Tips that will help you plan the perfect trip to Greece

Weather of Arabia - extract your wish list .. It is time to fulfill the wish of "traveling to Greece"

The fabled land remains at the top of the list for culture, food, outdoor travel, art, and of course, beaches and islands. As part of the border-free Schengen area, it is very easy to visit for many travelers around the world. From pre-booking to local culture and health and security issues when you're there, here's everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to Greece.

Choose your season wisely

Your experience in Greece will be very different depending on when you visit

Summer is the best for action, family fun and swimming in the Mediterranean, but prices are at their highest levels and everything needs to be booked as it gets crowded. Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are fun - rates are lower and rooms and resources are more available. Winter offers an affordable resort suitable for walking, climbing and trekking where you will often be the only visitor. But remember that some businesses will close completely during the downturn in tourism.

Focus on what's important to you

Want a grand tour of the unmissable highlights of all of Greece, or would you rather focus your time on exploring your favorite islands or regions, such as the Peloponnese? The best way to choose from the rotating options available is to focus on what's important to you - relaxing on beautiful beaches, learning more about exciting Greek history and culture, museums and monuments, and the various wildlife, or partying until dawn - and planning accordingly.

Find the perfect island or area for you

Greece is worth several trips as each island offers something different, and all its regions are equally fascinating - you won't see everything on your first visit, and it will ruin your trip if you pressure yourself to do so. Also, don't fool yourself that only the big carrots are worth your attention. Although Mykonos, Santorini and the big names have a lot to offer, the little-known islands - there are hundreds of them! - Like Amorgos or Kythera is also a joy. It also has the added advantage of smaller crowds and lower prices if that's a major criterion for you

Athens is not the only gateway to Greece

In many cases, you will find it advantageous to transit through Athens, as its airport connects to many international destinations, and the city itself is a gem. However, there are other international airports around the Greek mainland (such as in Thessaloniki) and on some of the main islands (such as Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu). If you need domestic flights to reach your preferred destination, it is worth checking the price of them individually. Thanks to government subsidies, it can be much cheaper to book each part of your itinerary in Greece separate from your international flights.

Book everything in advance during high season

In high season, prices are high, and demand for rental cars, accommodations, and ferry tickets much higher - this is not the time for random bookings on the fly - Greece is a very popular summer destination, and the best options sell out well in advance.

Roads in Greece for confident drivers

It should not surprise anyone who has traveled on Greek roads that the country's road fatality rate is one of the highest in Europe. Overtaking is listed as the biggest cause of accidents. Worrying moments aside, your own car is a great way to explore the hinterland if you're confident in driving and remember a few key points.

• The road network has improved greatly in recent years; Many of the roads that were unpaved paths on old maps have been paved, and there is very little traffic on many of the islands.
• There are ferry services (although expensive) to most of the islands.
• Greece is not the best place to learn about motorcycling. If you are not confident driving a motorcycle, it may be best to hold off on this option until you gain more experience.
• All major multinational car rental companies are based in Athens, and most of them have branches in major cities and popular tourist destinations. Most of the islands have at least one branch.

Greece is not wheelchair friendly outside of Athens

Accessibility for disabled travelers has improved somewhat in recent years, but the vast majority of accessible attractions, hotels and restaurants are located in Athens.

While improvements in beach access are on the horizon, much of the rest of Greece remains inaccessible, and the cobblestones and steep, slippery and steep alleyways create frustrating barriers for those with mobility issues. Also, people with visual or hearing impairments rarely have their needs met.

Careful planning before you travel can make all the difference. There are specific online resources that provide links to local articles, resorts, and tour groups that cater to tourists with physical disabilities.

Pack appropriate clothing

Athenians dress smartly, and the younger guys follow the fashion, so keep your smart clothes for club fashion shows. However, in Athens and other cities such as Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Iraklio, everyday wear such as shorts or jeans and plain T-shirts are perfectly acceptable.

Stylish restaurants take more effort - the look is elegant rather than formal. Think T-shirts and pants rather than T-shirts and shorts. In remote locations, you can wear casual clothes, and in the summer, the heat will make you want to wear the least amount of fabric you can do without – bring quick-drying tank tops and cool dresses.

Sturdy walking shoes are essential for tarmac trails, and proper cross-country walking shoes are essential if you're exploring the countryside on foot.

Learn some basic Greek phrases

Greek is a difficult language to learn fully, but mastering a few basic greetings and niceties will make all the difference in how Greeks greet you. In the tourist areas, many speak English, so be sure that you will be able to communicate well as long as you know a few key phrases.

Carry cash and don't rely on cards or ATMs

As part of the European Union, Greece uses the euro. In restaurants, the service charge is usually included in the bill, and although tipping is not expected (as it is in North America), it is always appreciated, and some coins can be left if the service is good. Taxi drivers are usually expected to round the fare, while hotel staff who help carry your luggage to your room or ferry staff who take you to your cabin are expected to leave a small tip of between €1 and €3.

Automated teller machines are available in every city large enough to support a bank and in almost all tourist areas. Remember that ATMs on the islands can often lose their connection for a day or two, making it impossible for anyone (including locals) to withdraw cash. It's worth keeping some spare cash in case this happens during your visit.

Credit cards have become an accepted part of the business scene in Greece, although they are not accepted on many small islands or in small villages. Don't rely solely on your cards, and pre-check when eating or drinking if it's your only option.

Standards of healthcare in Greece vary

Although medical training is of a high standard in Greece, the public health service is not adequately funded. Hospitals can be crowded, and relatives are expected to bring food for the patient - a major problem for lone travellers. Conditions and treatment are much better in private hospitals, which are more expensive. All this means that having a good health insurance policy is essential.

There is at least one doctor on every island, and the larger islands have hospitals. Pharmacies can distribute medicines that are only available by prescription in most European countries. If the condition is not critical, it is often best to consult a pharmacist first for minor ailments.

Stay hydrated and avoid the sun

Inquire if tap water is not safe to drink on many islands. Maintaining a supply of bottled water on hand is essential for hydration and safety; Many tourists underestimate the temperature you can reach in Greece, and many suffer severe burns and heat exhaustion on beaches that do not provide shade. Sun breaks should be spaced in between times in the shade, plenty of fluids should be drunk, and plenty of high-SPF sunscreen should be packed. Mosquitoes are more of a nuisance than a danger, but it is recommended to pack repellents.

Roaming theft and other petty crimes are common in crowded places

The main risks of theft in Greece are robbery by roaming in big cities and property theft when lying on crowded and popular beaches (leave passports in hotel safe boxes). Don't leave your belongings unattended, and don't let your bags hang over the back of the seat where you can't keep an eye on them.

The Tourism Police works in cooperation with the regular Greek police. Each Tourist Police office has at least one English speaking team member. If you need to report the theft or loss of a passport, go to the Tourist Police first, and they will act as interpreters between you and the regular police. Some unethical taxi drivers will try to charge excessive fares from airports to the city centre. Always make sure to run the meter or pre-negotiate and agree on a price before entering.