As if we all needed another reason to use Google each day. The savvy search engine and ‘all-seeing distributor of information’ can now also plan your next holiday for you, with the recent, yet relatively unknown, addition of its ‘Plan a Trip’ feature.
To use the Plan a Trip feature, open the Google app on your smartphone. If you don’t have it already, you can download it for Android, iPhone or iPad. I’d love to tell you that you can do this on your computer, but it’s currently only available through Google’s smartphone app.
Okay, let’s go. Say you’re interested in visiting Italy. In the Google app search bar, type in “where to go in Italy” or “destinations in Italy”. It is important that you use the keywords “where to go” or “destinations” for the Plan a Trip feature to work properly.
Now that you’ve told Google where you want to go (i.e. Italy), hit enter, then scroll down to the “Destinations” or “Points of Interest” tabs.
Once you’ve specified the city you wish to visit, Google compiles all the information you’ll need to plan your journey, as well as other assorted Italy-related content. You’ll find flight information, accommodation options, restaurants, top tourist sites and weather details.
It even goes as far as presenting total flight times, which are calculated from your departure point, peak/offpeak travel times and the current climate. Scroll a bit further down, and you’ll find destination-related videos to inspire you even more.
Now this next feature is where Plan a Trip comes into its own. You can book your airfare and make hotel reservations all from within the Google results page. You can even modify your search by including the stopovers you wish to make, your preferred airlines, cabin class and flight times.
So, instead of fiddling about with fifteen different websites to find the information you need to plan a trip, Google presents all the details you’ll need to make travel planning a simple, hassle-free experience. At the very least, it’s a great starting point for planning your next dream holiday.
Ah, Google. You’ve done it again.
Have you ever used Google’s Plan a Trip feature? Why not share your feedback with our members?
