Local Tourism in Cartagena Colombia
After visiting the country’s capital Bogota and the coffee region, Mark Bibby Jackson travels to the coast to dip his toes like a local in Cartagena Colombia. It is a…
Travel Topics
After visiting the country’s capital Bogota and the coffee region, Mark Bibby Jackson travels to the coast to dip his toes like a local in Cartagena Colombia. It is a…
After visiting Bogota graffiti art and beautiful Villa de Leyva, Mark Bibby Jackson continues his South American travels to the Colombia coffee region and Valle del Cocora, the land of…
Roger Hermiston and Eileen Wise take the shortest of journeys to stay at the nearby Rectory Manor Hotel, Suffolk. We reckon we’re familiar with all – or nearly all –…
April sees the beginning of Bury St Edmunds exciting programme of special events marking the founding of the Abbey of St Edmund by King Canute 1,000 years ago. The celebrations…
Lincolnshire’s Burghley House will be offering visitors a packed programme of events after it opened for the new season on 19 March 2022, including a revealing look at the personal collections…
Travel journalist Marion Ainge enjoys a Shirley Valentine moment in Faja dos Padres, the perfect spot to enjoy your Madeira holidays. It’s a Shirley Valentine moment. From a cliff top…
We like quirky things in the UK. And what is more quirky than a festival? From Morris dancing, to bog snorkelling and even pledging you’ve never quarrelled with your spouse…
Arenal Volcano National Park recognised as the best National Park in the world Arenal Volcano National Park was recently voted the best National Park in the world in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’…
Vienna is set to make a big comeback in 2022, showcasing a spectacular array of art, cuisine and urban lifestyle. Alongside its traditional offerings of architectural grandeur, sophisticated culinary institutions…
After returning from a recent visit to the Kingdom, Mark Bibby Jackson explains why you really should visit Cambodia now. Cambodia is a country that I love. I first came…
Mark Bibby Jackson visits the state of Chihuahua Mexico in search of dogs instead he falls in love with the amazing Copper Canyon, goes on a spectacular train ride and…
James Clark takes a Penzance staycation with Aspects Holidays and discovers there is so much to enjoy in the Cornish seaside town. It was not the quickest journey by rail…
Neil Hennessy-Vass visits the Holburne Museum Bath to see The Tudors: Passion, Power & Politics, a special collection of paintings that gives insight into a rich period of history. The…
Visitors to the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle, will soon be able to find out more about Anne’s youth and what made her into the woman who so caught Henry VIII’s eye on her return to England…
Mark Bibby Jackson stays at The Bristol hotel on the Harbourside, discovering the plethora of things to do in Bristol whether by day or night. Somehow I have never visited…
Archaeological tour operator Andante Travels recently expanded its Study Day collection for 2022 due to continued demand for unique, UK-based trips led by its expert guides. Study Days are day-long…
Hazel Holloway visits Tuscany in Italy to take in the highlights of Pisa and Florence in a whirlwind four days and even manages to make it to the beach. I…
Mexico is a wonderful place to visit, and how better to explore the North American country that on tailor made Yucatan holidays. Hordes of people fly into Cancún from North…
Roger Hermiston and Eileen Wise pay a visit to the UK capital to stay at Brown’s hotel, and pop into a Late Constable exhibition at the Royal Academy. Emperors, kings…
Roger Hermiston and Eileen Wise visit Lucknam Park Equestrian Centre for some equine therapy and make some four-legged friends. It’s halfway through our Equine Connect course at Lucknam Park Equestrian…
After visiting The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards in Antwerp, Mark Bibby Jackson stops off at the delightful and intimate city of Mechelen in Flanders. Sandwiched between the twin Flemish…
Roger Hermiston and Eileen Wise go on a Wales Road trip staying at a plethora of wonderful paces and exploring the history and cuisine of the Principality. To Wales in…
On his visit to Staffordshire, Mark Bibby Jackson takes a ride on the Churnet Valley Railway, pops in on a Spitfire and visits the original Royal Oak at Boscobel House…
Mark Bibby Jackson is fortunate enough to take the steam train up Mount Rigi on the oldest mountain railway in Europe, celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2021. The sound of…
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.