Biking in DC, Back in History
American cities are built for the motor car with freeways everywhere, so popular culture has it. Sure. But there are more environmentally friendly alternatives, as Mike East discovers when he…
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American cities are built for the motor car with freeways everywhere, so popular culture has it. Sure. But there are more environmentally friendly alternatives, as Mike East discovers when he…
You may have heard of German Beer Queens but did you know that Frankfurt is one of the few cities in Germany that boasts a Wine Queen? The Frankfurt Rhine-Main…
Hay Festival has today announced the full line-up of writers, thinkers and performers appearing at the larger-than-ever Hay Festival Winter Weekend in Hay-on-Wye, 23-26 November 2017. Prize-winning novelists and poets, global…
While many trekkers seek fields afar for their trekking Nirvana, Mark Bibby Jackson discovers his stroll along the peaceful Pembrokeshire Coast Path a relaxing experience, despite a false start. Somewhere…
The Aboriginal tourism sector in the New South Wales has increased by 60 percent in the past year making it one of the most popular states for international visitors looking…
The first full-scale theatre to be built in London in 80 years is The Bridge, a brand-new 900-seat adaptable theatre space founded by the London Theatre Company near London Bridge…
It is 125 years since the publication of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first introduced Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson to readers of The Strand Magazine…
The city of Wiesbaden is not only the state capital of the region of Hessen, it is also the perfect place to explore romantic and culinary aspects of Germany that…
Many travellers have heard of things to do in Panama City – the canal, casinos, etc – but on his most recent visit, Mike East saw many changes and much…
Following hard on the heels of the launch of its Victoria’s Island Trail to celebrate the appearance of the Victoria & Abdul movie, Visit Isle of Wight (VIOW) has now…
Southeast Asia is a dream destination for foodies, boasting a kaleidoscope of flavours, cooking techniques and unique dishes just waiting for tourists to try. Marissa Carruthers looks at how food…
Johan Smits shares his fascination for an intriguing mix of old-world charm and bold new vision in Tajikistan’s curious capital, Dushanbe. The employee shoos us away with a mixture of…
In a country full of images of Genghis Khan and exoticism, Mongolia Travel has found its place firmly on the adventure travel map. Tegan Chapman travels there for a colourful…
After trekking in Nepal, Mark Bibby Jackson returns to Kathmandu to travel to the ancient capital of Nuwakot, itself devastated by the Nepal Earthquake 2015, to catch up with a…
There is a lot more to the Yucatan Peninsula than overdeveloped resorts, especially for the more adventurous traveller as Mike East discovered when he visited Campeche Mexico…
Louvre Abu Dhabi has announced it will open its doors to the public on 11 November 2017. It is the first museum of its kind in the Arab world: a…
With the European summer drawing to a close, and cooler, crisper days around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about that autumn get-away. Foliage will be changing the scenery…
Coffee shops and red light district, if that’s your image of Amsterdam then think again, the Dutch city has some of the finest culture and gastronomy in Europe. I fully…
Travel Begins at 40 founder and editor, Mark Bibby Jackson sets out his view of what the future face of tourism should be…
The ride from Changi International airport always leaves me dazzled. My eyes lap up the tree-lined, functional roads with rows of colourful, manicured flowerbeds serving as a barrier to oncoming…
On the road to Mandalay there are no strangers just friends we have yet to meet. Certainly this is an epithet shared by my motodop driver for the day, Htoo…
The more I travel, the more I come to appreciate the beauty of less. It is many years now since the Lonely Planet books helped to achieve precisely the opposite…
From drinking coffee to wandering around Hien Kien Lake and the Old Quarter, and sampling some bia hoi, Marissa Carruthers discovers there are plenty of things to do in Hanoi…
Visitors to Pousada Baucau are greeted by pastel pink balustrades, high-ceilinged rooms, and old photos from Portugal’s colonial days. In the breeze and flower-filled hotel restaurant, leather-bound menus announce: Restaurante…
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.