NEW YORK (AP) — Arthur Frommer, the pioneering travel writer whose guidebook “Europe on 5 Dollars a Day” transformed leisure travel for everyday Americans, has died at the age of 95. Frommer passed away from complications of pneumonia, as confirmed by his daughter, Pauline Frommer.
“My father opened up the world to so many people,” Pauline said. “He believed deeply that travel could be an enlightening activity and one that did not require a big budget.”
Frommer began his journey into travel writing while serving in the U.S. Army in Europe during the 1950s. After a guidebook he wrote for American soldiers sold out, he self-published “Europe on 5 Dollars a Day” in 1957, which quickly became a bestseller and established a new paradigm in travel literature.
“It struck a chord and became an immediate best-seller,” Frommer reflected in a 2007 interview marking the book’s 50th anniversary.
Today, the Frommer’s brand, now led by his daughter, remains a prominent name in the travel industry, offering guidebooks for destinations worldwide, along with an influential social media presence, podcasts, and a radio show.
Frommer’s philosophy emphasized budget-friendly travel—staying in inns and budget hotels, using public transportation, and dining at local cafes instead of upscale restaurants. This approach not only made travel more accessible but also encouraged a more authentic experience. He famously stated that budget travel was preferable to luxury travel because it allowed for genuine interactions with local cultures.
His guidebooks gained immense popularity during a time when air travel was becoming more accessible, leading to a surge in American tourists visiting Europe. At one point, Frommer’s books were ubiquitous among American travelers, often seen in the hands of tourists at iconic locations like the Eiffel Tower.
Frommer’s influence on travel literature was profound; he shifted the focus from mere historical and cultural information to practical advice for travelers seeking affordable options. Tony Wheeler, founder of Lonely Planet, noted, “Arthur did for travel what Consumer Reports did for everything else.”
The Frommer series eventually evolved, with the last editions titled “Europe from $95 a Day,” but as inflation made such prices unrealistic, the series was discontinued in 2007. Despite this, the Frommer brand persisted through various ownership changes, including a sale to Google in 2012. In a remarkable comeback, Frommer regained control of his brand and relaunched the print series in 2013 with his daughter.
Throughout his life, Frommer remained a vocal advocate for responsible travel. He was critical of mega-cruise ships and questioned the reliability of consumer reviews on travel websites, arguing they were often manipulated. He also coined the term “Trump Slump” in a widely discussed column predicting a decline in U.S. tourism following Donald Trump’s election.
Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, and raised during the Great Depression, Frommer’s early life was marked by financial instability. He worked as an office boy at Newsweek and later graduated from Yale Law School before his military service. His first foray into travel writing began with “The GI’s Guide to Traveling in Europe,” which was distributed by the Army newspaper, Stars & Stripes.
Frommer’s groundbreaking book, “Europe on 5 Dollars a Day,” was much more than a guide; it was infused with a sense of wonder and adventure. He encouraged travelers to embrace the experience fully, writing evocatively about destinations like Venice, where he described the city’s magic as it unfolded slowly at night.
As Frommer transitioned from law to full-time travel writing, his daughter Pauline joined him on his journeys, and their collaborative efforts helped shape the brand’s legacy. She fondly recalled their travels, humorously suggesting the book could have been titled “Europe on Five Diapers a Day.”
In recent years, Frommer continued to travel economically, insisting on experiencing the same travel conditions as the average American. He remained active in the travel community, sharing his insights and maintaining a strong presence in the industry.
Arthur Frommer is survived by his daughter Pauline, his second wife Roberta Brodfeld, and four grandchildren.
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