Greece, the land of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, is a dream destination for many travelers. If you're planning a one or two week getaway from North America to explore the wonders of Greece, it's essential to be well-prepared. In this blog post, we will walk you through everything you need to do at home before leaving, a packing list template, and some helpful travel products for your overseas flight and 2-week adventure in Greece.
1. Preparing at Home:
Before embarking on your Greek adventure, ensure that everything at home is taken care of for your peace of mind during the trip.
a) Notify Your Bank and Credit Card Companies: Inform your bank and credit card providers about your travel dates and destinations to avoid any unnecessary card blocks or fraud alerts.
b) Arrange for Pet Care or House Sitting: If you have pets, arrange for a reliable pet sitter or consider boarding them at a reputable facility. For those leaving their home unoccupied, consider asking a trusted friend or family member to house-sit.
c) Set Up Automatic Payments: Ensure that essential bills like rent, utilities, and any other recurring expenses are scheduled for automatic payments while you're away.
d) Organize Travel Documents: Double-check that you have all your travel documents in order, including your passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, and any necessary permits or IDs.
e) Health Precautions: Visit your doctor for any necessary vaccinations or medications based on your travel itinerary. Carry a small first-aid kit with essentials like pain relievers, band-aids, and any personal medications.
2. Packing List Template:
To make packing for your Greece trip hassle-free, use this template as a guide, or download our retreat packing list if you're coming with us!
Clothing:
- Lightweight and breathable tops
- Shorts and skirts
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Swimwear
- Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Beach towel
Toiletries:
- Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Sunscreen with high SPF
- Insect repellent
- Basic skincare items
- Personal hygiene products
But if you forget anything, try not to stress! There are great products in the rooms at the Anemi, and we will have so many opportunities to shop in Chora, the town we will visit on the first night, and several times after.
Electronics:
- Smartphone and charger
- Camera or GoPro with charger
- Power bank
- Travel adapter
Miscellaneous:
- Travel-sized laundry detergent
- Reusable water bottle
- Daypack or beach bag
- Travel journal and pen
- Ziplock bags (for storing snacks or wet items)
- Greek phrasebook or language app
- Lightweight travel umbrella
3. Helpful Travel Products for the Overseas Flight and Trip:
a) Neck Pillow and Eye Mask: Get a comfortable neck pillow and a sleep-inducing eye mask to catch some rest during the long flight.
b) Noise-Canceling Headphones: Reduce background noise and enjoy your in-flight entertainment or music with noise-canceling headphones.
c) Compression Socks: Help prevent leg swelling and improve circulation during the flight.
d) Travel Wallet: Keep your travel documents, credit cards, and cash organized and secure in a travel wallet.
f) Packing Cubes: Keep your suitcase organized and maximize space with packing cubes.
g) Travel-Sized Toiletry Bottles: Transfer your favorite toiletries into travel-sized bottles to save space and comply with airline regulations.
h) Portable Charger: Keep your devices powered up on-the-go with a portable charger.
A well-planned trip to Greece from North America can be a life-changing experience. By following the guidelines in this blog post, you can ensure a smooth journey from the moment you leave home until you return. Remember to savor every moment, immerse yourself in the local culture, and create unforgettable memories during your two-week adventure in Greece.
When to Start Packing and Tips for Effortless Packing
1. When to Start Packing:
Packing for a trip to Greece requires thoughtful planning to ensure you have everything you need without overpacking. Ideally, you should start packing at least a week before your departure date. This allows ample time to create a packing list, organize your belongings, and make any last-minute purchases. Starting early also reduces the stress of rushing and helps you remember important items you might have otherwise forgotten.
2. Tips to Make Packing Easier:
a) Create a Packing List: Begin by making a detailed packing list using the template provided in the previous section. Having a checklist will help you stay organized and ensure you don't leave behind any essential items.
b) Roll, Don't Fold: To maximize space and minimize wrinkles, roll your clothes instead of folding them. Rolling garments also makes it easier to see and access items in your suitcase.
c) Pack Versatile Clothing: Opt for clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched to create various outfits. Lightweight, neutral-colored items can be dressed up or down, allowing you to pack less while maintaining a stylish wardrobe.
d) Use Packing Cubes: Invest in packing cubes to keep your clothes and accessories organized. Assign different cubes for various categories like tops, bottoms, underwear, and accessories. Packing cubes also make it easier to unpack and repack during your trip.
e) Pack Essentials in Your Carry-On: In case your checked luggage gets delayed or lost, ensure you have essential items like a change of clothes, toiletries, and important documents (passport, travel insurance) in your carry-on bag.
f) Minimize Toiletries: Many hotels in Greece provide basic toiletries — including the Anemi, where we will be staying — so consider leaving items like shampoo and conditioner at home. If you do bring your own, use travel-sized containers to save space.
g) Utilize Ziplock Bags: Place toiletries, liquids, and small items in ziplock bags to prevent leaks and keep your suitcase organized. They are also useful for storing wet swimsuits or dirty laundry during your trip.
h) Check the Weather Forecast: Before packing, check the weather forecast for your travel dates to ensure you're prepared for the expected conditions.
i) Limit Shoes: Shoes can take up a lot of space, so try to limit the number you bring. Pack comfortable walking shoes, a pair of sandals, and maybe one dressier option if needed.
j) Leave Room for Souvenirs: If you plan to buy souvenirs during your trip, leave some extra space in your suitcase or consider bringing a foldable tote bag for the return journey.
