Google is the world’s leading search engine, and while many travelers flock to Google to search for hotels and flights, few people use Maps and News properly before making a reservation.Three things that you can use to find the perfect hotel the next time you travel.Take a look at this article to learn about Booking Hotels.
Related Read: Asking for Refunds or Changes From Hotels
1. Use Google Maps to View the Neighborhood
If you go to Airbnb, you’ll find millions of possible rentals. The prices are great, and everyone’s home looks like a comfy oasis. It’s a great way to save money, meet hosts and get away for a few days.
But can all of these homes be in Pleasantville?
There are nightmare stories where some guests have even been robbed. So, what can you do? The best you can do is use Google Maps to view the area beforehand. This means:
• Taking a virtual trip around the neighborhood
• Viewing outlying areas
You’ll have a better idea of how the surrounding area looks if you use Google Maps rather than relying on the “perfect picture” that your host provides for you.
2. Use Google News to Spot Major Repairs in the Area
Imagine spending your entire savings to go to the Colosseum only to find out that you can’t visit the top levels of the structure. This was the reality for a lot of travelers for decades. Rome didn’t have the money to make the appropriate repairs.
And at one point, they asked for $487 million to restore ancient heritage sites.
A restoration project was underway, thanks to a magnate that funded the repairs. The repairs allowed the fourth and fifth levels of the structure to be restored to their former glory. Now, people can safely go to the top floors which haven’t been open in 40 years.
You could see an entirely new perspective when visiting the Colosseum this year than you did last year.
The same information, which Google News will provide, can be used to find out if any inconveniences are going on, like:
• Trenchless sewer repair is going on in Baltimore, as an example, over the next 15 years.
• Construction in Atlanta interrupted travelers in October
If you want to avoid these hassles, you can use Google News to find out about any major projects that are going on and avoid them.
Recommended Read: Hotel Delivery – 8 Things You Can Get Delivered to Your Room
3. Research Crime in the Area
I always recommend that travelers spend time on Google News prior to going on a trip. Why? Google News allows you to get an insight into local areas that you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else.
Research the area and look for:
• Crime reports
• Burglaries
• Murders or violence
You can do a lot of legwork on just Google News to help you find out if the area you plan on visiting is safe. If you’ve already booked a hotel or accommodation in an unsafe area, you might be able to cancel, or you may be able to take safety precautions before you arrive.
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg when trying to learn more about an area you plan on visiting. Local newspapers, crime forums, and websites should also be researched. You’ll be able to get a feel of the area before going on your trip.
