Arthur Frommer, the visionary behind the influential travel guidebook “Europe on 5 Dollars a Day,” has passed away at the age of 95 due to complications from pneumonia. His daughter, Pauline Frommer, shared the news, highlighting her father’s profound belief that travel should be an enlightening experience that can be accessible without breaking the bank.
Frommer’s journey in the travel writing field began during his service in the U.S. Army back in the 1950s, where he crafted a guidebook aimed at American soldiers stationed in Europe. After this initial success, he self-published “Europe on 5 Dollars a Day” in 1957, a guidebook that quickly gained popularity, ringing a bell for many who sought affordable travel options abroad. He recalled that the book struck a chord and instantly became a bestseller by 2007 during an interview marking its 50th anniversary.
Today, the Frommer’s brand, now led by his daughter, continues to thrive in the travel industry with a vast array of guidebooks, a robust social media presence, podcasts, and radio shows. Frommer’s revolutionary travel philosophy encouraged individuals to opt for budget accommodations and rely on public transportation while enjoying local cuisine, greatly transforming the American approach to international trips during the mid to late 20th century. He passionately believed that budget travel provided a more genuine experience, appealing to a broader audience beyond just the affluent.
The timing of his books coincided perfectly with the increase in affordable jet travel, making European destinations more accessible to the average American compared to the previous era of transatlantic ship travel. The profound impact of his guides was evident— for a time, spotting a Frommer’s guidebook was nearly as common as seeing tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower.
Many in the travel industry recognize Frommer’s groundbreaking contributions. Tony Wheeler, the founder of Lonely Planet, noted that before Frommer, guidebooks primarily focused on historical sites without practical advice on dining or accommodations. Pat Carrier, formerly of The Globe Corner bookstore, likened Frommer’s influence on travel to that of Consumer Reports on retail.
Although the titles of Frommer’s latest editions were “Europe from $95 a Day,” rising hotel costs led to the discontinuation of the series in 2007. However, the Frommer brand endured despite multiple ownership changes. After Frommer sold the company to Simon & Schuster, it transitioned through Wiley Publishing to Google, which eventually shuttered the guidebook series. Nevertheless, in a remarkable turn of events, Frommer regained control of his brand in 2013 and revitalized the print series alongside his daughter, leading to a launch of new titles.
In his later years, Frommer remained a notable figure in the travel realm, vocal on his blog and radio show. He was critical of mega-cruise ships and cautioned against the reliability of consumer-review travel websites, which he believed were susceptible to manipulation. He also coined the term “Trump Slump,” predicting a decline in tourism in the U.S. after Donald Trump’s election.
Born into a modest family in Lynchburg, Virginia, he experienced the challenges of the Great Depression while growing up in Missouri. His early life was marked by financial instability, prompting his family’s move to New York when he was a teenager. After working at Newsweek, he graduated from Yale Law School and served in Army intelligence in Germany at a time when global tensions were rising.
His fascination with Europe grew during this time. On weekends, he explored various countries, leading to the creation of “The GI’s Guide to Traveling in Europe.” After his service, he returned to New York and realized the demand for his guidebook led to further print runs.
Frommer dedicated a month to revitalizing his travel guide while maintaining his law career, quickly journeying through numerous cities to find suitable travel advice. His first guidebook, “Europe on 5 Dollars a Day,” was distinctive not just in its affordability but also in its poetic descriptions and engaging narrative style, inviting readers to experience the essence of European cities.
Eventually, Frommer transitioned from practicing law to focusing entirely on writing guidebooks. His daughter, Pauline, joined him on their travels from a young age, contributing to the family legacy in travel guidance. The context of changing economic circumstances saw him alter his titles over the years, much to his dismay, as rising costs made his original price point impossible to maintain.
Reflecting on his influence in a later interview, Frommer recognized that in his early days, many Americans viewed overseas travel as a luxury. He aimed to reshape this notion, emphasizing that travel should be enjoyable and financially accessible to all, not solely the wealthy. He was committed to experiencing travel as an average person would, often refusing to fly first class himself.
As he aged, Pauline took a more prominent role in the business, drawing from her father’s wealth of knowledge while forging her own path. Their mutual respect and admiration shone through their professional relationship, with Pauline praising her father for his immense wisdom and ethical approach to life.
Frommer leaves behind a legacy of democratizing travel, with his second wife, Roberta Brodfeld, and two granddaughters among his survivors. His endeavors have inspired generations of travelers to explore the world without overspending, paving the way for many to engage in the enriching experience of travel.