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…
Scenic Stays and Walks in the Peak District Derbyshire
Mark Bibby Jackson goes on two walks in the Peak District to discover two excellent hotels and a country house impressive enough to inspire one of our finest writers. I…
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…
Visiting the Medellin Flower Festival Colombia 2025
Mike East revisits the Medellin Flower Festival in Colombia to discover a bigger, more ambitious event. As the festival approaches you can feel a change in the energy level around…
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…
Rolling into the Unknown: A Wheelchair Journey Through Sri Lanka
Debbie North forsakes her native Yorkshire to travel around Sri Lanka by wheelchair. She discovers a rich land full of adventure and a few challenges. When the opportunity to visit…
