Experiential Travel: How to Connect With Local Artists

December 2, 2024January 3, 2025Activities, Arts & Culture, Travel Smart Artsy Traveler Leave a Comment

Last updated on January 3rd, 2025 at 07:15 pm

Connecting with local artists when you travel provides exciting new perspectives on a destination, sparks fascinating conversations, and gives you an opportunity to support local small businesses.

It’s a win-win for sure!

In this post, I delve deep into ways in which you can meaningfully connect with local artists when you travel. This process is often called “experiential travel”.

What is Experiential Travel?

The term “experiential travel” is also sometimes referred to as “immersion travel”. Experiential travel helps people connect directly with the culture and people of the places they visit. Instead of merely ticking off sites, the experiential traveler seeks out meaningful ways to connect with locals by engaging in authentic cultural experiences.

And what better way to connect with locals than to seek out artists?

Read on for my suggestions for how to connect with local artists and, by so doing, immeasurably enrich your travel experience.

Connect Directly with Local Artists

If you’re an art lover, why not set aside some time during your trip to connect directly with one or two artists? Perhaps you already know and admire the work of an artist who lives in an area you’re traveling to. Reach out and connect! Chances are, you’ll get a positive response, and what do you have to lose?

If you don’t already know a local artist, do a Google search to find artists who create the kind of art you like and who may be open to meeting with you and telling you about their work. Not all artists will be interested, but some will!

Another source to find artists is travel and art groups on social media. My husband, Gregg Simpson, who is a painter, has made many connections with local artists through Facebook. Often during our travels, we visit artists and enjoy the opportunity to “talk art”.

If possible, connect with artists with whom you share an interest either in the style of artwork they do or in some other aspect of their background, such as places they’ve traveled, acquaintances or friends you have in common, or organizations you’re both connected with. For example, you may find an artist who has exhibited their work in your home town or is a member of an organization to which you also belong.

Here’s Gregg with Rik Lina, a Dutch artist who lives in Amsterdam and who has become Gregg’s collaborator and friend.

Visiting an Artist

Once an artist has agreed to meet with you and talk about their work, keep your visit quite short. Artists want to be creating art, and while many enjoy talking about their work, they also usually want to get back to work. There also may be the expectation that you’re interested in purchasing a piece of artwork, so keep that in mind.

Purchasing Artwork from a Local Artist

To be honest, this is a bit tricky, which I know from experience, being married to an artist! While many artists love talking about their work, they also need to make a living just like the rest of us. If possible, purchase something during your visit to an artist’s studio–whether on a solo visit or with a group. If a piece of their original art is out of your budget, buy a greeting card or a print as a thank-you for their time. Also, leave your email so you can join their mailing list.

Showing respect for the artist and their time is the right thing to do.

My Meeting with Silvia Salvadori in Arezzo, Italy

One of the most meaningful connections I had with a local artist was when I visited Silvia Salvadori in the charming Tuscan town of Arezzo. Silvia runs the Bottega d’Arte Toscana where she works and sells her art. Located on a tiny side street steps from the Piazza Grande in Arezzo, her studio is a must-visit for the artsy traveler.

Silvia Salvadori, an artist in Arezzo with author Carol Cram — Silvia Salvadori and me at the Bottega d’Arte Toscana in Arrezo

Silvia creates stunning works inspired by medieval art and using medieval techniques. Her mission is to preserve these typically Tuscan techniques from the Middle Ages and pass them on to future generations. Read more about my visit with Silvia, and check out the small painting I purchased from her.

Attend Art Openings to Connect with Local Artists

Art openings are always free to whoever is walking by and wants to drop in. Don’t be shy! If you’re wandering around an area and spy an art opening, go check it out. Not only will you likely get a free glass of wine, but you’ll also be able to chat with the artist and connect with other locals. You’ll get to admire the artwork and maybe even find the perfect piece to take home.

The vast majority of people attending an art opening will be locals rather than tourists. Over the years, Gregg and I have met so many interesting people at art openings.

Art gallery opening showing people mingling and looking at art — At the opening of Gregg Simpson’s recent exhibition in Madrid

I fondly remember the time the Gregg and I were walking past a gallery in Ravenna that was hosting an art opening. We paused to peer through the window, and moments later, the artist himself bounded out to the sidewalk and invited us in.

Despite our knowing very little Italian, we managed to have several interesting conversations both with the artist and the other attendees. Everyone was so friendly to the Canadese, thanks to our shared interest in art.

A Note About Language

Don’t let the language barrier stop you from dropping into an art opening. Chances are a few people will speak English, and for those who don’t, use a handy translator device or the Google Translate app on your phone.

Go to Multiple Art Openings on “Opening” Nights

In some cities, several galleries in a neighborhood will open late one night a week (often a Thursday or Friday) so that art lovers can hop from opening to opening for a major art fix. Check local listings to find out when galleries open late and when vernissages (French for “openings”) are being held.

Fun Fact: The term vernissage means varnishing and refers to the practice of varnishing a painting just before exhibiting it. Openings are still called vernissages in Paris and many other places in Europe.

Take a Workshop or Class to Connect with Local Artists

Feel like brushing up on your glass-making skills or throwing a pot or two or maybe doing some flower painting? Whatever your interests, you’ll likely find a workshop or class that intrigues you in some of the destinations you’re visiting.

While most of your fellow participants will likely be visitors like you, the teacher will be a local. In addition to teaching you a new skill, they’ll probably tell you about the local art scene, give recommendations about local museums and galleries to visit, and share lots of other information not found in the guidebooks.

If time is limited, choose a half-day or full-day class.

Read my interview with Tanvi Pathare about the flower painting classes she taught at the stunning Villa Lena in Tuscany.

Finding Workshops and Classes

To find local workshops and classes, check with the local arts councils or tourism offices, or do an online search. Some tour companies such as GetYourGuide and Tiqets.com may also offer art workshops. Here are a few options.

Attend an Artist Residency

You can also sign up for a multi-day course and really immerse yourself in being creative. Or, if you’re an artist already, apply for an artist residency.

Imagine spending a week or two or even longer in a beautiful location with like-minded people all engaged in creative work! To me, it sounds like heaven, which is why I’m always on the lookout for artist residencies that both Gregg and I can enjoy—he to paint and me to write.

You’ll find several artist residencies in Europe, some in beautiful castles and châteaux. Some allow anyone to apply; others have a competitive application process and offer funding support for successful applicants. Here are links to a few options in Europe:

Château d’Orquevaux in Orquevaux, France, provides several options for artists and writers in residence. Orquevaux is located in the Haute-Marne department in the Grand Est region in Northeastern France.
The Bellagio Center Residency Program in Bellagio, Italy, brings together academics, artists, and practitioners from around the world and provides them with a space to unlock their creativity and advance groundbreaking work.
The Künstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin, Germany, offers an international studio program for emerging artists from around the world.

Artist studio at the Châteaux d’Orquevaux in Orquevaux, France

My Experience at an Artist Residency

A few years ago, Gregg and I spent two months at Rouges en Vert, an artist residency in the little town of Soligny La Trappe deep in the Normandy countryside. The place was still under construction and a bit rough, and we were the only occupants, but we had a productive time! And at the end of the residency, the newly completed art gallery attached to the studios hosted an exhibition of the work Gregg had completed.

The very reasonable cost of the residency included accommodation and the use of a studio for Gregg and an office for me.

If you’re looking for an in-depth artist experience, I highly recommend finding an artist residency in the area you want to visit. It’s experiential travel at its most intense!

Check Out Studio Tours

Many tourist offices in areas where the arts are celebrated maintain lists of artist studios you can visit. Sometimes, you’ll be lucky to arrive in a place at a time when a tour of several studios has been organized.

Where I live on Bowen Island near Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada, the annual Bowen Art Tour takes place in May (May 24-25, 2025). People come from all over the region to visit artists in their studios. We are not the only small community to organize studio tours. With the rise of interest in experiential travel, more and more visitors are interested in organized studio art tours which easily connect them with local artists –and local communities are responding.

Check the tourism websites in the areas you’re visiting to find out the dates of organized studio tours, exhibitions and other special art events. A quick search for “art studios in [location]” is likely to yield useful results.

And be on the lookout for special art events. We’ve frequently come across exhibitions set up in parks and other public areas and involving several artists. Strolling from booth to booth to connect with local artists is a very artsy traveler way to spend an afternoon!

Book a Multi-day Art Tour

An easy way to connect with local artists is to take an art tour led by professional artists and art historians. Depending on your interests, you can find programs suitable for both practicing artists and art lovers.

A good bet is taking a tour offered by Walk the Arts. They offer a range of tours that are suitable for “artists at all levels, art lovers, lifelong learners, and independent travelers seeking unique cultural experiences”. Their mission is to promote the arts and culture through art courses that emphasize content, creativity, and experiential learning.

A great source for walking tours hosted by locals is Airbnb Experiences. Some of the tours are arts-related, such as this tour by an artist in Hoxton, London, who takes visitors on a walk along art-lined streets to visit local galleries, independent shops, and other hidden gems.

Also check out GuruWalk. Quite a few of their tours are related to art, such as the Afternoon tour of old Parisian galleries in central Paris that is led by a “proactive pensioner” involved in many cultural and social projects in Paris.

You can even find tours that will take you to exhibition openings. When Gregg had an exhibition in Venice a few years ago, a guide showed up with a small group to see the show. It was great to chat with them and see their reaction to the exhibition.

Conclusion

Experiential travel with a focus on the arts has so many benefits. You get to step well off the beaten track to meet local artists and learn about their work. Depending on the experience you choose, you may even get your hands dirty creating your own artwork.

There are lots of possibilities for arts-inspired experiential travel.

When you’re planning your next trip, find opportunities to enrich your experience by connecting with local artists:

Check out the art opening you come across on your way to dinner
Learn new skills in an art workshop
Sign up for a walking tour of local galleries
Make a detour to check out a local art event
Get a list of artist studios from the local tourism office and make a day of touring them.

Have you connected with local artists during your travels? Share your stories and recommendations in the Comments below.

Here are links to posts about some of my favorite small art museums in Europe:

50 Gifts That Travelers on Your List Will Love

November 20, 2024January 16, 2025Travel Smart Artsy Traveler Leave a Comment

Last updated on January 16th, 2025 at 12:37 am

Are you looking for thoughtful travel gifts this holiday season? Then these gift ideas are for you. Each item is something I’ve purchased myself and can recommend.

I’ve organized my suggestions by price with most travel gifts costing less than $50. You’re sure to find the perfect gift to delight any intrepid traveler on your list.

Included are affiliate links to suggested products that you can purchase online. If you click on one and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. Thank you!

Pinterest graphic with the text 50 gifts that travelers on your list will love. The picture is a selection of travel accessories including a Smartphone, passport, coins, a watch, a toy plane and headphones.

Travel Gifts Under $25

These travel gift items make great stocking stuffers and are always in demand by savvy travelers.

Luggage Tags

Treat the traveler on your list to snazzy luggage tags that are both durable and much prettier than the yucky paper ones you get at the airport. And tags such as the cool butterfly ones shown here will quickly identify your traveler’s luggage as it trundles off the conveyer belt.

Waterproof Pouch

If the traveler on your list is beach-bound—and especially if they are traveling solo—a waterproof pouch to snugly fit a phone, keys, and wallet will be a welcome gift. I’ve enjoyed peace of mind being able to swim from a public beach without worrying about my valuables.

Document Pouch

The safest way to store travel documents is close to the body. My husband swears by his neck pouch, and I favor a money belt. Both are great options! This neck pouch is small enough to tuck discreetly under a shirt.

Bandanas

A bandana or two always come in handy, especially during hot weather. Give your traveler two or three in bright and cheerful colors and patterns.

Mini Folding Umbrella

Getting caught in the rain while traveling is no fun. Give the gift of a dry day with one of these mini brollies that can be tucked into a small purse or even a back pocket.

Water Bottle

A collapsible water bottle makes an excellent travel gift for the thirsty traveler. Choose one that includes a filter and is super lightweight when it’s collapsed.

Luggage tracker

This very practical gift will bring peace of mind to the traveler on your list. If the luggage carousel fails to deliver a bag, the luggage tracker will help authorities locate it.

Shampoo Bar

Shampoo bars are the best for traveling! No more leaky plastic bottles (been there, cleaned up the mess). Several brands offer a wide range of shampoo bars for every hair type.

Water Shoes

Not all beaches are easy to walk on! A pair of water shoes will be welcomed by a traveler planning a vacation to a place where pebbles outrank sand. I like water shoes that are easy to fold away in my luggage.

Shower Sandals

Resort-bound travelers will appreciate a good pair of shower sandals or flip-flops to navigate hot pool decks and public washrooms. I carry a pair like these ones.

Reading Light

Many hotels have really awful lighting for reading! A portable reading light will be a much-appreciated travel gift, especially by travelers who prefer to read real books over eBooks.

Socks

Fast-drying, moisture-wicking socks made for travelers are a win-win. Buy multiple pairs for the perfect, practical gift.

Compression Socks

Help your traveler survive the effects of a long plane journey by giving them a pair of compression socks. These handy travel gifts can help decrease swelling and pain in the legs and ankles.

Eye Mask

A padded eye mask, maybe even with a spot of cooling gel, is just the ticket for surviving long plane, train or bus rides, not to mention sleeping in hotel rooms where every corner blazes with digital lights and the curtains don’t quite close.

Rain Poncho

For travelers who aren’t umbrella-users, how about a rain poncho? Here’s one that folds down to nothing and yet packs a water-resistant punch. Choose one in a bright and cheerful color.

Toiletry Bag

A well-designed toiletry bag is always useful. Keep it compact, waterproof, and easy to stuff into a corner of a suitcase. This bag unfolds and can be hung from a bathroom hook for quick access to all the necessities.

