Three Days Out by Train from Seville
The courtyards of Córdoba, the Atlantic waterfront of Cádiz and the sherry taverns of Jerez are all within reach of Seville’s Santa Justa station. Give each city a day and…
Costa Rica Wildlife: 5 Animals to Spot on Your Trip
Discover five Costa Rica wildlife encounters, from howler monkeys and iguanas to crocodiles and vultures, along the Pacific coast. Costa Rica’s beauty comes in many shades of green. Rainforests crowd…
Choosing the Best Transport Options for a Flexible Itinerary
As an independent, experienced traveler, your choice of transport can influence every aspect of your trip. Balancing comfort, confidence, time, and sustainability is as important as selecting your destinations. If…
How to Plan a Memorable Kenya Safari That Combines Wildlife, Scenery, and Adventure
Almost 8 million tourists visit Kenya each year, many of whom are curious wildlife enthusiasts aiming to witness the raw grandeur of the African savannah. Planning a journey through these…
Slow Travel, Smart Tech: How to Enjoy More and Scroll Less
Travel should feel like a break from your everyday routine, not another reason to stare at your phone. Yet between checking maps, booking tickets, and searching for recommendations, it’s easy…
Things to Do in Mannheim in a Day
Mark Bibby Jackson takes time off on his rail journey around Europe to discover the best things to do in Mannheim Germany in a day. On rainy days I find…
Black Friday E-Bike Deals: How to Choose the Right Bike for Your Next Adventure
Black Friday is often associated with televisions, smartphones and household appliances. Yet for travellers who enjoy exploring the outdoors, it can also be an opportunity to invest in something that…
Can a last-minute holiday still be responsible travel?
Spontaneity and responsible travel can coexist, although a rushed booking often leaves less time to investigate your choices. But booking late doesn’t decide a trip’s impact by itself. How you…
Speculations Review Marylebone Theatre London
Speculations Review: The play by Torben Betts, directed by Trevor Nunn runs at the Marylebone Theatre London to 3 January 2027. Torben Betts’ new play tackles two questions that have…
What to Watch Before Traveling to Iceland: Series, Films, and Documentaries to Get in the Mood
I often watch movies and series filmed in places I plan to visit. It’s one of my favourite ways to get a feel for a country’s culture, people, and vibe…
Mark Bibby Jackson Scoops Travel Blogger of the Year Award
Travel Begins at 40 Founder wins the Travel Blogger of the Year Award at the BGTW Annual Awards Dinner Mark Bibby Jackson, the founder and editor of Travel Begins at…
The Case for Building Your Travel Picnic Around Local Shops
A good holiday picnic should begin in a neighborhood shop, not with an elaborate hamper ordered before arrival. For travelers, buying lunch locally makes an outdoor meal part of discovering…
How to Book Small Guesthouses and Local Experiences Safely
A family-run guesthouse, a local cooking class or a walk with a knowledgeable guide can make a trip more memorable. But independent bookings raise practical questions: Is the property genuine?…
The Mystery of Bildeston Suffolk
The newish (2022) village sign in the pretty Suffolk village of Bildeston is a joy to behold. It depicts vital moments and characters in the village’s rich history – the…
Beyond the Campsite: How Farm Camping Connects Travellers with Local Life
Step outside your tent in the morning and you might see pastures, orchards or rolling fields stretching into the distance. There’s no rush to the next attraction. Instead, make a…
Geirangerfjord: Why Norway’s Most Famous Fjord Is Worth Protecting
Tegan Pivard returns to Norway to visit the UNESCO listed Geirangerfjord and contemplate not just its beauty but its importance My last visit to the Norwegian fjords was so long…
Morocco’s Imperial Cities: Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech Explained
Morocco’s so-called Imperial Cities are the places that once served as capitals under various ruling dynasties, and each left behind a distinct architectural and cultural footprint. Fes, Meknes, and Marrakech…
Discovering Route of Industrial Culture Ruhr and IGA 2027
Mark Bibby Jackson tours the Route of Industrial Culture Ruhr, and sees the region’s impressive preparations for the International Garden Exhibition (IGA) 2027. “Is it beautiful yet?” I ask my…
Is There a Nude Beach in Hong Kong? Official Status, Law and Etiquette
Searching for a nude beach in Hong Kong usually leads to a simple answer: there are no official naturist or clothing-optional beaches in the city. Hong Kong has excellent public…
Should Frequent Travellers Think in Trips or Years?
The first holiday on the calendar tends to feel like a complete event: book the flights, choose the hotel, sort the cover and off you go! Yet that approach can…
Have You Ever Eaten at the Edge of a Volcano?
Well, let me tell you: the first surprise isn’t the heat but the view. Beyond the restaurant windows, black lava rolls towards rust-red cones, with scarcely a tree to soften…
Wild Camping in Scotland: Where You Can Camp and Rules to Know
Wild camping in Scotland is generally allowed wherever Scottish access rights apply, provided you camp responsibly with a lightweight tent, in small numbers and for no more than two or…
Discovering Major’s House: A Boutique Hotel in Stepanavan, Armenia
Looking for a quieter side of Armenia? In the forested northern town of Stepanavan, Major’s House offers an art-inspired place to stay, combining comfortable accommodation, local cuisine and a sense…
What Makes Puffy Jackets So Warm and Truly Worth the Investment?
Puffy jackets keep people warm by trapping air around the body, reducing heat loss in cold conditions. Their insulation, shell fabric, stitching, and fit work together to manage warmth without…
