‘Europe of 5 dollars a day’ author Arthur Frommer dies at the age of 95

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FILE – Author and travel guidebook publisher Arthur Frommer holds up his publishing company’s latest book, “Arthur Frommer’s Europe,” in New York, U.S., Nov. 18, 2015. (Photo by Chris Melzer/Photo Alliance via Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES – Arthur Frommer, the man who transformed international travel for everyday Americans with his iconic book “Europe on 5 Dollars a Day,” has died at the age of 95. His daughter Pauline Frommer confirmed his death on Monday, attributing it to complications from pneumonia.

“My father opened the world to so many people,” Pauline said. “He deeply believed that travel could be an enlightening activity that did not require a large budget.”

Frommer’s legacy is vast and has inspired millions to explore the world through affordable and enriching means.

How Arthur Frommer Changed Travel Forever

Frommer’s journey began in the 1950s when he served in the U.S. Army in Europe. His first travel guide, written for American soldiers stationed abroad, was so popular that it immediately sold out. This success led him to self-publish “Europe for $5 a Day” in 1957.

The guide’s philosophy was simple but revolutionary: stay in budget accommodations, use public transport and dine where the locals eat. At a time when traveling abroad was seen as a luxury, Frommer’s advice was groundbreaking. His guide allowed middle-class Americans to travel abroad and experience other cultures without spending a lot of money.

“Arthur did for travel what Consumer Reports did for everything else,” says Pat Carrier, a former travel bookstore owner.

The evolution of Frommer’s guides

Frommer’s travel guides evolved with the times, moving from “Europe for $5 a day” to “Europe for $95 a day” as inflation and changing travel costs took hold. Although the series was canceled in 2007, Frommer and his daughter relaunched the brand in 2013 after briefly losing the rights to Google.

Today, Frommer’s brand includes travel guides, podcasts, social media content and a radio program, led by Pauline Frommer. The father-daughter duo’s commitment to the accessibility of travel remains central to their work.

A legacy of affordable, authentic travel

Frommer’s impact extended beyond his travel guides. He was an outspoken critic of mega cruise ships and travel review websites, which he said were inauthentic. Even as he grew older, Frommer maintained a hands-on approach to travel, flying economy class and immersing himself in the experiences of average travelers.

Pauline Frommer described her father as someone whose values ​​guided his work: “His opinions, whether you agree with them or not, come from his social values. He is a man who puts ethics at the center of his life and weaves them into everything he does. .”

Survivors and tributes

Frommer is survived by his second wife, Roberta Brodfeld, his daughter Pauline and two granddaughters. Travel enthusiasts and industry leaders continue to honor his contributions to making the world more accessible.

“He was a pioneer not only in travel, but in the way he connected people to the world,” said Tony Wheeler, founder of Lonely Planet. “He changed the way we see and experience other cultures.”

The Source
This report contains information from the Associated Press