In Search of Legends in Palermo Sicily
Roger Hermiston and Eileen Wise visit the Sicilian Capital Palermo to unearth much of its history and the nearby countryside. We had fond memories of our first visit to Sicily…
Architecture in Barcelona (Gaudi Excluded)
Mike East explores two examples of the wonderful architecture in Barcelona Spain giving Gaudi a miss. Let me start with a disclaimer: go and see all the marvellous works of…
Culture from the Ashes: Louvre Lens Museum, Pas-de-Calais
Mark Bibby Jackson explores the remarkable transformation of France’s former coal capital, Lens with its magnificent Louvre Lens Museum. Is it my imagination but I sense the scent of iron…
Villas in Sicily Near Palermo: Luxury Villa Holidays for Every Traveller
Sicily is the Mediterranean dream: a place where golden beaches, rolling hills, ancient ruins, and lively towns all meet under the Sicilian sun. From its diverse landscapes to its world-famous…
Timeless Tranquillity in the French Ardennes
In the industrial shadows of north-eastern France, Mark Bibby Jackson travels through the French Ardennes to discover a region of resilience, strong sense of community, and devastating natural beauty —…
Cutting the Mustard in Dijon France
Mark Bibby Jackson wanders through Dijon France, discovering Burgundy’s finest wines, and savouring the birthplace of real mustard in France’s gastronomic capital — the gateway to the Vallée de la…
3 Irresistible Reasons to Visit Taormina, Sicily This Year
Tourism is not just about ticking boxes or collecting stamps on a passport; it’s about the emotions stirred by a place, the tastes that linger, and the moments that transform…
Adler Spa Resort Sicily Review
Roger Hermiston and Eileen Wise review the Adler Spa Resort on their trip to Sicily in Italy and discover it to be a shining light for sustainability. On a lovely…
From Dubrovnik to Diocletian’s Palace – Why Indians are Falling in Love with Croatia
What do you get when you mix turquoise coastlines, centuries-old cities, mouthwatering seafood, and scenes straight out of Game of Thrones? The answer is Croatia — a dazzling Adriatic gem…
7 of the Best Festivals in August 2025
Travel Begins at 40 has produced its own brief round-up of the best festivals in August around the world from Colombia to Nevada and Utah to Notting Hill. Cultural Festivals…
A Food Tour of Venice
Venice is many things. Romantic? Yes. Maze-like? Absolutely. Slightly damp? You bet. But let’s talk about what really matters here—the food. Forget the gondolas and the Instagram views. If you’re…
72 Hours in Copenhagen: Cool, Cultured and Deliciously Danish
Cyclable, stylish and rich in culinary flair, Copenhagen is a city that makes short breaks feel satisfyingly full. Maria Boyle spends 72 hours in Copenhagen and grazes her way around…
The Art of Luxury Villa Rental in Saint-Tropez
A silly part of me was hoping to find the Saint-Tropez France my parents had described, even though I knew it was no more. A louche scene of artists and…
Swanning about on the Thames with Le Boat
Gill Haynes celebrates her birthday by taking a Le Boat holiday on The Thames. As Ratty tells Mole in Wind in the Willows, “there is nothing — absolutely nothing —…
Timeless Elegance at The Milestone Hotel London
Roger Hermiston and Eileen Wise find country-house intimacy, striking art, and royal connections at The Milestone Hotel and Residences Kensington London The white painted, cast-iron stone road sign standing outside…
Narrow Boat Cruise on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal
Mark Bibby Jackson goes on a narrow boat cruise along the Worcester and Birmingham Canal with Black Prince Holidays. The last time I had ventured onto a narrow boat was…
On the Trail of Shardlake in Revolting Norwich
Roger Hermiston and Eileen Wise follow in the steps of CJ Sansom’s detective Matthew Shardlake to explore revolt in Norwich He’s one of the great popular fictional creations of the…
From Sardinia’s Shores to Italy’s Heart: Travel Packages You’ll Remember
Italy has this magical way of slipping quietly into your memories. It’s in the scent of lemons on a salty breeze, the sound of footsteps echoing on ancient cobblestones, that…
Combermere Abbey: Timeless Escape into England’s Rich Past
Its setting is sublime, its 950-year history as rich as any English country house, and the restoration work carried out on it in the last 30 years exceptional. Combermere Abbey…
Star Treatment at the Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes
Mark Bibby Jackson reviews his luxurious short stay at Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes—where cinematic glamour meets real-world comfort on the Côte d’Azur. It was my first visit to Cannes…
Short Break to Guernsey: Nature, History & Coastal Charm
As the island prepares for the 80th anniversary of its liberation from the German occupying forces, Mark Bibby Jackson takes the ferry from Poole on his short break to Guernsey…
Beyond the Beaches: Hidden WWII Sites Across Europe
If there’s one thing that Europe has in abundance, it’s natural beauty. Her mountains, valleys, forests, and beaches have delighted travellers through the ages. But they have also played strategic…
A Gem of a Weekend at the Corinthia London
Maria Boyle spends a weekend in the capital and combines luxury, laughter and legacy at the Corinthia London. Few cities offer the sheer variety of experiences that London does, blending…
6 Amazing Festivals in May 2025
Travel Begins at 40 rounds up the best festivals in May 2025 from around the Globe, from Cuba to Australia, so wherever you are join in the celebrations. Cultural Festivals…