Wallet

I don’t recommend carrying a traditional wallet when traveling. Pickpockets are a risk, and why tempt them? I favor a small pouch that holds my credit cards and that I can safety-pin securely inside my purse or cross-body bag.

Sewing Kit

Not all hotels provide sewing kits these days. Slip a compact sewing kit that includes plenty of safety pins, a large-eye needle, and a few colors of thread into your traveler’s stocking.

Utensils

When I’m on the road, I often eat breakfast in my hotel room. I always travel with a set of plastic plates, spoons, forks, and knives. Select a colorful set for your traveler. This one for two looks like a good bet.

First Aid Kit

A traveler’s first aid kit should contain at a minimum, pain killers, bandages, antihistamines, alcohol wipes, insect repellant and Afterbite (my favorite when traveling where mosquitoes are plentiful).

Travel Journal

If your traveler likes to record their thoughts when traveling, then a small journal and some pens will be a welcome gift. I can never have too many notebooks and journals, and frequently buy them while on the road. This one comes with prompts!

Toys & Games

Better to buy one well-made toy or game than go for the often very flimsy travel versions. A simple cribbage board and a deck of cards are good choices. Other options are books of crosswords (my fave), sudoku, and other puzzles.

Tote Bag

As a champion souvenir shopper, I always stash a rolled-up canvas tote bag in my luggage, Choose a lightweight one with plenty of room. This one sports a design from one of my husband’s paintings and makes a unique travel gift!

Charging Cords

No traveler ever has too many charging cords! They have a habit of disappearing while on the road, so find out what kind of phone your traveler has and treat them to a few cords. They will thank you!

Charging chords make an excellent travel gift

Plug Adapters

Just like charging codes, plug adapters can also go rogue. Buy a package containing several adapters for the countries your traveler will be visiting or choose a cube like this one.

Insulated Travel Mug

Choose a light but durable travel mug that’s not too big and bulky, has a handle or finger loop, is BPA-free and is easy to drink from–and of course is stylish.

Packing Cubes

I love packing cubes! They’ve changed how I pack and I’m never going back to pre-packing-cube days when finding a T shirt became a spelunking mission. Choose a set of packing cubes with a variety of sizes.

Fitness Bands

If your traveler likes to work out while on the road, they’ll be delighted with a set of fitness bands. Just remind them not to take the bands through security! I tried that once, only to have them confiscated as potential weapons. Seriously?

Travel Gifts Under $50

Guidebooks

It’s no secret if you’ve been reading Artsy Traveler for a while that I recommend the guidebooks written by the indomitable Rick Steves. Give your traveler his latest book for the destination they’ll be visiting.

Insulated Bag

An insulated bag is worth its weight in gold for travelers on the move. Choose one that collapses easily but is large enough to fit a picnic lunch and other perishables.

Day Bag

For long days sightseeing, a lightweight, foldable backpack or day bag is ideal for carrying purchases, a guidebook and other essentials that don’t fit into a cross-body bag.

Neck Fan

Sightseeing in the heat can be challenging and energy-sapping. A portable neck fan keeps things breezy and comfortable for your traveler.

Earplugs

Not all accommodations are quiet! The traveler on your list will appreciate having well-crafted ear plugs at the ready for those nights when people out in the street are partying on far too long. I recommend this brand as one I personally use.

Swiss Army Knife

I never leave home without my beloved Swiss Army knife, given to me by my father before my first independent trip to Europe at the age of 18. You can choose from various sizes, but smaller is best so long as scissors are included!

Battery Pack

Make sure your traveler doesn’t find themselves with a smartphone that’s run out of juice! Choose a portable battery pack with as much power as you can afford.

Wrap or Shawl

A light but warm wrap or shawl is just the ticket for chilly plane rides because, let’s face it, those plane blankets are getting thinner and thinner!

Subscription to Audiobook Provider

I favor audiobooks when I travel because I can listen and keep aware of my surroundings at the same time. A subscription to an audiobook provider such as Audible makes a perfect gift for a book-loving traveler.

A subscription to an audiobook provider makes a perfect gift for a book-loving traveler

Headphones

Choose noise-cancelling headphones so your traveler can watch movies or listen to movies and books in peace. If your budget allows, gift your traveler with a pair of wireless ear buds compatible with their smartphone.

Headwear

A waterproof hat with UV protection is a must-have for travelers planning to spend a lot of time out of doors in all kinds of weather. Choose something with a wide brim that can be easily folded into luggage.

Backpack

A backpack with lots of storage areas in addition to padded areas for a laptop and tablet is one of my most essential travel items. I can’t imagine traveling farther than across town without a backpack.

Folding Yoga Mat

If your traveler is a yoga enthusiast, surprise them with a folding yoga mat. You can find mats with some interesting designs. I own the one pictured here.

Tablet Case

Choose a lightweight tablet case that can be propped on the tray table on a plane or train for easy viewing. I favor cases in bright colors (no surprise!).

Art Kit

If your traveler is an artsy traveler, as in they like to sketch on the go, choose one of these nifty portable art kits to whip out whenever inspiration strikes.

Easy-care Clothes

Clothes designed for travelers are always a big hit. For gifts, focus on easy-to-fit items such as shirts and jackets made of fabrics that are easy to clean, lightweight, fast-drying and, most of all, comfy.

Grounding Mat or Sheet

I’ve recently discovered grounding mats, and I’m hooked on the way I feel after sleeping on one—refreshed, energetic, and inflammation-free. Now I pack a portable grounding sheet whenever I travel. Jet lag, exhaustion, restless legs, and even snoring are distant memories.

Neck Pillow

Neck pillows to help you sleep on the plane come in all shapes and sizes. This travel pillow made by trtl is the best one I’ve found.

Walking Poles

If your traveler is a hiker, a collapsible set of hiking poles might make a great gift. When I hiked in the Grand Canyon some years ago, I relied on my walking poles.

Electronic Translator

More reliable than a smartphone that depends on cell service or a Wi-Fi signal, a portable electronic translator puts communicating with people who don’t speak your language well within your grasp. I like this one.

Travel Gifts Under $200

Luggage

Treat your traveler to a brand-new rolly bag, preferably in a bright color that stands out on the luggage carousel. So many choices! I like this one because it opens from the top so it’s easy to access the contents in a small space.

eReader

I prefer reading eBooks on a dedicated eReader rather than on my phone. If your traveler is a reader, treat them to a new Kindle or similar eReader, downloaded with some of your favorite titles.

Conclusion

Did you find the perfect gift for the traveler on your list? Or maybe you found something that you want to put on your own list!

Best of the season and happy travels!

My Best Advice for Joyous Solo Travel

November 18, 2024January 16, 2025Get Equipped, Travel Smart Artsy Traveler 3 Comments

Last updated on January 16th, 2025 at 01:07 am

Do you enjoy solo travel? I love traveling on my own and have done so ever since my first solo trip when I drove from Vancouver to New York across the United States in my twenties.

I even camped along the way, although nowadays I don’t think I’d be quite that adventurous!

While I also enjoy traveling with my husband, daughter, and friends, there’s something about solo travel that feeds my love of independent travel.

Picture of a woman wheeling a yellow suitcase over a cobbled street meant to represent a city in Europe. The text above the picture is "My Best Advice for Joyous Solo Travel".

When you travel alone, you get to go where you want to go when you want to go there. You can spend all day rushing from site to site or take the afternoon off for a nap. And after a long day of sightseeing, you can dine at restaurants that serve food your usual travel companions may not enjoy.

If you’re thinking of embarking on your first solo travel adventure, or if you’re already a seasoned independent and solo traveler, check out these solo travel tips and have a joyous solo traveling experience.

Top Solo Travel Tips a Glance

How to make dining alone a positive experience
Why going first class on trains makes sense for the solo traveler
Choosing a double room to get more space for almost the same price
Connecting with others–or not
Putting safety first

Plan Ahead for Solo Travel

When you’re traveling solo, you don’t want to risk getting into difficult situations, such as not having a place to stay or not having a backup plan.

What if your train is canceled?

That happened to me twice during one recent trip to the UK. The first time, I just had to wait a few hours. But the second time required me to get a hotel for the night. I had to be open to zigging when I should have been zagging! I also had to suck up the extra cost.

Sometimes, a budget is only a guideline. You never want to be in a position where you have to put saving money ahead of safety and convenience.

Have a Detailed Travel Itinerary

So, get all your ducks in a row ahead of your trip. Have a detailed itinerary stored on your phone and on paper that includes hotel addresses, places to visit, opening times, schedules, etc.

While you don’t need to over-plan, you do want to have a good sense of where you’re going and when you’re doing things.

The peace of mind will add to your enjoyment of solo travel.

Always Know Where You’re Going

Hurrah for Google maps! It’s thanks to them and SmartPhones that you can tackle a new city with confidence, and know at all times where you are geographically.

I still shudder when I remember a time in Holland back in the 1990s when I went for a walk without a map, got lost, and couldn’t find anyone who spoke English to direct me. I found my way back to the hotel–eventually–but it was a bit touch and go.

Before you go anywhere on your own, program in your route on your SmartPhone. Also make sure you have a few taxi and ride share apps installed for quick access.

And don’t go out with a phone that’s running out of battery unless you’re carrying a reliable backup battery. I speak from painful experience…!

Also take photos of your hotel that include the street number, your parking space if you’re driving, and any other landmarks you might need. When you’re traveling solo, you only have yourself to rely on so make sure you’re prepared!

Find Ways to Make Dining Alone Fun

Let’s face it, dining alone can feel a bit awkward. But it doesn’t have to. When you’re traveling solo, look for ways to enjoy dining solo.

My preference is for restaurants that are not too busy. I like a quiet atmosphere in which I can concentrate on reading or writing, and I always bring along a notebook and pen so I can jot down deep thoughts.

I also like to appreciate my surroundings and chat with servers when they are not too busy. If I’m the only solo diner in a sea of boisterous tables, I feel out of place.

If a restaurant looks too crowded for comfort, consider going elsewhere. But always, always, check restaurant reviews and pay close attention to reviews written by solo travelers.

If you’re traveling in Europe, check out my post on Happy Budget Dining.

Woman dining alone and talking with a server

As a solo traveler, you may be shown to a table by the kitchen or another undesirable location more often than when you’re traveling with a companion. Don’t be shy! Ask to be moved if you don’t like the table you’re offered.

Usually, you’ll be accommodated and if you’re not, well then, move on. As my granny used to say, they won’t see you again.

Engaging with Others

Enhance your experience by engaging with the servers, who are often friendly and happy to ask you where you’re from. These days, at least in Europe, most servers speak English.

Recently, at a hotel in Bristol, I got to chatting with three young servers who were all students at the university. One wanted to be a writer, so we had a great old talk when she wasn’t busy serving other customers, and she was also interested to hear about my novels.

Dining solo can lead to great interactions both with servers and sometimes fellow diners. Push yourself out of your comfort zone now and again and strike up a conversation with your neighbor.

Choose Take-out Dinners

If you can’t find a well-rated restaurant that’s quiet, then it’s take-out to the rescue! I’ve had some of my best meals sitting comfortably in my hotel room.

On a solo trip to Kauai, I had take-out pretty much every night because the restaurants were very crowded. Also, by getting take-out just before sunset, I avoided having to drive my rental car home along very dark roads.

Travel Light when Traveling Solo

When you’re traveling on your own, having easy-to-manage luggage makes for a more pleasant experience. You won’t need to ask for help getting a small carry-on and backpack on and off trains. You’ll also be able to store them easily.

Also, not all trains have sufficient storage space for large bags, unless you travel first class (see next point!).

Here are some stylish options for carry-on bags you can buy online:

Yellow hard-sided suitcase with wheels and sized for carry on.

Lime green hard-sided suitcase with wheels and sized for carry on.

Soft-sided red suitcase with wheels and sized for carry on.

Upgrade to First Class on Trains

Traveling first class if your train journey is longer than three hours is well worth the extra expense. You get more comfort and more privacy. Most first-class carriages have single-seat rows, whereas most second-class carriages have only double-seat rows.

You might end up seated next to someone whom you may not want to interact with, and those second-class seats are not roomy!

Often, the difference in price between first and second class is not as high as you might expect, particularly if you book in advance. Use Trainline to find the best deals.

Stock Up on Audiobooks

https://amzn.to/4gEkVDOSince you want to travel light, don’t weigh yourself down with reading material. While eBooks are a great option while traveling, consider listening to audiobooks instead. Rather than focusing on a screen, you can watch the world go by while staying aware of your surroundings, which makes for a safer journey.

Take along two or three sets of earphones, at least one of which doesn’t need charging. When you’re riding or waiting for transit, standing in line at a museum, or just wanting to tune out the busy world around you, pop in your earphones and enjoy a few chapters of an audiobook.

I recommend listening to books set in the region you’re traveling through.

While riding a bus from Delphi to Athens on a recent trip to Greece, I listened to Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon, which is about Greek theater in the ancient world. Seeing a landscape go by that was very similar to what was described really brought the novel to life.

Intrigued? Check out my interview with Ferdia Lennon about Glorious Exploits on The Art In Fiction Podcast.

Audiobook Suggestions

Here are some options for great audiobooks to enjoy while traveling in Italy, France, and Spain.

Cover of The Towers of Tuscany by Carol M. Cram (also known as the Artsy Traveler). A medieval painting of a woman in a blue head covering appears above the skyline of San Gimignano in Tuscany.

Book cover of The Paris Hours by Alex George. Against a green background, a staircase winds up. A woman dressed in 1920s attire is walking down the staircase.

Book cover of The Return by Victoria Hislop. A young woman is in the foregraound. She has a red rose behind her ear. Behind her and blurred is the figure of a man dressed in 1930s attire walking towards her.

