People often save places they'd like to visit using Google Maps' "Want to go" feature, but forget about these saved locations when they're nearby. This creates a missed opportunity where users express interest in places but don't follow through when they have the chance. A simple solution could involve using proximity-based notifications to remind users about their saved spots.

How the Idea Would Work

The core concept involves sending users a push notification when they happen to be near a location they've previously saved. For instance, if someone walks within a few blocks of a restaurant on their list, their phone could display: "You're near [Restaurant Name]—want to check it out?" The system would run passively in the background, requiring only an initial opt-in from the user.

Key aspects that would need consideration:

• An adjustable notification radius (like 0.25-1 mile)
• Integration with existing Google Maps features like busyness indicators
• Settings to temporarily disable notifications during commutes

Why This Would Be Useful

Several groups could benefit from this feature:

1. Regular travelers who save many places but lose track of them
2. Local residents looking to explore their own cities more thoroughly
3. Businesses that would gain more visitors from the reminders

Google could potentially monetize this through sponsored placements or as a premium feature, while users would gain more value from their existing saved places without extra effort.

How It Compares to Current Options

Similar features in apps like Yelp or Foursquare either lack proactive reminders or focus on check-ins rather than recalling pre-saved locations. Since Google Maps already has both the saved places data and location tracking, this could be implemented more seamlessly than third-party alternatives.

A minimal version could start with basic proximity alerts, then expand based on user feedback—perhaps adding time-based reminders or personal prioritization of locations.