Mention the name Arthur Frommer amongst travellers, and everyone will know of whom you speak. Frommer is a legend in the travel writing business, having pretty much revolutionized the way guidebooks are used. His first book, "Europe on $5 a Day", was released almost fifty years ago, in 1956. Since then, over 300 titles have appeared with the Frommer's name on them, including my first book, "Frommer's Irreverent Guide to Walt Disney World".

On Friday, May 20, 2005, the SATW "Institute for Travel Writing & Photography" held an event at the Orlando Public Library in downtown Orlando, featuring Frommer as a guest speaker. Though open to the general public, as the lead-off for the Institute's annual gathering, many in attendance were writers themselves.

Introduced by moderator/journalist Herb Hiller, Frommer took to the podium for the first half of the event, and espoused about what he felt were current and up-and-coming trends in travel. His comments were geared toward the budget traveller, but since his picks were based more on value for price paid, I feel his choices could be applied to luxury travellers looking to get more bang for their buck, regardless of budget.

Among his suggested locations:

• China -- With the strong value of the dollar and opening of the borders, a trip to China is like exploring "Europe in the 50's". He suggested several tour operators that offer 7-10 day vacations beginning at only $999, airfare included.
• Vietnam -- Again, the value of the dollar figured into this choice, and with United Airlines recently announcing direct flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, it's even easier to travel there. Packages start under $1200 for a week with airfare.
• Bali -- Another Asian location made Frommer's list, the lovely Indonesian island of Bali, where an all-inclusive 1 week trip from the U.S. west coast costs only $829 in the shoulder season.
• Africa -- Previously, this used to be an expensive vacation to undertake, but many tour operators are now starting to put together shorter safari vacations of 5-7 days for under $1800 per person with air from the U.S. east coast.
• Rio de Janerio, Brazil and Buenos Ares, Argentina -- Frommer listed these two culturally significant South American cities as hot destinations with tour packages starting under $700 for summer travel dates. Of course, keep in mind, our summer is their winter, hence the reduced prices.
• U.S. National Parks -- "Discover the beauty of America," said Frommer, by vacationing at one of the four major parks in America: Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Great Smoky Mountains. A car full of visitors costs only $20 ($10 if someone in the car is over 55) and while many choose to pitch a tent, accommodations at these parks range from lodges to individual luxury cabins, as well.
• Learning Vacations -- St. John's College in New Mexico and Oxford University in England were named as two of Frommer's choices for this category. Both offer a summer curriculum ranging from 1-2 weeks and offer vacationers of all ages the chance to exercise their minds while living (or reliving) the life of a college student. If cruising is your thing, Frommer suggests the Swan Hellenic cruise line that offers guest lecturers aboard its mediterranean cruises.
• Elderhostel -- Travellers over 55 are welcome on any of the Elderhostel tours and lodging programs, which offer educational travel worldwide.
• Mississippi Paddleboats -- Several tour operators offer cruises of the mighty Mississippi aboard replicas of the paddleboats that used to traverse the river in the 1800's. It's a wonderful trip into the history of America that the whole family can enjoy.
• Costa Rica -- This Central America country has been a favorite of the backpacker set for years, but Frommer suggests that with its natural beauty, all travellers should experience this locale.
• Central Europe -- Sometimes referred to as Eastern Europe, before the fall of Communism, the countries that sit in this region are brimming with beautiful scenery, historical significance and incredible bargins due to the exchange rate of the dollar (since most of these countries have chosen not to adopt the Euro). Among the countries singled out by Frommer are the Czech Republic, Poland, Croatia and Hungary.

As his solo speaking time was coming to an end, Frommer urged those in attendence to seek travel that "returns you to your home a more learned person," instead of simply choosing to lie on a beach baking in the sun. This is how he and his wife often choose their own vacations.

The event then shifted to a Q&A session featuring Frommer and faculty members from the Institute. Joining the panel were: John W. Bryan, Editor-in Chief, University Press of Florida; Lee Foster, a noted e-travel journalist and owner of Foster Travel Publishing; Bruce Whipperman, guidebook writer, and authority on Mexico; Dr. Timothy O'Keefe, former head of the UCF Journalism school and guidebook writer; and Tom Brosnahan, reknowned as a leading authority on Turkey, as well as a respected leader in e-travel journalism.

Moderator Darlyn Finch took to the floor like Oprah working her audience and moved through the crowd, making sure all were heard. Many of the questions asked were for recommendations of locales ranging from Ireland and Iceland to "lesser traveled" areas of our planet. Brosnahan responded to the latter by suggesting that if there was a location that the person wanted to visit, to simply go, because as they are lesser known, usually the only way to get information would be to be there discovering it. I agree with that to some degree, but many travellers need the comfort zone of having information in hand before traveling and are simply not interested in visiting someplace that hasn't been written about. That's smart, because while you may be the first to discover the good points of a locale, you may also be the first to discover the bad.

Frommer also pointed out to check with the U.S. State Department when traveling to lesser known areas, as some may have advisories due to political strife. I would also add to check with the National CDC for illness and medical travel advisories.

The final question fielded was from a budding travel journalist who wondered how those on the panel had managed to specialize in a particular region without being bored by constantly writing on the same subject. All panelists echoed Whipperman, who stated that whenever he felt he might be bored, he took that as a reason to "dig deeper; to follow that hidden dirt road to its end."

I think that's a good mantra to follow in travel. Dig deeper. Take a chance on a new restaurant; a new city, even. Challenge yourself when you travel by stepping outside of your regular routine, even by an inch, and you'll have memories to treasure a lifetime.

I'd like to thank Mr. Frommer and the rest of the panel guests, for taking the time to share their knowledge with those of us in attendance. If you have the chance to hear any of them speak, I encourage you to do so.