Google is rolling out new AI-powered features across Search, Maps, and Gemini to simplify summer vacation planning. With the growing popularity of tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT for trip planning, these updates aim to provide a more integrated and AI-driven travel planning experience within Google’s core services.
Create trip ideas
AI Overviews in Search can now provide trip ideas for regions or countries. Users can search for queries like “create an itinerary for Costa Rica with a focus on nature” to browse photos, reviews, and map locations. Itineraries can be exported to Docs or Gmail or saved as custom lists in Google Maps.
Create custom AI experts
Google is also making Gemini’s Gems feature freely available, allowing users to create custom AI experts. Travelers can now set up a trip planner Gem to help with destination selection and packing suggestions.
New hotel price tracking feature
Building on its flight price alerts, Google is now introducing hotel price tracking. Users can track hotel prices for specific dates and destinations, with options to filter by criteria such as star ratings and beach access. Google will send email alerts when prices drop. Hotel price tracking launches globally this week on mobile and desktop browsers.
Save your location inspiration
To help users capitalize on saved inspiration, Maps now allows users to grant access to their photos. The app will automatically identify places mentioned in screenshots, enabling users to review and save them to lists. Saved locations appear on the map for easy trip planning. This feature is rolling out this week in the U.S. in English on iOS, with an Android launch coming soon.
