The Scoop: Google's Newest Travel Tools

Four New Online Tools Using AI

Google is now in the travel business.

Competing with last-minute vacation package deals from traditional travel deal sites and agencies isn't easy. However, Google is taking a new approach:  using artificial intelligence to do the work. 

With four new tools that leverage AI capabilities, the tech giant hopes to make inroads in the industry by making travel planning easier. Today, we're giving you the scoop on Google's newest travel tools to see how they measure up against traditional options.

Google's New Travel Tools

Let's first look at what each new tool does for computer-savvy travel aficionados:

Generative AI Search

Imagine having an AI assistant with you while browsing travel options. It would make travel suggestions, ask follow-up questions, provide expert tips, and show you recent photos and reviews from over 200 destinations. Google is even experimenting with creating personalized itineraries.

Map Recommendations

When you search for a location on Google Maps, the app creates lists of recommendations based on your preferences. These lists are divided into three categories: Trending, Top, and Gems, providing various curated options. The feature even allows users to make customizable lists you can share.

On-screen Translations

On Android devices, the Circle to Search feature allows instant, on-screen translation. So you don't have to worry about reading menus or signs at airports and train stations on your next exotic travel destination in Asia, Africa, or South America!

Personalized Wardrobes

Finally, your new AI assistant can help create personalized wardrobes from Google Shopping's 45-billion-item catalog. Between your search and purchase history, personal style, and the weather at your destination, Google can even help you pack for your next holiday!

How Does this Affect the Travel Industry?

These tools will undoubtedly impact the travel industry, but not in the way that you might think. 

Most of Google's new features are more likely to complement rather than compete with what a travel website offers. For example, tools like AI recommendations, translations, and wardrobe assistance all enhance the vacation experience, not find a new way to plan it.

And while the future looks promising for fully AI-generated itineraries, most people might not be ready to put the fate of their hard-earned vacation entirely in the hands of a machine.

Also, while new travel tools are terrific for researching and planning, they're not as effective for finding or taking advantage of last-minute deals, which remain the domain of traditional travel deal sites and agencies. 

The Bottom Line

Are Google's newest travel tools likely to make travel planning easier? Of course.  Should you use them for translations the next time you're on vacation? Absolutely!

Is it a good idea to replace a reliable travel deals website with something that hasn't stood the test of time? Not yet.