Frommer’s Travel Guide Books

Have you used a travel guide book before? Well, I have just been on the net and I have realized that the plug has been pulled on the iconic Frommer’s travel guide books!  Sounds like the end of an era is in sight!

Frommer’s which was recently acquired by Google, has a staff that has produced information for 4,500 travel destinations, 50, 000 images and 300,000 events, is a goldmine of content. However, with the travel guide book market declining by 10% a year and with books in general becoming a Sunset industry, the omens were definitely on the horizon.

But with the unofficial demise of Frommer’s, will other travel guide books like Lonely Planet follow in the same direction? I guess only time will tell…But I remember those days when after I picked a travel destination, I would go to the public library and do research on destination. Just last year, I did that when I was given a chance to travel to Korea with Korea Tourism.

When I went for my honeymoon, my wife and I had one travel book each in our bags. The books were well-thumbed, with post-its and dogged-ear at critical parts—the must-tries, must-eats, must-go. It was not unusual to sit at Mac’s with 2-3 travel books and maps to plan the next day’s trip. Of course along with the books, we made a few turnarounds when the restaurant moved, or train timings changed. But that was really part of travelling! It was fun! Doesn’t that bring back memories!

However, research has also changed in its focus. Besides the many books I borrowed, I also spent half my time on the internet, goggling for information. The Social web has changed the way people “Search”, and the internet is the place for the most up-to-date information about prices, weather and the latest happenings! In fact, you can’t be a travel addict, and not love Trip Advisor.

I am going to miss Frommer’s. And with digital content paving the way, maybe its time for all of us to start a travel blog!