Planning a trip used to mean juggling a dozen tabs, panicking over what to pack, and maybe impulse-buying a questionable neck pillow.

But Google and YouTube are low-key changing the game with tools that make everything (from prepping your itinerary to solving mid-trip hiccups) a whole lot easier (and more fun).

Here’s how they’re leveling up our travel lives:

✨ #1 — Let Gemini be your idea engine

Feeling wanderlust-y but don’t know where to go? Ask Google Search something like “best beach destinations for introverts” or “cool things to do in Taipei,” and Gemini will break it down into easy, bite-sized suggestions. It’s like having a super chill travel buddy who just gets what kind of trip you’re in the mood for.

🧳 #2 — Shop smarter with YouTube (aka less ‘add to cart’ regret)

Ever fallen down a YouTube rabbit hole of luggage reviews or hiking boot hauls? With YouTube Shopping, you can now spot an item in a video and buy it on the spot. No more pausing, Googling, and hoping you find the right one. It’s giving: travel prep, but make it budol-friendly.

📍 #3 — Be your own tour guide with real-time insights

Already at your destination and curious about that mysterious monument or whether tipping is a thing there? Pull up Gemini on Search and get quick, digestible context. It adds a little lore to your trip and makes exploring way more rewarding.

🛠 #4 — Solve travel oopsies, fast

Lost? Hungry? Sudden change in plans? Just ask Gemini in Search something like “nearest ramen spot open now” and boom! You’ve got an answer. It’s like Google Maps had a glow-up and started giving actual helpful, in-the-moment advice.

So the next time you’re packing your bags (or procrastinating on packing them), keep Gemini and YouTube in your digital toolkit.

Smarter travel? We’re so here for it.