At a Glance
- Holiday travel season is hectic with flight delays, traffic, and winter weather.
- Google Maps now offers AI-powered itinerary suggestions, immersive destination views, and smarter navigation.
- Seven key features help travelers plan and adapt during the rush.
- Why it matters: Travelers can avoid crowds, book reservations, and navigate offline, making the holiday trip smoother.
The holiday season is already proving to be the busiest travel time of the year. With traffic jams, flight delays, and unpredictable weather, many travelers are looking for a reliable guide. Google Maps’ newest AI-enhanced tools promise to make that guide smarter than ever.
1. Effortlessly Navigate Airports and Train Stations
Google Maps’ Directory tab lets users find stores, lounges, and parking spots inside large transit hubs. When I was at London’s King’s Cross in May, I used it to locate a coffee shop and a Greggs for a sausage roll before boarding. The tab displays business hours, floor location, and a list of options.
- Open the airport or station in Google Maps.
- Tap the Directory tab at the bottom.
- Browse the list of restaurants, stores, lounges, and parking areas.
2. Check How Busy a Location Is Before You Go
The “busyness” tool shows how crowded a place or neighborhood is at different times. By tapping a location’s “Busy Area” label, travelers can see peak and off-peak periods and plan accordingly.
- Search for a specific place or open the map.
- Look for the Busy Area label on the map.
- Tap it to view a chart of busy and quiet times.
3. Make a Reservation Without Calling
Google Maps lets you reserve tables or join waitlists directly from the app. The feature is available for many restaurants, though not all support it.
- Tap the Restaurants button at the top of the screen.
- Select a restaurant from the list.
- In the pop-up, choose Reserve a table or Join waitlist.
4. Use Google Maps Without Cell Signal
Offline maps keep navigation working even when you’re deep in the countryside with no service. Download the area before you leave, then rely on the offline map for directions.
- Search the destination in Google Maps.
- Open the menu and tap More.
- Select Download offline map and confirm the area.
- Use the app for directions; real-time traffic updates won’t be available.
5. Share Your Location with Friends and Family
Location sharing lets travelers keep each other in sight, even when exploring different parts of a city. The feature works for a set duration and can be requested by the other party.
- Tap your profile icon and select Location sharing.
- Tap Share location, choose recipients, and set a time limit.
- To view someone else’s location, tap their icon and select Request.
6. Create, Share and View Curated Lists
The lists feature stores places you want to visit in one place. You can add, edit, and share the list with companions for collaborative planning.
- Go to the You tab and tap + New list.
- Name the list, add a description, and choose an icon.
- Save places by tapping the Save button on the map.
- Invite others to collaborate on the list.
7. Let Gemini Take the Reins
Since the fall of 2024, Google Maps incorporates Gemini, an AI chatbot that suggests activities and restaurants based on reviews. It displays personalized pins on the map for easy exploration.
- Open the Google Maps app and activate Gemini.
- Ask for itinerary ideas or restaurant recommendations.
- Review the pins, save or share them on a list.
Key Takeaways
- Google Maps’ new AI tools simplify holiday travel planning.
- Features range from offline navigation to AI-driven itinerary suggestions.
- Travelers can avoid crowds, book reservations, and share locations with ease.
With these tools, holiday travel can feel less chaotic and more enjoyable than ever before.
