Arthur Frommer, 95, Dies; His Guidebooks Opened Travel to the Masses

 

 

"Most Americans who visited Europe at the time were likely to go for the “grand” part of the grand tour: They traveled first class by propeller plane and ocean liner, steamer trunks in tow; booked pricey accommodations; went sightseeing with herds of other Americans; and retired in the evenings to hotels where, as Mr. Frommer wrote, “English fills the air” and “bridge games go on in the lobby.”

Mr. Frommer did not approve. Budget travelers not only did it cheaper, he said; they learned more, enjoyed more and gave Europeans a better account of the American national character by following a few simple Arthur Frommer rules:

Never travel first class. (If going by boat, consider freighters.) Pack lightly enough to be free from porters, taxi drivers and bellhops. Stay in pensions; take the room without the bath. Eat in restaurants patronized by locals. Try to engage locals in conversation. Study maps. Take public transportation. Buy a Eurail pass"

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Arthur Frommer, 95, Dies; His Guidebooks Opened Travel to the Masses – DNyuz