Batumi : Georgia Away from the Crowds
“The word “tourist” is still quite new to us,” said our Batumi guide. This sounded a strange statement when having just got off a cable car, I am enjoying the…
Category
“The word “tourist” is still quite new to us,” said our Batumi guide. This sounded a strange statement when having just got off a cable car, I am enjoying the…
From its stunning beaches to its rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife, there is no shortage of great things to do in Phuket, Thailand. Here are 10 of the most…
Mark Bibby Jackson follows the path of water in Valais Switzerland from the Aletsch Glacier to the bisses at Haute-Nendaz taking in the most spectacular views along the way. There…
It was 1979, and the future was looking somewhat chilly for English country houses. The Labour Government’s ‘Winter of Discontent’ with the unions had left its mark, another energy crisis…
Mark Bibby Jackson discovers the culture, food and street art of the Portuguese capital on his Lisbon city break. On my previous visits to Lisbon, I had never felt truly…
The Portuguese capital is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for good reason, but while there you can enjoy a day trip from Lisbon to incredible sites such…
Tucked away in the lush green landscapes on the borders of Stirling and Perthshire lies Cromlix hotel, recognised as one of Scotland’s top country hotels. Andy Murray Cromlix House Hotel…
Gill Haynes goes on an E-biking adventure in the Douro Valley Portugal and creates quite a bang. “Hmm – that seems bit hot,” I thought as I pulled the e-bike…
Las Vegas isn’t just about casinos and bright lights! This dazzling desert metropolis offers heart-stopping thrills and captivating cultural gems. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a wide-eyed first-timer, Vegas…
A beautiful island set in the Irish Sea, a short ferry ride from the UK mainland, with stunning walking, ancient traditions, wonderful seafood and great beaches, the Isle of Man…
Maria Boyle explores Lech in Austria, Europe’s most captivating winter retreat. Over the last 15 years, my family and I have been lucky enough to visit many of Europe’s top…
Rutland is a wonderful place to relax, or explore the countryside, as Mark Bibby Jackson discovers on his stay at The Barnsdale Hotel. Rutland is one of the UK’s best…
Mark Bibby Jackson continues his journey to Tallinn Estonia, leaving the Old Town and visiting the nearby coastline, spending a night in the woods before enjoying the Tallinn nightlife. Our…
Mark Bibby Jackson explores Tallinn Old Town, Telliskivi and Fotografiska while discovering the great food scene and remarkable culture in the Estonian capital. It is not every day you go…
On her family Naples city break, Maria Boyle discovers you bypass the southern Italian city at your peril. “This is the most undiscovered city in Europe and also the coolest,”…
Travel Begins at 40 rounds up the best festivals in February 2024 across the Globe, from Mongolia to Easter Island, so wherever you are you just can’t help celebrating the…
From naked men to setting off fireworks and lots of sake, here is our round up of Japan Winter Festivals ranging from the quirky to the strange. Matsutaki Festival…
Whether you call it the carnival, Mardi Gras or simply a fête, the approach of Lent brings with it a wonderful explosion of colour and exuberance. Travel Begins at 40…
On his first visit to Tynemouth and Newcastle upon Tyne, Mark Bibby Jackson receives a hospitable welcome at the Tynemouth Castle Inn. The recently refurbished, Tynemouth Castle Inn is a…
On his first visit to the Baltic nations, Mark Bibby Jackson visits Gulbene, Valka, Valmiera, Cēsis and Riga while discovering the things to do in Latvia in five days. Many…
Roger Hermiston and Eileen Wise stay at Il Relais Castelvecchio while enjoying a Verona city break in Italy’s most pleasant city. With its majestic Roman amphitheatre hosting spectacular floodlit opera, its…
On her recent visit to Verona Italy, Judith Schrut found much, much more to love beyond those star-crossed lovers. I love, adore and have a massive soft spot for Italy…
Mark Bibby Jackson checks into The Grand Brighton and really does have a grand time in the Palace by the Sea. The Grand Brighton hotel has always been a place…
Mark Bibby Jackson visits Barnard Castle, The Auckland Project and High Force while staying at Headlam Hall Country Hotel & Spa, Durham. One of the most rewarding aspects of being…
Nothing tells you quite so much about a country’s culture as its gastronomy. Whether it is street food or fine dining, at Travel Begins at 40, our team of experienced food and travel writers will give you an a la carte menu of experiences to devour. From food tours in Southeast Asia to Hokkaido’s famed seafood, wine cruises in Burgundy and the best bars in Brussels, we understand the type of gourmand delights that you crave on your travels. But gastronomy is much more than a culinary self-indulgence, it informs you so much about the people you are visiting and their culture. In Southeast Asia all food is shared and the host picks up the bill, in Greece hospitality is paramount, whereas in Japan the ritual surrounding the way the food is presented is as important as the freshness of the food itself, and in Belgium each beer has to be served in its own glass – need we say more.