Vacation planning just got simpler with updates to Google Search, Maps, and Gemini

Those looking to vacation this summer can now get even more assistance from Google. A slew of features that are meant to assist in destination planning, hotel booking, and sightseeing have been released as part of updates to Google Search, Google Maps, Lens, and Gemini. These include improvements to AI Overviews, which can give users trip ideas for countries and regions so that they can plan their days efficiently and include everything they want to cover during their vacation. 

Starting with Search, AI Overviews can not only present a day-by-day itinerary, but they can now give ideas on what to do in the specific region or country through a simple prompt like, “create an itinerary for Costa Rica with a focus on nature.” The results will include photos and reviews to finalize all the locations. Once done, the itinerary can be exported through Google Docs, Gmail, or a Google Maps list. This feature will be available starting this week in the US on mobile and desktop for English language users. 

Trip planning involves a lot of notes and screenshots. Another way Google has made planning easier is by integrating screenshots into Maps, using Gemini capabilities. The places included in the screenshots will be identified, allowing users to save and review the ones they like and add them to a list. These places will also show up on the map. Maps will need access to photos for this, and the feature is rolling out next week in the US on iOS, with Android to follow soon. 

Furthermore, Gemini’s Gems feature lets users create their personal AI expert for free, so they can have a travel guide right on their phone at all times. With this, users can pick a destination, find restaurants, get suggestions, and more. Additionally, Google’s hotel search now has an option for price tracking for a chosen date and destination. It will launch this week on mobile and desktop. 

Lastly, with Lens, travelers can point their camera at something and ask a question about it to get an AI Overview with information and helpful links. These overviews in Lens are already available for English language users.