Berlin Freedom Week Celebrating Democracy and Human Rights
Could there be a better city anywhere in the world to stage a Freedom Week, dedicated to defending democracy around the world, than the German capital of Berlin? Under the…
Seoul Travel Guide Exploring Palaces Markets and Modern Korea
Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, is a city of nearly ten million people that combines deep tradition with dazzling modernity. I found it to be one of the…
Salzburg, The Sound of Music and Edelweiss
By the second day of our trip, the number of times we had heard Edelweiss was becoming a running joke. I had made a friendly bet with one of my…
Food and Culture in Madrid from Botín to the Prado Museum
Mark Bibby Jackson discovers the best of food and culture in Madrid with tapas, historic restaurants, markets and the Prado Museum. Tapas Food and Culture in Madrid It was only…
Detroit Motoring Ahead as America’s Must Visit City
From Motown and Henry Ford to riverfront walks and world class museums, Detroit has reinvented itself as one of the most exciting US cities to visit. Discover Motor City’s transformation…
Exploring the Top Things to Do in Madrid
Madrid blends centuries of royal heritage with a creative modern energy. Whether you come for the food, art or relaxed street life, Spain’s capital rewards every visitor. From early-morning art…
Palacete Servero, Porto Review
The unique charm, the port wine industry, gateway to the Douro River are just some of the reasons for visiting Porto, it’s where history and modernity collide. Cristiano Ronaldo and…
Christmas Markets in Croatia A Festive Travel Guide for 2025
Christmas markets in Croatia blend old-world charm with coastal magic. With its historic cities, seaside towns and lively capital, the country offers a distinctly festive experience that combines Hanseatic architecture…
Christmas Markets in Slovenia The Ultimate Festive Guide 2025
Slovenia is a hidden gem for festive breaks: its compact towns, alpine lakes and medieval streets provide a truly atmospheric backdrop for Christmas markets. Whether you want snow‑kissed vistas, historic…
Christmas Markets in Hungary 2025 – Festive Travel Guide
Hungary brings a vibrant and stylish flavour to the holiday season, blending historic settings, city-buzz and regional charm into its Christmas markets. From the grandeur of the capital to the…
Top Christmas Markets in Slovakia 2025 – a Festive Travel Guide
Slovakia, with its snow-dusted mountains and historic towns, offers a wonderfully authentic Central European Christmas experience. As winter sets in, the country’s squares transform into glowing festive hubs where aromas…
Magical Christmas Festivals in Spain, Portugal, Andorra & Madeira
Discover the most magical Christmas festivals in Spain, Portugal, Andorra and Madeira — from historic nativity fairs in Seville to winter wonderlands in Lisbon, cosy alpine villages in Andorra and…
Discovering Wine, Food and Culture in Sitges Spain
Two competitors collide against each other and crash into me, so keen are they to return to the fray. As a judge I feel tempted to brandish a yellow card…
10 Best Christmas Markets in Germany 2025
Germany is world-renowned for its Christmas markets, which date back to the late Middle Ages. Each market is a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, wooden chalets, Glühwein, festive music and…
Exploring Somerton Historic Heart of Somerset
Somerset is one of my favourite counties. There is a relaxed friendliness to the place. The town of Somerton, which used to be the capital of the county in the…
Beautiful Baltic Christmas Markets – Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia
The Baltic Christmas markets bring warmth, light and festive spirit to the long northern winters of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. From snow-dusted medieval squares to cosy wooden chalets serving mulled…
19 Magical Nordic / Scandinavian Christmas Markets to Visit in 2025
From the snowy streets of Stockholm to the twinkling lights of Copenhagen and the icy magic of Iceland, the Scandinavian Christmas Markets are among the most enchanting in Europe. Blending…
7 of the Best Christmas Markets in Austria to Visit in 2025
When it comes to festive charm, few places match Austria’s winter‑market splendour. The country’s Alpine backdrop, baroque city centres and centuries‑old tradition make it a standout for those seeking a…
9 of the Best Christmas Markets in France to Visit in 2025
France is home to some of Europe’s most magical Christmas markets, where twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the scent of mulled wine fill the air. From the charming streets of…
Best Christmas Markets in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands
Discover the best Christmas markets in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. From Bruges to Maastricht, explore festive traditions, twinkling lights and seasonal treats across Europe’s most enchanting winter destinations. If…
EFG London Jazz Festival 2025 Preview
The buzz of live music in the capital shifts up a few gears in mid-November with the advent of the EFG London Jazz Festival. Now in its 33rd year, the…
Best UK Christmas Markets to Visit in 2025
As the festive season approaches, Christmas markets across the UK begin to sparkle with twinkling lights, enticing scents and the joyful buzz of holiday shoppers. UK Christmas markets are not…
Christmas Markets in Europe 2025
From the original December market to the city that created stollen, the source of mulled wine and the first Christmas tree, let Travel Begins at 40 guide you through some…
The Ryokan: Traditional Japanese Inns
As part of his recent visit to Japan, Mike East stayed at two uniquely Japanese types of accommodation. One was the capsule hotel and the other was the ryokan, which…
