From the historical archaeological sites of Rhodes island to the beautiful and warm beaches of Zakynthos and ancient castles of Oia, there are a ton of reasons why you should visit Greece.
Renowned for its over 500 islands, Greece welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world every year.
While there are so many fun and fascinating places to see in Greece and a long menu of tasty cuisine to make your stomach happy, there are some things you should know about traveling to Greece.
Let’s dive right in to mistakes you should avoid.
1. Showing Too Much Skin!
In a country with a deeply religious background, the chances are that you will have to enter monasteries and churches at one point in your trip.
It would be best if you were cautious of your dressing and the dress code for every occasion. It’s usually long shorts for men and a skirt for women. While this may feel strange or make you uncomfortable, you should endure for the time being.
2. Relying Too Much on Your Credit Card
Yes, it’s convenient to pay for stuff with your credit card – in-fact virtually all stores, big restaurants and hotels in Greece accept credit cards.
But then there are the local areas, often isolated and less visited by tourists. If you have such areas in your Greece itinerary, then you should remember to carry enough cash.
3. Taking Pictures of Military Installations
It’s almost impossible to tour around Greece and not see places that appeal the eyes. While on tour, it’s best to keep your camera off military installations – unless you plan on having a “talk” with the authorities. We advise that you obey this rule and stay out of any trouble with the authorities.
4. Eating and Drinking in the Metro
The metro in Greece, especially that of Athens is dear to the Athenians! It holds a special place in their hearts, and they don’t take it likely when you eat or drink in the metro. Why? This is because they can’t risk having anybody spill drinks or drop food on the floor.
5. Touching Artifacts!
You may be tempted to touch artifacts in museums and ruins at archeological sites, but you should resist that urge. Unless you are sure that it’s “safe” for you to touch anything, it’s best to just enjoy the view with your hands in your pockets.
Sometimes, you will see barricades and notices telling you not to touch or go beyond certain areas – please obey them.
6. Being Too Forward
Whenever you are out on the street, walking ten feet without coming across a smoker is a miracle.
If for any reason, you feel irritated or become uncomfortable with the smoke where you are, be “diplomatic” and be polite in asking the smoker to keep his distance – if you can feign a smile, it will be great!
7. Flushing Tissue Paper
As shocking as it may seem, flushing tissue paper in this part of the world is a No-No! The drain pipes on these islands are half the diameter of their counterparts in America and the U.K. To avoid clogging the plumbing, make use of the small bins inside every toilet for wipes, sanitary towels and pads and other lady stuff.
Now that you’ve taken those out of the way, let’s see some common mistakes tourists make with their Greece itinerary – you should avoid them as well!
8. Transportation
Managing transportation between islands is one aspect of Greece Itinerary that most tourists still haven’t gotten right. You should aim at making your trip smooth and easy to follow through. How long it takes to move from one island to another is also a factor to consider.
If it’s going to take you 4 to 5 hours to get from Athens to Mykonos, you should consider a 40 minutes flight instead. Also, plan your trip around a group of islands for convenience. If you decide to try the super-comfy trains, you can book train tickets online!
9. Undermining the Roads
The road network on the island can be tricky to maneuver. Always check up the conditions of the roads where you will be staying before you arrive – thanks to Google map, you can get a live view on your phone. While booking car rental services, opt for sturdy cars that can take on the rugged terrains without much hassle.
10. What to Pack
You should focus on traveling light! Packing too many luggage will only slow you down. Greece has an interesting topography – its elevated landscape and rugged terrain will be in your disfavor when you have to “walk a thousand steps” uphill and stairs to get to your hotel room.
Also, get the right shoes! Yes, you need to look good while on tour but warring the wrong shoes can cause you a nightmare. The streets here are cobblestone, lightly paved and full of dirt, so, you need a footwear that is comfortable and more on the tough side.
Armed with this checklist and guides for your Greece travel plan; you are sure going to have a wonderful time in Greece. While at it, have meals at local restaurants, visit the stunning islands and enjoy the lively nightlife to the fullest.
