Google is dramatically expanding its AI-powered features to take on the travel planning market, moving beyond simple search to full itinerary creation and automated bookings. Users can now describe their desired trip to Google’s AI Mode in Search, triggering a detailed plan with flight, hotel, and activity suggestions—complete with photos and user reviews.
AI-Powered Itinerary Builder
The new feature, accessible via the “Create with Canvas” option, generates a side-panel itinerary based on user input. Users can refine the plan with follow-up questions, such as requesting hotels within a specific price range or activities that fit a certain timeframe. Drafted plans are stored in AI Mode’s history for easy access.
The Canvas feature, originally launched in March as a dynamic workspace for Gemini, has now been integrated into AI Mode in Search. Google first announced trip planning capabilities for Gemini last year, but this move brings them directly to the vast user base of its search engine—a potential challenge for established travel companies like Kayak and Expedia, which are also developing their own AI solutions.
Automated Restaurant Bookings Now Available
Beyond itinerary planning, Google is also expanding its agentic booking capabilities. US users can now leverage AI Mode to automatically book restaurant reservations through partners like OpenTable, Resy, and Tock. This feature, previously limited to Labs users, is now rolling out to all US users.
Flights and Hotels Next
Google is actively partnering with major hotel chains and online booking platforms—including Booking.com, Expedia, Marriott, and Wyndham—to eventually enable agentic booking for flights and hotels as well. The company has also expanded its AI-powered Flight Deals search within Google Flights, now available in over 200 countries and supporting over 60 languages.
The expansion of these AI features marks a significant shift in how Google approaches travel planning. By integrating AI directly into its search engine, Google is positioning itself as a comprehensive travel solution, from initial planning to final booking. This move will likely put pressure on existing travel companies to accelerate their own AI development efforts
