Google Adds COVID-19 Related Travel Planning Features in Search

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To help travelers plan properly during these uncertain corona times, the search giant Google has made some improvements to search results and provided vital information such as hotel and flight availability.

It also introduces a nifty sorting feature called Free Cancellation, which allows users to view hotel and vacation rentals with only refundable options.

This feature could come in very handy during these uncertain times when planning trips can be a stressful exercise.

The feature will be live from next week.

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In a blog post, Google listed some additions to its travel-related search results. The tech giant adds information about the percentage of open hotels with availability and flights in a city or county. This percentage is calculated based on data from Google Flights and Hotels from the previous week.

This essentially will give travellers an idea about whether hotels are now available to book in a particular region, and if flights have begun operations or not.

“When you visit google.com/travel and tap on a trip you’re planning, or search for hotels and things to do, you’ll now see trendlines for hotel and flight availability. Links to additional local resources, including the number of COVID-19 cases, are provided as well,” the search giant explains.

Given the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, a free hotel and stay cancellation option could be one of the most sought-after requirements travelers are looking for.

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To do this, Google is adding a free cancellation filter to show properties that provide that incentive.

Google says the hotel and flight availability percentage will be rolled out next week.

The “Free Cancellation” filter is also not shown in our search results.

In any case, these two new features would be available soon, helping travelers make safer, more informed decisions about future trips.

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Manish Khandelwal
Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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