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…
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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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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 —…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
Hairy Traveller takes a spin on the wheel and visits the V&A Collection at the World of Wedgwood, Stoke on Trent…
Mark Bibby Jackson, aka the #hairytraveller, walks through the beautiful medieval town visiting Shrewsbury Castle, Shrewsbury Abbey…
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.