‘Europe on 5 Dollars a Day’ author Arthur Frommer dies at 95
FILE - Guidebook author and publisher Arthur Frommer holds up the latest book of his publish company, 'Arthur Frommer's Europe,' in New York, USA, 18 November 2015. (Photo by Chris Melzer/picture 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 95. His daughter Pauline Frommer confirmed his passing Monday, attributing it to complications of pneumonia.
"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's legacy is vast, having encouraged millions to explore the world through affordable and enriching means.
How Arthur Frommer changed travel forever
Frommer's journey began in the 1950s while serving in the U.S. Army in Europe. His first guidebook, written for American soldiers stationed overseas, was so popular it sold out immediately. This success led him to self-publish "Europe on 5 Dollars a Day" in 1957.
The guidebook’s philosophy was simple yet revolutionary: stay in budget accommodations, use public transportation, and dine where locals eat. At a time when foreign travel was perceived as a luxury, Frommer’s advice was groundbreaking. His guide empowered middle-class Americans to travel abroad and experience other cultures without breaking the bank.
"Arthur did for travel what Consumer Reports did for everything else," said Pat Carrier, a former travel bookstore owner.
The evolution of Frommer's guides
Frommer's guidebooks evolved with the times, transitioning from "Europe on 5 Dollars a Day" to "Europe from $95 a Day" as inflation and changing travel costs took hold. Though the series was discontinued in 2007, Frommer and his daughter relaunched the brand in 2013 after briefly losing the rights to Google.
Today, the Frommer's brand encompasses guidebooks, podcasts, social media content, and a radio show, led by Pauline Frommer. The father-daughter duo's commitment to travel accessibility remains central to their work.
A legacy of affordable, authentic travel
Frommer’s impact extended beyond his guidebooks. He was a vocal critic of mega-cruise ships and travel review websites, which he argued lacked authenticity. Even as he aged, 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 shaped his work: "His opinions, whether or not you agree with them, come from his social values. He's 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 just 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 includes information from the Associated Press