From the [evil?] geniuses at Google Labs comes Google City Tours, a Google Maps-esque application that routes points of interest according to your current location. No longer will you have to flip through guidebooks and highlighting streets on maps, now all you need to do is let Google pinpoint all of the attractions for you.

I assume that part of this grand plan would be to incorporate Web 2.0 elements such as shared videos and photos. It would only make sense given that Google is well underway of integrating these elements already - check out Google Caffeine if you get the chance, it is basically Google's way of trying to get closer to real time search.


I would imagine that this application would be very useful to many first time backpackers or travelers, maybe families on vacation or perhaps very short-term travelers like business types and such. I've been in those situations before where I came for an event, be it meeting or wedding, and have had the urge to see something else but just did not have that much time.

As an avid traveler I have mixed feelings about this function. Sure, it is handy but I don't necessarily like planning out my adventures down to this much of detail. I've always felt that going with the ebb and flow of a new place is the most important thing you can do as someone truly attempting to step into a new environment and adapt. I have used guidebooks primarily for one reason, and that is to figure out where not to go. I do most of my research by searching travel blogs and personal videos or perhaps documentaries of places that are very far off the beaten path. Therefore I feel that I would use this application much like I would use a guidebook. Going forward, if I were to research a hotel or hostel, I'd simply type in the address and see how close I am to all of the tourist hot spots.

Needless to say, this application does cater to the majority of travelers and I am sure it will be a big hit. The technology behind it is great and is a testament to how far search technology has come. A significant majority of travel plans are made online these days and Google City Tours will fit in nicely with all of the other tools.

Labels: Google, Google City Tours, Google Labs, Tourism, Travel Applications