All articles tagged with #vacation planning
Google Maps is introducing three new features for Android and iOS to aid vacation planning, including curated lists from major platforms and the Maps community, the ability to manually arrange places in a list, and AI-generated summaries of locations. These updates aim to provide users with a better understanding of a place and simplify the process of trip planning and exploration.
Google Maps is introducing three major updates to make vacation planning easier, including curated recommendations from locals and experts, customizable lists, and AI assistance for real-time decision-making. The updates will roll out over the next few weeks, with features such as curated restaurant lists, the ability to create and customize lists, and AI assistance in identifying dishes and providing helpful information based on menus. Additionally, Google Maps is planning a design refresh to enhance user experience.
As travelers seek to save money without compromising their trips, "shoulder season" travel, booked between high and low seasons, is becoming increasingly popular, with some destinations experiencing longer high seasons and fewer distinct low seasons. However, as demand for travel remains strong even during off-peak times, the savings are diminishing. An analysis of hotel rates in five popular destinations revealed that traveling during shoulder seasons can still result in significant savings, particularly in the Maldives and Rome, where avoiding peak season can save hundreds or thousands of dollars in hotel charges alone.
Planning a family trip with extended family members can be both rewarding and challenging. To ensure a happier and more memorable experience, experts recommend: 1) Planning the trip as a group and sharing the planning duties; 2) Addressing money matters ahead of time by creating a budget and having a conversation about it with family members; 3) Keeping an open mind and discussing everyone's expectations for the trip; 4) Being considerate about money issues while on the trip and avoiding guilt or shame; 5) Spending some time apart from the group to pursue individual interests and avoid feeling pressured to always be together.
Maui is facing both physical and financial challenges following a recent catastrophe, with West Maui being cut off from tourism until further notice. While 85% of the island remains undamaged, hotels and vacation rentals in other areas are uncertain about when visitors will return. The state initially asked all visitors to leave Maui, but the governor has since stated that the island needs visitors to return. The decision of when to return is ultimately up to the visitor, but it is important to consider the ongoing recovery efforts and the impact on local residents. Haleakala National Park is set to reopen on August 16, signaling progress. The island's infrastructure capacity may be constrained, and there have been reports of shortages in stores. The opinions on resuming Maui travel vary, with some emphasizing the need for tourism to sustain the economy and others urging visitors to cancel their vacations and support the affected residents.
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World has become incredibly complicated due to the new rule changes and the introduction of various services like Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes. Visitors need to plan their hotel accommodations, restaurant reservations, and park reservations in advance. The free FastPass program has been replaced by Genie+, which allows visitors to book Lightning Lanes for shorter lines on attractions. Visitors can also purchase Individual Lightning Lanes for attractions not available under Genie+. The pandemic has ushered in many of the changes that are befuddling travelers these days.