Take Walking and Small Group Tours

You are quite likely to meet other solo travelers when you take a walking or a small group tour. And if you’d rather not engage, you can enjoy simply listening to the tour guide as opposed to worrying that your companion is getting bored or tired.

If you get bored or tired, well, that’s okay because you only have yourself to please!

Walking Tours

A great place to find walking tours led by enthusiastic locals is GuruWalk. Many of the guides specialize in specific interests. In Bath, the guide was enthusiastic about architecture, while in Athens, the guide loved sharing his extensive knowledge of ancient history.

Here are some GuruWalks to check out in Paris.

You can also sign up for guided tours in museums. Led by curators and usually free, these tours are almost always very informative and provide a more in-depth understanding of the exhibits than you may get on your own.

Guided Day Tours

I typically don’t rent a car when I’m traveling solo. Even with GPS, navigating can be a challenge, especially in Europe and the UK where the traffic, not to mention parking, is frequently horrendous. The easiest and safest way to see the local countryside is to take small group day tours.

You can read about my tour of the Cotswolds and the two day tours I took to explore Yorkshire during a solo trip to England.

Choose tours that don’t involve long commutes to get to the destination. For example, instead of taking a tour of the Cotswolds that embarks from London, spend a night or two in Oxford, Bath or Stratford-upon-Avon and pick up a tour from there. You’ll spend most of your day joyriding around the Cotswolds rather than spending two hours each way on the motorway.

If you’re looking to meet new people while traveling, a day tour may be just the ticket.

Multi-Day Tours

You may also wish to take the occasional multi-day tour when you’re traveling solo. Recently, I took a four-day tour around Southwest England with Rabbie’s Tours. Only four other people were on the 16-seat bus so there was lots of room to stretch out!

While these tours can be a bit exhausting, they can also be a great way to meet people if you’re so inclined. You also cover a lot of ground efficiently and see hidden corners you might miss if traveling by train.

To find good tours, check GetYourGuide and Tiqets.com. Here are a few options in Germany, France, and Italy from GetYourGuide.

Enjoy Solitary Museum-Going

While sharing a museum visit with a companion is great, you can have just as much fun on your own. You can linger for as long as you want in front of an exhibit or walk quickly through galleries that don’t interest you.

You also have the time and space to indulge your imagination to the full.

On a recent visit to London’s National Gallery, I swooned in solitary joy before my favorite masterpieces. It was glorious!

I also enjoy listening to audio guides—an inherently anti-social pursuit. When you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t enjoy audio guides, you may decide to forgo getting one yourself.

When you travel alone, you can do what you want!

Choose a Double Room When Solo Traveling

You may be disappointed if you opt for a single room instead of a double room, particularly in small B & Bs and budget hotels where single rooms are often little more than closets.

The savings in cost between a single room and a double room may not be worth the often significant reduction in space.

Book a double room and enjoy more space and a larger bed.

A Note About Single Supplements

If you’re taking a guided tour, you may be required to pay a single supplement, especially if the tour includes accommodation. To avoid this extra cost, look for tours that do not include accommodation and instead, allow you to make your own arrangements.

While large group bus tours will typically not allow this, some small group tour companies will. For example, with Rabbie’s Tours, I was not charged a single supplement.

I booked my own accommodations and then told the company the names of the hotels so the driver could drop me off every evening and pick me up the next morning. I avoided paying a single supplement and was able to choose double rooms in the places I stayed. Win-win.

Take Taxis and Rideshares

Don’t stint on transportation when you’re traveling solo. If taking a bus or subway is an easy and safe option, then go for it. But if not, choose taxis or rideshares, or better yet, private transfers. You get door-to-door service and avoid long walks through underground tunnels or hanging out in potentially dodgy areas waiting for a bus.

I’m booking private transfers through companies such as Welcome Pickups more frequently than I used to. I get picked up at my location and the driver often doubles as a tour guide. Private transfers are more expensive than trains and even taxis, but for peace of mind and comfort, they can’t be beat.

Keep Your Valuables Close

The current fashion for cross-body bags is good news for solo travelers. While they may not be chic, they are extremely practical.

Over the years, I’ve carried many different kinds of bags while traveling, and my small cross-body bag is my favorite. It fits my passport, phone, sunglasses, and a small wallet containing a bank card, two Visa cards, my driver’s license, and my travel insurance card. I always safety-pin the wallet to the lining of the bag so it can never fall out.

Once, while wearing my cross-body bag, I went into a purse store in Paris in search of something a little nicer to carry while dining out.

The salesperson raised her eyebrows at my scuffed bag and intoned “Ce n’est pas chic.”

Right she was, but there’s a time for being chic and a time for being safe. When you’re traveling solo, the practical cross-body bag is your best choice.

Here are some good cross-body bag options.

A white t-shirt with a black cross-body bag over one shoulder and across the chest. To the right are four cross-body bags in four colors: black, dark grey, light grey, and pink.

Close-up of a pale purple cross-body bag.

Valuables on the Beach

What do you do when you’re alone in a foreign country and your travels take you to the beach? Obviously, leaving your valuables on your towel, even if cunningly covered with a T-shirt, is not wise.

Instead, bring along a waterproof pouch designed to snugly fit a phone, car keys, your ID, and a small wallet. You can then be 100% sure your valuables are safe while you enjoy bobbing in solitary splendor.

two waterproof pouches. The pouch on the left contains a watch and a SmartPhone. The pouch on the right contains a passport, cash, and credit cards.

Connect with Others—Or Not

I confess that I’m wary of strangers when traveling solo. While I’m always super friendly with service people in restaurants and hotels, I don’t engage much with others, particularly if they strike me as overly friendly.

If you’re worried you may get lonely, join a walking or small group tour and chat with the other participants. This level of interaction may be enough to keep you from feeling isolated on the road.

When I was younger, I easily met fellow travelers at youth hostels, but now when I stay in hotels, opportunities for making new friends are limited. That suits me fine. But if it doesn’t suit you, then find ways to step out of your shell to meet people.

Sign up for a cooking class and learn to make the local food (I love cooking classes!). Or maybe find a meetup group of people who share your interests (crocheters in Catalonia, perhaps, or ex-pat writers in Warsaw).

Thanks to the Internet, there are no end of opportunities for finding like-minded people. Just make sure any meetings take place in public places with plenty of people around!

I believe that one of the keys to success as a solo traveler is to embrace the solitude, to enjoy your own company, and to always look for ways in which to deepen your solo experience through appreciation of the sites, the landscapes, and the passing parade of humanity.

Put Safety First when Traveling Solo

The best tip for any solo traveler is to prioritize safety above all else. You never want to compromise your safety to save money. A twenty-minute walk to your hotel through dark streets in an unfamiliar town may be free, but it may also be dangerous.

If you can take a taxi, then do so. If you can’t, walk quickly and look purposeful. As mentioned above, plot your route before you set out so you’re not staring at a phone screen rather than paying attention to your surroundings.

You never want to look like a wide-eyed tourist who doesn’t know where she’s going.

And let’s face it, the proliferation of smartphones makes solo travel much less solitary than it once was.

You can be walking along a beach in Brighton and have a conversation with your significant other who is 10,000 miles away on another continent or you can post your activities on social media and in moments have plenty of people to chat with, albeit digitally.

Safety Check

Avoid posting in ‘real time’ when you’re traveling or eating/staying at a particular restaurant, bar or hotel. You can share your experiences with friends and family privately, but save public social media posts for when you’re back home or have moved on to a new travel destination.

When I drove from Vancouver to New York across the United States in the 1980s, I spoke to my family once a week from a pay phone, read from my stash of paperback books, and did a lot of solitary staring at the landscape.

While it’s apples and oranges to compare then with now, the one constant is that solo traveling can lead you to many joyous experiences when you plan well and stay open to seeing and learning new things.

Conclusion

Traveling solo makes you self-reliant and gives you confidence. I like keeping my wits sharp as I make my way on and off trains, check into hotels, find the right meeting area for a tour, stay safe on the road, keep myself well fed and watered, and interact with people safely.

Are you planning your next solo adventure–or your first? What’s your best advice for traveling on your own? Share your tips for solo travel and thoughts in the Comments below.

Top Ten Ways to Joyously Experience Traveling in Europe

August 21, 2024January 18, 2025Arts & Culture, Destinations, Europe, Travel Smart Artsy Traveler Leave a Comment

Last updated on January 18th, 2025 at 01:17 am

In the aftermath of the pandemic, everyone and their cousin who wants to travel and can travel is heading for Europe. Recently, Italy was named the number one tourist destination in the world, with France close behind. Many destinations are full to bursting with visitors, which means sold-out accommodations, packed beaches, and museums filled to the rafters.

Some communities, such as Barcelona and Malaga in Spain, and Santorini in Greece, have even launched campaigns to limit the number of tourists permitted to invade their hometowns at any one time.

Pinterest graphic with the text top ten ways to joyously experience traveling in Europe over a photograph of a signpost with european countries pointing in different directions such as france, germany, italy, etc.

Introduction

I’ve experienced my share of crowds all flocking to experience the same iconic sites—the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Uffizi in Florence, the Colosseum in Rome, the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Thousands surge into spaces meant for hundreds, each holding aloft a smartphone to capture the moment.

The joys of travel—discovering new places, meeting new people, learning new things, enjoying great art—quickly dwindle in the face of relentless crowds, inflated prices, and grumpy locals.

Interacting with Locals

When you travel to a new place, consider looking for opportunities to interact with locals instead of lining up for the big-ticket sites. Sample local food, check out off-the-beaten path museums and galleries, meet local artists and artisans, go to local concerts, ride public transit, and wander around back streets where local people live.

You can do all these things in even the most heavily-touristed destinations if you’re willing to zig away from the crowds rather than zag towards them. Doing so may require you to skip the most famous—and crowded—sites. But the rewards more than make up for any lingering feelings of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).

Here are my top ten ways to joyously enjoy your European travels.

1. Check Restaurant Reviews

Chances are you’re traveling with a smartphone. Use it to find restaurants that fellow travelers and especially locals have rated highly. Ever since I started checking reviews and purposely choosing restaurants instead of wandering the streets in hopes of finding a place, I’ve enjoyed numerous awesome dining experiences.

In fact, I can safely say that almost every highly rated restaurant I’ve eaten at in Europe in the last few years was a winner.

A Parisian café is a great place to people watch while enjoying a trip to Europe

Search Criteria

I search for restaurants that have at least a 4.5-star average review and then read what people say about the quality of the food and the service. If most of the best reviews are in the local language, that’s a plus because it means the restaurant is well frequented by locals.

Make Reservations

Once I’ve made my choice, I visit the restaurant’s website and call to reserve a table or use the online booking system if it’s available. I’ve found in recent years that reservations are essential in many popular places. Without one, you may well be wandering for quite some time before finding a well-reviewed restaurant with available tables.

Note that during busy periods, you may have better luck choosing a reservation time when the restaurant opens (usually 7 or 8 pm, depending on the location). Europeans tend to eat dinner later than North Americans. If you make a reservation for 7 pm, you may well have the restaurant to yourself.

A good rule of thumb in any big European city is to steer clear of restaurants that are full of tour groups reading multi-lingual plasticated menus in high-rent locations such as the Piazza Navona in Rome.

Walk a few blocks away from the busy areas to quiet side streets and you’ll find favorite local restaurants with superb food.

Ask a Local for Recommendations

Another good strategy is to ask your hotel to recommend a local restaurant and then make a reservation for you. Every time we’ve gone to a restaurant recommended by our hotel, we’ve had a great meal.

For a giggle, check out what happened to me when I did not follow my own advice in Bella Roma Rip-off, one of the pieces in Pastel & Pen: Two Ways of Seeing, a collaboration of my writing with Gregg Simpson’s artwork. Gregg is an artist and my husband and usual travel companion.

2. Seek Out Lesser-Known Museums

Your sightseeing time is precious. Instead of spending it waiting in long lines, seek out museums and other sites that may be less well known but are just as interesting (sometimes more so) and considerably less crowded. These days, you’ll stand in line to tour the big sites even if you book ahead. On a recent trip to Pompeii, I lined up for forty minutes to get my skip-the-line ticket that I’d purchased online days earlier, and then lined up for another twenty minutes in the skip-the-line line to get into Pompeii.

Instead of sweating in the queue outside the Louvre in Paris, visit the lovely Rodin Museum.

In Amsterdam, skip the Van Gogh Museum (or go very early in the day) and visit the charming and informative Rembrandt Huis.

In Rome, forget the Vatican Museum and head instead to the marvelous Etruscan Museum that houses an incredible collection of treasures. Both times I’ve visited, the museum was virtually empty, which is in no way a reflection on the quality of the displays. The museum just happens to be so far off the beaten track of Rome’s iconic sites that few tourists find it.

The Etruscan Museum in Rome is almost never crowded, a great bet for travelers looking to avoid crowds — The Etruscan Museum is one of Rome’s most interesting museums

Lesser-Known Museums to Visit

Here are posts about some of my favorite lesser-known and fabulous museums:

3. Go to Art Openings

If you’ve checked out other posts on Artsy Traveler, you’ll know that a lot of my European travel centers around my husband’s art exhibitions. Most exhibitions include an opening (a vernissage in France; an inaugurazione in Italy). These events often include food and wine, and a short talk by the artist and the curator. They are also free to anyone who wants to drop in.

We’ve frequently met fellow travelers at Gregg’s openings, in addition to local art lovers, and have attended the openings of exhibitions by other artists—some we knew, some we didn’t. We always have a memorable time!

Art openings in Europe are usually free and open to everyone — Art openings at private galleries in Europe are usually free and open to everyone

Finding Art Openings

To find art openings, check online listings. Also, stroll areas that have a lot of art galleries, such as the Left Bank and Marais districts in Paris. You’ll have the most luck finding an opening in the early evening on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

If you pass an art gallery hosting an opening, don’t be shy! Walk in and say hello, check out some artwork, and maybe even have a glass of wine and an appetizer. You’re bound to meet a few locals who speak English, or you can practice your language skills.

