Toll charges and other route data are being added to Google Maps

With road trip season almost approaching, Google Maps is receiving an upgrade that should make holiday planning a little easier, owing to improved information and a new function that calculates expected toll charges.

Previously, while Google Maps could tell you whether a route had tolls or not, it didn't provide much other information.

However, in a later-this-month upgrade that will cover more than 2,000 roads in the United States, India, Japan, and Indonesia, users will be able to view anticipated toll rates obtained from local authorities.

This means you should have more information when determining the cheapest way to get to your destination, with Google Maps taking into account things like different payment methods (e.g. paying with a pass versus cash/credit), the day of the week, or even the exact time you're expected to hit a toll.

Of course, if you want to save as much money as possible, Google will still expose toll-free routes and offer the option to fully hide routes with tolls.

Google Maps is also receiving updated information to assist make travelling through new area a little less stressful. Soon, you'll be able to view traffic signals and stop signs, as well as more information on surrounding sites of interest and even more detailed building outlines.

Google also claims that in some places, users will be able to detect specifics such as road design, including features such as medians and islands. In the next weeks, the update will be available for Android, iOS, Android, and CarPlay in a number of countries.

Finally, for those who own iOS devices, Google is introducing a few new capabilities that may be used throughout Apple's ecosystem. Maps for iPhones and iPads will get a new trip widget that will allow you to pin your next adventure on your home screen.

Furthermore, the normal Google Maps search widget has been reduced in size so that you can easily seek for a destination without the widget taking up too much screen real estate.

Meanwhile, for those who like to travel light, Google is expanding support for Google Maps on the Apple Watch. This allows you to search up a place and even read instructions on your wrist without ever picking up your phone.

Additionally, Google Maps integration will be added to iOS Spotlight, Siri, and the Shortcuts app in the coming months, allowing you to search for a location using voice commands.