Originally published: 9/26/2016 | 11:27pm
*Authors note - 1/16/2022 | 10:16am: Google Trips is no longer an app available for download and has since been absorbed back into Google as a webpage linked to your account.
As the author of this travel blog, I (of course) like to be involved in all things travel-related. Along with being a travel enthusiast, I am also a Google Local Guide (more info about this to come in my next blog post). As a Local Guide, I have the opportunity to test out some of Google's newest products which include apps. Over the summer, Google allowed me and approximately 10,000 other people the chance to test out an app for your mobile device to make keeping your travel plans together in one convenient app simply called Google Trips.
So what exactly did I do while testing the app? Basically, all I had to do was use the app when I traveled anywhere and give feedback so that the developers could determine if something within the app could be improved. There was also a Google Local Guides Forum for app testers to give feedback and discuss what we agreed or disagreed on for possible app improvements. Google would monitor all activity as the testing period was ongoing. About a month ago, testing ended for the app. I am happy to say that significant improvements were made, and as of September 22, 2016 Google Trips became a live app that is now available to the public! Here are some features that I thought were particularly outstanding:
Automatic Retrieval of Reservations
Google Trips is linked to the Gmail account of your choosing (if you have more than one like me) and automatically collects reservation confirmations from your email. It can get the information for most hotel and flight reservations, as well as other reservations you may have.
Things to Do
Google also updated information for things to do in the area of where your travel destination is. Great suggestions are at the tips of your fingers within this travel app and are generally highly rated. You can also add places you are interested in visiting to Saved Places for your convenience to easily see where you want to go while on your trip. You can also find out about food and drinks in the area, which can also be added to Saved Places.
Day Plans
This was a feature that did not originally exist in the beta testing version of Google Trips, but was highly requested in the forum. I, along with many others, wanted to see some type of itinerary creator with stronger Google Maps integration. Google answered the call and now you can literally map out your entire day in the app.
Getting Around & Need to Know
These are new features, too. Getting around is great because you can find information quickly about how to get around the town/city you are visiting with multiple transportation options. You can even find out how to get around from the time your flight lands at the airport! Need to Know is also a great feature because it gives basic information about how to contact emergency services, find out where you can go shopping, what currency is accepted, and (most importantly) information about where to find WiFi.
Offline Use
If you have enough space on your mobile device, you can actually download your trip guide to use offline. This is great if you will be traveling to a location with limited internet access or cell phone service and still want to manage and know what plans you've made for your trip.
So that is a quick introduction of the Google Trips app. I have attempted to use travel apps in the past, but have not found them to be very useful in my travel planning needs. Google Trips is perfectly simplified to include the information that you need to know when you travel and allows you to easily access important information in your travel plans. Overall, I would highly recommend this app to others. I encourage you to check it out for your next trip and decide for yourself if it's something that you like. Until next time, Happy Travels!
Feel free to leave comments below, tweet (@KimiThoughts), or leave a post/message on Facebook (@KimisTravelThoughts) and share your opinions on the new Google Trips app!