Earlier today we posted an update on Google’s new flight schedule search widget and its importance in one specific arena: competing with Bing’s ever-growing Travel section. Not to be outdone by Google, Bing has swung back into action with the release of updates to their Places pages. They’re also taking the opportunity to remind users of the other recently released key changes in Bing Travel.
The new rendition of Places looks, in many ways, much like previous iterations: a compilation of various pieces of information on a wide array of travel destinations. However, users can now get more information on the single page. This includes information on weather at the locale, similar destinations, local businesses in the travel destination, and – of course – airline info. Bing has also added a social element in Places by showing users when a Facebook friend lives in the destination of choice. Users simply have to be logged into Facebook to receive the data.
Other recent updates to Bing Travel have included the Bing Travel Wish List, a Facebook tool that lets users compile lists of future vacation spots, recommend locations to friends, and share their wish lists with others. For those eager to make those vacations a reality, Bing now also offers a simple way to keep track of flight deals: “Like” the flight search results on Facebook and Bing will notify you of the best rates and specials for travel from your location to your desired vacation spot.
As should be clear, Bing is making the most out of its partnership with Facebook – and the fact that Google has yet to create any such partnership. While Google is still working hard at adding its own social elements, Bing is becoming the “social search” of choice.
[via the Bing Blog ]
