Sunday, December 4, 2016

Google Trips

There are already a myriad of travel apps but none seems to do it all. One app that manages itineraries, reservations, and lets me explore the destinations and add them to the itineraries.

Google Trips is trying to be that (I hope).

  • For starters, and probably the best feature, is that it automatically pulls and arranges your reservations based on your reservation emails. Yes, it requires access to your GMail account. Read the fine prints to make sure you're comfortable with it.  (But seriously.. If you're using any of the free email accounts, you've probably already given someone access to them so don't fool yourself. I digress..) For those of us who understand privacy policies and are comfortable with it, Google automatically parses your reservations and loads them into Google Trips so you can see them all in one place. Unlike TripIt, which requires you to forward the emails to it, Google does it automatically.
  • Day Plans - Suggested itineraries based on number of days or interest (history or religion, etc).
  • And because Google already has vast amount of information on everything, you can explore places yourself along your stops and mark them as favorites. And they'll show up on the map! Places can be tourists spots, restaurants, or museums, etc. 
  • Helpful information like things to do, how to get around, and things to know (such as emergency info, currency, etc). 
  • In case you don't have connection, you can pre-download the trip and related info so you'll always have it even when you're offline.
  • Past trips are also saved so you can go back to review and share. You can delete it if you don't want people to accidentally it. I have not been to a place like that, so..
I think this app has great potential but I would definitely like more features. One that I would like most is to be able to share it with others, especially those going on the trip with me. So they can also mark the places they would like to go and restaurants that they would like to try. A common trip planning platform for the participants to collaborate and plan out the trip together. (Google, if you're reading this and like it, hire me. I'd love to code for ya! And I have more ideas on what features to add.)

So we all know if it gains no traction, Google will abandon it without 2nd thought. And Google is also a firm believer of "words of mouth". So I do hope more people will use it so Google would invest more in it.

What are some of other travel apps (not including booking apps like Expedia) that you like?

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