Arthur Frommer Answers All Your Travel Questions, And Then Some from the newly re-homed Freakonomics blog…
That article made me smile. I’m not much of a user of Frommer’s guides, but I met him last December when a professor brought him in to speak to our class. I was thrilled when he remembered me two months later at the Javits show “From Dr. Laitamaki’s class, right?” because I couldn’t imagine how many people he must have met in the intervening months. It’s amazing how many industry changes Frommer has seen, and its a testament to the strength of his product that it has lasted through the changes.
His comments in general were interesting, but these were some favorites:
Q: What is one place you will never go, and why?
A: Myanmar (Burma). Its democratically elected president, the Nobel-prize-winning Aung San Suu Kyi, has asked travelers to stay away. I will not support the thuggish military rulers of that nation with my tourist expenditures. In like manner, I refused to visit the Union of South Africa (or even to mention it in my writings) during the time when apartheid reigned and Nelson Mandela was in prison.
Yep, I’d agree. Especially timely given this week’s events. When I read Bad Lands, I didn’t quite understand it still being referred to as Burma, but the book helped me to understand some of it. Using the “new” name apparently is a form of legitimizing the regime. I can honestly say I had no desire to visit Burma anyway – I’m just not that interested in southeast Asia with the exception of Cambodia and Vietnam for historical reasons.
Q: What is the biggest mistake people make when traveling?
A: They fail to prepare themselves by delving deeply into the history and culture of the destination in advance of arriving. They wander as utter novices, unable to understand the sights and institutions brought to their attention. And all the lectured commentaries of their tour guide simply add to the confusion. Advance reading — a few nights at the library — is the key to a successful trip.
I also agree with this, and the issue of authenticity that followed. I don’t understand the point of spending time and money to visit a destination with no understanding or appreciation of what you’re going to see. While there are some nuances that are hard to understand without seeing a place, a little advance knowledge is good. When I was in Berlin this summer there was a couple on the bus who had no real understanding of the significance of the events: even the main ones like Checkpoint Charlie. It’s surprising to me, but I guess people don’t always worry. I think the fact that I am an insatiable reader helps.
I never knew Frommer had a blog, but now I look forward to reading it.