4. Attend Local Concerts and Events

One of my favorite things to do when traveling in Europe is going to classical music concerts. Sometimes, I book tickets ahead of time to see a particular concert, but at other times, I look for posters and flyers.

On a recent trip to Siena, I picked up a flyer in our hotel advertising an intimate concert with a singer and pianist held in a local church. It was magical!

While in Rome, we saw a poster advertising concerts at the stylish Auditorium Parco della Musica well off the tourist beat north of the city. We bought tickets, and enjoyed two fantastic concerts with other music lovers, the vast majority of whom were locals.

Classical music concert venue in Europe — Classical music concerts are top quality and reasonably priced

Tourist Concerts

I find that attending concerts in Europe really enhances my appreciation of the local culture. Even if the concert is advertised for tourists—such as a flamenco performance in Seville—it’s going to be good.

Trust me on this. We’ve enjoyed fado in Lisbon, flamenco in Spain, medieval music in southern France, opera in Paris, folk music in Bacharach on the Rhine, Vivaldi in Venice, Stravinsky in Berlin, Chopin in Leipzig, Shostakovich in Hamburg…I could go on and on.

And best of all, prices for classical music concerts in some of the world’s best concert venues are shockingly reasonable compared to what we pay to attend a concert in Canada.

Fado performers in Porto, Portugal — Local performances are generally authentic and well worth the price

5. Ride Public Transit

Few travel experiences bring you closer to locals than riding busses, trains, and metros. These days, you can pay for most transit options with a tap of your credit card. I love hopping on a bus and following my progress on Google Maps, so I know exactly where to get off.

I also enjoy people-watching on public transit. On very crowded busses and metros, just be sure to keep a good grip on your valuables. While violent crime in Europe is rare, pickpockets do flourish in crowded cities.

A bus in Europe, a great way to travel local — Take a city bus in Europe and enjoy great people watching

A Cautionary Tale

A word of caution about bus travel. If you happen to have a paper ticket, ALWAYS remember to validate it when you get on the bus. I learned this lesson the hard way. On a recent stay in Turin, I got on the bus, paper ticket in hand, and noticed that no one else was validating their tickets at the machine. I wrongly presumed that validation wasn’t required. Maybe it was a special holiday?

Ten minutes later, an inspector got on the bus and started checking tickets. Everyone on the bus held up their smartphones. As tourists, we had only the paper tickets we’d purchased from the local tobacconist. When the inspector came to Gregg and me and tried to scan our tickets—nada. My protestations of being a dumb tourist fell on deaf ears. That mistake cost us 40 euros—each.

So, just because no one else is validating their ticket doesn’t mean you shouldn’t validate your ticket!

6. Shop for Food in Local Markets

Shopping for snacks, lunches and the occasional dinner in your hotel room or apartment not only lets you experience life as a temporary local, but it also saves you money. In general, food prices are lower in Europe (although starting to rise). The quality of the fresh produce is also far superior to what is found in the average North American grocery store.

I love prowling the aisles of a European supermarket and ordering pre-made food at the in-store delis. I’ve typically found the staff to be friendly and tolerant of my attempts to at least say hello, good-bye and thank you in their language.

Outdoor Markets

Be on the lookout for open-air markets where you’ll find a dizzying array of foods along with clothing and knick-knacks. Some cities also have large indoor markets, such as the Mercado de Triana in Seville.

An outdoor market in Europe is a great place to find good, fresh food while avoiding tourist crowds — Interact with locals while browsing outdoor markets in Europe

7. Take a Cooking Class

When you take a cooking class in Europe, you’ll meet travelers from around the world and learn from a local chef. I’m a firm fan of cooking classes and take one every chance I get.

On a recent trip to Rome, I learned how to make gelato and pizza with lovely Marco: Pizza, Gelato, Suppli–Oh My! A Fantastic Cooking Class in Rome

A cooking class in Europe is a great way to learn new skills and avoid crowds — Take a cooking class and learn new skills

In a tapas class I took in Madrid, I met fellow travelers from Australia, Holland, the UK, France, and Korea.

8. Go on a Walking Tour

I’ve also become a big fan of walking tours, particularly specialty tours that cater to a specific interest. In Rome, I went on a walking tour of the old Jewish ghetto. In London, I explored the back alleys and colorful history of the Covent Garden theater district. In Stratford-upon-Avon, I joined three other people for a small walking tour with a guide pretending to be William Shakespeare.

Walking tours usually take you behind the scenes and to places where regular bus tours can’t go. The guides are often locals who are very enthusiastic about their subject and love showing off hidden gems.

A great source for walking tours is GuruWalk. All the tours listed are pay-what-you-can and run by locals. Here are some of the free walks available from GuruWalk in Paris.

9. Skip the Iconic Sites

Yes, this recommendation is blasphemy but heeding it could make the difference between reveling in a relaxing and memorable European vacation and enduring one that leaves you hot, bothered, and blistered. When you’re planning what you want to see, consider not visiting super popular sites such as the Colosseum in Rome, the ruins in Pompeii, and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Instead, choose smaller, lesser-known museums and sites, and leave more time for wandering.

By all means, stroll past the Colosseum and view the Eiffel Tower from one of the bridges. Snap some photos and drink in the view. Then, veer off into a shady side street and enjoy an hour or tour wandering around a quiet neighborhood, sitting in a park, and enjoying a drink at an outdoor café surrounded by locals.

Carol Cram in front of the Colosseum in Rome — See the Colosseum from the outside only

Travel isn’t all about ticking off the big sites. Instead, think of travel as your opportunity to surround yourself with a kaleidoscope of interesting sights, sounds, and smells.

Slow down and savor the displays in a small museum, make time for a concert or an art opening, be on the lookout for a local festival, and just be.

10. Walk Away from the Crowds

Even in Venice, one of Europe’s busiest tourist cities, you can find solitude. Leave the busy piazzas and thoroughfares and within seconds, you’ll be wandering down narrow alleyways and crossing tiny bridges spanning sleepy canals that look like they haven’t been disturbed for centuries.

Even in crowded Venice, you can easily find quiet corners

I skirt the main tourist drags in busy towns by going left or right down the first narrow street I see. I may get a bit lost, but I’ll also find glorious solitude and the chance to commune with the past.

Siena’s Campo bustles with tourists but walk a few meters down a side street and you’re alone and surrounded by buildings that haven’t changed much in 700 years. And at night, you’ll even have the Campo all to yourself.

Carol Cram in the Campo in Siena at night — Have the Campo in Siena to yourself at night

Such opportunities for quiet encounters with history make European travel endlessly appealing.

Some of My Favorite Uncrowded European Sites

Conclusion

What are your tips for avoiding crowds in Europe? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

When is the Best Time to Tour Europe?

August 18, 2024January 5, 2025Arts & Culture, Travel Smart Artsy Traveler Leave a Comment

Last updated on January 5th, 2025 at 01:07 am

Are you trying to figure out the best time of year to tour Europe? You probably already know that summer may not be the optimal time to tour some European countries, but not necessarily all.

How do you plan your trip to get maximum bang for your euro while also avoiding crowds and enjoying decent weather?

Don’t worry! You’re not the first person to ask this question. I ponder it myself when planning my trips to Europe. And the answer depends on three factors:

Crowds
Activities
Weather

Split image featuring a crowded sunny beach and a snowy mountain landscape, with a "Best Time to Tour Europe" banner from ArtsyTraveler.com.

I do consider two other factors–the dates of writers’ conferences and retreats I may want to attend, and the dates when my husband, artist Gregg Simpson, has an art exhibition scheduled.

Introduction

I’ve visited Europe in all four seasons, and each has its pros and cons. Yes, even summer can be a great choice, depending on where you’re going.

Read on for my recommendations for when and where to tour Europe in each of the four seasons, starting with summer.

Touring Europe: Is Summer Best?

I think back to summer vacations when I was a child. My parents packed my big brother and me into a hot car (no air con in those days) and drove us to a National Park or a beach or to visit relatives. Summer vacations were a combination of fun and sunburn.

Now that I’m a grown-up, I think about summer a bit differently. I no longer have children in school and my work commitments are flexible. I can stay home in the summer and avoid excessive heat and crowds, or I can choose destinations that give me a comfortable summer holiday experience.

Aerial view of a long, golden beach in Portugal, crowded with colorful umbrellas and sunbathers, with turquoise ocean waves. — Tour Europe in the summer to experience plenty of awesome beach time

Touring Europe in the Summer

Some European countries are best visited in the summer—and some are not. Here are my recommendations.

Countries to Avoid in Summer

If possible, avoid summer travel to destinations such as southern Portugal, southern Spain, southern Italy, and Greece. Thanks to climate change, summers are getting hotter and tourist spots are paying the price.

Attractions such as the Acropolis in Greece are often closed in the afternoons because of excessive heat, and trust me, you really don’t want to tour Rome when the temperatures soar above 38 C (100 F).

Countries to Consider in Summer

Southern France, northern Italy, northern Spain, and northern Portugal can all experience hot summer weather, but don’t rule them out as summertime destinations.

I’ve visited southern France in June and ended up gasping for air during a canicule when temperatures hit 45 C. With air conditioning still not that common, I spent a lot of time floating in a pool when I wasn’t sitting indoors next to a tray of ice in front of a fan.

But I’ve also stayed for several weeks in southern France during July and August and enjoyed beautiful weather. Yes, it was warm, but not excessively so, and finding reasonably priced accommodations with pools was pretty easy.

And of course, there are beaches.

So don’t rule out visiting the south of France in summer, although you will find it crowded, particularly in August.

Northern Italy is generally comfortable in the summer, and there are all those beautiful lakes and mountains to explore.

I’ve also visited northern Spain and northern Portugal in summer and enjoyed both, even experiencing quite a bit of rain in green and pleasant Galicia in northwest Spain.

Stunning alpine scenery with jagged Dolomite mountains reflected in a calm, still lake, under a clear blue sky. — Destinations such as the Dolomites in northern Italy are a summer travel choice.

Countries to Choose in Summer

You can’t go wrong visiting countries in northern Europe during the summer. Here are my recommendations.

France

Take a summer vacation in Brittany. You’ll find some crowds, but you’ll also enjoy beautiful weather and fabulous beaches along with local festivals.

Other great options in France for summer touring are Normandy and the Loire Valley.

Dramatic white chalk cliffs and arches along the Normandy coast, with blue water and green hills. — Normandy is beautiful in the summer with plenty to see and great beaches to enjoy.

Austria, Switzerland, Germany and the Low Countries

I love visiting these countries in the summer, particularly Austria and the Low Countries. Hiking in the Alps is best (and safest) during the summer months.

And as for the Netherlands, the gloomy skies you’ll find during most of the year tend to clear in summer. A visit to the spectacular Kröller-Müller Museum near Arnhem on a balmy summer afternoon is an Artsy Traveler must.

A white abstract sculpture reflecting on a pond, surrounded by lush green trees and grass. — Don’t miss the outdoor sculptures at the Kröller-Müller Museum near Arnhem if you visit the Netherlands in summer.

United Kingdom

Having traveled frequently in the UK, I can safely say that summer is the best time to visit England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales if you’re hoping for good weather. You may not actually get good weather, but your chances are higher during July, August and even early September than at any other time of year.

That said, I’ve toured southern Ireland in August and have needed to buy gloves and a hat.

Artsy Traveler Motto: Be Prepared!

I’ve also visited Scotland three times during the month of September and each time, the weather was spectacular. The only thing you can be certain about regarding summer travel in the UK is that if it’s raining in the morning, chances are the sun will come out in the afternoon.

A serene countryside landscape with a river lined by wildflowers and a row of old stone cottages in the distance. — The English countryside in late summer rarely disappoints.

A Note About Garden Tours

One compelling reason to visit the United Kingdom during the summer months is to enjoy the profusion of flowers found both in private and public gardens. I have a soft spot for a good garden tour, and in the UK, you’re spoiled for choice.

Scandinavia

Traveling in the Scandinavian countries in summer is delightful thanks to long days and relatively balmy weather. I spent time in Copenhagen during early September and found the weather a shade cool but mostly dry and perfect for sightseeing.

If you choose to go to Iceland during the summer, you’ll find a lot of fellow travelers. It’s a trade-off.

Visit Iceland in winter and you’ll have many sites to yourself in the semi-darkness. Visit Iceland in midsummer and you’ll jostle for position in front of every waterfall, but on the plus side, you’ll see waterfalls for about 20 hours a day.

Snow-covered mountains in the background and a frozen, rocky terrain in the foreground under a clear blue sky. — Tour Iceland in the summer to experience a maximum number of daylight hours.

No matter when you travel to Iceland, you’ll experience ferocious weather. I visited in February, so I expected it to be cold, but I know people who visited in June and saw almost nothing of the spectacular scenery. How tragic is that?

Summer At a Glance

Crowds: Destinations can be extremely crowded, with many popular sites sold out if you don’t purchase tickets in advance.

Activities: Lots of festivals and markets, but fewer blockbuster art shows and concerts

Weather: Unbearably hot in the south; relatively comfortable in the north

Touring Europe: How About Fall?

I think that fall is the second-best season to tour Europe (or at least most of it). And if you’re wondering, I think spring is the best season (more on touring Europe in the spring below).

Here are the pros of touring Europe in the fall (or autumn for my British friends):

Major Exhibitions

I always check what art and museum exhibitions are going to be on in the destinations I’m planning to visit. While some exhibitions run through the summer, many of the best ones start in September or October.

