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…
Bang Fai Phaya Nak: Naga Fireball Festival in Nong Khai, Thailand
Thailand is famous for its festivals, but few are as mysterious, magical, and bewitching as the Bang Fai Phaya Nak, where myth and nature collide on the Mekong Every year…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
7 of the Best Festivals in August 2025
Travel Begins at 40 has produced its own brief round-up of the best festivals in August around the world from Colombia to Nevada and Utah to Notting Hill. Cultural Festivals…
Timeless Elegance at The Milestone Hotel London
Roger Hermiston and Eileen Wise find country-house intimacy, striking art, and royal connections at The Milestone Hotel and Residences Kensington London The white painted, cast-iron stone road sign standing outside…
Indigenous Wisdom in Canada and its Relationship with Wellness
Indigenous wisdom in Canada is deeply rooted in a connection to nature, community and spiritual well-being. Traditional practices such as healing ceremonies, storytelling and land-based practices offer valuable insights into…
Lucy the Lobster Groundhog Day Prediction 2025
Hairy Traveller Mark Bibby Jackson visits Cape Sable Island where Lucy the Lobster makes her prediction of whether there will be six more weeks of winter on Groundhog Day…
World of Wedgwood Stoke Video
Hairy Traveller takes a spin on the wheel and visits the V&A Collection at the World of Wedgwood, Stoke on Trent…
Things to Do in Shrewsbury Shropshire Video
Mark Bibby Jackson, aka the #hairytraveller, walks through the beautiful medieval town visiting Shrewsbury Castle, Shrewsbury Abbey…
Combermere Abbey: Timeless Escape into England’s Rich Past
Its setting is sublime, its 950-year history as rich as any English country house, and the restoration work carried out on it in the last 30 years exceptional. Combermere Abbey…
Celebrate Ottawa’s Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
As summer begins its triumphant arrival and daylight stretches into the late evening, something truly special unfolds in the heart of Ottawa. The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, taking place June…
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…
