5 Ways to Maximize Google Travel Bookings

Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.

Updated · 1 min read
Profile photo of Meghan Coyle
Written by Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor
Profile photo of Mary M. Flory
Edited by Mary M. Flory
Lead Assigning Editor
Fact Checked

Google recently unveiled a slew of new features for the Google Flights and Google Hotels sites that are making it easier for travelers to compare options, including the ability to search flights from multiple airports, and make sure they are getting the best deal.

The search engine is able to use machine learning to give travelers more insight into price fluctuations, helping travelers make more informed decisions to get more savings.

Here are some of the cool features that travelers can use to optimize their next Google airfare booking.

How to use Google for cheap flights, hotels

1. Pay attention to price insights for Google Flights

To give travelers more confidence in their travel booking, Google is making its price insights meter, which was previously only available during holiday periods, a mainstay in the Google Flights search results. The meter tells travelers whether the price of the flight they’ve selected is unusually low or high compared to typical prices. It can also indicate whether prices are likely to drop or rise in the near future.

2. Filter for hotel deals

The new “Deals” filter makes it easy to find hotels that are selling rooms at less than their normal rate or less than similar hotels in the area. This feature makes it faster for travelers to get more bang for their buck when it comes to booking hotels.

3. Compare hotel amenities

The hotel’s highlights are more visible in the search results. The overview of the property in the Google Hotels search results now shows badges for amenities like a fancy pool or tips like “good for families.”

4. Find hotels and flights near attractions

No more switching between tabs of hotel booking sites and Google Maps to try to figure out which accommodation is in the best location. Travelers can search with a query such as “hotels near Disney World” on Google Maps. Immediately, travelers will find hotel results with room rates and walking and driving directions to the landmark.

5. Book directly on Google

When you’re ready to book, there’s a “Book a room” button that lets travelers either book directly on Google or on the hotel or third-party’s booking site. The dates will already be auto-filled. It’s that easy.

😎 Metal Travel Cards
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

on Capital One's website

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
4.7
NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

2x-5x

Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options

Miles

Intro offer

75,000

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Miles
Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

on Chase's website

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
5.0
NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

1x-10x

Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Points

Intro offer

60,000

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Points
See our best metal cards
MORE LIKE THISTravel
Get more smart money moves – straight to your inbox
Sign up and we’ll send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money.