Google Vacation Rentals Adds Price Comparisons

In late September, Hyatt Hotels announced that it was exiting its vacation rental management business while launching an online short-term rental platform soon. Its Destination Residences Management unit was sold to a real estate investor called Lowe, which, through an affiliate, will run it under Lowe and Coral Tree, though no price was disclosed at the time of the announcement.

A search-and-rescue group in British Columbia advised hikers to use a paper map and compass instead of street map programs after it said two hikers had been rescued by helicopter after likely following a trail that did not exist but that appeared on Google Maps.

Imagine spending your vacation days exploring ancient temples in Cambodia, indulging in the vibrant street food culture of Vietnam, or exploring the neon-lit skylines of Japan’s cities—all while enjoying the comforts of home.

It may not seem like it amid the inflated costs of living these days, but the median price of a gallon of gas in the U.S. has actually gone down since this time last year. According to AAA’s analysis, last week’s national average price at the pump fell nine cents from the week prior to hit $3.44 a gallon. That makes it 37 cents cheaper than last month and 32 cents less than it was during same week a year ago.

Daylight savings time has ended, marking the inescapable approach of the winter months. Some look forward to snowy days and a chill in the air, while others start searching for a way to wait them out in sunnier climes. 

Losses continue to mount for luxury hospitality brand Inspirato. The company is burning cash at $15 million per quarter and its revenue is down.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Anna Shepherd, a 24-year-old from Knoxville, Tennessee. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Ever since travel roared back from pandemic lockdowns, Greece has been one of the hottest destinations in the world. While some visitors go for the gorgeous beaches the Greek islands are famous for, Athens is its most visited spot, with more airlift, great hotels, great restaurants and the number one historic attraction in a country legendary for historic attractions, the Acropolis.

Google on late Thursday outlined its highly anticipated updates to Google Maps, which it began rolling out to users in a select list of cities — mainly in North America and Europe to start.

Holland America Line has just announced it will be expanding its industry-leading global fresh fish program by partnering with Vital Choice—the trusted source for wild-caught fish and seafood. The unique collaboration means that home cooks will have the chance to enjoy the exact same fresh fish and seafood recipes they enjoyed at sea—in their own kitchen.

British Airways is putting flight and vacation packages to Europe on sale for fall and winter travel with flights starting as low as $586 round-trip.

Expedia increased spending 10 times over five years to advertise vacation home rentals on Google, but the online travel agency saw no increase in traffic because the search giant has been prioritizing its own flight and hotel products.