Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about the things you need to know before you travel to Greece. Greece is a fantastic family travel destination and we love to vacation in Greece with our kids. Today we’re sharing some of our best Greece travel tips with you.
English is Widely Spoken
Many travelers get nervous about traveling to Greece or any country that doesn’t use at least the same alphabet as English. Greek letters aren’t always easy to decipher unless you were in a sorority at some point! However, it’s nothing to worry about in Greece as you’ll find English speakers anywhere you go. While you don’t need to know any Greek, it always helps to learn a few basics of the local language when traveling. Hello, please, and thank you will go a long way!
Seven Tips for Learning a Foreign Language
Currency in Greece
Fortunately, Greece uses the Euro so if you’re traveling around Europe, you won’t have to exchange currency when you arrive in Greece. Don’t toss out those coins as they go up to 2 Euros, which is pretty valuable for pocket change!
Greece Travel Prices
A Greece trip is a very affordable family travel vacation. Flights, hotels, car rentals, food, and souvenirs are all very reasonable, especially when compared to central or northern European prices. Even in the tourist places, we’re only spending about 60 Euros for dinner for four people. In the smaller towns and villages, we are spending half of that to eat out as a family.
Traditional Greek Dishes
One of the best things about travel to Greece is trying all of the traditional Greek dishes! There are so many amazing Greek dishes, from moussaka to lamb, meatballs to dolmades. There’s also a ton of fresh seafood as you’re right along the coast. Try the octopus and the calamari! You should also try a gyro and compare the difference to those you’ve had back home. Most dishes come family-style, so you’ll get to try a lot of food. Three dishes are usually enough for four to five people.
Remember: gyro is pronounced “yee-ro”, the “g” makes a “y” sound!
How to Eat Cheap and Well While Traveling
What to Drink in Greece
There are some good wines and beer in Greece. I always recommend trying the local variety. There are some interesting Greek sodas to try as well. When it comes to water, I recommend drinking bottled water rather than tap water in Greece. Some traditional adult beverages to try in Greece include:
- Raki, a byproduct of the wine-making process. It’s made after the first pressing of grapes, and it is very strong! It’s ok to cut it with a little bit of water.
- Ouzo is an anise-flavored spirit and can only be produced in Greece and Cyprus.
- Metaxa is an amber spirit similar to brandy, which is made from Muscat wines, aged wine distillates, and botanicals from the region.
Accommodation in Greece
Greece has been a tourism destination for centuries, so there are plenty of accommodation choices for all types of travelers. Just make sure you book early in the high season as the best accommodations can fill up quickly! Remember, a “double” room usually means two twin beds, so make sure the accommodation you choose will accommodate your family!
Car Rental in Greece
If you plan to explore Greece by car, make sure you have an international driver’s license if you are from the United States. If you’re from Europe, you don’t need one, but this caught us by surprise and we want to make sure others are aware! These are easy to obtain; just call your local AAA office.
Getting Around Greece
There are buses and trains that will take you around the interior of Greece. If you are island hopping in Greece, you can take ferries or flights. I prefer to fly as the ferries can be time-consuming and not all that interesting.
Other Things to Know About Greece
There are a few other things to keep in mind when you visit Greece:
- Not all toilets can handle toilet paper being flushed, so pay attention if there are signs in the bathroom
- Electrical outlets are the European style, with two round prongs
- Most places have WiFi, including restaurants and hotels.
- Cellular service is also widely available, although a bit slower than you might be used to
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Forget anything negative you’ve read about Greece; you will come here and have a great time! The people are fun, the food is great and the weather is fantastic. Looking for more Greece travel tips? Check out these other blog posts: