Carol Cram, the Artsy Traveler, in Amsterdam

For Independent Travelers Who Love the Arts


Welcome to Artsy Traveler!

carol at the Peggy Guggenheim in VEnice
In front of the Peggy Guggenheim Foundation in Venice–one of my favorite small modern art museums

Do you enjoy independent travel and seeking out museums, art galleries, concerts, and artsy travel experiences? Then you’ve come to the right place.

Like you, I love the arts, and so I created Artsy Traveler to share with independent travelers my passion for interesting museums, quirky galleries, compelling performances, thought-provoking historical sites and more.

Artsy Traveler is for you if you love the arts, prefer independent and comfortable travel, and want to get the most value out of your travel dollar.

You’ll find tips about recommended places to go and what to see along with interesting, artsy activities (and occasionally just cool activities!) to seek out. I focus a lot on art because I love art and I also include recommendations for arts-inspired novels to read while you’re on your travels because I love books and reading.

On Artsy Traveler, you’ll also find plenty of posts related to the ins and outs of traveling comfortably and safely, particularly in Europe. Get driving tips, find great places to eat and check out some of my favorite accommodations.

Recent Posts on Artsy Traveler

The world is awash with artistic and cultural sights! Check out these posts to get your imagination fired up for trip planning.

Carol Cram at Pratto del Valle in Prato

A Week in Fascinating Little Padua Reveals Hidden Treasures

Padua in northern Italy, a quick train ride from Venice, can keep the Artsy Traveler well entertained for several days ...
Top Ten Favorites at the Uffizi Gallery in Spectacular Florence

Top Ten Favorites at the Uffizi Gallery in Spectacular Florence

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is an Artsy Traveler must-see, particularly for artsy travelers who love Renaissance art. I've visited ...
Carol Cram, the Artsy Traveler, in Madrid

Exploring Fascinating Madrid–Europe’s Best-Kept Secret for the Artsy Traveler

In October of 2023, I spent two weeks in Madrid (minus a three-day excursion to Ávila and Cáceres at the ...
Lascaux painting of a bull

Let’s Go to Lascaux IV in the Stunning Dordogne

A visit to Lascaux IV in the Dordogne region of France is a must for the artsy traveler. Here you ...
Savoring Life in Pont-Aven—The City of Artists

Savoring Life in Pont-Aven—The City of Artists

We’ve come to beautiful little Pont-Aven in southern Brittany for six days. The works created by painters of the Pont-Aven ...
Six Sensational Days in Paris for an Artsy Traveler

Six Sensational Days in Paris for an Artsy Traveler

This post presents a day-by-day account of six days I spent in Paris in September 2023. During our stay, my ...
Musée d'Orsay in Paris: An Inspiring Must-See for the Artsy Traveler

Musée d’Orsay in Paris: An Inspiring Must-See for the Artsy Traveler

I don't think I've ever not visited the Musée d'Orsay on any of my many trips to Paris. The museum ...
Exterior of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam: Guaranteed Thrills for the Artsy Traveler

I first visited the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam in 1970 and remember it as a gloomy, rather dingy place. The famous ...
Carol Cram at Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam

Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam: Best Bets for the Artsy Traveler

I remember the first time I saw the Van Gogh Museum, almost 50 years ago. Compared to the gingerbread façade ...
Welcome sign to Proyecto Asis near La Fortuna in Costa rica

Spending an Amazing Day at Proyecto Asis Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica

I highly, highly recommend spending a day at a wildlife refuge while traveling in Costa Rica. Just make sure you ...
View over Maligne Lake near Jasper in the Canadian Rockies

Out-of-this-World Scenery Sparks Joy on a Maligne Lake Cruise

For our full day in Jasper after taking the two-day Rocky Mountaineer rail journey from Vancouver, we decide to take ...
Check Out an Artsy Traveler Weekend Getaway in Seattle

Check Out an Artsy Traveler Weekend Getaway in Seattle

Although I’ve lived in Vancouver all my life, I’ve only been to Seattle, three hours to the south, a handful ...
Engine of the Rocky Mountaineer train with a backdrop of mountains in Jasper Alberta

Experience Western Canada in Style on the Rocky Mountaineer

In August of 2023, I took the famed Rocky Mountaineer train journey from Vancouver to Jasper in the Canadian Rockies ...
Mount Arenal in La Fortuna in Costa Rica

See Costa Rica in Two Packed and Perfect Weeks

Costa Rica has become super-popular in recent years. Following its 11-month shutdown during the pandemic, it appears to be back ...
Tanvi Pathare and the Villa Lena in Tuscany

