Google is doubling down on AI as it gears up for the 2025 travel season, launching a new wave of intelligent features designed to simplify and streamline summer trip planning. Announced via its official blog, the updates tap into AI Overviews, Gemini, and on-device intelligence to deliver personalised recommendations, real-time savings alerts, and smarter organisation across Search, Maps, Lens and Gemini.
Here’s a breakdown of the most notable additions:
1. AI Overviews in Search Now Build End-to-End Itineraries
Google Search now goes beyond static results, using generative AI to create day-by-day itineraries for your next getaway. Previously limited to major cities, AI Overviews can now generate travel plans for entire countries or regions. For example, a query like “create an itinerary for Costa Rica with a focus on nature” returns a structured plan complete with dining spots, activities, user reviews, photos, and an interactive map.
Users can export this info into Google Docs or Gmail, or save it as a custom list in Google Maps. The feature is available in English in the U.S. on mobile and desktop, no Search Labs opt-in required.
2. Hotel Price Tracking Arrives in Google Travel
Following the success of Google Flights’ fare alerts, the company is bringing a similar experience to hotel search. Now live globally on mobile and desktop browsers, users browsing google.com/hotels can toggle on price tracking for specific dates and destinations.
The system uses your selected filters — like star ratings or map boundaries — to send notifications if prices drop significantly, making it easier to book at the right moment.
3. Smart Screenshot Integration in Google Maps (Rolling Out on iOS)
A common but chaotic part of travel planning is capturing inspiration through screenshots — social posts, blogs, itineraries, etc. Now, Google Maps integrates those screenshots into your trip planning workflow using Gemini-powered intelligence.
Currently rolling out to iOS users this week in the U.S., the new “screenshot” list feature can identify locations in your captured images and suggest adding them to a saved list within Maps. These locations are automatically plotted on the map and can be shared collaboratively with travel companions. Support for Android is coming soon.
4. Gemini and Gems: Your Personalised AI Trip Planner
Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, now plays a central role in travel ideation. Whether you’re looking for cheap flights or video guides on travelling Europe on a budget, Gemini can contextualise and curate results across Search, YouTube and more.
Users can also customise Gemini with “Gems” — AI agents trained to handle specific tasks. One example is creating a dedicated travel planner Gem to suggest packing lists, surface dining recommendations, and even recommend cities to visit. Gems are now free for all users and can be built via the desktop Gems manager.
5. Google Lens Becomes an AI Tour Guide
Lens now acts as an on-the-ground AI companion. By simply pointing your camera at a landmark or object and asking a question — e.g., “what are these used for?” — users get AI Overviews packed with historical and contextual information, plus links for further reading.
The feature is currently available in English, with support expanding soon to seven additional languages including Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish. Lens continues to support real-time visual translation, transforming signs, menus, and flyers on the fly with the translate filter.
