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
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
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…
Marching Against the Tide in Transnistria
On his trip to Moldova, Mark Bibby Jackson visits the Victory Day parade in Transnistria, meeting a hospitable people at odds with the rest of Europe, yet clinging on to…
Moldova Wine, Communism and Underground Monks
Mark Bibby Jackson explores the former Soviet republic of Moldova, surprisingly discovering – and indulging in – a variety of Moldova wine. I never visited the Soviet Union, a family…
Bowled Over by the Hilton at The Ageas Bowl
On a cricket-inspired trip to Hampshire and the docks of Portsmouth, Mark Bibby Jackson reminisces at the Hilton at The Ageas Bowl on cricketing feats past. I have to confess…
Hampshire: Cricket, Dockyards and the D-Day Story
Mark Bibby Jackson travels to Hampshire where he learns of cricketing tales of yore, seafaring adventures and discovers a most poignant reminder of man’s follies in the D-Day Story. Although…
Roatan Honduras and Banana Republics
Continuing his Central America travel adventure, Mark Bibby Jackson ventures to Roatan Honduras for adventures with dolphins and reminders of banana republics before returning to the wild Pacific in El…
Central America Travel: Pupusas and Garifuna Beat
Mark Bibby Jackson discovers a wealth of culture and history during his Central America travel through El Salvador and Honduras. Momentarily disregarding my middle-aged spread, I emerge from the turquoise…
Cornwall Holidays: A Step Back in Time
Mark Bibby Jackson returns to a scene in his youth to become reacquainted with the charms of Mevagissey and its windswept coastline while on his Cornwall holidays. In our pampered…
Orestone Manor: Fawtless Towers
Mark Bibby Jackson ventures to the English Riviera to sample the local fare at Orestone Manor, award-winning restaurant and hotel, wondering whether he will encounter an ill-tempered, moustachioed proprietor. I…
Jordan Ashley: Souljourn Yoga Retreats
Journalist and yoga teacher Jordan Ashley established SouljournYoga to fuse her love of travel, movement and women’s empowerment, establishing yoga retreats in remote locations such as Peru, Rwanda and Cambodia…
Kreuzberg: Berlin Stuck in the 80s
Tired of the conventional trappings of tourism Mark Bibby Jackson decides to wander the streets of Kreuzberg to discover another side of Berlin. Kreuzberg has the feel of Queens or the Bronx – not that I’ve ever…
Simon Albert: Charity Challenge
Travel Begins at 40 chats with Simon Albert, Director of Charity Challenge, which celebrates its 20th birthday in 2019 helping raise over £55 million for charity in the process. How…
St Ermin’s Hotel Westminster: of Spies and Shards
Mark Bibby Jackson returns to the scene of one of his previous crimes to spend a night in St Ermin’s Hotel in London’s Westminster to discover a building with a…
Served to You on a Plate in Shoreditch
Mark Bibby Jackson samples the fare at Plate Restaurant in London’s Shoreditch to see how inclusive Arnaud Stevens’ restaurant is. On a recent Facebook debate a fellow travel journalist asked…
Philippe Kjellgren: Around the World in 800 Days
Author of seven travel books and founder of the Kiwi Collection, luxury travel guru, Philippe Kjellgren (or PK), is currently travelling around the World in 800 days…
Dawn Simone: Solo Female Travel
Intrepid traveller Dawn Simone started Elle Voyage from a frustration of a lack of solo female travel companions. She talks to Travel Begins at 40. Can you tell us a…
Things To Do in Berlin: Wine, Art, Fine Food & Beer
Mark Bibby Jackson travels to the German capital to discover a city thriving as it approaches the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Discover things to do…
The Man Behind Walk the Rock: Jose Rubio
Travel Begins at 40 chats with Jose Luis Rubio, the managing director of Blackstone Treks & Tours, who organises Lanzarote’s annual Walk the Rock. Can you tell us a bit…
Luang Prabang View Hotel, Laos
On his trip through Laos from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw, Mark Bibby Jackson stays at the Luang Prabang View hotel and discovers there is much more to the luxury…
Walking with Elephants the Mandalao Way
On his recent visit to northern Laos, Mark Bibby Jackson visits Mandalao Elephant Sanctuary near Luang Prabang to discover more about the ethical ways that tourists…
Six Hot Travel Trends for 2019
It is the time of year when traditionally we make our predictions for the ensuing 12 months. So, Travel Begins at 40 has gazed into our collective crystal ball to…
11 Canada and US Cycle Routes for 2019
Feel the wind through your hair as you ride along some of the most exhilarating Canada and US cycle routes in 2019. Whether looking for a peaceful ride to explore…
