Visit Amsterdam, See The Netherlands
The swift passage Eurostar Business Premier from Kings Cross St. Pancras Station is a dream. The extra room, refreshments on tap and the service made me feel like a superstar…
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The swift passage Eurostar Business Premier from Kings Cross St. Pancras Station is a dream. The extra room, refreshments on tap and the service made me feel like a superstar…
Santa Fe takes great pride in its nickname, the City Different. It has a lofty reputation for history, gastronomy, nature, culture — my personal Fab Four of travel. It’s capital…
Since its launch in 2016 in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, Kynren – An Epic Tale of England has taken audiences on an immersive journey through 2,000 years of history, myth…
“From here you can see the whole history of Berlin,” Sönke Schneidewind tells me from the terrace at the top of the Stiftung Humboldt Forum. To my left I can…
This June will see the 32nd Annual Parade the Circle as well as the Circle Village at the Wade Oval Cleveland. The festival starts the summer in the Circle season…
Chemnitz will be one of the European Capitals of Culture alongside Nova Gorica in Slovenia in 2025. Nestled in the heart of Saxony, Germany, Chemnitz is twinned with Manchester and…
In 2025, Chemnitz will be one of the European Capitals of Culture alongside Nova Gorica in Slovenia. At first this might seem a strange choice. The Saxon city has a…
Writer Maria Boyle travels the length of the country, taking in lantern-lit towns, UNESCO sites of world heritage, delectable food, and one of the best beaches in the world. Here…
Mark Bibby Jackson joins an accessible travel tour in Edersee Germany visiting the Eder Dam, and going on forest and tree top walks all accessible for wheelchair users. Travelling can…
Mark Bibby Jackson visits Kotor and Budva to stay at the Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay, and discover the charms of this delightful part of coastal Montenegro. There is something about…
Probably one of the most overused words in travel literature is undiscovered – I confess to be a repeat offender. While Montenegro has been on the tourism radar for quite…
Panama is a Central American country known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and unique blend of old-world charm and modernity. With so much to see and do, it can…
From Wat Pho to Wat Phra Kaew Mal Tattersall discovers what’s wat on his day trip in Bangkok Thailand. “YOU going to see Wat?” the smiling woman at reception asks…
Set in the Irish Sea sandwiched between Ireland and Britain, the Isle of Man has a long history with many traditions and unusual folklore. Discover about the history and customs…
Welcome to Tunisia, a North African gem that has something for everyone. From the stunning beaches of the Mediterranean to the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert, this country is…
“The word “tourist” is still quite new to us,” said our Batumi guide. This sounded a strange statement when having just got off a cable car, I am enjoying the…
From its stunning beaches to its rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife, there is no shortage of great things to do in Phuket, Thailand. Here are 10 of the most…
It was 1979, and the future was looking somewhat chilly for English country houses. The Labour Government’s ‘Winter of Discontent’ with the unions had left its mark, another energy crisis…
Easter Monday is when Curaçao comes alive with the infectious energy of the Seú Harvest Parade Festival. This vibrant celebration sees over 3,000 participants decked out in colourful traditional costumes…
Aruba, a small island located in the southern Caribbean, is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and year-round warm weather. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a…
River Stage National Theatre is the biggest free outdoor arts festival in the UK capital. It takes place at the National Theatre (NT) on London’s Southbank from 5 to 28 July. This year…
The Broadstairs Dickens Festival is celebrating its 87th anniversary in 2024. The three-day festival held in June in the coastal Kent town celebrates the work of the greatest Victorian novelist…
Mark Bibby Jackson discovers the culture, food and street art of the Portuguese capital on his Lisbon city break. On my previous visits to Lisbon, I had never felt truly…
The Portuguese capital is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for good reason, but while there you can enjoy a day trip from Lisbon to incredible sites such…
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.