New Google Maps Tool Can Help Make Your Holiday Shopping Safer

Dec. 8, 2021 — With tens of millions of Americans vaccinated and boosted in opposition to COVID-19, many are anxious to participate in additional regular vacation gatherings for the primary time in practically 2 years. But with COVID-19 nonetheless a priority, particularly amid the brand new Omicron variant, staying secure is essential. And a brand new developments device from Google Maps goals to just do that, providing info to make the vacation safer and extra environment friendly by pinpointing the busiest occasions to journey, grocery store, head to the salon, and purchase presents for family members.

According to a Morning Consult ballot of two,200 American adults, 44% of these surveyed stated they plan to journey for the vacations this 12 months, up from 35% in 2020. And 63% of respondents stated they plan to journey in December, a rise from 59% in 2020.

Here are the perfect and worst occasions to partake in vacation preparation this 12 months, in accordance with Google Maps:

Travel

Google Maps suggests these planning to journey in December keep away from airports round midday on Saturdays. It calls 9 p.m. Saturday the least busy flying time.

Grocery shops

If you’re planning a giant meal with household and pals, grocery buying may get messy at 1 p.m. Sunday, whereas the quietest time is round 8 p.m. Thursday.

Salons

Another high-traffic spot  is the salon. According to Google Maps, searches for nail salons surpass fitness center searches by greater than 3 occasions in December. But to keep away from ready round — and attainable COVID-19 transmission — the vacation developments device says to skip that journey round 11 a.m. on Saturdays and as an alternative go at 7 p.m. on Monday or Tuesday.

Shopping facilities

People will probably be heading to buying facilities for gift-buying in December. Last 12 months, Google Maps searches for shops like Kay Jewelers, Bath & Body Works, and Barnes & Noble elevated 100% in December from the earlier month. The busiest time is 1 p.m. Saturday, and the least busy is 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Post places of work

Post workplace searches elevated by 150% in December final 12 months. Google Maps discovered 3 p.m. Tuesday was the height time for submit workplace site visitors, whereas 2 p.m. Saturday was the least chaotic.

Food and drink

For these trying to keep away from the kitchen in the course of the holidays, Google Maps famous some takeout meals developments:

• Chinese meals tops the checklist of in style meals decisions for Christmas Day, with orders growing 25% from a typical Saturday.
• In New York and Los Angeles, pizza is probably the most sought-after takeout merchandise on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
• Portland, OR, residents seek for burgers on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. Burgers are additionally in style in Minneapolis on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
• Seattle, WA, residents gravitate towards Thai meals on Thanksgiving Day.

Check out the Google Maps weblog for extra suggestions and methods on the best way to keep secure whereas buying and working errands this vacation season.