Concert Season

Whenever possible, I get tickets to as many classical music concerts as I can when I’m traveling in Europe. Some of the world’s best orchestras are located in cities such as Berlin, Paris, and London, with most concert seasons running from September to May.

Modern concert hall with a large orchestra preparing for a performance; multiple levels of seating and warm interior lighting. — Interior of the Elbphilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg, one of the world’s great concert halls.

Manageable Crowds

Well, more or less. Even on a cold November day, Venice was crowded, and a recent visit to the Louvre in Paris in October was a nightmare. But overall, the crowds are not nearly as large in the fall as they are in midsummer, or even spring.

Visit popular sites early in the morning and book ahead, and you should be fine.

Pleasant Weather

I’ve visited most countries in western Europe during the fall at least once and have almost always enjoyed great weather. The temperatures, particularly as you go farther south, are warm but not too hot, and rainfall is generally scarcer in fall than in spring.

Just make sure you’re equipped with a rain jacket and hat no matter where you plan to travel in the fall (or spring, for that matter).

And if you’re traveling in November, be prepared for chilly temperatures pretty much everywhere in Europe. I froze in Venice in late November, and I wouldn’t recommend venturing north of London after October.

The days get very short by the time you make it to Scotland.

Fall At a Glance

Crowds: Popular destinations are generally less crowded than in summer, although purchasing advance tickets is always a good idea.

Activities: Major exhibitions and concert seasons start, along with some festivals.

Weather: Balmy and warm in the south growing increasingly chilly as you move north, with rain common everywhere, especially in November

Touring Europe: Winter Wonderland?

Winter is, surprisingly, not a terrible time to visit Europe, although it’s my fourth choice overall. In winter, you should focus your energies on touring cities such as London, Paris, Berlin, and Rome.

I once spent two weeks in Rome in December and loved it. The Vatican Museum was almost empty (that never happens at any other time of year) and the days were clear and crisp.

In winter, the concert season is in full swing, you’ll find plenty of exhibitions to tour, and prices for accommodations will be lower. In northern Europe, the days are shorter, but since you’ll mostly be visiting indoor sites, the lack of daylight isn’t a drawback.

I visited Iceland for ten days in February and enjoyed clear skies on every day but one. I also was able to commune with the major scenic sites in relative solitude and even saw the northern lights.

Winter At a Glance

Crowds: Popular destinations will be much less crowded, and purchasing advance tickets typically not required except for the most popular sites such as da Vinci’s Last Supper in Milan.

Activities: Major exhibitions and concert seasons are ongoing; also, Christmas celebrations and decorations enliven December all over Europe.

Weather: Chilly in the south growing increasingly colder as you move north, with rain common and snow likely

Touring Europe: Spring is the Winner!

The spring months are the perfect time to tour Europe if you don’t have your heart set on enjoying beach time or lazy afternoons by the pool. Even in southern Italy, the beaches don’t open until the end of May, and the unheated pools in most resorts are frigid.

A cloudy sky over a beach with rows of wooden lounge chairs and white umbrellas lined up on a sandy shoreline — A breezy beach in southern Italy in early May is still not open for business.

In spring, the crowds are generally larger than in fall or winter (but not as large as in summer!). You won’t be enjoying your favorite sites alone (read about my ill-fated visit to the Colosseum in Rome in May!), but at least the weather won’t be as hot.

Standing in long lines when the temperature is 24 C is manageable. Doing the same thing when the temperature hits 40 C is not.

One caveat about traveling in spring—be prepared for rain. I almost always experience a lot more rain in Europe in the spring than in the fall. On a recent trip to Italy in May, I wore a dress and sandals only once. The rest of the time, I needed long pants and a warmish jacket.

And in April and May in Paris, expect rain and then sun and then rain on repeat.

Woman in a beige coat and purple scarf standing on a bridge in Paris with the Eiffel Tower in the foggy background.

A woman in a beige coat and turquoise scarf smiling on a bridge in Paris, with the River Seine behind her and the Louvre and surrounding buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.

As with fall and winter, a lot of major exhibitions at museums and galleries start in the spring. In addition, concert seasons are still in full swing.

You’re also more likely to stumble across pageants and processions in spring, particularly around Easter.

A man in a red and yellow medieval costume proudly waving a matching flag featuring a lion and cross emblem, with other people in period clothing walking behind him in a historical setting. — Medieval processions are popular in Tuscany in the spring

Tulips!

And if you can, make a point of visiting the Netherlands in the spring so you can tiptoe through the tulips in the fabulous Keukenhof Gardens. You’ll find plenty of crowds (go early to avoid the tour busses), but the chance to see so many tulips in one gloriously landscaped garden is not to be missed.

I’ve visited Keukenhof Gardens in April twice. It doesn’t get old.

A vibrant garden scene with rows of pink, white, and purple flowers weaving through bright green grass, surrounded by tall trees and spring blossoms. — View of tulips in the Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands

Spring At a Glance

Crowds: Popular destinations can be crowded with advance tickets advisable for most sites and required for very popular sites and museums such as the Uffizi and the Louvre

Activities: Major exhibitions and concert seasons are ongoing.

Weather: Moderate in the south and chilly in the north but generally good weather for sightseeing, although often rainier in the spring than in the summer and fall

A Note About Costs

Costs vary from place to place and season to season. You’ll pay more when you travel in high season, but high season is not always summer.

At a ski resort in the Alps, for example, the high season is winter.

I’ve generally found that prices are low-ish in winter, relatively affordable in spring and fall, and at their peak in summer, depending on the destination.

At popular times of the year, steer clear of resorts and tourist meccas such as Paris and Florence. Instead, seek out off-the-beaten path destinations. Regardless of the time of year, you’ll encounter fewer crowds, meet more locals, and get better value for the money you spend.

Top Tips for Touring Europe

Planning a trip to Europe is almost as fun as going on a trip to Europe. Keep in mind these three tips and you’re sure to make informed choices:

Tip #1: Choose countries based on the weather: go north in the warmer months and south in the cooler months.

Tip #2: Check when major exhibitions and concerts are scheduled and plan accordingly.

Tip #3: Avoid crowds by visiting popular tourist spots during less popular times such as in fall and winter, or first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Ultimately, the best time to travel to Europe is whenever you have the time. You may have to go to Greece in August.

If so, travel smart by avoiding strenuous activities during the heat of the day, scheduling visits to tourist hot spots such as the Acropolis in the early morning or evening (it stays open quite late), and opting for less sightseeing time and more pool/beach time.

Or you may only be able to visit England in December. No worries! Spend the mornings visiting scenic areas and quaint villages, and then visit museums later in the day when the sun starts to go down.

And in London, spend an evening or two enjoying a West End show.

Conclusion

What advice do you have for someone planning a trip to Europe? In what seasons have you traveled? Which were great? Which are best avoided? Share your experiences in the comments below.

For more posts about traveling smart check out:

Two Highly Recommended Places to Stay in Copenhagen

January 24, 2023January 17, 2025Denmark, Destinations, Hotel Reviews, Travel Smart Artsy Traveler Leave a Comment

Last updated on January 17th, 2025 at 05:23 pm

Finding accommodation in Copenhagen can be challenging if you’re on a budget. But if you have extra money to spare (and you’ll need it in Copenhagen), then you can easily rent a stylish apartment in an iconic location.

Copenhagen is a wonderful city to stay in for at least a week. Not only is there a lot to see and do, but there’s also great pleasure to be had just being in the city and becoming a temporary Dane.

Rent a bike or take a cycling tour, wander up and down the many pedestrian streets, stop for coffee and watch the world go by, and stroll along the harbor.

A promotional graphic for recommended accommodations in Copenhagen, featuring Nyhavn’s vibrant waterfront and text emphasizing top lodging options. Ideal for travel inspiration in the city.

On my visit to Copenhagen, I stayed in two places–an apartment for a week and a hotel for one night. Both were great, with the edge going to the apartment, which was hands down one of the nicest and most comfy apartments we’ve ever stayed in during my many years of traveling in Europe.

The map below shows the location of the two places.

Map created using Wanderlog, a trip planner app on iOS and Android

Copenhagen Accommodation in Nyhavn

I chose to spend our week in Copenhagen in Nyhavn, the lively harbor area full of iconic, colorful houses and tons of outdoor cafes. I loved this location and never got tired of walking up and down the harbor taking pictures of the houses in every light.

The iconic Nyhavn harbor in Copenhagen, lined with colorful buildings and boats on the water. A scenic area with some of the most recommended places to stay in Copenhagen. — Captivating Nyhavn in early evening

I booked an apartment through booking.com that exceeded our expectations. It was a two-bedroom apartment located in one of the colorful houses right on the harbor. To access it, we walked through two courtyards and then rode an elevator to the fifth (top) floor.

A vibrant orange entryway leading to a courtyard in Copenhagen, with cobblestone paving and historic charm. Highlighting a unique, recommended place to stay in Copenhagen. — Passageway leading from the harbor to our courtyard

A charming courtyard surrounded by yellow-painted apartment buildings in Copenhagen, showcasing the city’s unique architecture. A recommended place to stay in Copenhagen for those who enjoy picturesque settings. — Building in which our apartment was located

The apartment was very stylishly decorated and included a full kitchen and a very large dining area. We also had a lovely view over the rooftops of Copenhagen.

A cozy living room with modern couches, warm decor, and a large rug, offering a welcoming atmosphere. A recommended place to stay in Copenhagen for those seeking modern comfort. — Living area

Spacious open-plan living area in a Copenhagen apartment with Scandinavian-style furniture, a dining area, and wood flooring. A top choice for recommended places to stay in Copenhagen for families or groups. — Looking from the living area toward the large dining area; kitchen is on the left

A cozy bedroom in a Copenhagen apartment, decorated with neutral tones, modern artwork, and natural light, ideal for a relaxing stay. A recommended place to stay in Copenhagen for comfort and style. — One of the two bedrooms in the apartment

A bright window view of colorful Copenhagen rooftops with red tiles and pastel facades, capturing the charm of accommodations in the city. Perfect for visitors seeking unique places to stay in Copenhagen. — Colorful rooftops of Copenhagen seen from the bedroom

The price was fairly reasonable considering the location. Copenhagen is not a cheap place to stay, so expect to pay in excess of $300 USD a night. I felt that the apartment was well worth the cost and can recommend it whole-heartedly if you’re planning to spend a week in Copenhagen.

Staying at Phoenix Copenhagen

We had an extra night to spend in Copenhagen as a result of a last-minute itinerary change. Our beloved apartment was no longer available, so we moved around the corner to the stylishly upscale Phoenix Copenhagen.

If you’re looking for a hotel in the Nyhavn area, the Phoenix is a fine choice. It’s pretty high end price-wise and the room was a trifle cramped, but the staff were friendly and as mentioned, the location on Bredgade can’t be beat. The marble lobby was gorgeous and the restaurant downstairs served hearty food, particularly welcome on the cold and rainy night we stayed.

Elegant hotel lobby in Copenhagen featuring marble flooring, modern lighting, and classic artwork, showcasing a luxurious accommodation option. A recommended place to stay in Copenhagen for those seeking sophistication. — Lobby at Phoenix Copenhagen

We particularly liked Phoenix Copenhagen because it was across the street from the gallery in which Gregg was exhibiting the “Color of Dreams.” Here’s a look at the exhibition at Galleri Bredgade 22:

Facade of Galleri Bredgade 22 in Copenhagen

Exhibition of paintings by Gregg Simpson at Galleri Bredgade 22 in Copenhagen — “The Color of Dreams” Exhibition at Galleri Bredgade 22

Colorful paintings by Gregg Simpson at Galleri Bredgade 22 in Copenhagen — Paintings in the exhibition

Other Accommodation Options in Copenhagen

Here are other options for places to stay in Copenhagen. If possible, choose a location near the center of the city. The Nyhavn area is ideal because it is within walking distance of just about everything you’ll want to see in this lovely, compact city.

Booking.com

Copenhagen Tours & Tickets

Check Tiqets.com for tickets and tours to places in and around lovely Copenhagen.

Copenhagen Walking Tours

GuruWalk lists pay-what-you-please walking tours that connect tourists with tour guides all around the world. Check out their tours of Copenhagen!

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

December 19, 2022December 7, 2024Activities, Arts & Culture, Travel Smart Artsy Traveler 1 Comment

Last updated on December 7th, 2024 at 02:28 am

For most travelers, taking photgraphs is an integral part of exploring new destinations. Some people snap quick photos with their SmartPhones while others travel with several cameras and apply their training and a good eye to taking memorable, even exhibition-worthy photographs. Guest poster Julie H. Ferguson falls into the latter category.

Julie describes how she discovered her love of photography and shares her travel photography tips to help the Artsy Traveler take great pictures.

The cover photo for this post, previously exhibited, shows an iceberg in Baffin Bay, where Julie sailed on an expedition ship in the summer of 2022.

How I Got Started with Travel Photography

I believe photography is an art form, while travel is an addiction. Together, they make a magical combination.

My father was an accomplished painter in oils and watercolors who took me to all the great museums and galleries in the UK and some in Europe. A serious amateur, he was good enough to exhibit in the Royal Academy. He also tried hard to get me drawing and painting from an early age. However, I didn’t have his talent and got frustrated when I couldn’t reproduce what I was seeing. And then, when I was ten, Dad had a brainwave and bought me a Kodak Brownie camera. Finally, I found a way to reproduce what I was seeing! Since then, I always have a camera in my hand.

Guest poster Julie H. Ferguson in Croker Bay on a cruise to Canada's Arctic in 2022 — Guest poster Julie H. Ferguson in Croker Bay on an expedition to Canada’s High Arctic (Nunavut) in 2022 (Courtesy: Susan Dixon)

My Photography Passion Expands

For years, I employed what my father taught me about composition, color, and light, especially after I acquired my first single lens reflex camera. I bought my first digital camera in 1999 and was hooked. I joined a camera club in 2005, practised a lot, and learned how to edit my images on a computer.

