Stroll Through History at Hever Castle & Gardens
Mark Bibby Jackson visits Hever Castle & Gardens in Kent and discovers there is much more to the historic building than tales of a lovestruck king and a queen who…
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Mark Bibby Jackson visits Hever Castle & Gardens in Kent and discovers there is much more to the historic building than tales of a lovestruck king and a queen who…
Welcome to our guide on things to do in India, one of the most culturally diverse and fascinating countries in the world. India offers an unparalleled travel experience, with a…
Mark Bibby Jackson stops off at Potsdam Germany on his way to Berlin, and falls in love with the wide-open spaces of Sanssouci Park. There is something wonderfully rewarding about…
Fiestas Patrias, as its name suggests, is a patriotic celebration, but it is much more than that. It commemorates throwing off Spanish rule in Chile, but as it is so close also the spring equinox…
Buffalo racing is an exhilarating and unique tradition deeply rooted in the agricultural history of Thailand. The annual Wing Kwai Buffalo Racing Festival showcases the strength and speed…
New archaeological evidence suggests that settlers could have inhabited eastern England before travelling on to Italy to found Rome. A dig near the village of Iocum in modern day Essex…
Sicily Italy, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, boasts a rich history, stunning landscapes and delicious cuisine. It’s no wonder that many travellers dream of visiting this beautiful Italian…
Mark Bibby Jackson concludes his trip through Norway from Bergen to Fjærland in the city of Tromsø in the Arctic Circle where he follows the Northern Lights, watches a reindeer…
Hakone, Japan is a popular travel destination for its stunning natural beauty, cultural attractions and hot springs. It’s a perfect getaway from the bustling city of Tokyo, as it’s located…
Nepal is a land of stunning natural beauty, ancient cultures and adventure. With eight of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, and a rich heritage, Nepal offers a unique…
Mark Bibby Jackson discovers the vast array of things to do in Bergen Norway during winter, from its great gastronomy to rich culture and trolls! It is not very often…
Welcome to the ultimate guide to things to do in London. If you’re planning a trip to England’s bustling capital, it’s essential to plan ahead to ensure you get the…
Travel Begins at 40 has scanned the globe to bring you our tips on where to go in March from Japan to Brazil, with activities from watching bulbs grow in…
International Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements and recognises the struggle for gender parity in societies around the world. It is an occasion that has a long history, stretching back over…
Egypt is a land of ancient wonders and natural beauty. From the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza to the majestic temples of Luxor, there is no shortage of things to see…
Looking for an adventure that’s off the beaten path? Look no further than Cambodia. This exquisite Southeast Asia tours destination boasts a profound historical background, a lively culture, and a…
James Clark stays at the Palais Amani, Fes in Morocco, and cooks up a storm in this amazing city. I have always been a fan of second cities. They tend…
Held over a weekend in March at the Rural Life Living Museum, the Surrey Hills Spring Festival will celebrate the arrival of spring and include the finest in Surrey’s cuisine, beverages, artwork and craft…
Yes, we have all heard of Carnival in Rio, but what about a Carnival in the part of Brazil where the influence of African culture is at its strongest? The Bahia Carnival held…
Is Toulouse worth visiting? Mark Bibby Jackson visits the fourth largest city in France, and stands in awe at the Halle de la Machine before making a pastel fabric in…
Along with the Venice Carnival, the Viareggio Carnival or Carnevale di Viareggio is one of the largest carnivals in Italy. Held in the Tuscan…
Tết, or Tết Nguyên Đán is the most important festival in Vietnam. It marks the advent of Vietnamese New Year, and the arrival of spring. Very much like Chinese New…
Thinking of things to do in Essex this weekend? Mark Bibby Jackson takes the short trip to Essex to land in a bit of a pickle as he is charged…
The Guyana Mashramani Carnival is an annual festival celebrated on the 23 February to mark the country becoming a republic on that date in 1970. Often shortened to ‘Mash’ the…
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.