Author: Alex Kallimanis

Alex Kallimanis is an award winning travel journalist who has visited 67+ different countries, including all 27 European Union countries, across all continents except Antarctica. He has resided around the world, living in countries like Australia, the Netherlands and Ireland for over 7 years combined. Currently residing in the Tampa, Florida, area with his wife Bell, he still spends much of his time in Europe as he also holds Greek citizenship, thanks to his father. Alex is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor of arts degree in history, and was the president of Phi Alpha Theta (Honors History Society) during his senior year there. He was working on an MBA at UCF, before leaving it to reside in Australia on a one year working holiday visa, many moons ago. Alex enjoys covering wellness, gastronomy, outdoor adventures, craft beverages, history, sports and culture during his travels.

Chester, England: One of the World’s Most Beautiful Towns

Posted 3rd April, 2024
By Alex Kallimanis
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Chester is a charming and historic town of around 100,000 people located in northwest England. Not far from Manchester and Liverpool, it was founded by the Romans in the 1st century A.D., when they established a fortress. The town is renowned for its extensive Roman walls, made with local red sandstone.

Chester was recently named the world’s most beautiful city according its percentage of buildings adhering to the “golden ratio.” This article covers Chester highlights and discusses including the town in a northwest England and Wales itinerary.

Posted in Europe, United Kingdom. Tagged Chester, Chester Grosvenor, Chester Racecourse, England, Liverpool, Manchester, The Pied Bull, The Rows

The Best Helsinki Saunas to Experience Finnish Wellness

Posted 20th March, 2024
By Alex Kallimanis
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Helsinki, Finland is a picturesque and tranquil capital city, home to around 630,000 residents. Finnish people enjoy a high standard of living, as the country is clean, well organized and there is not a massive disparity in wealth across residents. There are many great reasons to visit Helsinki, including its famous spa culture. This article will dive into some Helsinki highlights, tips for visiting, as well as the best Helsinki saunas.

Posted in Europe, Finland. Tagged Allas Sea Pool, Europe, European travel, Finland, Helsinki, Helsinki Cathedral, Kauppatori Square, Loly Helsinki, Saunas, Suomenlinna, swimming, travel, Uusi Sauna, Wellness

Lyon: Highlights of France’s Gastronomy Capital

Posted 12th February, 2024
By Alex Kallimanis
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yon, France is frequently regarded as the gastronomic epicenter of France. The Foodie haven is the capital of France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Nestled at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, rich farmlands dot the region. These farms provide superior ingredients to Lyon’s markets and chefs, which offers a culinary wonderland to residents and visitors alike. Here are tips for visiting Lyon to be sure you leave with the fondest of memories on your palate.

Posted in France. Tagged Andouillette, Beaujolais, Bouchons, Cat Cafe, Food, France, Fromage Blanc, hotels, Lyon, Restaurants, Vieux Lyon

Prague’s Hidden Gem Restaurants and Bars

Posted 31st January, 2024
By Alex Kallimanis
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Prague, Czechia is among the world’s most beautiful cities. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” the medieval wonderland of colorful baroque architecture is bisected by the Vltava River. Highlights include Prague Castle, Old Town Square, towering Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock. Pedestrian only Charles Bridge dates to 1402 and is lined with grand statues of Catholic saints. The bridge offers majestic vistas of the city while strolling along its cobblestone path.

For those looking to get off the busy tourist trail, Vršovice is a laid-back district dotted with art nouveau buildings. It’s home to many boutique shops, inventive restaurants and quality craft beer bars.

While the Czech Republic is known for good beer, I found the best brews outside the touristy establishments, which typically have exclusive arrangements to only serve beer by Czechia’s largest beer producers like Pilsner Urquell.

Posted in Europe. Tagged cocktails, craft beer, Czech Republic, Czechia, gastronomy, Grand Mark Prague, KRO Karlin, Pivo, Prague, Sedm, Vršovice, Vycep

Batam Island, Indonesia: Tips on Visiting from Singapore

Posted 5th January, 2024
By Alex Kallimanis
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Batam Island, Indonesia is just an hour by ferry from bustling Singapore. It is the biggest city in the Riau Islands province of Indonesia. Across the Singapore Strait, the island is popular with Singaporean tourists for shopping and beach getaways.