Stay Prepared for Your Greek Getaway: Packing List and Handy Tips

From what I’ve seen recently on social media, many of you have been to Greece or are currently in Greece but you can always bookmark this article for next time.

I often get asked about where to go/visit in Greece but many people miss out on some key planning points that will help make their trip go smoother.

Mobile Phone Use: You can contact your mobile operator and pay a daily international roaming fee or sign up for one of the may esim providers out there or purchase a pay as you go SIM card in Greece (which is what I do).

Cell Phone: Buy a phone case and if you haven’t already, have a screen protector applied. You’re on vacation, the phone slips out, it may fall. Protect your phone.

Make a packing list and keep it: I have a packing list on my phone and PC that I update yearly. Some things get added, some deleted but it’s always there and it makes packing easier and I have less anxiety.

Foreign Exchange: Bring some Euros with you to have on hand but use credit cards and debit card (withdrawing funds from your account). Avoid “EURONET” ATM’s, as their fees are ridiculous and use ATM’s affiliated with Greek or other international banks operating in Greece. Also, have a couple of credit cards in case one has an issue.

Learn some basic Greek words/phrases: this applies to non-Greeks and even though many will speak English, having you say some Greek in your communications will put a smile on the Greek you’re interacting with and it’s nice gesture.

Pack/dress for comfort: wear comfortable shoes and for the ladies, go with stylish flats. Bring a hat.

Pack Light: If you can, pack a carryon…you’ll be amazed at how you can get by with a smartly packed carryon and simply wash clothes as needed. Also, this makes traveling much easier. Also, use packing cubes to squeeze in more clothing in your carry-on.

Laundry Detergent Sheets: They are flat sheets of detergent that dissolve in water. They are a compact way to bring detergent for your wash your clothes as you go.

Respect the hot Greek sun: Bring 50+ sunblock, wear a hat and rent an umbrella/sunchair when at the beach. You can still get a tan under the umbrella and you’ll be protected from the Sun’s UV rays.

Buy a Quick-Dry beach towel: I bought one last use and used it all summer. It literally dries in 5-6 minutes and it rolls up nicely, not taking up too much space in your beach bag.

Power Adaptors: If you’re bringing a blow dryer or hair clipper, a voltage convertor is needed. In Greece, power surges can occur and if you simply have your blow dryer plugged into an adaptor, it will likely get fried if a power surge occurs.

For laptops, cell phone chargers and other similar electronics, check out these power bars and these that are compact and allow you safely charge everything at one source.

Before you leave for your trip: arrange for someone to tend to the lawn etc, mail pick up, buy a timer for a light to turn on/off while you’re away, arrange any pet sitting, buy extra pet food.

Have a safe and fun summer!