In recent years booking holidays / hotels online has become very popular. Such sites as Expedia.com and Lastminute.com have allowed people to find and book their dream holidays through the click of a mouse. Since the launch of Google Maps in 2005 a new trend has arose, involving the way we search and view accommodation online.
Using the Google Map API companies are creating "Google mashups". This is a web page or application that integrates complementary elements from two or more sources. In short large travel companies, such as the Travel Lodge Company, are integrating their hotel information with Google maps producing an interactive map with markers for each hotel.
This concept gives a whole new way to search for accommodation online. Instead of scrolling through multiple pages of hotels you type in your destination and visually see where they are. Using Google's satellite technology you can even see bird's eye photos of your chosen accommodation. Google maps also provide driving directions. This can be extremely helpful when finding your destination.
All these technologies can be combined into one map, although this isn't always the most efficient way to search for accommodation. Therefore most companies have a directory search alongside a map or provide a small map popup, such as Tripadvisor.co.uk.
It's hard to tell if this trend will last but it's not just travel companies using this technology, for example, ononemap.com, this provides information on properties for sale in the UK all on one map! The BBC has a wildlife project (World on the Move) that tracks animals in real time! Other such site as Bookbymap.com are using Google maps to help people book not just hotels but villas, guest houses, B&Bs, apartments, holiday parks, marinas, restaurants, cinemas and cottages.
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