Taking your Time in Bodensee
Bodensee? Bet you’ve never heard of it. And neither had I until I stepped off a train from Munich to find myself on lovely Lindau Island and gazing out over…
Travel Topics
Bodensee? Bet you’ve never heard of it. And neither had I until I stepped off a train from Munich to find myself on lovely Lindau Island and gazing out over…
The weekends of 8-9, 15-16 and 22-23 August 2026 will be the peak time for Grand Mariage Weddings (Dola n’kou), Comoros Islands, though expect many more events on weekends from…
Ivory Coast is a country that pulses with creative energy, deep history and natural beauty. Long overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, the country is emerging as one of West…
For much of the past few years, travel has been defined by one powerful phrase: revenge travel. From packed airports to soaring hotel prices, millions of travellers, particularly in the…
For many travellers, Rio de Janeiro conjures images of golden beaches, dramatic mountains and the towering Christ the Redeemer statue. But beyond these famous sights lies a rich cultural landscape…
On his travels through the Dordogne Valley, Mark Bibby Jackson takes part in the Février Gourmand programme. Overtourism is a term that is firmly back on the travel agenda. Many…
Mark Bibby Jackson drives to the Dordogne in February bypassing the floods to discover a very sustainable approach to tourism and tries to understand what joie de vivre is all…
Cuba is a country located in the Caribbean known for its music, cigars, and rum. However, due to its troubled past, entry into the country can have rather tricky travel…
Independence Day so bursts with colour, music and national pride, that it is so easy to feel swept up in the excitement. The celebrations fill Antananarivo with parades, fireworks and…
The more I visit pubs across the UK for our Hairy Traveller YouTube channel, the more I realise the importance pubs play in the local community. The Angel of Bow…
Wheelchair user Debbie North visits Oberammergau Germany to discover a very accessible town and region. Some places make an impression quietly. Others announce themselves with colour, history and mountains in…
Icelandophile Julia Hammond runs through the best geothermal lagoons in Iceland for travellers. Adjusting my bobble hat to make sure there’s no chance a gust of wind will snatch it…
Mark Bibby Jackson discovers the things to do in Chester in a day from visiting Chester Zoo to discovering Chester Rows and Chester Cathedral. Apparently, Chester is one of the…
Robert Spellman explores Wembley’s Gujarati community on the Immersive India Tour. Part of the privilege and thrill of living in London is the opportunity to experience the completely new, just…
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…
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.