research Group revealed insights on AI adoption for travel:
- A majority (61%) are open to using AI for trip planning.
- Concerns exist regarding data privacy (51%) and result accuracy (33%).
While AI aids in generating ideas and facilitating tasks like translation, National Geographic advises verifying information accuracy, such as business hours and prices, before relying solely on AI recommendations.
In terms of safety precautions when using AI tools, Wired suggests:
- Reviewing privacy policies.
- Being cautious about shared information.
- Exploring privacy and security settings for data management.
