Google has upgraded Search, Maps, and Shopping to help users prepare for summer vacation.
According to Forbes, “These new features help you easily create personalized itineraries. …New benefits include price guarantees on eligible flights and AI This includes travel planning functions that utilize .
6 new and improved Google tools
This year, Google is releasing or will release generative AI in search, map list recommendations and customization, travel wardrobe curation, on-screen text translation with Circle to Search, and multi-search in Lenses. It's a schedule.
1. Plan a trip without researching
To plan your trip using Google's AI features:
- Opt in to Search Generative Experience (SGE) and Search Labs.
- Google: “Plan a day trip to (select number) to (select location).”
- See a list of suggestions including sites, restaurants, hotels, flights, and other options for using or visiting.
According to TechCrunch, if you like the itinerary you've been given, Google offers export options to Gmail, Docs, or Maps.
2. Find a recommended list of attractions and restaurants on Maps, or create your own list
To find a list of the best places to visit during your trip:
- Find a location or a common city on Maps.
- Scroll down to see “List of (locations).”
- Click on the list you want to see to see locations, reviews and images of the best places to visit.
According to Forbes, the recommended list includes:
- Trend list: A place that has become extremely popular over the past week.
- Top list: A place where users are always having fun.
- Gem list: Although highly rated, this place is less prominent and less visited than other places.
To create your own list:
- Proceed to “Save”.
- Click + New List at the top of the page.
- Name and describe your list.
- Choose whether to make the list private or shared.
- Click the “+” button at the bottom of the page to add your destination to the list.
- In the destination description, optionally add website or social media links to get more information about the location.
- Change the order in which recipients appear for you or for people you've shared the list with.
3. Find a new outfit for the holidays
According to Google, to find new shirts, pants, shoes, and more to add to your wardrobe for your next trip:
- Search on Google for the specific wardrobe you want to buy.
- Click the Personalized Style Recommendations link.
- Similar to dating apps, swipe right or left to rate items you like or dislike.
- If you search for the same subject later, you'll find your saved likes.
4. Translate texts when you are abroad
To translate menus, photos, music, brochures, and other languages you don't understand:
- Download and search circles.
- If you see characters on the screen that you don't understand, press and hold the Home button.
- Click the translation icon.
- Look for the language change on the screen.
In general, the Circle to Search app allows individuals to start a Google search by circling text or images, according to Skift.
Other AI travel sites
If you enjoy using AI or need a little more help with suggestions, try the following websites:
Is it okay to use AI for travel?
According to CNBC, a study conducted by market research firm National Research Group regarding the use of AI in travel found:
- Many respondents were open to using AI for travel planning: 61%.
- More than half of respondents (51%) cited distrust in technology's ability to protect personal data.
- Respondents also expressed concern about potential inaccuracies provided by the results: 33%
According to National Geographic, AI is great for idea generation, business discovery, and translation. However, AI does not collect all information accurately. It's best to check if the place the AI suggests you visit is open, how much it costs, and if the information about the place is accurate.
Regarding safety when using AI tools, according to Wired:
- Please review our Privacy Policy before use. What do you agree with?
- Be careful what you share. If there was a data breach, would you want to share that information?
- Consider privacy and security controls. For example, see if you can automatically delete data or clear conversations.
