The new Google Maps update helps you plan your vacation and avoid the crowds

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What you need to know

• You can now search for specific items on Maps and find the nearest stores that have them, with directions for easy pickup.

• Winter passengers get a boost with real-time updates on weather-related delays and the ability to report issues like unplowed roads or flooding.

• Gemini-powered deals help you find fun winter activities, with quick parking information and user reviews to help you make the right choice.

• Immersive View gives you a detailed overview of your route, helping you navigate tricky turns, traffic and parking before you even set off.

Google Maps is gearing up for the holidays with new features to keep you sane during travel chaos and those inevitable last-minute gift trips.

Announced in today’s blog post, Google Maps deploys a feature that allows you to search for specific products in nearby stores. Just type what you’re looking for into the search bar and it’ll show you local locations that have it and directions for easy pickup. This handy upgrade covers everything from groceries and homeware to electronics and clothing.

Google also wants to help you deal with winter commutes with a new feature that provides real-time updates on weather-related public transit delays. By collecting information from users and local agencies, Maps lets you see issues like unplowed roads, poor visibility or flooding. Alternatively, you can get involved by reporting these crashes.

The new Maps update is also designed to help you beat winter boredom with a little help from Gemini. Just type in something like “fun winter activities in New York” and let the ideas flow. When you find a place that catches your eye, you can check for perks like free parking and get short user reviews summarized by Gemini.

Besides, Immersive viewing will enhance your journey by giving you a clear view of your route so you can check tricky turns, traffic and even parking spaces before you hit the road.

If you’re hauling holiday gifts with a trailer, Maps will help. Just enter the size of your load and it will show you routes without low bridges and tunnels. The feature is currently available on the 2024 Chevy Tahoe, Suburban and GMC Yukon, with other vehicles coming soon.

In addition, EV drivers can now easily plan trips using Maps. Simply use the app on your phone to plan routes with charging stops, then transfer the plan to the car’s built-in Maps. After adding the make and model of your car, the app will automatically find charging stations that match your car’s outlet type.

To help you beat the holiday traffic, Google is rolling out statistics on peak travel trends. By checking the traffic patterns, you can find the best time to hit the road and avoid the crowds.