Google has launched functionality to help travelers keep track of Covid-19-related travel advisories and restrictions in their intended destination.
When a Google user is searching for travel information such as flights, hotels or things to do in a destination, Google currently shows relevant travel advisories. Now, it said, details that will populate include information on whether travelers need to provide proof of a negative Covid test or immunization records, or whether quarantine upon arrival is required.
Travelers will have the ability to track advisories and restrictions for a particular destination and get an email when restrictions are lifted or changed.
The new features come at a time when travel has seemingly begun to rebound. According to Google's travel trends, searches for hotels reached a 10-year high point in April, as have searches for "where can I travel" and "travel restrictions by country."
Google trends show domestic destinations are the most in demand by U.S. travelers, followed by Mexico. But some searches indicate travelers do want to go abroad.
Internationally, the top destinations, based on Google Search queries, are Cancun and San Jose del Cabo, Mexico; London; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Dubai; Paris; Mexico City, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; and Montego Bay, Jamaica.
The top domestic destinations are, in order: Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Denver, Chicago, Dallas and Phoenix.
Google has also given Explore -- which previously showed users flight prices for places if they had flexible dates and destinations -- its own tab on Google.com/travel. It has been redesigned so users can see more than just flights. The map will feature things like smaller cities and national parks, and users can filter destinations for interests like skiing or beaches.
Google Maps now has road trip functionality, as well. Travelers can enter their starting point and destination and find different stops, ranging from hotels to rest areas, along the way. Directions for the final journey can be sent to a user's phone, and plans can be changed en route.