Arthur Frommer, the pioneering travel writer whose guidebooks transformed traveling for countless Americans, has died aged 95.
His innovatively titled book, “Europe on 5 Dollars a Day,” made international travel accessible and affordable for the average American. It significantly influenced the travel industry and inspired generations to explore the world.
His daughter, Pauline Frommer, confirmed his passing on Monday in a statement on his website, saying he died at home and surrounded by his family.
“Throughout his remarkable life, Arthur Frommer democratized travel, showing average Americans how anyone can afford to travel widely and better understand the world,” Pauline Frommer wrote.
“I am honored to carry on his work of sharing the world with you, which I proudly do with his team of extraordinary and dedicated travel journalists around the world. We will all miss him greatly,” she added.
Frommer’s guidebooks became a popular series offering travel tips and planning advice for destinations worldwide.
He began his travel writing career in the 1950s while serving in the U.S. Army in Europe.
He wrote “The GI’s Guide to Traveling in Europe” and, shortly before completing his service, had 5,000 copies printed by a typesetter in a German village. Priced at 50 cents each, the guides were distributed through the Army newspaper, Stars & Stripes, and quickly sold out.
Encouraged by its success, he created a civilian version of the guide. This inspiration eventually led to the launch of one of the travel industry’s most iconic brands, with the self-publication of “Europe on 5 Dollars a Day” in 1957.
“This is a book for American tourists who a) own no oil wells in Texas, b) are unrelated to the Aga Khan, c) have never struck it rich in Las Vegas and who still want to enjoy a wonderful European vacation,” he wrote in the original guidebook, which sold millions of copies.
What seems commonplace today—strapping on a backpack, staying in inns (or modern equivalents like Airbnbs or hostels), sightseeing independently using public transportation, and dining with locals in cafes—was revolutionary in the 1950s. At the time, most Americans traveling abroad stayed in upscale hotels and dined in restaurants, luxuries only the affluent could afford.
Frommer introduced this new concept to Americans, arguing that budget travel was preferable to luxury travel “because it leads to a more authentic experience.” His message encouraged average people to explore the world.
Until the end of his life, Frommer avoided traveling first class. “I fly economy class and try to experience the same form of travel, the same experience that the average American and the average citizen of the world encounters,” he said.
Reflecting on his decades of travel to over 100 countries, Frommer wrote on his website that it made him “a different person.”
“Travel has taught me that despite all the exotic differences in dress and language, of political and religious beliefs, that all the world’s people are essentially alike. We all have the same urges and concerns, we all yearn for the same goals. ” he said.
Born in Lynchburg, Virginia, and raised in Jefferson City, Missouri during the Great Depression, Frommer was the son of a Polish father and an Austrian mother. After graduating from Yale Law School in 1953, he was drafted into the military.
He later left his legal career to focus on writing travel guides full-time.
In addition to being a writer, Frommer was a TV and radio host whose work profoundly influenced how people approached travel.
Today, the Frommer’s series and brand, now led by his daughter Pauline, remains a prominent name in the travel industry, offering guidebooks for destinations worldwide, an influential social media presence, podcasts, and a radio show.
Frommer is survived by Pauline, his second wife Roberta Brodfeld, and two granddaughters.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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