By following these tips and starting your packing process early, you can make the task much more manageable and ensure you have everything you need for a memorable and stress-free adventure in Greece. Happy packing and have a fantastic trip!
Can I go with just a carry-on?
Traveling with just a carry-on can be liberating and practical, especially for a two-week trip to Greece. Here are some valuable tips to help you master the art of packing light and traveling with only a carry-on:
1. Choose the Right Carry-On Bag: Invest in a well-designed carry-on bag that meets the airline's size restrictions. Look for one with multiple compartments to keep your belongings organized.
2. Follow Airline Guidelines: Check the airline's carry-on size and weight limits before packing. Different airlines may have varying restrictions, so ensure your bag complies with the requirements.
3. Pack Versatile Clothing: Stick to a minimalist wardrobe with versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits. Neutral colors and classic styles work best, as they offer more flexibility.
4. Wear Bulky Items: Wear your bulkiest clothing items, such as jackets, or heavy shoes, during your flight to save space in your carry-on.
5. Utilize Packing Cubes: Packing cubes are invaluable when traveling with a carry-on. They help compress clothing, keep things organized, and make it easier to locate items in your bag.
6. Roll Clothes: Rolling your clothes not only saves space but also minimizes wrinkles. You'll be surprised at how much more you can fit into your carry-on by using this method.
7. Choose Lightweight Toiletries: Opt for travel-sized toiletries or transfer your preferred products into small, leak-proof containers. Remember, many hotels offer basic toiletries, so you may not need to pack everything.
8. Limit Shoes: Shoes can be heavy and take up a lot of space. Stick to two or three pairs at most – a comfortable walking shoe, sandals, and perhaps one dressier option if necessary.
9. Pack Multi-Purpose Items: Look for multi-purpose items like a sarong that can double as a beach cover-up, scarf, or shawl. This helps you pack lighter while staying practical.
10. Consider Laundry Options: If you're staying in accommodations with laundry facilities or have access to laundry services, you can pack fewer clothes and do a load of laundry during your trip.
11. Minimize Gadgets: Bring only essential gadgets, such as a smartphone, camera, and charger. Consider leaving the laptop at home unless it's vital for your trip.
12. Use Travel-Size Electronics: Opt for travel-size versions of electronics like hairdryers and curling irons or check if your accommodations provide them.
13. Go Digital: Instead of carrying physical books, use a tablet or e-reader to access your reading materials. This saves space and weight in your carry-on.
14. Don't Forget Travel Documents: Keep all your travel documents, including your passport, travel insurance, and boarding passes, in a secure and easily accessible compartment in your carry-on.
Traveling with just a carry-on requires thoughtful planning and packing discipline, but the freedom and convenience it offers during your trip are well worth the effort. Enjoy your light and stress-free travels to Greece!
Summary of Popular Carry-On Size and Weight Limitations for Air Canada and Aegean Airlines:
1. Air Canada:
- Carry-On Size Limit: The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag on Air Canada flights are typically 23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm (9 in x 15.5 in x 21.5 in), including wheels and handles.
- Personal Item Size Limit: In addition to the carry-on bag, Air Canada allows a personal item such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. The maximum dimensions for the personal item are 16 cm x 33 cm x 43 cm (6 in x 13 in x 17 in).
- Weight Limit: The weight limit for both the carry-on bag and personal item combined is usually 10 kg (22 lbs) in Economy Class. Business Class and Premium Economy Class passengers may have a higher weight allowance.
2. Aegean Airlines:
- Carry-On Size Limit: The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag on Aegean Airlines flights are typically 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm (22 in x 17.5 in x 9.8 in), including wheels and handles.
- Personal Item Size Limit: Aegean Airlines allows a small personal item such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack in addition to the carry-on bag. The maximum dimensions for the personal item are not specified but should be smaller than the carry-on bag.
- Weight Limit: The weight limit for the carry-on bag is usually 8 kg (17.6 lbs) in Economy Class. Business Class passengers may have a higher weight allowance.
Note: Carry-on size and weight limitations can vary between different fare classes, frequent flyer status, and specific routes, so it's essential to check with the respective airlines or your booking confirmation for the most up-to-date information before your flight. Additionally, airlines may change their policies over time, so it's advisable to verify the current restrictions closer to your travel date.