Going to Greece for the first time? There are many places to visit, and it can get overwhelming. You want a trip that’s both luxurious and affordable. Plus, the last thing you need is to get lost or have to deal with anything unpleasant.
This article contains 11 tips for your luxurious trip to Greece.
1. Determine Your Destinations and Timeline
The first thing you should do when planning a trip to Greece is determine what your itinerary looks like. Are you going to be spending most of your time in one area or will you be taking day trips from place to place? If so, which areas are most important for you to visit?
Some places in Greece can get very crowded during the high season (May through September), so if you plan on visiting popular destinations such as Athens or Santorini during this time, it’s probably best to book your hotel room early and also make reservations at popular restaurants and attractions in advance.
If there are specific attractions or historical sites that interest you, make sure they’re included in your itinerary so that when it comes time for them during the trip (especially if there’s only one day left) there won’t be any disappointment or frustration.
A travel expert from directgrece.com says, “I have discovered that if you don’t plan ahead for your next vacation, you are more likely to get stuck in a rut. By knowing where you want to go, when you want to be there, and how much money you want to spend, you can avoid that situation.”
2. Book your Accommodations Early
The most important tip for your trip to Greece, is to book early. Accommodations in Greece can fill up fast during the high season, especially on the islands like Mykonos and Santorini, so if you want to be sure that you’ll have a place to stay, book as soon as possible.
You will find many options to choose from – hotels, apartments, hostels or even camping sites. You will also find some great deals on booking websites such as Expedia or Booking.com. You can get some really good deals if you are flexible with your dates (i.e., not looking for a specific date) and don’t mind traveling off-peak times (such as shoulder season).
3. Go Where the Locals Go
When you are visiting a foreign country, it is important to visit the places where the locals go. This will help you get an idea about what life is like there and also give you an opportunity to experience something different than what tourists usually experience. When choosing your destination, look for areas that have not been developed much by tourism yet.
4. Adjust to the Relaxed Culture
Greece is a place that is full of culture and history. It is also a place that takes things at a slower pace than many other places in the world. If you are planning on taking a trip to Greece, it is important to adjust your mindset and realize that things will not run as quickly as they do at home.
You may have heard about how relaxed the Greeks are before, but it is important to understand what this really means if you want to have an enjoyable vacation. The following are some tips for adjusting to the relaxed culture of Greece:
Relaxed Means Slow: One of the first things that visitors notice about Greece is how slow everything seems to go compared with their home country.
This includes everything from getting service at restaurants and stores, to waiting in lines, and even driving on roads with little traffic congestion. While this can be frustrating at first, once you begin relaxing into it, you will find that it actually makes life much more enjoyable.
5. Be Culturally Sensitive
Greece is a very diverse country with many different cultures and customs. Before you go, try to learn as much about their culture as possible. This will help you avoid offending anyone or saying something that may be considered rude.
For example, when entering someone’s house or apartment, it is always nice to take off your shoes. Also, if someone invites you over for dinner, it is polite to bring them a small gift such as flowers or wine when arriving at the door.
You should also try to learn some basic words in Greek before going so that you can at least attempt to speak with people who do not speak English well or at all!
6. Learn the Language Basics
Greece is a wonderful country to visit, and it’s only natural that you want to learn as much about it as possible. Learning the language can help you immerse yourself in Greek culture and make your stay more memorable. Here are some tips for learning Greek before you go.
Use a phrasebook and dictionary
If you’re just starting out with learning Greek, using a phrasebook will help you get started. You can find some great ones online or at your local bookstore. They will give you basic words and phrases that will be useful when traveling around Greece.
Get comfortable with accents
When learning Greek, it’s important to understand how accents work in the language. For example, if someone says “a-ta-ko,” they are saying “I’m coming.” However, if they say “a-ta-ko,” they are saying “I’m going.” There are many similar examples of this throughout the language.
The best way to learn these is by listening to people speak Greek around you, or by watching videos online that use proper pronunciation (such as those found on FluentU).
7. Pack Accordingly
“On your next trip to Greece, you will want to pack accordingly. I have been there twice, and I’m going again this summer. The best advice I can give you is to pack light. You will be surprised at how many things you don’t need.
There are some items that are essential, however. The first thing you should bring is a good pair of walking shoes or hiking boots. You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Greece, especially if you plan on visiting any of the islands, such as Mykonos or Santorini.”
8. Get Travel Insurance
While it’s unlikely that anything will happen during your trip, accidents do happen — especially when traveling abroad! Make sure that if something does happen (like an unexpected medical issue or lost luggage), travel insurance will cover any expenses incurred as a result of these incidents so that they don’t ruin your vacation experience completely!
9. Create a Budget
Once you’ve determined where and how long you’ll be traveling, it’s time to figure out how much money you have set aside for your trip.
It’s also important to know what expenses might arise during the trip, such as transportation costs or extra nights at hotels along the way if your plans change unexpectedly.
10. Consider Your Transportation Needs
If you’re traveling by plane, train or boat, plan ahead so that you don’t miss your flight or boat ride due to traffic delays or other delays related to public transport.
Some airlines allow passengers to check in online and print boarding passes at home before arriving at the airport; this can save time during busy travel seasons such as summer vacation or Christmas break. Check with your airline or travel agent about any such services before booking your flight tickets.
11. Be Respectful Of Their Religion And Beliefs
Greek people are very religious and believe strongly in their faith. You should always respect their beliefs and never try to force your own ideas on them without first asking permission first!
Hopefully, these tips have more than whetted your appetite for all that Athens has to offer. From delicious food and friendly people, to a vibrant nightlife and some of the most spectacular ancient architecture in all of Europe, Greece is full of worldly wonders.
It’s almost impossible to see everything during one trip, but if you only follow these 11 tips, you should be able to get a good (albeit incomplete) sense of what makes this city so wonderful.
Enjoy!
