Google has rolled out new AI-driven features to enhance travel planning. These updates improve Search, Maps, and Lens, making trip planning easier than ever. Travelers can now access AI-generated itineraries, price tracking, and smarter recommendations.
Smarter AI Overviews for Trip Planning
Google’s AI Overviews now provide recommendations for entire countries and regions, not just cities. Users can request detailed itineraries by asking, “Create an itinerary for Costa Rica focused on nature.”
These AI-generated plans include visuals and seamless integration with Google tools. Travelers can save recommendations and refine their plans instantly.
Real-Time Hotel Price Tracking
Finding affordable hotels just got easier. Google has extended price tracking to accommodations, similar to its flight tracking tool. When browsing hotels on Google, users can enable price alerts to track discounts for specific dates and locations.
Filters like star ratings and amenities help users refine their search. When prices drop, Google notifies them instantly.
Screenshot Recognition in Google Maps
A new feature in Google Maps helps users organize travel plans effortlessly. Gemini AI now recognizes landmarks and locations from screenshots. Travelers can add these places to lists for quick access later.
This feature is rolling out first for iOS in English. An Android version will follow soon.
Personalized Travel Assistance With Gemini AI
Google’s Gemini AI now provides customized travel assistance. Users can create “Gems” – personalized AI assistants tailored to their travel needs. These AI helpers suggest destinations, local attractions, and logistical tips.
Best of all, they’re free. Travelers can now get AI-driven advice without extra costs.
Google Lens Expands Its Reach
Google Lens can now provide AI-powered details when users point their cameras at landmarks or objects. The feature supports more languages, including Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.
This expansion enhances translation capabilities, making international travel smoother.
Top Travel Trends for Summer 2025
Google’s latest travel data highlights trending destinations. Beach vacations are more popular than ever. Searches for Caribbean islands like Puerto Rico, Curacao, and St. Lucia are rising. Other hot spots include Rio de Janeiro, Maui, and Nantucket.
Outdoor adventure travel is also trending. Cities near nature, such as Billings, Montana, Juneau, Alaska, and Bangor, Maine, are seeing more searches.
Other key travel trends:
- “Cabins” are now the most searched accommodation for romantic getaways.
- Family travelers are showing increased interest in “dude ranch” vacations.
- Weekend trips to natural destinations like Upstate New York, Joshua Tree, and Sedona are gaining popularity.
- Searches for “checked bags” now surpass “carry-on” queries, signaling a shift in packing preferences.
