Mark Bibby Jackson

Author

Mark Bibby Jackson

Before setting up Travel Begins at 40, Mark was the publisher of AsiaLIFE Cambodia and a freelance travel writer. When he is not packing and unpacking his travelling bag, Mark writes novels, including To Cook A Spider and Peppered Justice. He loves walking, eating, tasting beer, isolation and arthouse movies, as well as talking to strangers on planes, buses and trains whenever possible. Most at home when not at home.
A Day at the Park Hyatt Siem Reap

A Day at the Park Hyatt Siem Reap

Forgoing the wonders of Angkor, Mark Bibby Jackson spends a day relaxing at the Park Hyatt Siem Reap glorying in this modern day marvel. I have always had a soft…

Essential Antwerp: of Beer and Rubens

Essential Antwerp: of Beer and Rubens

Mark Bibby Jackson makes a long overdue visit to see essential Antwerp, the city of Rubens, to visit his first Belgian beer festival and drink in the culture. My stepfather…

Stockholm Craft Beer : an Enigma Explained

Stockholm Craft Beer : an Enigma Explained

Mark Bibby Jackson finally gets to grip with the Swedish capital and its rather awkward relationship with alcohol, while discovering some Stockholm craft beer bars. One thing I had never…

Fontevraud Abbey and a Night of Bubbles

Fontevraud Abbey and a Night of Bubbles

After visiting some Loire Valley Chateaux and the Apocalypse Tapestry, Mark Bibby Jackson continues his French cultural Odyssey to Fontevraud Abbey and Saumur. The Loire Valley isn’t solely about wine…

Loire Valley Chateaux, Wine and Tapestries

Loire Valley Chateaux, Wine and Tapestries

Mark Bibby Jackson travels to France to traipse around Loire Valley chateaux, sample the local wine and stand in amazement. There are moments in your life when you enter a…

Fotografiska Stockholm : A Quest for Humanity?

Fotografiska Stockholm : A Quest for Humanity?

On his most recent visit to the Swedish capital, Mark Bibby Jackson visits Fotografiska Stockholm, and emerges from the wonderful photographic museum with more questions than answers. I have a…

Hawkstone Hall and Gardens : The Shropshire Hills

Hawkstone Hall and Gardens : The Shropshire Hills

Mark Bibby Jackson spends a night at Hawkstone Hall and Gardens, a manor house steeped in history, thankful that he has arrived before the crowds. Spectacular. The one word describes…

Hiking in the Jungfrau Swiss Alps with Sherlock

Hiking in the Jungfrau Swiss Alps with Sherlock

Mark Bibby Jackson goes hiking in the Jungfrau Swiss Alps to discover national celebrations, Swiss wrestling, meringues and Sherlock Holmes. As soon as I disembark the bus the smell of…

Little Kolkata : Indian Tapas in London

Little Kolkata : Indian Tapas in London

Mark Bibby Jackson ventures to Little Kolkata in London’s Covent Garden to sample Indian tapas and emerges after a quite religious experience. Having spent many a year in Southeast Asia…

Grand Trunk Road : Best Curry House in London

Grand Trunk Road : Best Curry House in London

Mark Bibby Jackson goes back to a regular haunt of his youth, to see if the Grand Trunk Road truly deserves the London Curry Awards accolade of best Indian restaurant…

Dressing: Photo Essay of the People of Turkana

Dressing: Photo Essay of the People of Turkana

Like with her previous work, Marina Shacola’s latest series, Dressing, sees the photographer again focusing her lens on the people of Turkana Kenya, but this time the work is less…

Poznan Poland: Smoke and Mirrors

Poznan Poland: Smoke and Mirrors

Mark Bibby Jackson visits the university town of Poznan Poland to discover a place full of vitality where things are not always quite as they seem. “Look up there and…

Room2 Hammersmith: Home From Home?

Room2 Hammersmith: Home From Home?

En route to Istanbul, Mark Bibby Jackson checks into the room2 Hammersmith, sister property of room2 Southampton, a new concept in hometels, to see if a hotel truly can feel…

Berlin Bauhaus Off-the-beaten-track

Berlin Bauhaus Off-the-beaten-track

Coinciding with the hundredth anniversary of the highly influential movement, Mark Bibby Jackson sets off in pursuit of Berlin Bauhaus away from the norm. Bauhaus was possibly the most influential…

Explore the Hidden Saxony Wine Trail

Explore the Hidden Saxony Wine Trail

Steep wine terraces, a very special grape variety and wine growing going back to the 11th century – the Saxony wine trail is a treat not just for wine lovers, with enchanting …

Istanbul City Break: An Enigma in Time

Istanbul City Break: An Enigma in Time

On an Istanbul city break, Mark Bibby Jackson discovers a vibrant place on the cusp of Europe and Asia that is perpetually re-inventing itself. As a Liverpool fan, memories of…

Brasserie Prince by Alain Roux: A Royal Delight

Brasserie Prince by Alain Roux: A Royal Delight

Mark Bibby Jackson takes time off from his Speyside whisky tour to celebrate the delights of the Balmoral Hotel’s Brasserie Prince by Alain Roux, and savours every moment of the…

Filling Your Boots on a Speyside Whisky Tour

Filling Your Boots on a Speyside Whisky Tour

Partial to the odd wee dram, Mark Bibby Jackson joins Rabbie’s Speyside whisky tour to discover how little he knew about a decent single malt. “There are only two types…

Champneys Henlow Grange: Luxury Spa Breaks

Champneys Henlow Grange: Luxury Spa Breaks

Mark Bibby Jackson takes an overnight spa break at Champneys Henlow Grange for a pampering experience that leaves him feeling thoroughly rejuvenated. My previous experience of visiting a spa or…

Studley Castle: Everything But the Bullocks

Studley Castle: Everything But the Bullocks

Set in the heart of England, Studley Castle is Warner Leisure Hotels’ first new venture in 20 years. Mark Bibby Jackson accepts an invitation to see what all the hype…