Travel Topics
The Mozambique Music Meeting brings together musicians, dancers and artists from Mozambique and across the Lusophone (Portuguese speaking) world. Over five days, Maputo becomes a vibrant hub of showcases, workshops…
Uzbekistan, a double-land locked country, is fast becoming the must-visit destination. The main attraction is the Silk Road, an ancient network of trading routes traversed by caravans of camels across…
As January gloom sets in, Vilnius offers the perfect antidote: the Vilnius Light Festival, returning 23–25 January 2026. Celebrating the city’s 703rd birthday, the festival transforms the UNESCO-listed Old Town…
On his visit to Salzburg Austria for The Sound of Music Gala, Mark Bibby Jackson discovers Hallstatt and SalzburgerLand and is amazed by their beauty. SalzburgerLand Autumn Landscapes It’s not…
Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea, is a city of nearly ten million people that combines deep tradition with dazzling modernity. I found it to be one of the…
By the second day of our trip, the number of times we had heard Edelweiss was becoming a running joke. I had made a friendly bet with one of my…
Mark Bibby Jackson discovers the best of food and culture in Madrid with tapas, historic restaurants, markets and the Prado Museum. Tapas Food and Culture in Madrid It was only…
From Motown and Henry Ford to riverfront walks and world class museums, Detroit has reinvented itself as one of the most exciting US cities to visit. Discover Motor City’s transformation…
Madrid blends centuries of royal heritage with a creative modern energy. Whether you come for the food, art or relaxed street life, Spain’s capital rewards every visitor. From early-morning art…
The Umhlanga Reed Dance is a vibrant cultural celebration held annually in Eswatini, Africa. It is a unique and colourful event where thousands of unmarried young women, known as maidens…
The unique charm, the port wine industry, gateway to the Douro River are just some of the reasons for visiting Porto, it’s where history and modernity collide. Cristiano Ronaldo and…
In July, the island of Saint Lucia will burst into life as Lucian Carnival returns. Organised by the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) in partnership with stakeholders including Events Saint Lucia…
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…
Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) transforms Lagos into a week-long stage of world-class plays and networking events. It’s a vibrant celebration of Nigerian creativity and global storytelling. History of the…
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…
The Timkat Festival in Ethiopia is a stunning celebration of Epiphany, filled with spiritual significance, music, dancing and colourful processions. Starting on January 19, this Orthodox Christian festival marks the…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
For many an appreciation of the culture of the country or community that you visit on your holidays is a major part of the travelling experience, especially for the more mature traveller.
Whether you are taking a short city break to Amsterdam or Paris, or going on a longer trip to a distant and exciting land, your experience is enriched by an appreciation of the local culture.
Ideally, time your trip to coincide with a major festival. At Travel Begins at 40 we have a whole section devoted to some of the most colourful and spectacular festivals from around the world. So whether it is the whirling dervishes of Konya, Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival, the Tsagaan Sar in Mongolia or Benin’s Voodoo Festival that tickles your cultural fancy, let us guide your way.
Visiting an unfamiliar country can lead to a bit of a cultural shock, but don’t let this put you off making that special journey. Often it is when we leave our comfort zone that we reap most rewards.
Not that we always have to travel that far to have a rich and rewarding cultural experience. Hull is the current city of culture in the UK, and a trip there can be a surprisingly rewarding experience. Enjoy it.
