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…
Tokyo Travel Guide Discover Shinjuku Shibuya and Neon Magic
Tokyo is a massive, mesmerising city with so much to offer visitors, yet it remains one of the most accessible capitals in Asia. Despite the different alphabet and unfamiliar sounds…
Kyoto Japan: The City of Tranquility
Kyoto is a place where there is never enough time to see all the marvels that the city has to offer; however, by being organised and using the transport options…
A Million Reasons to Visit Amsterdam
There is always a happy frisson present at the Eurostar Terminal at Kings Cross St. Pancras, London. High levels of excitement compete with practicalities of modern travel; do I have…
Road Trip to Skye Part 4 – Glencoe to Hadrian’s Wall and Chester
The final stage of our Scotland road trip leaves Skye behind for Glencoe, Hadrian’s Wall and Chester, blending history, landscapes and reflection. Glencoe is renowned for the massacre that took…
7 Unmissable Global Festivals in November
From the Day of the Dead to Christmas markets and Thanksgiving, November is a month that celebrates the emergence of winter. Here is our selection of the best festivals in…
Skye Road Trip Part 3 – Fairy Pools, Whisky and Wild Landscapes
Explore Strathpeffer, Ullapool, the Fairy Pools and Skye’s whisky distilleries on part three of our Skye road trip through the Highlands When devising our road trip to Scotland, apart from…
Road Trip to Skye Part 2 – Portobello, Kelpies and Cairngorms
From Portobello Beach to The Kelpies, Cairngorms and Culloden, follow part two of a Scotland road trip en route to Skye and the Highlands Scotland has adopted a stringent stance…
A Literary Weekend in Paris
Some cities are so intertwined with literature that to walk their streets is like stepping into a story. Paris is one of them. Writer Maria Boyle and her book-loving daughter…
Isle of Skye Road Trip Part 1 – Whitby, Bamburgh and Holy Island
Discover Whitby, Bamburgh Castle, Holy Island and Edinburgh on the first leg of a Skye road trip exploring history and culture. “It all goes back to the sheep,” I tell…
Why Ischia Is Italy’s Best-kept Island Secret…….For Now
While I’ve been fortunate enough to travel extensively, Italy continues to hold a special place in my heart. Ever since tasting gazpacho (I know it’s Spanish) made with sun-ripened Ischian…
Marie Antoinette Style, Victoria & Albert Museum, London
What do a pair of pink silk slippers, a priceless diamond necklace and an 18th century porcelain drinking cup shaped like a woman’s breast have in common? They’re all objects…
Why a Visit to Charleston South Carolina is a Must
Why does a small city in American’s Deep South keep winning awards like ‘Number 1 U.S. Travel Destination’ ‘Best Food Destination’, ‘Friendliest American City’ and ‘Best Place for U.S. History…
Dark London Review – Drew Gray Shines a Light on a Shadowy Past
Londoners have always been fascinated by the city’s darker side, from Jack the Ripper tours to ghost walks through forgotten alleyways. In Dark London (Frances Lincoln, £16.99), published on 4…
Family Holiday with Teenagers – Heaven or Hell?
A family holiday with teenagers can be heaven or hell. Finding a break that keeps teenagers happy — and gives parents a proper chance to unwind — isn’t easy. But…