Now, I own four cameras — two Nikons and lenses, one small but mighty Lumix that fits in my pocket when I’m doing active things like riding camels, and an old GoPro. I have about 50,000 images in the Cloud and have not stopped practising.

Selection of cameras used by guest poster Julie H. Ferguson when taking travel photographs — Julie’s cameras go everywhere with her when she travels

Exhibiting My Travel Photography

Our visual, connected world has seen an explosion in photography recently but, oddly enough, not much of an increase in photography exhibitions. Go to any small or large gallery, and you will rarely see photographs on display. I try to find photography exhibitions wherever I am in the world and am not always successful, but at least I can enjoy the world’s best travel photographers’ work online. Here are two of my favorite websites:

The excellent art gallery near where I live in Penticton, BC, asked my camera club, the Penticton Photography Club, to mount a small exhibition in collaboration with fibre artists in 2021. This was the first photography exhibit the gallery had mounted in its ninety-nine-year existence. I sold my first image at this exhibition — a thrilling moment for me after over twelve years of exhibiting. It was validating, and I felt I had honored my father’s long ago training sessions.

Guest poster Julie h. Ferguson next to photographs she exhibited — Julie next to the first photograph (R) she sold at an exhibition of the Naramata Inn near Penticton, BC (Courtesy: Merle Kindred)

What Kind of Camera Should You Use?

The best camera you have is the one in your hand is an old saying but it’s spot on! Today, the newer phone cameras are exceptional, and I use mine when I’m stuck without one of my cameras. It takes very sharp images with true colors, and manages low light quite well. The video is good too, although I prefer taking stills because I enjoy the challenge.

My Travel Photography Tips

Do you, like me, view photography as more than a snapshot? Perhaps even art? If so, here are some simple travel photography tips to up your game for taking great travel shots.

Travel Photography Tip 1: Keep it straight

Here’s how to avoid shooting wonky horizons and leaning buildings

Line up the horizon to be parallel with the top or bottom of the screen; line up the side of buildings with the side of the screen.
Don’t tip your camera up or down—keep it parallel to the ground.

An iceberg near Baffin Island in Canada's Arctic--an example of good travel photography — Keeping the horizon line straight and focusing on the foreground

Travel Photography Tip 2: Avoid fuzzy images

Fuzzy images are generally caused by camera shake or poor focussing. Here’s how to fix:

Camera shake (everything is fuzzy): Never hold your camera or phone at arm’s length as it bounces when you click the shutter down. Wedge it against something or fix your elbows on a wall, your chest, or your knees before pressing the shutter.

Out of focus (the subject is fuzzy): Press the shutter halfway down and wait for the camera to focus on the subject. If using a phone, tap the screen over the subject. When shooting people or animals focus on the eye closest to you.

Travel Photography Tip 3: Find great light

Don’t shoot into the sun. The best light is during the golden hour after sunrise and before sunset.

Travel Photography Tip 4: Take great people shots

Light people effectively: Take portraits in the shade or on an overcast day to avoid ugly shadows on faces and squinty eyes in bright sunlight. Dark or silhouetted portraits are caused by bright light behind them from skies, sun, sea, or snow.

Close-up hotograph of a woman whosing how to take people photos without harsh shadows. — An example of a portrait that demonstrates harsh shadows under the nose, deep wrinkles, and squinty eyes in bright midday sun.

Put your focus point on the subject by holding down the shutter halfway while the camera focuses. If your camera has an interactive screen, tap over the subject, or tap the subject on your phone’s screen.

Photograph of two camel traders in Morocco as an example of Travel Photograph Tip 4: keeping the focus point on the subject. — In 2018 at the Pushkar Camel Fair, two chiefs haggle good-naturedly over the price of one camel.

If you’re shooting inside and using flash, move your subjects away from the walls by at least a metre to avoid unsightly shadows behind them.

Travel Photography Tip 5: Apply effective composition principles

Avoid placing your subject (focus point) in the middle of the frame. Use the “Rule of Thirds” and put your subject in the area of one of the red dots in the diagram — it’s more pleasing to the eye.

Diagram showing the Rule of Thirds - Travel Photograph Tip 5.

This photograph of an Inu elder in Canada's Arctic demonstrates the trave; photography tip related to the principle of thirds — This photograph of an Inuk elder in Canada’s Arctic demonstrates the Rule of Thirds and the need for space in front of her.

Travel Photograph Tip 6: Avoid shooting where you are standing

Walk around your subject if possible; move right and left, forward and back, and up and down to find the best angle for your shot.

Ziz Gorge in Morocco - an example of photograph tip 6: avoid shooting where you are standing. — Making this huge rock the focal point using the Rule of Thirds with leading lines in this shot of the Ziz Gorge in Morocco

Travel Photography Tip 7: Practise often!

It’s digital, so you can take as many photos as you like, and your “eye” will begin to improve, and the above tips will become more automatic.

Avoid taking a new camera on vacation without taking 2001+ photographs before you go!

Editing Your Photographs

I always endeavour to get the picture I want right in the camera, but I do appreciate the creativity that the digital darkroom affords. In fact, I love the editing as much as taking the photographs. This is where the magic happens for me.

Once you start getting comfortable with your camera, you might want to take the next step and get an editing app for your phone or computer. There’s plenty of suggestions online or from camera club members to get you started . For example, my favourites are Adobe Photoshop and the Nik Collection, the first of which has a steep learning curve (check out this guide to learning Photoshop). Other apps are effective and easy to use.

Conclusion

Upping your photography game when travelling takes some practice and thought. It’s well worth the effort both for personal satisfaction and as a means of preserving your memories.

Safe travels!

Read about Julie H. Ferguson on the Artsy Traveler Guest Posters page.

Stay at Sant’Antonio Country Resort near Spectacular Montepulciano in Tuscany

November 8, 2022January 17, 2025Destinations, Hotel Reviews, Italy, Travel Smart Artsy Traveler Leave a Comment

Last updated on January 17th, 2025 at 09:37 pm

Every so often when traveling, serendipity rears its delightful head. The plans you’ve made go awry, but instead of facing disaster, you step into something even more wonderful.

That happened to us while traveling a few kilometers out of the fabled town of Montepulciano in Tuscany.

Read about our day leading up to finding Sant’Antonio Country Resort or cut to the chase and scroll down to my review!

Pin of Sant'Antonio Country Resort - Recommended place to stay

Lead-Up to Montepulciano

In Rome, we woke up to the first rainy day of our time in Italy (we’d been in the country two weeks). The clanging at the building site next door to our apartment was slightly muted, much to our relief.

After nine nights, it was time to leave the Eternal City. We were all packed and waiting at the door for our 10:30 Uber. Horrendous Rome traffic delayed him over half an hour, but when he finally arrived, Roberto was cheerful and helpful.

Thirty minutes later, he dropped us at the garage where we found the same smiling attendant and our car already out of its slot and waiting for us to drive it away. What a wonderful service. Shout-out to Parclick!

Arrival in Montepulciano

We made it out of Rome without even one wrong turn—perhaps a record for us! Soon, we were back on the Autostrade speeding north to Tuscany. Ah, Tuscany! It’s one of my favorite places in Europe which is why I set my first novel, The Towers of Tuscany, there. I’m working on two more novels set in Tuscany; perhaps on this trip I’d find more inspiration to finish them.

View of the Tuscan countryside — The beauty of the Tuscany landscape never gets old

After a smooth two-hour drive, we pulled up in front of our hotel for two nights—a lovely Albergo about five minutes outside Montepulciano. Neither of us had ever visited Montepulciano and so decided that on this trip we’d skip our usual visits to San Gimignano and Siena and see something new. Good call!

No Room at the Inn

Except we had a few more hoops to go through before the full Tuscan experience would wash over us.

The proprietor of the hotel looked puzzled when I give him my name. He searched his list, frowned, shook his head.

No, Signora.

Oh dear. I pulled out my phone and showed him my booking on booking.com and said in a somewhat aggrieved tone, We’ve definitely booked! See – October 13 to 15! A little shiver of doubt ran through me as I said this. Wasn’t today October 13?

He peered at my phone. Ah. That’s next year, Signora.

Oh.

And of course the place was full.

Plan B

We piled back into the car and started driving toward a place he suggested. Within three minutes–Google Maps notwithstanding–we were lost. We’ve found that Google Maps doesn’t always work well in the Italian countryside, or in the cities for that matter.

Gregg pulled over and I consulted my phone to see what booking.com had to offer. Fortunately, several options popped up around Montepulciano. We wanted something outside the town in a country setting. Over the years, we’ve had our share of disasters when we’ve booked places within the medieval walls of an ancient town. If you’ve ever done so, you’ll know what I mean. And if you haven’t, trust me.

If you’re driving, never book a place inside the walls of a medieval city. Ever.

Success

After a few searches, I selected Sant’Antonio Country Resort. It ticked all the boxes–countryside, looked pretty, nice big rooms, mid-range price, and best of all, available. I booked it, paid for it, and entered the address in Google Maps. The suggested route took us around Montepulciano where a band of red showed traffic congestion. Another route that was supposed to be slower but seemingly more direct took us across country in a straight line.

Throwing caution to the wind, I decided to ignore Google Maps and the nice GPS lady and directed Gregg along the other route.

On Our Way Again

Soon, we were bumping along dirt roads cleaving through vine-studded fields punctuated by deep green cypresses. In the distance, a row of pale blue Tuscan mountains floated in a smoky autumnal haze.

View of Tuscan countryside from Sant'Antonio Country Resort near Montepulciano

It was the Tuscany of our dreams. And fortunately, the road, although unpaved, was not undrivable. So, at a leisurely and extremely scenic pace, we eventually arrived at a massive iron gate—the entrance to the grandly named Sant’Antonio Country Resort.

I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I pressed the intercom and a voice told us to drive in as the gates slowly opened. The owners were incredibly welcoming and friendly. They informed us that never in the history of their working with booking.com had anyone ever booked on the website on the same day they wanted to stay. Apparently, the system is designed to reject such bookings.

But for some unexplainable reason, a glitch in the system let us through. How fortuitous!

Heaven at Sant’Antonio Country Resort: My Review

Sant’Antonio Country Resort is everything we love about Tuscany. Here’s why:

Located out in the country but still within a short drive of an iconic hilltown, in this case, Montepulciano
Plenty of free parking and easy to drive to
Gorgeous self-contained units in a renovated medieval convent
Most units with terraces
A swimming pool and many outdoor areas on the grounds
Plenty of country walks and scenic drives nearby
Stunning vistas of olive trees and cypresses at every turn
Excellent reviews
Friendly and accommodating owners who speak English and genuinely love sharing their little piece of heaven with their guests

And at the Sant’Antonio Country Resort, there is even a friendly fox that likes to steal shoes. We were warned not to leave our shoes outside our door because the fox would take them. What the fox does with the shoes is a mystery, but we agreed not to find out.

Our Accommodation at Sant’Antonio Country Resort

The owners very kindly upgraded us to a two-bedroom apartment complete with very comfortable living room, a big dining room, a large bed in the master bedroom, a second smaller bedroom where we stashed the luggage, and two bathrooms.

Oh, and two terraces.

Here are a few photographs of the place.

Tuscan farmhouse accommodation at Sant'Antonio Country Resort near Montepulciano — Our two-bedroom apartment is on the ground floor

Living room at Sant'Antonio Country Resort near Montepulciano — Comfortable living room and dining area

Carol Cram walking in the countryside near Sant'Antonio Country Resort near Montepulciano — On a walk on the grounds of the resort

Shaded walkway at a country resort in Tuscany — Beautiful spots for relaxing all over the property

Memorable Dinners in Montepulciano

After a few hours reveling in our good luck, we left around 5 pm for a drive up to Montepulciano which we discovered is a lovely, calm town, much less frenetic than other Tuscan towns such as San Gimignano.

The deal here is food and wine—lots of wine, particularly the vino nobile of Montepulciano. We stopped at a little bar and I sampled my first glass while Gregg had a cappuccino. With about an hour to kill before our dinner reservation (kindly made by our hosts at Sant’Antonio Country Resort), we climbed the cobbled streets to reach the piazza. It was nearly empty in the early evening. I imagine that during the day, the place is mobbed.

Carol in the main piazza in Montelpulciano in Tuscany — Carol in the Grande Piazza in Montepulciano

Looking over the Tuscan countryside from Montepulciano at sunset — Sunset over Tuscany from Montepulciano

Large medieval buidling with porticos against a darkening sky in Montepulciano, Tuscany — Darkness falls over Montepulciano

Dinner at Porta di Bacco was served in an ancient room replete with a column (is it Roman?) and brick arches. The wine and food were predictably excellent. I ordered gnocchi with a duck ragout—hearty and tasty. The food here is different from Rome – more country-style and a nice change from the usual fare offered in Roman trattorias, which can get a bit repetitive.

After a moonlit stroll back to the car, we faced the challenging drive in the dark back to Sant’Antonio Country Resort. A drive that in daylight is quick and easy took on a different tenor at night. We made a few wrong turns but eventually got back on track and were soon pulling into our temporary home.

The next night we dined at Ristorante La Grotta, outside the city walls. Located in a 16th-century building, the restaurant was directly opposite the Church of San Biagio, a noted example of Tuscan Renaissance architecture.

Carol Cram in the Ristorante La Grotta in Montelpulciano — Getting settled at the Ristorante La Grotta

Beautifully plated dessert at La Grotta Restaurant in Montepulciano — My dessert

Church of San Biagio with Montepulciano perched on the hill above

I highly recommend Ristorante La Grotta for a Tuscan splurge. The service was impeccable and the food excellent. It was the most expensive meal we had in nine weeks, but at 110 Euros for three gourmet courses and excellent wine, it was an amazing bargain!

