Check out these four new Google trip-planning tools.
Google recently launched a new set of travel search tools that enable you to better customize searches and quickly sort through targeted destination, pricing, and lodging choices before saving all your results under a personalized tab on your desktop or mobile device. Here’s what to know about Google’s four new travel-planning features.
1. Track flight prices for any dates.
Google Flights previously allowed you to track prices for specific dates between two cities. You just searched for your destination, toggled to opt-in, and then received an email if prices dropped substantially for those dates.
Now you can track prices for any dates in the future, and receive an email if lower-than-typical fares are available for the next three to six months. All you have to do is click on the “Any dates” toggle switch. Users can also click on price grids and price graphs to evaluate flight options in selected date ranges. If Google detects lower-than-usual fares anytime in the next three to six months, you’ll receive an email notification. This is perfect for planning for farawaydream destinations or getting suggestions for spur-of-the-moment deals.
2. Browse destinations within driving distance.
Not sure where to visit? The Explore tool lets you browse locations around the world with filters for choices like budget or trip length. In the default view, “Explore” shows flight prices, but now you’ll also see a pink dot and a bubble that reads “Explore nearby.” Tap on the dot and Google will suggest places you can drive to in a few hours. Select any destination to reveal useful information, including average drive time, hotel prices, and what kind of weather to expect.
3. Find the perfect place to stay.
Once you know where you’re going, it’s time to decide where you’ll stay. If you’re exploring a new city, it can be overwhelming to choose which neighborhood to pick. Now, new map-based “interest layer” search options allow you to quickly see which areas have the most options for dining, shopping, or sightseeing.
For more popular destinations, you can tap “Where to stay” under the search filters for a handy neighborhood guide to lodging within a 15- or 30-minute trip by foot or car from a particular landmark or address. This can be helpful if you want to stay within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, or are attending a wedding or a conference and want to stay near the venue. You can be very specific: for example, “kid-friendly hotels in Orlando under $200 with a pool” returned a mapped list with 123 choices on a sidebar with photos, rates, and booking links. Additional tabs of “When to visit” and “What you’ll pay” show typical hotel price ranges and weather patterns for selected time periods. Price tabs include links to compare options across multiple web-based booking sites.
4. Bookmark it!
There’s a new way to keep track of properties that pique your interest for future reference. Just tap the bookmark icon on any hotel or vacation rental, and it’s saved for easy reference. To see your saved properties, tap on the “Saved” tab (mobile) or right hand panel (desktop). This is a great way to save both future travel research and practical details for upcoming trips.
Twist’s Take: Google’s four new travel tools make it easier than ever to customize travel research, consolidate flight and lodging options, and save search results for future viewing.
