3 new travel features by Google Maps that you can use on your next vacation

It’s that time of the year again; you’ve probably packed your bags, checked in online and are awaiting the hour of departure. And while all that is certainly the most exciting part of your journey, there is always an added stress when you’re travelling to a foreign place.

To ease this, Google recently announced a collection of travel features that will be added to Google Maps, along with a fresh new look. If the smartphone app is your go-to platform for navigation, here’s everything you should know.

3 new Google Maps travel features to look out for

Google Maps is a great tool whether you’re looking for directions or just hoping to get some traffic updates. However, Google has added three new travel features, and you should definitely look up for your next summer getaway; check them out:

1. Restaurant recommendations
2. Organise and share your favourite destinations
3. AI quick-feel of your next vacation spot

1. Restaurant recommendations

How many times have we struggled to find a good restaurant on the day of check-in? Far too many times, if you ask us. But this new feature by Google Maps sources a list of the hottest restaurants around you (based on local reviews) and gives you a trending list.

The restaurants are refreshed after considering the reviews, as well as the number of people who have tried and tested them in the recent past. Apart from these, users can also find a list of ‘hidden gems’, which consist of an up-and-coming collection of restaurants that may not be as popular just yet.

2. Organise and share your favourite destinations

Google Maps is best known for its hidden vacation Easter egg. A lesser-known feature on its desktop app can also allow you to create your itinerary, with tourist attractions, stay options and a mode of transport. However, the company has added to this by making it easier for users to curate and share their favourite destinations.

ALSO READ: Planning a getaway? Google can help build your travel itinerary using AI

All you have to do is create a list within the ‘Saved’ tab on your Google Maps app. If and when you do find an interesting spot along your route, you can add it to this list. Apart from this, you can also add social media links (say, a review of a great restaurant you found on your trip) to this list. According to Google, this will help you recall why the location made it to your list and in turn, makes your recommendation more useful to others.

3. AI quick-feel of your next vacation spot

Wouldn’t it be great if you could get a ‘quick-feel’ of the location you are about to visit? Google’s artificial intelligence will now evaluate reviews and photos by other users to show you what people around the locale love the best.

Google Maps will now also be able to identify particular dishes within these photos, allowing users to look up its price, the menu and its popularity. This is also especially helpful if you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan restaurant around the spot you’re visiting.

Google’s aim to simplify travelling has also ensured users have more authentic reviews and data at hand. We don’t know about you, but we’re ready to get packing for the summer.