Google is rolling out new features for its Maps service and the Search Generative Experience (SGE) platform, aimed at making summer travel planning easier and more personalized, whether you’re a meticulous planner or prefer to go with the flow.
SGE’s Travel Itineraries:
- SGE, short for Search Generative Experience, is Google’s experimental platform exploring the future of AI-driven search capabilities. Although not widely available yet, those in the testing phase can use it to generate detailed travel itineraries.
- This feature compiles recommendations for dining, sightseeing, and more, drawing from a wide range of online sources, including business profiles and user reviews, complete with images.
- Each suggested itinerary comes with links to the sources, ensuring transparency and credibility, despite concerns around SEO impact and content originality.
Google Maps Enhancements:
- Recommendations & Lists: Searching for a city in Maps now presents users with curated lists of recommendations from reputable travel guides as well as popular picks from Google Maps users.
- List Customization: Maps enthusiasts who enjoy creating their lists of favorite spots will find new tools for organizing these places either chronologically or by preference, allowing for dynamic updates and easy sharing on social platforms.
Availability
- The SGE travel itinerary feature is accessible to U.S. residents through enrollment in Search Labs.
- Curated list recommendations in Maps are rolling out to users in the U.S. and Canada, with the list customization options set to become available globally on both iOS and Android devices later in the month.
Google’s latest updates aim to leverage AI and user-generated content to streamline the travel planning process, offering tools that cater to both spontaneous adventurers and those who prefer detailed itineraries.