Google AI Mode auto‑creates Canvas itineraries with flights, hotels and activities
Google’s latest AI Mode update pushes the assistant beyond chat‑style answers and into a visual planning tool. Instead of scrolling through a list of links, users now get a single Canvas view that pulls together flight schedules, hotel choices and activity ideas in one place. The feature targets people who want a quick, at‑a‑glance snapshot of a trip without juggling multiple tabs or apps.
While the tech is impressive, it also raises questions about how much control users retain when the system proposes the entire itinerary. Can you tweak the suggestions on the fly, or are you stuck with the first draft? Here’s the thing: the rollout promises a more seamless experience, but it also relies on the AI’s ability to interpret vague requests and turn them into concrete options.
That balance between automation and user input is what makes the next line worth a closer look.
Your AI Mode trip plan is auto‑generated in a Canvas itinerary with flight and hotel options as well as suggested activities. You can refine the plan it develops with follow‑up questions or additional requests, like requesting hotel suggestions based on pricing and amenities, or activities based on
Your AI Mode trip plan is auto-generated in a Canvas itinerary with flight and hotel options as well as suggested activities. You can refine the plan it develops with follow-up questions or additional requests, like requesting hotel suggestions based on pricing and amenities, or activities based on travel time. Users in the US will now have access to travel planning with Canvas on desktop if they've opted into AI Mode in Labs, with the drafted plans stored in the AI Mode's history.
The Canvas feature launched in March as a dynamic workspace for Gemini that could display real-time coding output or other information, like continuously-updating study plans, and has since expanded to become a part of AI Mode in Search. Google announced trip planning features for Gemini last year, but this pulls them closer to all of the people who use its search engine, which probably isn't good news for other travel companies like Kayak and Expedia, which are also building their own AI-powered features. Google is also expanding the types of activities that can be agentically booked with AI Mode.
Can AI really plan a vacation? Google’s AI Mode now lets users type a destination, hit “Create with Canvas,” and receive a side‑panel itinerary packed with flight times, hotel options and activity ideas. The document pulls photos and reviews straight from Maps, offering a visual snapshot of each suggestion.
Users may then ask follow‑up questions, asking for cheaper hotels or specific amenities, or request activities that match particular interests. The system appears to generate these plans automatically, but the article doesn't explain how it ranks options or handles conflicting preferences. It remains unclear whether the suggestions reflect real‑time availability or pricing, or how much user input is needed to reach a satisfactory plan.
The feature’s reliance on existing Google data could streamline early research, yet skeptics might wonder about the depth of personalization. In practice, travelers will likely need to verify details before booking, as the tool currently offers a starting point rather than a finished itinerary.
Further Reading
- Google AI Mode will help you create full travel plans with Canvas - 9to5Google
- Google Extends AI Travel Planning And Agentic Booking In Search - Search Engine Journal
- Planning a trip? These 3 new Google AI tools could save you a lot of time and money - TechRadar
- Hotel, flight bookings coming to Google's AI Mode - PhocusWire
- Google AI Mode Adds Dynamic Itineraries - W3era
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Common Questions Answered
How does Google’s AI Mode use Canvas to present flight, hotel, and activity options in a single view?
AI Mode automatically generates a Canvas itinerary that consolidates flight schedules, hotel choices, and activity suggestions into one visual panel. The layout pulls photos and reviews from Maps, giving users an at-a-glance snapshot without needing to open multiple tabs or apps.
What customization options does the AI Mode itinerary offer after the initial auto‑generated plan?
Users can refine the auto‑generated plan by asking follow‑up questions, such as requesting cheaper hotels, filtering by specific amenities, or tailoring activities to match travel time or personal interests. Each request updates the Canvas in real time, allowing iterative adjustments.
Who can currently access the AI Mode travel planning feature on desktop, and what prerequisite must they meet?
The feature is available to users in the United States who have opted into AI Mode through the Labs settings. Once enabled, the drafted itineraries are stored in the AI Mode history for later reference.
What sources does the AI Mode Canvas itinerary pull data from to populate flight, hotel, and activity recommendations?
The Canvas pulls flight information, hotel listings, and activity ideas directly from Google’s own services, including Maps for photos and user reviews. This integration ensures that the suggestions are up‑to‑date and visually rich.