In preparation for my two-week trip to Greece, I spent hours upon hours scouring the Internet to find tips on what to pack and what to wear. I was going on vacation with my husband, and we were planning on spending most of our time hiking through the mountains and exploring ancient ruins in Athens and Santorini, so we needed clothing that would be versatile in different weather conditions, but also comfortable enough to hike in all day long.
1 – Warm Weather Essentials
A sunhat, sunglasses, UV protecting sunscreen, and lip balm with SPF all protect you from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. A bathing suit, flip-flops, a cover-up (in case of unexpected rain), towel (pack a couple), sandals or water shoes are essential because they’ll keep your feet dry while exploring. I brought my favorite full-coverage bra to give myself support while sightseeing. My clothes were easy to mix and match which allowed me to look fashionable without spending a lot of time getting ready. Plus, packing light is more comfortable!
2 – Cold Weather Essentials
I’m going to need some lightweight sweaters, a few pairs of tights, and leggings. Also, I want a new pair of boots.
On top of those cold weather essentials, I want to get some cute scarves so that when I come back from my trip I can layer them on with my clothes during the cold winter months. That way I’ll have an excuse to buy a new coat! Oh, and of course sunscreen—this girl’s got some light skin and needs to be careful!
I’ll also need travel-sized items like shampoo, conditioner, face wash, moisturizer, deodorant (I’ve been noticing how bad my armpits smell!), toothpaste…You know what? I think this packing list is getting too long.
3 – Clothing Tips
-There are a lot of places to shop in the more touristy spots of Athens, so be sure to scope out a few different areas before settling on just one.
-The locals dress very casually and there aren’t any strict codes to follow when choosing your outfit. I generally stuck with jeans, sweaters, tank tops, sneakers, backpacks (instead of purses), and sunglasses. The weather was perfect while I was there—sunny and warm—so you’ll want to bring light layers. In addition, it can get windy at times so you’ll want to bring some windbreakers or jackets as well.
4 – Accommodation Tips
The one thing you can be sure of is that every hotel will have a small supply of basics like hair dryers, soap, shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, etc. However it’s always nice to pack some of your own just so you don’t feel limited to what they offer. I always bring travel size versions of my favorite products which help me sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed. For most trips there are typically plenty of outlets available but I’ll bring my power strip with me just in case!
5 – Ways to Save Money While Traveling
- Bring hand sanitizer to use as a substitute for toiletries you can’t bring on your flight.
- Invest in an international cell phone plan to avoid high roaming charges.
- Check local customs to see if you need a special permit or any form of clearance before entering the country.
- Fill up your water bottle with filtered water at the airport before you pass through security. – Eat at home, order food online, or eat at the airport while waiting for your flight instead of eating out while traveling.
- Pack lightly so that you don’t have to check a bag; this will save money on baggage fees, too!