Enjoying Sant’Antonio Country Resort

While at Sant’Antonio Country Resort, we met some fellow Canadians who shared that they’ve visited before, and love returning. I can’t say I blame them!

We spent our day “off” from traveling by taking walks around the property (it stretches for several hectares), enjoying a drive along small country roads in the area, and generally chilling out. We even saw the fox!

Gregg on the terrace at Sant'Antonio Country Resort near Montepulciano — Gregg working on one of our two terraces

Swimming pool at Sant'Antonio Country Resort near Montepulciano — Swimming pool (too cold in October!)

Beautiful walkway at Sant'Antonio Country Resort near Montepulciano — Walkway to our suite

Outdoor dining area at Sant'Antonio Country Resort near Montepulciano — An outdoor dining area for guests

Vista of Tuscany countryside — Beautiful vista of Tuscan countryside near Sant’Antonio Country Resort

Should You Visit Sant’Antonio Country Resort?

If you’re looking for a Tuscan retreat that is reasonably priced (albeit slightly on the high side, but worth it), set in a glorious landscape, and owned by very helpful and friendly hosts, then I can’t recommend Sant’Antonio Country Resort highly enough.

For other places in and around Montepulciano, click the map below.

Booking.com

Tours of the Tuscan Countryside

Many years ago, I took a wine tour of Tuscany that included a visit to a vineyard near Montepulciano. If you have a day to spare while visiting Tuscany, I highly recommend booking a wine tour. Here are a few suggestions.

The Joys of Exploring the World with Small Group Tours by Guest Poster Julie H. Ferguson

July 17, 2022December 15, 2024Arts & Culture, Travel Smart Artsy Traveler 3 Comments

Last updated on December 15th, 2024 at 05:27 pm

Small group tours, whether for a half-day or several weeks, have myriad benefits. The most profound is access to local expert guides who are able to customize the tour according to the interests of the participants. These experts heighten focussed travel experiences and almost always deliver a memorable experience.

Guest Poster Julie H. Ferguson shares her take on why small groups tours are the way to go, particularly for solo and older travelers.

Graphic showing the name of the post: The Joys of Exploring the World with Small Group Tours

The cover photo for this post shows the participants of Julie’s small group tour of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, with “favorite uncle” Thulani in front. Participants were from Australia, Switzerland, France, Holland, and Germany, with Julie being the sole Canadian (fourth from left).

Why I Recommend Small Group Tours

Many years ago, I went on a couple of regular sightseeing tours of local sites, which meant thirty-plus tourists. It was hopeless! Often, I couldn’t hear the guide or get close enough to the exhibits or even ask questions.

Small group tours are very different! I recommend them in these circumstances:

When you visit art museums and historic sites
When you have limited time in a location and want to see the highlights
When you travel in countries for an extended time where renting a car is unwise or destinations are unsafe to explore alone

Exploring Art Museums and Historic Sites

I learned the benefits of taking small group or private tours in art museums and historic sites the hard way. When my husband was alive, we toured Notre Dame in Paris in twenty minutes. This was not enough time for me, but he didn’t want to join any type of guided tour. As a result, we missed a lot!

Memorable Tours

A decade after that visit to Paris, I was eager to explore the Vatican Museums and told James how much we would gain from having a private guide. He finally agreed to try it mainly because we could jump the tedious entry lines. For five hours, our Italian guide from The Metropolitan Museum in New York thrilled us. James had to admit it was an incredible way to get the most out of the visit! After that, we often hired private guides and took many small-group day tours.

At the Prado in Madrid, we were two of five guests of a PhD in art history. At the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of only four mosques open to non-Muslims, a committee member who managed the building project showed my group around.

Hassan II Mosque built over the Atlantic in Casablanca, site of an excellent small group tour. — In Casablanca, Morocco, the Hassan II Mosque was built out over the Atlantic. The floor of the prayer hall is glass so the faithful can see the waves.

I also gained much from a hands-on photography workshop on the Isle of Arran with a professional. One of my favorite solo experiences was a one-on-one, day-long cooking school with an international chef in Fez, Morocco, that cost less than $80 CAD.

The author, Julie Ferguson, pictured in a kitchen in a private cooking class in Fez, Morrocco. — After shopping for ingredients in the food souk in the medina of Fez, I cooked a lunch with the chef’s help for four in a tiny kitchen in a riad or guest house.

For another perspective on taking cooking classes while traveling, check out Take a Cooking Class in Paris by Guest Poster Liz Reding and a post I wrote called Cooking Class in Rome with InRome Cooking.

Choosing Small Group and Private Day Tours

When I arrive with or without a car in a safe city for the first time, I often take a small group tour to get orientated.

On a free day in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, I spent a morning with a local university student visiting health clinics and schools.

While on a recent trip to Portugal, I took a ten-hour private tour of the Douro Valley that included port tastings, a three-course lunch in a chateau, and a short boat cruise. My driver frequently stopped so I could take photos. He also passed me over to the experts at each location and told me about the region as he drove.

The terraced vineyards of the Duoro Valley in Portugal. — The Douro Valley in northern Portugal is where the port grapes grow on terraced mountainsides. The raw wine is taken down river in casks to Porto to be made into port, matured, and shipped around the world.

Where to Find Small Group Day Tours

I seek tours that focus on history, art, and photography run by reputable companies. Sometimes, I find tours by researching online or by asking the advice of hotel concierges. When I wanted to visit textile factories in Delhi, the concierge wove all three of my interests into one marvelous day.

Yes, I pay a premium to enjoy these private or small group tours, but the value they provide is enormously worth the cost. They quadruple my enjoyment of art museums, castles, cathedrals, and cuisine.

I see much more than I could alone, my understanding and appreciation of the location soars, and I support the local economy.

Taking Extended Small Group Tours

Although I was an experienced solo traveler, after James died, I wanted to dig deeper into my A-list which included remoter regions where solo travel was challenging or downright unsafe.

I suspected that extended small group tours with twelve or fewer tourists would work for me, but I had concerns. Would I like my travel companions? Would I be the oldest? Would I get enough vital alone-time?

My First Extended Small Group Tour

My first experience on an extended small group tour was on a Majestic Line cruise of the Scottish Inner Hebrides. A micro-cruise in a converted Irish trawler meant I was trapped with twelve passengers for a week. I needn’t have worried. Everyone was respectful of others’ time, the captain listened to our pleas for unscheduled adventures, and the gourmet food was divine. Small vessels can reach places that bigger ships cannot, which meant I enjoyed wonderful shore excursions accompanied by a local expert.

A boat called the Glen Tarsen, a converted Irish trawler used to take small group tours of the Hebrides in Scotland. — Cruising the Inner Hebrides of Scotland on the Glen Tarsen, visiting Mull, Iona, and Staffa and exploring castles, remote bays, sea lochs, and enjoying a wildlife safari on land.

Favorite Benefits of Small Group Tours

Who takes small group tours? What is the transportation? What about transfers and baggage? These are all good questions, and the answers provide more reasons why I prefer small group tours.

Small Group Tour Participants

I find people who travel with extended small-group tours are well-educated, gracious, helpful, and fun. Almost all are well traveled, with the majority being retirees, often from different countries. Sixty to eighty percent are solo and most are female. I’m still in contact with friends I’ve made from around the world.

Transportation on Small Group Tours

Every extended tour I’ve done has used modern Mercedes Sprinter vans with fourteen seats. These vehicles have good air-conditioning, coolers for water (and gin!), and USB ports for charging cameras and laptops. In Africa, the all-terrain Sprinters easily handle the bad roads and trails in game parks.

During my last three-week safari, our Sprinter had two flat tires and a fuel leak (not unusual) that were all repaired on site by our amazing tour leader who was also our guide, expert ranger, driver, navigator, picnic chef, and favorite uncle.

Mercedes Sprinter van used to transport small group tours on safari in Africa. — The Mercedes Sprinter in Namibia as we prepared our daily picnic lunch in a remote spot; the trailer carried all our baggage, picnic kit, a folding table and camp chairs.

Access to Help

A significant bonus of taking a small group tour is access to help and on-call problem solving whenever I need it. I also appreciate having my baggage transported, my airport transfers organized, and accommodation in clean, well-run hotels.

Recommended Small Group Tour Companies

My two recommended tour companies are Explore! in the UK and Bestway Tours in Canada, which have focussed inventories of worldwide trips, often categorized into activity levels. These tour companies choose locally owned and regularly assessed hotels. I have visited China, India, and sub-Saharan African countries, among others, with them on many long tours and safaris.

Conclusion

If you’re not sure you’ll enjoy small group tours, I suggest trying a couple of half-day or full-day tours to see if you gain pleasure from them. I’m certain you will. While you likely won’t experience in an hour or two the friendships that accrue from longer tours, you’ll get a good idea if small group tours are for you. Then, perhaps, you’ll decide to take some extended tours.

Safe travels!

Read about Julie H. Ferguson on the Artsy Traveler Guest Posters page.

I’m a big fan of small group tours and have enjoyed them in New Zealand, Australia, and Iceland. Here is a post about my small group tour around Iceland:

Iceland in February : An Eight-Day Ring Road Tour

Have you taken small group tours? What did you think? Share your stories about the joys (and otherwise) of small group sightseeing.

Smart Ways to Travel Green

May 5, 2022January 18, 2025Travel Smart Artsy Traveler Leave a Comment

Last updated on January 18th, 2025 at 01:15 am

Traveling green is a challenge in these days of high fuel costs and encroaching climate change. Can you enjoy traveling while still doing your part to reduce greenhouse gasses, help local economies, and lessen your impact on the planet?

Let’s face it. The greenest thing you can do for our precious planet is to stay home. On the other hand, traveling usually (not always) helps local economies and it also enriches your life. It’s a trade-off for sure.

I choose to continue traveling. But I also choose to seek out smart ways to travel as greenly as possible. I share my suggestions for green travel in this post.

Pin with the text "Smart Ways to Travel Green"

Traveling Green: Transportation

Carbon Offsets

Search online for companies that offer carbon offsetting programs. Visit a website such as Atmosfair and use the tools to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions generated from your trip. Then pay the offset company the amount required to reduce emissions elsewhere in the world by funding offset renewable energy projects worldwide.

On the Plane

I shudder at the amount of garbage produced on planes. The flight attendants patrol the aisles armed with massive plastic bags into which we chuck plastic glasses and the remains of meals consisting of more packaging than food. It’s discouraging in this day and age.

What to do?

Reduce some of the waste by taking your own water bottle onto the plane. Empty it before security and then fill it up before you board. You can then say no when the attendant offers you a plastic glass full of water and ice.
Instead of accepting the plastic tray laden with plastic-wrapped everything, purchase food in the airport that is minimally packaged.
Take your trash off the plane and dispose of it in the recycling bins usually provided in the airport. You might not want to take the remains of your dinner, but you could stash a few plastic cups in a bag to carry off. Every little bit helps.

Fortunately, some airlines are getting on board with green travel. Before you buy your plane ticket, research the greenest airlines.

On the Road

Following are some suggestions for how to reduce waste while you’re on the road.

Take along a collapsible insulated food bag. While traveling, fill it with food and drinks you’ve bought in local grocery stores. Instead of purchasing overpriced packaged foods at the rest stop cafés, you have the fixings for fresh sandwiches to enjoy at the nearby picnic tables.
Don’t leave home without your trusty Swiss Army knife to cut hunks of cheese from the unpackaged block you bought in the market, spread butter on your fresh baguette, and open your bottle of wine. Just make sure you pack the knife in your checked bag to avoid confiscation at security.

I still use—and treasure—the Swiss Army knife my dad bought me for my 18th birthday before I set off on my first solo trip to Europe.

On the Train

Travel green by taking the train as often as possible.

Also consider buying freshly made sandwiches with minimal packaging at delis in the train stations to take on board with you. Then you won’t need to buy the plastic-wrapped and painfully over-packaged food available in the dining cars and from the trolleys.

In the Car

Zipping around your chosen destination by car is not a green activity. We generally rent cars to transport paintings to exhibitions and because Gregg was a racing car driver in a past life (or at least he drives like one).

We enjoy the freedom, the independence, and the flexibility of car touring.

That said, we’re well aware of the environmental impact of car travel. Here are some suggestions to compensate.

Rent the smallest car that meets your needs. You’ll save gas and will find driving in small towns and villages easier.
Check out options for renting a hybrid car. Many providers, such as Hertz, rent hybrid cars.
When you’re driving, maintain a reasonable speed. On some freeways in the EU countries, particularly Germany, the speed limit is higher than you’re likely used to at home. But just because you can go fast doesn’t mean you should!

TIP: Always drive at or just below the speed limit. More times than I care to admit, we’ve received speeding tickets months after we arrived home. The fines are hefty. Also, never drive in the far left lane unless you are passing. Cars will come up behind you at dizzying speeds and flash their lights. Get out of the way!

Gregg Simpson standing in front of an orange rental car in Portugal. Driving is not green travel unfortunately. — Gregg with our rental car in Portugal

Staying Green: Accommodation

Travel green by staying in small, locally run hotels and bed-and-breakfasts that have the added bonus of directly helping the local economy.

Choosing Hotels

Consider hotels that advertise environmental policies and green initiatives. If two properties are comparable, choose the one that lists itself as a green hotel with initiatives such as recycling, rainwater harvesting, energy efficient lighting, and so on.

If possible, find hotels located in LEED Certified buildings and that are also certified green.

Housekeeping

These days, most hotels and guest houses ask that you hang up your towels if you don’t need them replaced. I don’t wash my towels every day at home, so why expect clean towels daily while on the road?

You’re also unlikely to have your sheets changed daily which is all to the good. If necessary, ask that your towels be changed every two or three days and your sheets weekly for long stays.

