Packing

Rule #1 (Actually it's the ONLY packing rule!) – Pack light! You can have one checked bag and two carry-on bags, but I don’t recommend large suitcases because you have to porter your own luggage. You should plan on one average size suitcase (rolling is your best bet) and a backpack or under the airplane seat size bag. I do not plan to check my bag but use the smaller size and carry on both bags. Your call.

Tips:
--roll clothes to prevent wrinkles and save space or put a day’s set of clothes in 2-1/2 gallon Ziploc bags.
--put toiletries, camera, and a change of clothes in your carry on…going and coming.
--pack extra camera batteries and memory cards.
--prescriptions need to be in original bottles. Ask your pharmacy if they can provide you with smaller bottles with labels.
--will need an electric voltage converter and a Greece plug adaptor as Europe electrical outlets are different from US. They are 220v instead of 110v. I recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit available at Walmart or Target. View more information about electrical standards around the world.
--pack some extra garbage bags for dirty or wet clothes. Pack extra different sizes of Ziploc bags for a variety of reasons.
--pack easy traveling snacks (not ones that crumble or melt). Sometimes dinner or lunch is late depending on the schedule.
--put a copy of your passport in your bag and keep your actual passport inside your clothes in a neck or waist pouch. Also keep the majority of your money in this same safe place. Just take out the daily amount of cash. Also watch out for pickpockets!
--make sure that any day visiting a religious site that shoulders and knees should be covered (if you’re in shorts, wrap a shawl around your waist, slip on wind pants)
--toiletries should be packed 3-1-1….gels, aerosols, liquids are no more than 3.4 ounces in only one bag that is no larger than one quart. Try to get as many in travel size as possible. This bag will need to be out and go through the security scan outside your luggage. Too many toiletries or health and beauty aids in too large sizes is the number one way to save space in luggage.
--wear comfortable shoes!! Don’t bring new ones you haven’t broken in. Bring a spare pair in case a strap breaks or they get wet. I like Teva brand, and I've bought them on clearance racks, Ross at a discount, and on Amazon.
--pack a journal and write, write, write. Remember the fun!
--weather is expected to be warm…probably very warm (OK, hot!). But it never hurts to bring a light jacket just in case. Pack a hat, light weight shirt, and sunscreen for sun protection.
--always need an umbrella or a rain jacket.
--don’t forget your swimsuit for the pool or the beach! On one of the islands, you may just opt out of excursions and enjoy a fabulous day on an exotic beach!
--avoid packing valuable jewelry. Less is more.
--travel alarm. There are wake up calls, but sometimes they don’t always go through.
--share some things with roomies (i.e. hair dryer, curling irons, etc.).
--ladies, try bringing a lightweight sarong that can double as a towel, shawl, picnic cloth, skirt, scarf, coverup, etc.)
--wear your most bulky shoes and pack the lighter ones.
--It’s an overnight flight so try to get sleep. A neck pillow really helps! There are inflatable ones that save space in luggage and those comfy, cushy ones that I just drape on the outside of my luggage handle and don't pack.
--throw in a fabric softener sheet to keep your suitcase fresh.
--pack a flat duffel or backpack that you could use as a second carry on to hold souvenirs on the return flight.
--always have some tissue in your pocket…just in case there is no toilet paper at a pit stop.
--information on this blog is meant to be printed and used as your travel guide, so you only need to print the parts you want. However, if you want a published guide, I recommend the Dorling-Kindersley Eyewitness Travel Guides. They are detailed, lots of pictures and diagrams, and my favorite...but they are heavy! There is one for The Greek Islands and one for Athens. Try Half-Price Books or the used ones on Amazon.
--bring a watch…even if you have cell phone, to make sure you are on time when you need to be.
--the cruise has a semi-formal night, so pack something nice. Men do not have to wear a jacket, just a button shirt. Ladies can wear a dress or slacks, no formal long dress is required. Also there is a Greek night so wear something blue and white that night.
--checked bags should not be locked for possible security checks, so use a twist tie on the flight. You can lock them during the trip. Also if you check your bag, tell the check in attendant to check your bag all the way to Athens..and then make sure the tag they attach says Athens BEFORE they put it on the conveyer belt!

Check out this site on what to pack for Greece.
_