American writer Arthur Frommer, known for his guidebook Europe on $5 a Day and other titles on budget travel, has died at the age of 95.
Pauline Frommer, his daughter, confirmed his death in a press release published on his website.
The writer, who began his journalism while on a military mission abroad, died at home surrounded by his loved ones.
“Throughout his remarkable life, Arthur Frommer democratized travel, showing average Americans how everyone can afford to travel widely and better understand the world,” Pauline wrote in her statement.
“I am honored to continue 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 dearly,” she added.
Frommer was the founder of the Frommer Guides – a series of travel books featuring planning and travel advice to destinations around the world.
The series was based on Europe on $5 a Day – one of his first publications, released in 1957 and selling millions of copies.
The book details how average Americans can afford to take trips that many thought were accessible only to the wealthy.
“This is a book aimed at American tourists who a) don't own any oil wells in Texas, b) have no connection to the Aga Khan, c) have never gotten rich in Las Vegas and want to nevertheless enjoy a wonderful vacation in Europe,” he said. » wrote in the original guide.
Frommer was drafted into the Korean War. He was sent to Europe and served in Germany because of his language skills. While deployed, he wrote what would be his first travel guide for his fellow service members, The GI's Guide to Traveling in Europe.
In addition to being a writer, Frommer was a television and radio host whose work helped shape others' approach to travel.
In an essay, Frommer wrote that travel “broadens our lives.”
“Travel has taught me that despite all the exotic differences of dress and language, of political and religious beliefs, all the inhabitants of the world are essentially alike,” he wrote. “We all have the same desires and the same concerns, we all aspire to the same objectives.”