Here are other suggestions for traveling green:

In your room, reduce waste by avoiding the dreaded single-use coffee pods. Go to a café, order a real coffee that comes in a real coffee cup (not take-out!), and experience your destination like a local.
Leave the bottles of water for the next guest and avoid raiding the mini bar, with its tiny, eco-unfriendly bottles and cans. Keep a bottle of wine (screw top variety) or a few beers stashed in your food bag.
Bring your own shampoos and lotions in reusable bottles so you’re not tempted to use the single-use soaps and shampoos provided in some hotels. I like hotels that have large multi-use dispensers for shampoo and body wash. Unwrapping a soap to use once or twice knowing it will be chucked borders on criminal.
Pack a travel soap dish, preferably one made of recycled plastic, and put a big bar of soap in it. Chances are, the bar will last your entire trip. If you travel for 21 days, you save the landfill from 21 small bars of soap. That’s a lotta soap.

Back in the 1970s when I started traveling, I always packed my own soap dish because soap in hostels and even bed-and-breakfasts was unheard of. Time to go back to our former, eco-friendly ways!

Energy Use

In many hotels, the lights in hallways are turned off until you enter them. Back in the day, you had to grope for a light switch. Nowadays, most are equipped with motion sensors so the lights come on as soon as you walk into the hallway.

When you enter your room, you’ll generally find that the power is off. Put your room key card into the slot in the door to turn on the electricity. When you remove the card and leave the room, the power switches off again.

Just remember that if you want to charge your devices while you’re out, they won’t get, um, charged. I’ve been caught out on that more than once.

Also save energy by keeping the air conditioning at a reasonable level and taking short showers.

Home-Basing

Staying put is eco-friendly if you do actually stay put! However, home-basing can involve a considerable amount of driving if you decide to do all your local sightseeing by car.

When choosing a place to home-base, consider what sightseeing you’re planning on doing. If each day, you’ll be driving for hours, you may want to rethink the home-base idea. We choose to home-base when we know we’ll be staying put in the area for most of the time.

In general, you save both money and resources when you choose home-basing over point-to-point traveling. You also benefit the local economy by shopping in local markets and eating in local restaurants and cafés.

Recycling

Most hotel rooms provide recycling bins. Help out housekeeping by sorting your trash into the appropriate bins.

A big advantage of staying in apartments or houses when you travel is that some of your trash can be recycled. We’ve been surprised to discover that many European countries offer fewer recycling options than we have at home. You’ll always find places to recycle wine bottles, but sometimes that’s about it.

Row of brightly colored recyling containers; travel green by using them. — Consider yourself lucky if you find this many recycling options in the community you’re visiting

In an apartment or house, you’re able to focus on the reduce and reuse parts of the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle trifecta.

Exploring Green: Sightseeing

With a bit of planning, green sightseeing is not only possible but also pleasurable. Here are my suggestions.

Walking Tours

Instead of opting for the gas-guzzling Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tours (which do have their place), consider joining walking tours to explore new cities.

I’m a huge fan of walking tours! Your carbon footprint is almost nil, you learn lots of quirky and intriguing things, you see places you’d never see from a bus, and you’re likely to meet some interesting fellow travelers.

I enjoy walking tours geared to specific interests, such as theater or art or architecture. Search for walking tours online. Many are free, although you are expected to tip the guide.

Here are a few cool-looking artsy walking tours of Paris that you can book through GuruWalks, and they have plenty more in other cities worldwide. I’ve taken some of their tours and highly recommend them.

Bike Rentals

Cycling’s the way to sightsee in many places, particularly cycle-friendly cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Take advantage of cycle stations to rent a bike for an hour or longer.

If you’re really ambitious, consider ditching cars and trains altogether in favor of a cycling or walking holiday. Many countries have vast networks of cycling trails to explore.

Bikes on a bridge, Amsterdam; cycling is green travel at its finest! — Bikes on a bridge, Amsterdam

Coming soon: Guest posts on cycling and walking holidays in Europe!

Public Transit

Green travel and public transit go hand in hand.

Instead of hailing a taxi, hop on a bus. If you’re not sure how to purchase tickets, ask at your hotel. Bus tickets are usually available at local convenience stores or at kiosks near the bus stops.

Subways are easier to use because you buy your tickets from kiosks in the subway and have access to large fixed maps—often color-coded and interactive—to figure out your route. Subways also get you from A to B quickly.

But let’s face it. You don’t travel to stare at other people’s armpits in hot, dark, sweaty subways. I used to favor subways because they were easier to figure out, but lately, I’ve made the effort to understand and use the local bus system, especially in big cities like Paris and London.

You get to relax and watch the world go by. If you’re in London, rattle along on the top level where you’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the crowds surging below. Subways may be fast and efficient, but busses are fun.

Double-decker red bus in London; taking busses is green travel — Double decker bus in London

TIP: On most European busses, stamp your ticket in the machine when you board the bus and again when you get off. Watch the locals to see what they do and then do the same. Usually some kind soul will help you. You’ll quickly get the hang of bus travel, and then you’re set for some awesome sightseeing—and helping other newbies!

Taxis and Ubers

I’m not saying never take taxis or ubers. I usually take a taxi from the train station to my hotel unless the hotel is super close. I’m not keen on wrangling my suitcase—mid-size though it is—on and off a local bus when I’ve just arrived in a place and don’t yet know the lay of the land.

And definitely take taxis or ubers when your safety or health may be compromised by walking or taking public transit.

On a recent trip to Amsterdam, we emerged from a fabulous lunchtime concert at the Concertgebouw (great artsy sightseeing thing to do – see the Netherlands page) and into a streaming rain. At first, we thought we’d save money and brave the rain for the entire 20-minute walk back to our bed-and-breakfast (a fabulous place on the Herengracht).

After two minutes of walking, I was struck by a Sensible Thought. Walking home might save the planet and our money, but at what cost? It was the second day of a six-week trip to Europe. Both of us are, um, not young.

If one or both of us came down with a cold, we’d be doomed to days of misery.

I weighed that sobering possibility against the cost of a taxi (about 15 euros, as it turned out), and stuck out my arm to flag down a fortuitously passing cab.

Comfort over budget!

Note that Uber is not active in all European cities, but you will find taxi apps most places. In Athens , for example, Uber went directly to a taxi service. The benefit of using an uber over a taxi is that you know in advance the cost of the trip.

Museums and Concerts

Unless you can read the language, refuse the programs offered at concerts. Why waste paper when all you’ll do is look at the pictures?

In museums, leave the paper maps at the information desk and download the museum’s app. Small museums may not have apps, but large museums, such as the Louvre, National Gallery, and Rijksmuseum, do.

I’m really into using these apps when I tour a museum. I can usually find a particular painting more quickly via the app than by staring at maps that are often confusing.

Picture of a QR code in a museum; using apps in museums is good green travel. — Check to see if a museum has an app to use instead of a paper guide

Guidebooks

Load guidebooks onto your e-reader, Smartphone, or tablet. Some guidebooks, such as those by Rick Steves, also include helpful audio apps for visiting specific sites.

I enjoyed listening to Rick Steves explain the Sistine Chapel to me on a recent visit, although I did get a crick in my neck.

Another useful app for finding your way around is Google Maps. Use this app to find local restaurants and check reviews. No more carrying around a paper guidebook!

And if you do take a guidebook, take only the portions you need for your trip.

Before every trip to Europe, I buy one or more guidebooks (usually Rick Steves – I’m a big fan as you’ve probably guessed) and cut out the sections I want. I reduce my luggage weight (okay, not by much but every little bit counts), and I don’t have to carry a whole book with me on my daily meanderings.

Tour Operators

Pay attention to information on the tour operator’s website about sustainable travel initiatives and other environmental activities.

Also, seek out independent local guides. You’ll gain plenty of personal insights about the destination while also supporting the local economy.

Buying Green: Shopping

Say No to Receipts

Unless you’re traveling for business and your accountant wants you to keep paper receipts, either say no to receipts or have them emailed if the option is offered. All those bitty bits of paper add up, only to eventually be thrown away.

An exception is when you need a receipt to claim the V.A.T. refund at the airport before you leave for home. Learn more about tax-free savings and getting V.A.T. refunds on sales taxes in this articl e.

Shop Local

One of my favorite things about traveling is shopping at local markets for fresh food. The packaging is usually less than in supermarkets, and the quality is often higher. You also get to interact with local people and even try out a few words of the local language—at least please and thank you and a few numbers!

Deux tomates, s’il vous plaît!

Shopping Bags

Gregg and I have a thing about shopping bags. At the beginning of every trip, we buy a cloth bag or two in the local supermarket, use them throughout our trip, and then bring them home.

Every time we go shopping at home, we pull out one of the bags we bought while traveling and enjoy memories of our trip. One of the bags we bought is stamped with photographs of Fayence in the south of France which always make me smile. It’s the small things that make life worth living!

Souvenirs

Avoid buying the cheap plastic souvenirs that clutter up most gift shops. The majority are not made locally and just add to clutter. Instead, focus on purchasing a few locally made, useful souvenirs.

In Portugal, for example, buy a high-quality purse made from cork (I love cork) instead of a plastic rooster statue. Roosters are a thing in Portugal.

Selection of cork products; buying locally-made products is a green travel thing to do. — Selection of cork products in Portugal –a practical souvenir

I get more pleasure out of products that I can use when I get home compared to figurines and knick-knacks that just sit on a shelf, crying out for a dusting that never comes.

When you buy locally made crafts and artwork, you also support local artisans and artists—a very Artsy Traveler (and green!) thing to do.

Another green travel option is to take a picture of a souvenir. You keep the memory and you help save the planet at the same time. Win win!

But I do have one caveat and that is fridge magnets! Yes, they are tacky, probably not made locally, and ubiquitous. I use to turn up my nose at them. But lately, I’ve taken to picking up a fridge magnet to remind me of a cool destination or, even better, a favorite work of art. A fridge magnet is cheap, easy to carry, and colorful. Every time I open my fridge, I get to admire my growing collection of fridge magnets that remind me of our trips.

So yeah, I make an exception for fridge magnets!

Being Green: Personal Products

Skin Care

Purchase eco-friendly sunscreens and insect repellants, particularly when you’ll be swimming in protected waters or eco-sensitive environments.

Packing

Consider packing light. I favor a mid-size suitcase, but I acknowledge the benefits of traveling with a carry-on size bag. With a small bag, you’ll likely take fewer taxis and walk more.

Gadgets

Whenever possible, purchase rechargeable batteries for battery-operated gadgets, such as your camera.

Eating Green: Food

Restaurants

Many countries are getting on board with plant-based cuisines. Back in the day, when it came to meal time, traveling in many parts of the world could be tough for vegetarians and almost impossible for vegans. Fortunately, this situation is rapidly changing. In cities, you’ll almost always find restaurants with excellent vegetarian and vegan options.

Select dishes that are locally sourced whenever possible. Ask your server for suggestions. Choosing small, “mom-and-pop” restaurants instead of large chains full of tour groups is generally a good and green thing to do and far more interesting!

Straws

Tuck one of those fancy new reusable stainless-steel straws in your purse or backpack and forgo disposable plastic straws.

Coffee

Avoid buying take-out coffee. You’re on vacation! Get your coffee in a proper cup, pull up a chair in a sidewalk café, and watch the world go by.

Conclusion

Make finding new ways to travel green a fun part of your trip.

Every time you use your own soap and leave the packaged soap unopened, or buy a slab of cheese wrapped in paper from a market, or take a walking tour, or choose a small hybrid car over a gas-guzzling SUV, you’re doing your part to help keep our beautiful planet healthy and safe for future generations.

Happy traveling!

Do you have suggestions for traveling green? Please share them in the comments.

For more Travel Smart tips, check these posts:

Experiential Travel: How to Connect With Local Artists

What is Experiential Travel?

Connect Directly with Local Artists

Connecting with Artists Through Social Media

Visiting an Artist

Purchasing Artwork from a Local Artist

My Meeting with Silvia Salvadori in Arezzo, Italy

Attend Art Openings to Connect with Local Artists

A Note About Language

Go to Multiple Art Openings on “Opening” Nights

Take a Workshop or Class to Connect with Local Artists

Finding Workshops and Classes

Attend an Artist Residency

My Experience at an Artist Residency

Check Out Studio Tours

Book a Multi-day Art Tour

Sign Up for an Art Walking Tour

Conclusion

50 Gifts That Travelers on Your List Will Love

Travel Gifts Under $25

Luggage Tags

Waterproof Pouch

Document Pouch

Bandanas

Mini Folding Umbrella

Water Bottle

Luggage tracker

Shampoo Bar

Water Shoes

Shower Sandals

Reading Light

Socks

Compression Socks

Eye Mask

Rain Poncho

Toiletry Bag

Wallet

Sewing Kit

Utensils

First Aid Kit

Travel Journal

Toys & Games

Tote Bag

Charging Cords

Plug Adapters

Insulated Travel Mug

Packing Cubes

Fitness Bands

Travel Gifts Under $50

Guidebooks

Insulated Bag

Day Bag

Neck Fan

Earplugs

Swiss Army Knife

Battery Pack

Wrap or Shawl

Subscription to Audiobook Provider

Headphones

Headwear

Backpack

Folding Yoga Mat

Tablet Case

Art Kit

Easy-care Clothes

Grounding Mat or Sheet

Neck Pillow

Walking Poles

Electronic Translator

Travel Gifts Under $200

Luggage

eReader

Conclusion

My Best Advice for Joyous Solo Travel

Top Solo Travel Tips a Glance

Plan Ahead for Solo Travel

Have a Detailed Travel Itinerary

Always Know Where You’re Going

Find Ways to Make Dining Alone Fun

Engaging with Others