10 Best Christmas Markets in Germany 2025
Germany is world-renowned for its Christmas markets, which date back to the late Middle Ages. Each market is a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, wooden chalets, Glühwein, festive music and…
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…
Beautiful Baltic Christmas Markets – Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia
The Baltic Christmas markets bring warmth, light and festive spirit to the long northern winters of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. From snow-dusted medieval squares to cosy wooden chalets serving mulled…
19 Magical Nordic / Scandinavian Christmas Markets to Visit in 2025
From the snowy streets of Stockholm to the twinkling lights of Copenhagen and the icy magic of Iceland, the Scandinavian Christmas Markets are among the most enchanting in Europe. Blending…
Lee Miller at Tate Britain
This major exhibition of the trailblazing surrealist photographer Lee Miller is a hot ticket right now. Just looking ahead on the booking calendar there are numerous timeslots sold out. How…
7 of the Best Christmas Markets in Austria to Visit in 2025
When it comes to festive charm, few places match Austria’s winter‑market splendour. The country’s Alpine backdrop, baroque city centres and centuries‑old tradition make it a standout for those seeking a…
9 of the Best Christmas Markets in France to Visit in 2025
France is home to some of Europe’s most magical Christmas markets, where twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the scent of mulled wine fill the air. From the charming streets of…
Best Christmas Markets in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands
Discover the best Christmas markets in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. From Bruges to Maastricht, explore festive traditions, twinkling lights and seasonal treats across Europe’s most enchanting winter destinations. If…
EFG London Jazz Festival 2025 Preview
The buzz of live music in the capital shifts up a few gears in mid-November with the advent of the EFG London Jazz Festival. Now in its 33rd year, the…
Slow Walk on the Opal Coast from Escalles France
Mark Bibby Jackson stays at Hotel l’escale in Escalles and goes on a coastal walk along the Opal Coast France and returns to his youth for his mother’s birthday. Northern…
Best UK Christmas Markets to Visit in 2025
As the festive season approaches, Christmas markets across the UK begin to sparkle with twinkling lights, enticing scents and the joyful buzz of holiday shoppers. UK Christmas markets are not…
Christmas Markets in Europe 2025
From the original December market to the city that created stollen, the source of mulled wine and the first Christmas tree, let Travel Begins at 40 guide you through some…
A Trip To Pisa: 4 Things You Must Do Before You Go
When it comes to cities that instantly spark the imagination, Pisa is one that comes to mind for a lot of people. With the Leaning Tower and rich history in…
How to Plan a European Road Trip in Winter
While winter is a great time to embark on a European road trip, planning a winter journey does require a little extra thought and preparation due to the often hazardous…
Tenby Wales Stay Exploring Beaches and the Imperial Hotel
When people ask me about Wales, the country in which I was born, my first response is about the castles. Wales just has the most spectacular castles, all over the…
Santorini by Sky: The Ultimate Helicopter Tour Guide for First-Time Visitors
Santorini looks like a half moon on the sea. Its cliffside towns shine white against dark rock, which are connected by narrow streets that get packed in summer with visitors…
Discover the Best Public Nude Beaches of Europe
Europe is the spiritual home of naturism, offering some of the world’s best public nude beaches. Whether you’re looking for wild coves in Scotland, island hideaways in Greece, or the…
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…
Discover Scotland Nude Beaches – Wild Naturism on Remote Shores
Scotland’s rugged coastline, dramatic lochs and remote islands may not be the first places that come to mind for naturism. Yet despite the cooler climate, there is a small but…
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…
Road Trip to Skye Travel Guide – 10 Days Through Scotland
Road Trip to Skye Travel Guide : Overview Embark on a 10-day road trip from Whitby to the Isle of Skye and back, exploring Scotland’s historic towns, rugged Highlands, dramatic…
Road Trip to Skye –10-Day Scotland Adventure Through the Highlands
Join Mark Bibby Jackson on a 10-day Scotland adventure from Whitby to the Isle of Skye and back, exploring Scotland’s rugged Highlands, historic towns, castles, whisky distilleries and stunning landscapes…
Discover the Best Nude German Beaches and the FKK Tradition
Germany is one of Europe’s most naturist-friendly nations, with a long tradition of nudism known as Freikörperkultur (FKK), or “free body culture.” From the Baltic coast to lakes around Berlin…
