Life Beyond Borders

Cruise Essentials Packing List

Yes, we're nearly coming to the end of the summer–but that doesn't have to mean your cruising days are over. I write primarily about Greece as a destination, and what to see and do. Articles relevant to a Greek cruise packing list are: Many people take cruises around the Greek islands in the height of […]

Mainland Greece

Things to do in Nafplio, Greece

Located at just under a two hour drive or coach ride from Athens, the coastal town of Nafplio–the original capital city of Greece when the new Greek state was formed in 1823–is perfect for a day trip, but there's so much to see and do in the town and around the area that I suggest […]

5 min read

Mainland Greece

Things to do in Kalamata, Greece

The Peloponnese is a region in Greece that's really considered an island within the mainland. A peninsular of 8,320 sq miles, it's surrounded by water on all sides and connected to the Greek mainland by the famous Corinth Canal or the Rio-Antirio Bridge, one of the world's longest multi-span cabled bridges that connects to the […]

11 min read

Greek island all round packing list

**For a free downloadable PDF version of this post, click here.** Many people head to the Greek islands in the height of summer, when temperatures can hit up to 33 C (91 F) or, in recent years, even as high as 41 C (106 F). Take a look at my Insider's Guide to the Greek […]

7 min read

Where To Stay Along The Athens Riviera - a guide

Athens, Greece is predominantly a city break destination. In my Insiders Guide to Visiting Athens article, I give you ideas as to what to do on your city break. However, Athens is also a great place to vacation if you want to be by the sea too as about a 30 to 45 minute taxi […]

10 min read

Fun Things to do in Athens Greece

When you're gathered with your friends, discussing your next European trip and possible city break, and someone mentions 'Athens', what images does this throw up for things to do, especially fun things to do in Athens? I'm guessing the Acropolis is the main one, maybe followed closely by the Acropolis Museum, browse the flea market […]

8 min read

"Kalimera" and "Koukla mou" - Greek greetings you're sure to hear when you visit

We've looked at some odd Greek superstitions such as why Greeks might spit at you when you visit (truly! But don't worry, it's a compliment). There are also some really helpful tips about Do's and Don't in Greece - Greek Customs and Etiquette that'll help you when you plan your visit (what's right in one culture […]

Do's and Don'ts in Greece - Greek Customs and Etiquette from an Athens resident

As a resident in Athens, LifeBeyondBorders presents to you a post about some Etiquette in Greece - a useful read to prepare yourself for your vacation to this beautiful Mediterranean country.

8 min read

Best Souvenirs From Greece

You've come to Greece for your holidays and your friends and family are good-naturedly envious. You feel obliged to bring a Greek souvenir back for them as a gift, and also for yourself because there's no doubt that a trip to Greece is memorable, whether that be to the mainland, capital or islands. Read my Insiders […]

8 min read

Ftou Ftou Ftou: Why Greeks might spit at you

I love the contradictions in my adopted country of Greece sometimes. Here's a great one related to superstitions and the 'ftou ftou ftou' and the ftou ftou meaning - or rather, Greeks spitting for luck. Looking for a travel guide to Greece to carry in the palm of your hand? Then my Greece's Best travel […]

Things to do on Halki island Greece - Tips on Visiting

Halki is roughly an hour away by catamaran from Rhodes and is tiny, literally, at only 10 sq miles. It's perfect as a day trip from Rhodes, or stay overnight (see Accommodation below). I'd travelled by catamaran before and been sick, so I was a little afraid. No need to be - this journey was […]

2 min read

Kea island Greece - a day trip from Athens

I always felt that in order to feel like you're on a 'proper' Greek island, one should travel about five hours by ferry to Paros or Naxos, for example - or even further afield to Skopelos or Alonissos. I shouldn't be so quick to judge as my experience on Hydra in the Saronic Gulf, for example, has taught me. It's an […]

Insider Tips for Taking Ferries in Greece

You've come to Greece for your vacation and stayed in Athens for a few days, looking at the alternative guide to visiting Athens. Afterwards, most people naturally want to head to one or a few of the Greek islands - my Insider's Guide to the Greek Islands will help you choose which ones. You have […]

10 min read

"Mamma Mia!" island of Skopelos, Greece

The Greek island of Skopelos in the Sporadic chain of islands is famous for the filming of the first "Mamma Mia!" film. Skopelos, Greece: "Mamma Mia!" facts Skopelos is less touristy than its neighbouring Skiathos, therefore quieter although it's become busier in the years since "Mamma Mia!" - but not spoilt. The shooting took place […]

Anafiotika - a hidden island village in Athens

There's a hidden part of Athens that had always eluded me. I had never been able to find it! Anafiotika is the neighbourhood, a hidden island village located under the northeastern side of the Acropolis Hill, part of historical Plaka. It's like an island on the mainland. It forms part of my Insider's Guide to […]

Peneda Gerês National Park - Portugal. A perfect day trip from Porto

**My trip was arranged for me by Oporto Tours, specialists in this region, in order for me to research for Rough Guides. Despite any complimentary services received, all thoughts and opinions remain my own** When anyone asks me what springs to mind when they say "Portugal", I think of a country attached to Spain in […]

5 min read

Things to do in Porto - Portugal

After being lucky enough to spend approximately 5 weeks in the Porto and Douro region of northern Portugal on behalf of my research for Rough Guides, despite the sometimes very rainy and windy March/April weather (Porto is right on the Atlantic coast, and has a longitude not that dissimilar to the SW of the UK […]

Explore the Top Seven Wonders of Greece

As one of the major cradles of Western civilisation, Greece laid claim to many of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Sadly, all of these incredible creations from pre-history have vanished, with the notable exception of the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. **This article was written by First Choice Holidays for Life Beyond Borders** However, […]

Greek dishes - top things to eat and drink on Mykonos

Mykonos is one of those Greek islands like Santorini that many travellers will know of instantly. Therefore much of Mykonos caters to the tourist hordes that descend upon it annually. It is possible to find good, locally produced and international food on the island, served in tavernas run by families that have been handed down […]

6 min read

Mykonos off season - more than just a party island

Having lived in Greece for quite some time, I have visited many of the Greek islands. But due to the reputation of Mykonos, I had deliberately steered clear - not wanting to get involved in the 'rich man's playground' and hedonistic party atmosphere. It was just not my scene. I was then offered the opportunity to […]

Tips for Visiting the Space Needle - Seattle

By far Seattle's most famous and recognisable building, at 605 ft The Space Needle is the 6th tallest building in Seattle and is an iconic landmark. Built for the 1962 World's Fair that was held in Seattle, (The World Fair is an annual exhibition that showcase 'achievements of nations'. Quite what achievements I am unsure…but […]

Mainland Greece

Meteora Greece Monasteries

Many of you will have heard of Meteora and the Meteora Monasteries in Central Greece. It's a UNESCO protected World Heritage site and is famous for its pinnacles of rocks and caves, formed approx. 60 million years ago (can you get your head around that?). From the 9th century, hermit monks used to live in […]

2 min read

Luxury accommodation in Portugal - Sleep in a converted Monastery

One of the best things about my visit to Portugal in the spring of 2016 was the opportunity to visit beautiful areas such as the Geres National Park and the Douro Wine Valley region

5 min read

Where to stay on Karpathos island, Greece

I recently wrote a post about things to do on the beautiful Greek island of Karpathos, in the Dodecanese chain of islands. But obviously if you're going to travel so far to such a remote Greek island to see such a gorgeous place, naturally you'll need to stay somewhere, and somewhere good. Let's take a […]