JOURNEYS4LIFE TRAVEL

Dear Traveler, Would you like to experience an authentic Greek culture without the tourist crowds and vacation where the locals go? Consider Crete! Arguably, most travelers outside of Europe start planning the first-time vacation to the Greek islands with Santorini and Mykonos in mind. Unfortunately, in the last decade, they have become so popular, that you can rarely enjoy them without the crowds and the high price point of meals and accommodations. It doesn't have to be this way! There are still over 220 inhabited Greek islands to choose from and maybe this blog will help you to consider different options. The Basics Crete is the southernmost island in the Greek Archipelago and the fifth-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The best way to explore the island is either to rent a car or rely on the well-developed Public Bus Services Ktel. In general, renting a car will cost less than using the Crete bus system. However, using the local buses will save you the stress of naviga...

Dear Traveler, After a night of unusually strong winds, our Star Clipper ship gracefully sailed into the port of Skala at the island of Patmos. Not typically frequented by major cruise lines, the main draw to the tiny rocky island, located right off the west coast of Turkey, is its close association with the Bible. One can see the main town, in greek Chora, perched on the highest point of the Patmos from the sea level with the fortified Monastery of St. John -- the Theologian. To reach the Chora, a narrow windy road passes the Cave of the Apocalypse and its sacred grotto, believed to mark the spot where St. John, during his exile in Patmos, received visions from Christ and wrote the Book of Revelation at the end of 1st Century A.D. Over the following centuries, Patmos became a significant Christian pilgrimage site, and the holy area is now on the UNESCO list. Key Historical Note #1 :  The New Testament Gospel According to John is generally thought to include the Book of Rev...

Dear Traveler, On a hot summer morning at the end of August, our Star Clipper Ship docked in the Katapola port on the island of Amorgos, the easternmost of the Cyclades group. Somewhat isolated, Amorgos wasn't on the traveler's map until the late 80's when it became a filming location of " The   Big Blue " -a freestyle diving movie featuring the french star Jean Reno. Cyclades Island Map Lonely Planet Compared with its trendy neighbors, such as Santorini and Mykonos, Amorgos attracts with its rough beauty and its peaceful and spiritual vibe. The mountainous relief of the island is hilly and steep with narrow and windy roads. The lack of hotel infrastructure (the majority of accommodations are room rentals concentrated around the port) draws low maintenance hikers, herb-pickers, and divers. We made a new friend at Asset Car Rental Amorgos is big enough that, in order to explore it, you will need to rent a scooter or a car. If you are not experienced w...