WrittenRoad Markets, leads and craft for travel writers · since 2002
Travel Books4 September 2006

Pauline Frommer's Guidebooks

italy.jpgThe Frommer name has been coupled with travel since 1957 when Arthur Frommer published Europe on $5 a day. Since, millions of tourists (including myself) have used the Frommer's travel guidebooks as a useful tool when planning an overseas trip. After perusing Frommer's Dollar a Day books when I was 18, I realized I could afford to travel to Italy. And so my love with Europe began. However, another Frommer is following in his footsteps. Last month, Pauline Frommer introduced her own series of travel books, Pauline Frommer's guidebooks. Based on Frommer's Dollar A Day series, her books will focus on budget travel, but for adults. Her guidebooks also offer suggestions to alternative accommodations and local experiences that include drinking vodka with Russian immigrants in Brighton Beach. Curious, I headed to my local bookstore and perused the first of three books in stores, New York City. Overall, I enjoyed the content of the books. They offer more than the "stay here, eat here" and as an adult budget traveler, I appreciate that. The market is flooded with guidebooks, but these definitely stand out. Read an interview with Pauline Frommer. Also, follow Pauline on her Amazon Blog.

11 comments

  • Mike Gerrard4 September 2006
    I was approached by Pauline Frommer last year to write the Venice chapter of her Italian guide. I declined. I worked out that I'd have to have lived on $5 a day in order to do it!
  • Mary7 September 2006
    I purchased her New York City guidebook. No comments yet, but I hope no out-of-town contributor had to do the city on such a meagre allowance as what you figured, Mike.
  • Mick gordon7 September 2006
    I usually travel blind and just see how things unfold. It is only after the trip that I buy the guide book.
  • Pauline Frommer19 September 2006
    Dear Mary, I actually wrote the NYC book and I live in NYC so there's no need to worry. I'm sorry to hear that Mr. Gerrard felt offended by my offer.The writer who eventually did that chapter (and we got a superb guy) was happy with the experience, so recognize that there are a lot of different standards out there. I hope you like the NYC book, it was very much a labor of love for me. Cordially, Pauline Frommer
  • Kerri30 December 2006
    I LOVE the NYC book - particularly the restaurant suggestions. I have tried several and each has been a hit thus far. I have used many guidebooks and this one has been by far the most helpful. It's always a challenge to find great local places to eat on a budget. Most travel book writers seem to believe that $30/person meals are "budget" - definitely not the case with Ms. Frommer.
  • Pauline Frommer12 January 2007
    Thanks so much Kerri! So glad you\'ve found good stuff in the book. The secret about NY--that a lot of New Yorkers don\'t even know--is that you can have truly wonderful meals for very little, you just have to seek out the right places (rather than only going with those that have enough money to hire publicists--which is probably the reason so many guidebooks list expensive places as \
  • Pauline Frommer12 January 2007
    whoops, my comment got cut of. I said why so many guides list expensive places as budget. Anyway, thanks again for posting. Best, Pauline
  • Ray11 March 2007
    Pauline: Will you be sponsoring/releasing a book on Amsterdam? I bought a copy of your book on London and like it (haven\'t used it yet). My wife has led 8 tours to England over the years and she thought it was well done, too. Hope to get your views on Amsterdam before we go in the fall. Thanks Ray
  • Pauline Frommer3 April 2007
    Hi Ray, So glad you like the London book! I think Jason Cochran, the author, did a brilliant job. As for Amsterdam, I\'m hoping to do one some day, but we don\'t have one in the works yet. Sorry! Cordially, Pauline
  • Nicholas11 April 2007
    Pauline, I'm one of the new writers at Written Road. I just wanted to say thanks for writing in and responding. It's not everyday we get somneone like yourself on the message board. If you ever want to be interviewed let us know.
  • Pauline Frommer2 May 2007
    Thanks for your kind message, Nicholas. I'm just seeing it right now. I'd be happy to do an interview. If you work for the site, you should have access to my email address to set it up. If you don't have access, contact the PR folks at Wiley, and they'll contact me.

More in Travel Books