Google Maps Gets New Travel Tools

Planning a summer getaway can sometimes feel overwhelming with countless options to explore. To alleviate this, Google Maps is rolling out updates aimed at providing easier access to travel inspiration, sharing recommendations, and offering deeper insights into destinations.

1. Enhanced Recommendations with Curated Lists:

   – Discovering trustworthy recommendations is now simpler with curated lists from top sites and the Google Maps community, initially available in select cities across the U.S. and Canada.

   – Users can effortlessly explore curated lists tailored to specific cities, featuring insights from locals and renowned platforms such as The Infatuation, Lonely Planet, The New York Times, and OpenTable.

   – Introducing specialized restaurant lists based on current trends, community favorites, and hidden gems, ensuring users find the perfect spot for their dining preferences.

   – These curated lists will gradually expand to over 40 cities in North America, with plans to highlight exceptional lists from the Maps community in the future.

2. Personalized List Creation and Sharing:

   – Users can now create customized lists within Maps, facilitating the organization of desired destinations and keeping track of visited places.

   – The new customization tools enable users to arrange places in their lists chronologically, resembling an itinerary, and easily reorder them based on personal preferences.

   – Integration with social channels allows users to link content such as reviews or experiences, adding a personal touch to their curated lists.

   – These list customization features will be available globally on both Android and iOS platforms later this month.

3. AI-Powered Insights for Quick Decision Making:

   – Google Maps leverages AI to provide instant insights into places, enabling users to grasp essential information swiftly.

   – By analyzing data from the Maps community, users can now glean highlights of a location, including popular dishes at restaurants or the ambiance of a bar.

   – AI technology assists users in identifying dishes from photos and offers relevant information such as pricing, popularity, and dietary preferences directly from the menu.

Additionally, users can anticipate a refreshed design for Google Maps, featuring a streamlined home screen with simplified navigation and updated pin colors for improved visibility.

As summer approaches, these updates aim to equip travelers with the necessary tools to plan memorable adventures with ease, whether it’s a beach getaway, urban exploration, or culinary escapades. Google Maps remains dedicated to keeping users informed and empowered for their summer journeys.