Get Summer Holiday Ready With Google
It may not feel like it yet, but summer is around the corner, and across Canada many people are planning their holidays adventures. According to Google Flights, the number one destination Canadians are looking at this summer is Paris, host city of the Summer Olympic Games. London, Lisbon, Japan and Rome are also top international destinations for Canadian travelers this year.
For those in need of some inspiration, here are the top trending destinations for Canadians this summer:
Search interest also shows that more Canadians are traveling alone, with terms like “solo travel” hitting an all time high in February 2024. Top destinations for solo adventure seekers include Vienna, Machu Picchu, Brussels, Vietnam and Costa Rica. But for those planning to travel with family or loved ones, there are lots of popular options near and far. According to Search trends, Niagara Falls and New York are the top trending “weekend getaway” destinations. And for the lovers, Vancouver Island is the top trending “romantic getaway” destination in Canada.
Whether you're roaming near or far, solo or with others, traveling can be a lot of work. To help make it a little bit easier we’re sharing new Google tools and tips to help make the most out of your next trip.
Build your trip itinerary with Gemini
Planning a 10-day trip through Japan? Or looking for some kid-friendly activities for your family trip to Halifax? With Gemini, you can create a custom itinerary based on your interests and preferences that pulls together information from across the web, including flight options, hotel prices, local attractions, travel tips and more. Collaborate with Gemini to plan a trip tailored just for you.
Find lists of recommendations in Google Maps
We’re making it easier to discover lists of recommendations right in Google Maps — from sites you love and from locals who are in-the-know. Starting in select cities in the U.S. and Canada, if you search for a city in Maps, you’ll now see lists of recommendations for places to go from both publishers and members of the Maps community. We’re also introducing trending, top and hidden gem restaurant lists created by Google Maps, based on what people are interested in or loving in that city.
Create even more customized lists in Maps
We’re also adding new tools to help you customize lists you create, so you can easily organize your travel plans or share your favorite spots. When you create a list of places in Maps, you’ll be able to choose the order they appear. So you can organize them by top favorites or chronologically like an itinerary — tailoring your list based on whatever you need. You’ll also be able to link to content from your social channels — like your review of the delicious meal you ate — for more context on why you saved that spot to your list. Both of these updates are coming to Google Maps on Android and iOS globally later this month.
Translate your screen with Circle to Search, or what’s around you with Lens
If you’re traveling somewhere and don’t know the local language, deciphering even basic information can be challenging. Maybe you’ve found a great restaurant to check out, but you need to translate the PDF menu on their website. Or perhaps you’re getting acquainted with local musicians on your favorite streaming app and want to understand the lyrics. With Circle to Search, available on select Android devices, you can instantly translate whatever’s on your screen without switching apps. Simply long press the home button or navigation bar and tap the translate icon.
Translations in Circle to Search will start rolling out in the coming weeks. Circle to Search is currently accessible on Pixel 7+ devices and the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, in all languages and locations where they’re available. And starting this week, we’re rolling out Circle to Search to more Android phones, foldables and tablets. *
Meanwhile, if you need to translate something around you, like a street sign or poster, Google Lens can step in to help. Just tap the Lens icon in the Google app and select the translate filter. Lens will automatically detect the source language and blend the translated text over the original.
Stay connected on the go with Pixel
Let’s face it, your smartphone is an important lifeline while traveling. It helps you navigate your way through a new city, acts as your digital wallet, and helps you stay connected to family and friends back home and helps you take the perfect shot to capture all your memories. Google Pixel is the ultimate travel companion, with 24 hour battery life, personal safety features like Safety Check, and a top of the line camera with AI-powered features like Best Take and Magic Eraser. Your Pixel has you covered for all travel activities.
*Circle to Search is available on Samsung Galaxy S24 series, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and is currently rolling out to more Android devices including Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7a and Samsung Galaxy S23 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S9 series. Circle to Search is coming soon to more Android devices including Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.