Google Now is touted as being a service that is able to provide the right information at just the right time. The important aspect of all this is getting the information before you realize you need the information. While Google Now is not a new service, and while I have launched Now countless times on my smartphone — I can honestly say that I just recently had my ‘aha’ moment and as a result I am checking it even more throughout the day.

Some of the highlights with Google Now include the basics such as the weather and the ability to search but there is also the ability to stay connected with news, general interests and sports scores as well as items to manage your day with travel directions, package shipment notifications, hotel details, flight information and more. There is also the the local items that pop-up from time to time when you visit someplace new. The local items offer tips on popular photo spots, nearby events, nearby places and more.

Anyway, getting back to my aha moment. That came as a result of some recent traveling. Over the past few weeks I flew cross country to San Francisco and also drove up the east coast from Florida to Delaware. Needless to say, using Google Now in areas that isn’t home means you will be getting lots of cards showing up during the day. Basically, these two trips had been enough to convince me that Google Now is really wonderful.

Starting with the trip to San Francisco and the information began almost immediately. In hind sight this is all obvious, however putting into practice and you find just how nice Now can be. The goodies began with flight details. Instead of printing things out or searching for confirmations in your inbox — Now just gives you the flight details along with a code to scan at the airport. The nicer part is how early they show up, which comes in especially handy when dealing with multiple flights.

Arriving at your destination is also just as easy thanks to Now. With hotel information already presented, getting to the hotel using the transportation of your choosing is quick and easy. Well, maybe not quick depending on where you are going, but easy in that you can get directions with just a few taps. It is also handy for those times when you get on the wrong train and need to reroute.

Looking at both of these trips and I found myself with some free time. More to the point, some free time without any locals to show me where good places may be located. Being the type that likes to check things out, Now proved to be rather helpful in showing me places to visit and places to find some popular photo spots. Though, I will say the popular photo spots are not always as exciting as one would think.

Needless to say, getting to those spots was also made easy with quick access to directions. This was then further helped when I was easily able to find a good restaurant (based on user reviews). Bottom line here, Google Now has proven its worth for me and I am now looking to use it even more. While I could continue firing off examples of how Now was useful to me, I will say this instead — next time you take a trip outside your home area — make sure you are using Google Now. Or at the very least, keep your mind open to using Google Now like I did.