Google Maps summer update: curated lists, AI insights & more

Google Maps today announced a series of updates designed to streamline summer travel planning. The new features focus on curated recommendations, customizable lists, and AI insights for on-the-go destination research.

Google Maps is introducing curated lists from trusted sources, starting in select US and Canadian cities. These lists highlight hotspots, hidden gems, and expert-picked restaurant recommendations from publications like The Infatuation, Lonely Planet, The New York Times, and more. Users can save lists and share them with travel companions.

Google Maps now also features three restaurant list types:

• Trending: Highlights restaurants experiencing a surge in popularity.
• Top: Showcases consistently beloved neighborhood favorites.
• Gems: Features under-the-radar spots locals love.

Create and Customize Lists for the Perfect Itinerary

Enhanced customization now allows travelers to reorder places within lists, offering personalized itinerary building or ranking of visited spots. Users can also link their social media reviews to lists, further justifying their recommendations.

AI-Powered Insights for Quick Decisions

Google Maps will use AI insights to spotlight key information about a place, such as popular dishes and ambiance. This feature, along with a design refresh offering a cleaner interface, empowers users to make informed on-the-fly decisions while navigating.

“Figuring out what to see, eat and do when planning a vacation can be daunting,” said Andrew Duchi, Director of Product at Google Maps. “The updates to Google Maps make it easier to find inspiration, share travel recommendations, and really get a feel for a place before you visit."

The list updates will start rolling out this week in over 40 cities across the US and Canada, with a broader release and community list nominations coming in the future. Customization features are launching globally on iOS and Android later this month.