Pauline and Arthur Frommer.
When it comes to travel, Arthur Frommer is an expert. For nearly six decades, his guidebooks have captured the hearts of wanderlust-filled travelers, selling over 75 million copies and covering 350 stunning destinations worldwide.
But Frommer's approach to travel goes beyond mere leisure. For him, it's a transformative experience that opens the mind and ignites the imagination. "I've always regarded travel as a superb learning experience," he shares. "It expands your consciousness, helps you understand other lifestyles, cultures, philosophies, and theologies."
Frommer's iconic "Europe on $5 a Day" guidebook, published in 1957, revolutionized the travel industry and introduced Americans to the wonders of Europe. Today, at 86 years old, he runs his publishing empire alongside his daughter, Pauline Frommer, 50. Together, they oversee FrommerMedia LLC, Frommer's Guidebooks (with over 80 titles), and Frommers.com. In 2013, Frommer reacquired the brand he had sold in 1977.
Sitting in Arthur's New York apartment, father and daughter engage in friendly banter, finishing each other's thoughts with ease. This dynamic duo also hosts a popular weekly radio show called "The Travel Show," which has won accolades for being the best audio travel broadcast in 2014. "People say they tune in to listen to us argue," Pauline jokes. "We butt heads sometimes, but overall, we share the same vision and political philosophies that shape what we write."
Their shared vision is evident in their books. As we sit in the dining room, overlooking the cityscape, a range of vibrant titles from 2016 is spread out before us. The room is filled with shelves upon shelves of past publications, a testament to their dedication. Arthur, wearing sunglasses due to recent cataract surgery, exudes a captivating storytelling charm. His avuncular nature shines through as he recounts tales of his travels. Pauline, on the other hand, looks crisp and professional in her black-and-white print dress.
Their mutual respect is palpable. Pauline refers to her father as her mentor and editor, while Arthur holds his daughter's abilities in high regard. Both are prolific writers, contributing columns to King Features Syndicate and maintaining active blogs. Arthur has written introductions to cities featured in his recent work, "Arthur Frommer's Europe," as well as guidebooks to various destinations. Paris remains his favorite city. Meanwhile, Pauline's "Easy Guide to New York City" has been the best-selling guide to the Big Apple for the past two years.
The Frommers' recommendations go beyond the usual tourist spots. They strive to showcase hidden gems that have not yet reached the mainstream. "I love the discoveries you make overseas," Arthur explains, recalling the first time he tasted gazpacho in Madrid and shared his experience with his American audience.
Arthur's passion for travel began during his military service in Germany. He was drafted into the United States Army intelligence after graduating from Yale Law School. While stationed in Berlin, he wrote his first travel manual, "The G.I.'s Guide to Traveling in Europe" (1955), during his last three weeks of service. The book sold out within hours and inspired him to create guides for civilians. His first vacation after returning home was a whirlwind tour of Europe, during which he visited 17 cities in a month and published "Europe on $5 a Day." The book's success propelled him to create more travel guides.
Arthur handpicked local authors to write about the cities and countries they knew best, but he continued to explore Europe himself, often accompanied by Pauline and his first wife, Hope. They created a unique blend of insider knowledge and personal experiences.
Arthur's commitment to budget travel remained unwavering, even as the industry focused more on luxury and upscale experiences. Pauline has skillfully carried on his legacy, taking up the baton and sharing her own perspective. David Paul Appell, a longtime friend and collaborator, describes them as hardworking, compassionate, loyal, and kind individuals.
To Arthur, travel writing is uniquely Jewish. His liberal political beliefs, shaped by his experiences as a minority, find their expression in his work. Raised in Jefferson City, Missouri, he encountered discrimination and quotas throughout his life. His parents, immigrants from Austria and Poland, instilled in him a love for education and a thirst for knowledge.
In 2011, Arthur, Pauline, and Pauline's daughter, Beatrix, embarked on a roots trip to Poland. They visited Lomza, Arthur's mother's birthplace, where his grandfather, a rabbi, is buried. The trip was filled with emotional moments as they explored the remnants of Jewish life and experienced both the pain of loss and the vibrancy of the Jewish community.
Fear of terrorism may influence travelers' plans today, but Pauline notes that violence has become almost commonplace. Despite this, the Frommers encourage Jewish travelers to visit astounding synagogues in Krakow, Prague, and Budapest. They also recommend exploring Jewish Spain, including Girona, Seville, Cordoba, and more. While they have visited Israel and have relatives there, their guidebook was written by local authors.
Arthur's journey was not confined to the realm of travel. His interest in journalism and politics emerged during his childhood. His mother exposed him to both Franklin D. Roosevelt's Fireside Chats and Father Coughlin's anti-Semitic broadcasts, wanting him to understand the world around him. Growing up in Brooklyn, he pursued opportunities at major publications and landed a job as an office boy at Newsweek.
As a young associate, Arthur defended "Lady Chatterley's Lover" against pornography charges and emerged victorious on appeal. His law practice thrived, and he authored books on political topics. Eventually, he had to choose between law and travel, and travel won.
Arthur and Pauline are not afraid to take bold stands on political and ideological issues, resigning from radio shows and facing backlash for their beliefs. They firmly believe that travel has the power to shape political ideologies and foster understanding among people. Arthur finds joy in his family and cherishes his involvement in a men's book group. He is married to Roberta Brodfeld, and together they share a loving family.
While Arthur has considered writing his memoirs, his focus remains on relaunching the publishing company and exploring new destinations. "The world is huge," he says, emphasizing that there is still much to be discovered.
In the realm of travel, Arthur and Pauline Frommer have left an indelible mark. Their passion for exploration, dedication to budget travel, and commitment to understanding different cultures make them invaluable guides for the curious wanderer. Together, they continue to inspire us to embark on our own transformative journeys.
