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…
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…
Slow Walk on the Opal Coast from Escalles France
Mark Bibby Jackson stays at Hotel l’escale in Escalles and goes on a coastal walk along the Opal Coast France and returns to his youth for his mother’s birthday. Northern…
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…
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…
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…
Holiday to Boracay Philippines Revisited
Early this century Mike East went on a holiday to Boracay Philippines. He returns to see how it has changed. On my previous visit to Boracay in the Philippines, the…
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…
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…
France’s Médoc Region: A Wine Lover’s Itinerary for the Ultimate Bordeaux Experience
France’s Médoc Region: A Wine Lover’s Itinerary Few wine regions capture the imagination like France’s Médoc. Nestled along Bordeaux’s Left Bank, this stretch of gravelly terrain has given rise to…
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…
48 Hours in Marrakech, Rooftop Feasts & a Night Under the Stars
Mark Bibby Jackson spends 48 hours in Marrakech Morocco exploring rooftop dining at Dardar, street food at Mazel and Italian flair at Pazza — then escapes to the Agafay Desert…
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…
The Heart of Portugal: Part 3 – Casas da Lapa Nature & Spa Hotel
Nature meet Nurture, as Judith Schrut concludes her travels in Centre of Portugal with a rejuvenating stay at Casas da Lapa Nature & Spa Hotel. I discovered many wondrous things…
10 Tips to Discover the Food in Malta on Your Holidays
Dining al fresco on freshly caught fish and sun-ripened Mediterranean fruit and veggies with a sprinkling of Arabic spice are just a few ingredients that make Malta a very more-ish…
The Heart of Portugal: Part 2
Coimbra is the perfect launch point for the next part of my voyage. Accompanied by my brilliant guides Rafaela and Liliana of Portugal Green Travel, we set off on the…
The Heart of Portugal: Part 1
Nature, history, food and wine: the Centre of Portugal has it all, as Judith Schrut discovers on her visit to Portugal’s green and gorgeous heart. At this time of year…
7 Must-Do Winter Activities for Travellers in Ontario Canada
It’s not news that the winter season gets a lot of knocks from people who don’t like the cold, but embracing the drop in temperatures can be an exciting way…
Sociable Nova Scotia Road Trip from Liverpool to Halifax
Mark Bibby Jackson goes on a Nova Scotia road trip taking in UNESCO old town Lunenburg and Peggy’s Cove while discovering the amazing warmth of the locals even in the…
Muir Hotel Halifax Nova Scotia Review
I first heard of the Muir hotel Halifax Nova Scotia in Canada at a travel convention in London. I was so impressed by the presentation that I put it on…
Rolling with Lucy the Lobster in Nova Scotia Canada
Mark Bibby Jackson pays his first trip to Nova Scotia Canada to meet Lucy the Lobster and become a judge in the annual lobster roll competition. Southwest Nova Scotia is…
Ellen Kensington Hotel Review
Mark Bibby Jackson reviews the Ellen Kensington hotel, part of the Montigo Resorts UK Group to discover an authentically Asian hotel in London. It was while staying at the Montigo Resort…
