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d_kakavouli

Active member
I am leaving for Greece soon and I have some packing questions:

- Is it easy enough to by things like hair straightener/ hair dryer. Mine aren't dual voltage (I don't think) and I am not sure I will have time to buy new ones before I go.
- I am trying to figure out what to do about using my cell to call the US. Should I just go and get a burner phone while there and do a pay as you go situation?
- Is it easy enough to find a laundromat? I will be in Greece a while and will need to do laundry. It's been a while since I would be in Greece for this long.
 
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If you have a favorite hair straightener, then I would bring it….same with suntan lotion. Otherwise, there are Sephora stores in the cities and grocery stores everywhere that carry a variety of brand name hair products. Years ago I purchased a hair dryer while in Greece, but now most accommodations offer hair dryers; I would check before you purchase one. I can’t answer your question on the phone; I usually add a temporary global plan to my iPhone with my carrier. There are laundromats, but they might not necessarily be convenient to where you’re staying. If you’ve already booked accommodation, then they could answer the hair dryer/laundry questions. Otherwise my best advice would be to pack light and to consider hand wash as an option for casual clothes; clothes dry quickly there.
 
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If your hair appliance aren't dual voltage, don't bring them. But double check - most are! You can easily buy dual voltage ones before you go. Bring a straightener for sure - most places I have seen have hair dryers.

In terms of laundry, I would personally just hadn't wash - I use the soap they give at hotels!
 
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I see it's been a while since this was posted, but I wanted to chime in—has anyone ever needed a light rain jacket later in the season? I'm packing for late September and trying to decide if I should bother. Also wondering if anyone has tips for keeping shoes from taking up too much space in the suitcase; I always overpack those.
 
I always forget how windy Greece can get, especially on the islands — a light jacket or hoodie saved me more than once at night. For kid-friendly places, anything like family resort Khao Yai in Thailand is perfect because it has activities and space for everyone; so if you’re staying anywhere like that in Greece, pack some casual clothes for lounging or joining in.
 
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Best Way to Get a Car Service to JFK Airport Before a Flight to Greece?

Hi everyone, I'm flying out of JFK next month for a trip to Greece and trying to figure out the best way to get to the airport without the usual stress. My flight leaves early in the morning, and I don't want to deal with parking for two weeks or ask a family member to drive me at 4 a.m. I've been looking into booking a car service to JFK Airport instead of a rideshare, mainly because international flights need more buffer time, and I'd rather have a proper chauffeur waiting curbside than risk a driver cancelling at the last minute with all my luggage in tow. A friend of mine recently used Blue Nile Livery for a JFK run and said her chauffeur showed up early, helped load the bags, and tracked the flight the whole way, so she suggested I try them for this trip too.
I'm still trying to figure out whether it's worth booking the chauffeur service a few days in advance or if that's overkill for a domestic pickup, whether a sedan is fine or if an SUV is smarter given how much luggage most of us end up hauling back and forth to Greece, and if anyone has had a chauffeur reroute or adjust pickup timing because of a flight delay before an international departure. For those of you who fly out of JFK often for trips back to Greece, what's worked best for you, and is there a chauffeur service you'd genuinely recommend for an early morning run like this? Any tips appreciated!

Ferry vs flying between islands, what’s better?

I’ve always been a ferry guy when it comes to Greece, something about pulling into a port and seeing the island come into view just feels right. But this trip is a little different because I’m traveling with someone who gets pretty motion sick, so now I’m seriously considering flying between islands instead.

Curious what you guys think, ferry vs flying, what’s actually better?

I know ferries are part of the whole island-hopping experience, and they’re usually more flexible, but I’ve also had a couple rough rides when the water wasn’t calm. On the flip side, flights seem quicker and smoother, but maybe more hassle overall.

If you’ve done both, what would you recommend, especially in a situation like this? Is flying the smarter move, or are ferries still worth it if you plan carefully?

Which Greek island feels the least touristy in the summer?

I know that July and August are busy almost everywhere in Greece, especially on the more famous islands, but I’m curious about places that still feel relatively local and relaxed even during peak season.

I’m not necessarily looking for somewhere completely empty. I’d just love an island where you can still find traditional villages, local tavernas, quieter beaches, and a slower pace without feeling like the entire island is built around tourism.

Have you visited an island in the summer that still felt authentic and not overly crowded? I’d especially be interested in places where locals still seem to set the rhythm of daily life rather than visitors.

Which island would you recommend, and what made it feel less touristy to you? Was it the beaches, villages, restaurants, fewer cruise ships, or just the overall atmosphere?

Is Greece easy to travel around without renting a car?

I’m trying to figure out whether it’s realistic to travel around Greece without renting a car. I’d prefer not to drive if I can avoid it, especially since I’m not familiar with the roads, parking, or driving customs there.

For those who have traveled around Greece using public transportation, how easy was it? I know there are buses, ferries, taxis, and domestic flights, but I’m wondering how practical they are once you get outside the main tourist areas. Did you ever feel limited by not having a car?

I’m also curious whether it makes sense to rely on public transportation for most of the trip and just rent a car for a day or two when needed. Are there certain types of places that are especially difficult to reach without one?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has done a Greece trip mostly or entirely without driving.

Best Greek Destinations for History Lovers

I’m thinking about planning a Greece trip next year that is focused almost entirely on history, and I’d love some ideas for the best places to include.

Athens would obviously be part of the itinerary for the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, museums, and other archaeological sites. I’m also considering Delphi, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, and maybe spending more time exploring the Peloponnese. Meteora is on my list too, although that would add a different type of historical experience.

I’m especially interested in places where you can really spend time exploring rather than just stopping briefly to see one major site.

If you were planning a history-focused trip to Greece, which destinations would you consider essential? Are there lesser-known archaeological sites, historic towns, museums, Byzantine sites, or ancient ruins that deserve more attention? I’d also love suggestions for putting together an itinerary without trying to cover too much ground.
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