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
At the Peggy Guggenheim Foundation in Venice

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

I created Artsy Traveler because I love the arts and I love sharing with like-minded travelers my passion for fascinating museums, world-class art galleries, compelling performances, thought-provoking historical sites and more.

You’ll find tips about recommended places to go and what to see along with interesting, artsy activities, tours, and more. I focus a lot on the arts because the arts are my passion, and I also include recommendations for arts-inspired novels to read while you’re traveling because I love books and reading.


NEW! The “Perfect Artsy Traveler Day” Series

When I travel to new places, I like to know what other travelers think is a perfect way to spend my time, even if I have only one day. With that in mind, I’ve created a new series of Artsy Traveler Posts that give you my take on a Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in various destinations. Check back frequently as I keep adding new Perfect Artsy Traveler Day posts!

How to Enjoy a Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid

How to Enjoy a Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid

What is a Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid? For me, it must include a visit to at least one ...
Eiffel Tower in Paris

How to Enjoy A Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Paris

What is a perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Paris? For me, it must include a visit to at least one ...

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. 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.

If you don’t see a post on a destination that interest you here, click the categories Arts & Culture, Destinations, and Travel Smart on the main menu and start exploring! You’ll find lots to keep you entertained and informed.

Carol Cram in Naxos

How to Spend Two Laid-Back, Glorious Days on the Greek Island of Naxos

Two days spent on the beautiful Greek island of Naxos will definitely leave you wanting more!  I visited Naxos after ...
Stay in Oia for a Stunning Santorini Experience

Stay in Oia for a Stunning Santorini Experience

Oia is one of several whitewashed towns that frost the tops of Santorini’s striated brown and ochre cliffs like plaster ...
Get the Best Out of Southwest England on a Rabbie's Small Group Tour

Get the Best Out of Southwest England on a Rabbie’s Small Group Tour

Consider taking a Rabbie's small group tour of Southwest England to discover one of England's most beautiful (and visited) regions ...
Carol Cram at the Roman Baths Museum in Bath, England

Make the Roman Baths in Bath a Sightseeing Priority

The Roman Baths in Bath, England, is the city’s foremost must-see attraction. If you only have time to visit one ...
Enjoying the Museum of English Rural Life in Reading, England

Enjoying the Museum of English Rural Life in Reading, England

This must-see museum of thoughtfully curated exhibits showcases the history of rural life in England. Eight galleries and an impressive ...
How to Enjoy a Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid

How to Enjoy a Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid

What is a Perfect Artsy Traveler Day in Madrid? For me, it must include a visit to at least one ...
Carol Cram on the beach looking joyous

Top Ten Ways to Joyously Experience Traveling in Europe

In the aftermath of the pandemic, everyone and their cousin who wants to travel and can travel is heading for ...
Carol Cram on a cliff above the Atlatnic ocean in northern Portugal

When is the Best Time to Tour Europe?

Are you trying to figure out the best time of year to tour Europe? You probably already know that summer ...
Writers Retreat UK in Beal Yorkshire

Attend a Residential Writers’ Retreat and Set Fire to Your Creativity

Have you ever considered going on a writers' retreat? If you’re a writer—or want to be a writer—the top need ...
Visit Rome's Best Kept Literary Oasis: The Keats-Shelley House

Visit Rome’s Best Kept Literary Oasis: The Keats-Shelley House

The Keats-Shelley House is nestled right next to the world famous Spanish Steps in Rome. Thousands of visitors mill around ...
How Not to Tour the Colosseum in Rome

How Not to Tour the Colosseum in Rome

You've arrived in Rome! Perhaps you've been lucky enough to have your taxi whisk you past the Colosseum on your ...
How to See the Art of Pompeii at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples

How to See the Art of Pompeii at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples

Naples has long been on my list of places to visit, mostly because I wanted to tour the Museo Archeologico ...
Chef Marco in front of ingredients in a cooking class in Rome

Pizza, Gelato, Suppli–Oh My! A Fantastic Cooking Class in Rome

I'm a huge fan of taking cooking classes when I travel around interesting locales that have unique cuisines. So far, ...
Why Sensational Siena Belongs on Your List of Top Medieval Cities

Why Sensational Siena Belongs on Your List of Top Medieval Cities

What is it about Siena that makes an artsy traveler swoon? Mention Siena to anyone who has traveled there and ...
Carol Cram in Amsterdam

Two Terrific Small Museums In Amsterdam You Should Visit

I love Amsterdam, which is why on almost every trip to Europe I make it my first stop. Since 1970 ...
Carol Cram in Sirmione on Lake Garda in northern Italy

Experience the Magic of a Night in Sirmione on Lake Garda

The tiny town of Sirmione on Lake Garda in northern Italy is truly magical. Stay overnight and you'll have the ...
Carol Cram at Pratto del Valle in Prato

A Week in Fascinating Little Padua Reveals Hidden Treasures

Fascinating Padua in northern Italy is just a quick train ride from Venice, and can keep the Artsy Traveler well ...
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

I spent two weeks exploring fascinating Madrid (minus a three-day excursion to Ávila and Cáceres at the end of week ...
Let’s Go to Lascaux IV in the Stunning Dordogne

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 ...
Discover the Best of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris

Discover the Best of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris

What is the "best of the Musée d'Orsay"? What I think are the best pieces, and what others think are ...
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 ...

Didn’t see what you were looking for? Click the categories Arts & Culture, Destinations, and Travel Smart on the main menu and keep on exploring!


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 Gregg Simpson who, apart from being my husband, is a visual artist. Often, we’re attending his exhibitions while we travel, particularly in Europe. Have a look at Gregg’s fabulous artwork. I also travel frequently with my wonderful daughter, Julia Simpson. In recent years, we’ve traveled to Iceland, Costa Rica, and Greece. Julia is a crochet artist and often takes along her creations to photograph them in interesting locations. If you’re looking for nifty crochet patterns, head on over to her website Wayward Pineapple Creations.

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

Love to travel? Click below to subscribe to the Artsy Traveler Update and periodically receive updates about new destinations, travel tips, and personal recommendations.

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