Guide Gecko.com

This item appears on page 65 of the September 2009 issue.

There are many online booksellers (Barnes & Noble, Borders, etc.). With search results on Amazon.com, you may have to sort through 30 pages of used copies to find that one useful book.

What sets GuideGecko.com apart is it pulls up manageable 2- to 11-page lists without all the repeats and older-edition clutter, AND it includes major publishers (Frommer’s, Budget, etc.) as well as smaller publishers with more esoteric and specialized guides.

There are multiple filters, allowing you to trim a list from “Asia” to “Indonesia” to “Indonesia, luxury” or “Indonesia, low budget.” 

GuideGecko is a “vanity” publisher as well and will take manuscripts from the public, print them and sell them on their website for a commission. Visitors interested in one of these independent guides are allowed a free preview of about 12 pages.