Google to buy Frommer's

mlinksva wrote: post #5

I haven't looked at any in a very long time, but I recall Frommer's guidebooks as having the feel of McDonald's, relative to say Lonely Planet. I'm eager for the Wikimedia Travel project to get underway https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Travel_Guide

What about http://wikitravel.org ?

Re: Google to buy Frommer's

#7

Post by GFischer » Mon, Aug 13, 2012, 5:14 PM UTC

mlinksva wrote: post #5

I haven't looked at any in a very long time, but I recall Frommer's guidebooks as having the feel of McDonald's, relative to say Lonely Planet. I'm eager for the Wikimedia Travel project to get underway https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Travel_Guide

I have fond memories from Frommer's... but I last read one of their guidebooks in the 80's (Europe on 30 dollars a day).

So the brand still holds some value (in mindshare, in U$S it's whatever Google paid :) ), and they're right in that all of my investigation is online these days.

Re: Google to buy Frommer's

#8

Post by kaizenfury7 » Mon, Aug 13, 2012, 5:15 PM UTC

When I planned a trip to Spain, I use the Frommers 3 days guide in Madrid to plan activities.

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/madrid/0056020791.html

I then used Google Maps and created a custom map with all the suggested sites, activities, and eateries. I was also able to share it with my friends and collaborate over it.

I think this is a great opportunity for Google to streamline all this and make another great product.

Re: Google to buy Frommer's

#9

Post by squarecat » Mon, Aug 13, 2012, 5:26 PM UTC

I'd speculate that, just as with the Zagat purchase, they were singularly interested in a brand with recognition in those 40 years and older.

(Maybe since they are seeing the Google brand erode in quality and value to those under 40...)

Re: Google to buy Frommer's

#10

Post by mynegation » Mon, Aug 13, 2012, 5:30 PM UTC

mlinksva wrote: post #5

I haven't looked at any in a very long time, but I recall Frommer's guidebooks as having the feel of McDonald's, relative to say Lonely Planet. I'm eager for the Wikimedia Travel project to get underway https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Travel_Guide

In my experience full-fledged country guides from Lonely Planet are more thorough, detailed and informative. In the area of region-specific (say, Provence in France) and mini-pocket guides with pocket maps Frommer has much more presence and their guides are very good.

I am as avid user of smartphones and tablets as any other HN user, but there are many places in the world where you certainly do not want to pull gadgets out of the bag or pocket.