Frommer's

Frommer's is a travel guide book series created by Arthur Frommer in 1957. Frommer's has expanded to include more than 350 guidebooks across 14 series, covering every major travel destination in the world. The series is now owned by Publishing Group, which acquired it from Google in 2016. The guides are known for their detailed information on dining, lodging, and attractions around the globe. The brand also operates a website offering travel advice, tips, and information on destinations.

History

The Frommer's series began in 1957 with the publication of Arthur Frommer's Europe on $5 a Day, which introduced a new approach to travel by showing American tourists how to travel affordably. The brand quickly became popular among budget travelers and expanded its offerings to include guides for a wide range of destinations and budgets.

In 1977, Arthur Frommer sold the brand to Simon & Schuster, who expanded the series further. The brand changed hands several times over the years, being owned by John Wiley & Sons in 2001 before being sold to Google in 2012. Google's acquisition aimed to integrate Frommer's content into its travel services. However, in 2013, Arthur Frommer reacquired the brand from Google, ensuring that the printed guides would continue to be published. In 2016, the brand was sold to Publishing Group, which continues to publish the guidebooks and operate the website.

Guidebook Series

Frommer's guidebooks cover a wide range of travel interests, including:

• Frommer's EasyGuide: A series focused on short, easy-to-read guides for popular destinations.
• Frommer's Day by Day: These guides offer full-color, at-a-glance itineraries and highlights for short trips.
• Frommer's Complete Guides: Comprehensive guides covering destinations in depth, with detailed information on dining, lodging, and activities.
• Frommer's Road Trip Guides: Guides designed for travelers planning road trips, with information on scenic routes, accommodations, and attractions along the way.

Website

The Frommer's website complements the guidebook series by providing up-to-date travel information, advice, and tips. It features articles on a wide range of travel topics, destination guides, hotel and restaurant reviews, and forums where travelers can share experiences and advice.

Impact on Travel

Frommer's has had a significant impact on the travel industry, particularly in making travel more accessible to budget-conscious travelers. The brand's emphasis on affordable travel, detailed local insights, and practical tips has helped millions of travelers explore the world.

Criticism

While widely respected, Frommer's has faced criticism for potentially contributing to overtourism in popular destinations. Some argue that by making travel more accessible, guidebooks like Frommer's encourage excessive tourism that can strain local resources and negatively impact communities.

See Also

• Lonely Planet
• Rick Steves
• Fodor's
• Travel guide

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