Google debuts new AI-powered travel tools

03.04.2024 - 12:17 / traveldailynews.com / Vicky Karantzavelou

The updates, currently available only in English within the U.S. for users enrolled in Search Labs, utilize content from various websites and user-submitted details on Google. Itineraries are informational only, with no option for direct booking. Users can export finalized itineraries to Gmail, Docs, or Maps.

Google announced a slate of travel updates this week that place it squarely in the travel planning process and give it a lot more insight into purchasing intent in the travel sector.

1. Get trip ideas with generative AI in Search
Exploring a new place is one of the best parts of traveling. But uncovering the best spots to visit (or stay, or eat) can be difficult or time-consuming. So just ahead of the summer travel season, we’re testing new, AI-powered capabilities in Search that can do some of the heavy lifting for you. Now, if you’re opted into Search Generative Experience (SGE) and you ask something like “plan me a 3 day trip to Philadelphia that’s all about history,” you’ll get a set of suggestions that includes attractions and restaurants, plus an overview of your flight and hotel options.

These itineraries will bring together a range of ideas from sites across the web, as well as information like reviews, photos and other Business Profile details that people have submitted to Google for more than 200 million places around the world.

With all of these links and resources organized in one place, it’s easy to dig deeper and learn more about your destination or compare different options. And when you’re ready, you can quickly export your trip ideas to Gmail, Docs or Maps to keep tweaking or share with your travel companions.

This capability is available in English in the U.S. — just enroll in Search Labs and enable SGE to try it out. As with everything in Search Labs, this functionality is experimental. So as you research these trip ideas, share your feedback with a quick thumbs up or down.

2. Find lists of recommendations in Maps
If you prefer to do a bit more hands-on research, we’re making it easier to discover lists of recommendations right in Google Maps — from sites you love and in-the-know locals.

Starting in select cities in the U.S. and Canada, if you search for a city in Maps, you’ll now see lists of recommendations for places to go from both publishers — like The Infatuation — as well as members of the Maps community. We’re also introducing trending, top and hidden gem restaurant lists created by Google Maps, based on what people are interested in or loving in that city.

3. Create even more customized lists in Maps
We’re also adding new tools to help you customize lists you create, so you can easily organize your travel plans or share your favorite spots. When you create a list of