Arthur Frommer, Influential Travel Guide Author, Passes Away at 95

Arthur Frommer, the influential author of Europe on 5 Dollars a Day, has died at age 95. He passed away at home, surrounded by family, as confirmed by his daughter, Pauline Frommer.

The announcement came via a statement posted on his official website on November 18. Pauline mourned her father's loss, stating, "It is with deep sadness that I announce my father, Arthur Frommer... passed away today at the age of 95." She praised his remarkable life, highlighting that he made travel accessible for average Americans, transforming their ability to explore the world.

Pauline recalled that her father, through his groundbreaking book, "democratized travel." He published Europe on 5 Dollars a Day in 1957, kicking off a guidebook series that remains popular today. He was a prolific writer and also engaged as a television and radio host. Furthermore, in 1997, he became the founding editor of Frommers.com, one of the first digital platforms for travel information.

"I will honor his legacy and continue his work," stated Pauline. She pledged to maintain his vision of sharing the world through the efforts of talented travel journalists. The statement ends on a heartfelt note, expressing how much he will be missed by those who loved him.

Tracie Holder, Frommer's stepdaughter, reported that he died at his Manhattan residence due to pneumonia complications, according to the New York Times.

Frommer humorously framed his guides for those without wealth, stating, "This is a book for American tourists who a) own no oil wells in Texas…" He offered updated itineraries, evolving from Europe on 5 Dollars a Day in 1957 to Europe From $95 a Day in 2007.

His budget travel tips provided valuable advice. For instance, he recommended avoiding gondolas in Venice, noting their steep prices: "They cost as much as $3 an hour!"

What started as self-published guides for Europe expanded significantly over time. Frommer established a publishing deal with Simon & Schuster, covering cities like New York, Los Angeles, and destinations across the globe, including Mexico and Japan.

Frommer challenged prevailing views about European travel, labeling standard industry wisdom as not reflective of reality. He argued, "Big rooms and amenities are sheer nonsense," and critiqued restrictive perceptions of safe travel in Europe post-World War II.

Born on July 17, 1929, in Lynchburg, Virginia, from immigrant parents, he grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri. Arthur Frommer is survived by his second wife, Roberta Brodfeld, stepdaughter Jill Holder, and four grandchildren, along with Pauline and Tracie.