Tech Guide

Google Trips is a must-have app for travelers -- here’s how it works

If you travel a lot, you might be familiar with excellent apps like Tripit and WorldMate, but you should also be using Google Trips.

Google recently updated its Trips app with iOS and Android.It automatically pulls in all of your travel information for upcoming trips,can help you find fun things to do at your destination and more. If you haven't used Google Trips before, it's about time you do.

Let's take a look at some of the fun features.

It might feel like an invasion of privacy, but Google Trips automatically pulls in your travel plans from Gmail. This is the start screen you’ll see right when you open it, customized for your travel plans.

Todd Haselton | CNBC


You can download information about each destination by tapping the toggle button. Let’s try that for a trip I have to Seattle next week.


Now I can read about things to do, local food and drink spots and more.

Todd Haselton | CNBC


If I tap the “reservations” button, I have access to my flight data, my confirmation number and even data on my seats. I can share this data, or tweak it by adding hotel reservations, car rentals and more.

Todd Haselton | CNBC


Or I can learn about things to do in Seattle.

Todd Haselton | CNBC


Each listing has reviews, the exact location, a phone number and more.

Todd Haselton | CNBC


There’s even a “Need to Know” page with data on hospitals and urgent care.


Or complete travel plans to explore each city.

Todd Haselton | CNBC

Google Trips is free and has become my go-to app for travel. Be sure to download it before your next trip.