With the start of COVID-19 vaccinations, going on vacation is once again a reality. To help you plan your next trip, Google has rolled out a new update to its travel page.

The new tool was announced in a blog post in response to an increase in searches for travel-related information such as "travel restrictions" and "travel destinations." So when you are reviewing information about flights, hotels, and activities, Google will tell you about restrictions and travel advice related to COVID-19 that you should be aware of.

This includes details such as whether or not quarantine is required upon arrival at the desired destination and whether or not proof of vaccination or negative COVID results must be provided. It will also tell you if travel between your hometown and the destination is completely prohibited, so you don't waste time planning a trip you can't actually go on.

Travel conditions are somewhat fluid, as advice is tailored on a region-by-region basis based on a variety of factors. As such, travelers will receive email notifications when destination guidance changes. Updates are for both international travel between countries and state-by-state notifications.

Additional tools rolled out to reduce your vacation planning headaches include a travel page overhaul that gives Explore its own tab. This allows you to narrow down your destinations based on specific interests, such as skiing, outdoors, beaches, etc. Regardless of your travel plans after vaccination, don't forget to bring plenty of masks.

Meanwhile, Google Maps now offers a convenient route search for planning a road trip. Access Google Maps on your desktop and enter your starting point and destination. Various locations, such as hotels and campgrounds, will then appear at the top of the map and can be selected as rest stops along the route.

Once the road trip is mapped out, directions can be sent to a smartphone via email, text, or the Google Maps app. If necessary, the route can be fine-tuned along the way, adding or deleting stops as needed.

This new set of tools should make vacation planning easier and one less thing to worry about, even in the midst of a pandemic.