Free Your Inner Floral Artist at Stunning Villa Lena in the Tuscan Countryside

As an Artsy Traveler, one of the most rewarding things I recommend you do is sign up for an artsy ...
Carol Cram in front of the National Gallery of Canada

National Gallery of Canada: Best Bets for the Artsy Traveler

Every time I visit Ottawa, I take the opportunity to check out the National Gallery. It is truly a national ...
Carol Cram on a bike tour in Copenhagen

15 Must-Dos in Copenhagen for the Artsy Traveler

Put Copenhagen on your list of must-see European cities. It's small enough to tour in a few days and large ...
Nyhavn in Copenhagen

Accommodation in Copenhagen

Finding accommodation in Copenhagen can be challenging if you're on a budget. But if you haveextra mo ney to spare ...
View of Fredericksborg Castle near Copenhagen in Denmark

Three Recommended Day Trips from Copenhagen

Consider alloting time during your stay in Copenhagen for taking day trips. You'll find plenty to see and do in ...
A Trio of Must-See Museums in Copenhagen

A Trio of Must-See Museums in Copenhagen

Copenhagen museums (visit them with the Copenhagen Card) are world-class and worth a trip to Denmark's fabulous capital city just ...
Beautiful ice berg in Canada's Arctic Ocean

Travel Photography As Art: Tips for Taking Great Shots by Guest Poster Julie H. Ferguson

For most travelers, taking photgraphs is an integral part of exploring new destinations. Some people snap quick photos with their ...
Exterior of the National Gallery in London

London’s National Gallery: The Best of the Best

I love the National Gallery in London! It's small enough to enjoy in a few hours without getting exhausted (unlike ...
Birmingham city center canals

Birmingham: A Pleasant Surprise for the Artsy Traveler

Back in the day, industrial Birmingham did not have the best of reputations. I lived in England for four years ...
Row of cypress trees in Tuscany in the late afternoon

A Tuscan Dream Come True: Sant’Antonio Country Resort near Montepulciano

Every so often when traveling, serendipty rears its delightful head. The plans you've made go awry, but instead of facing ...

Who Am I?

My name is Carol Cram and I live on Bowen Island in British Columbia when I’m not traveling. I’d love to be your guide to artsy traveling, particularly in Europe, but sometimes in other places, depending on where the wind takes me. I’m also an historical novelist with four novels published, all of which are inspired by my love of the arts.

What’s on Artsy Traveler?

Ever since my first trip to Europe with my mom when I was fourteen (see My Story), I’ve loved planning trips, going on trips, and especially sharing travel tips to help other independent travelers enjoy awesome travel experiences. I guess it’s because for many years I was a teacher, but I really enjoy helping people figure out where to travel, what to see, where to stay, and a lot more.

My usual travel companion is my husband Gregg Simpson. Often, we’re attending his exhibitions while we travell, particularly in Europe. Have a look at Gregg’s fabulous artwork.

In the Fall of 2022, Gregg and I spent over eight weeks together in Europe, and I spent another two weeks on my own in England. And then in February 2023, I spent two glorious weeks in Costa Rica. Keep checking back; I’m adding new posts every week about my travels, that is, when I’m not busy planning our next trip to Europe in Fall, 2023!

I’m overflowing with gratitude that I’m able to travel and hoping I can share some tips and inspiration with you!

The Artsy Traveler, Carol M. Cram, working on one of her arts-inspired novels at an outdoor table in Tuscany.
Me writing in Tuscany
Carol Cram & Gregg Simpson in Toledo, Spain. These two independent travelers love seeking out small, family-fun restaurants to enjoy local cuisine.
Gregg and me and a new friend in Toledo, Spain

My Trip to Kauai

In April 2022, I took my first international trip since 2019 and wow, it was awesome! I jetted off to Kauai, Hawaii, for a solo writer’s retreat. It felt so good to be traveling again and to be writing about traveling. I created these three posts about my Kauai trip to help you plan your own Kauai adventure.

Huge tree roots on a massive tree on Kauai

What to See and Do on Kauai

You’ve decided to travel to Kauai. Good choice! Known as the Garden Isle (and you’ll quickly find out why when ...
Six Highlights of a Kauai Vacation

Six Highlights of a Kauai Vacation

My Kauai vacation highlights will get you going on exploring one of the most beautiful islands on Earth! Called the ...
Ten Tips for Traveling Solo on Kauai

Ten Tips for Traveling Solo on Kauai

Traveling solo on Kauai is safe, easy, and convenient. The island is compact and very comfortable to drive around with ...