I have heard different trains of thought on using Greek travel agencies vs. making my own arrangements via internet sources. If hotels/tours are listed on reputable internet sites I would probably trust them- researching the guests comments. I have booked independantly in Italy using Rick's recommendations in the past with great results.
We enjoy traveling "thru the back door" without the resort scene and like the smaller accommodations, which travel agencies don't always offer. What are the experiences of others? I appreciate the input. We will be in Athens and the cyclades.
Thanks.
Nancy
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3147 posts
I personally believe that by doing thorough research anyone can arrange their own itinerary and save money in the process, but for the sake of comparison I suggest you contact both Fantasy Travel and Dolphin-Hellas Travel in Athens to see what they can offer in the way of off-the-beaten-path travel. The one great advantage to dealing with reputable travel agents in Greece is that if anything goes wrong they're just a phone call away and will do whatever is necessary to solve your problem.
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1418 posts
Nancy
I book using the internet for Greece all the time, and it really is very easy. I can't compare with a travel agent but before the internet we just used to turn up and wander about in a random fashion: that worked too!
I take the point about it being convenient to use an agent but I actually enjoy the process of putting a trip together myself.
You can always come back here for advice.
Cheers
Alan
Posted by
dallas, tx, usa
1358 posts
My wife and I, who are independent travelers, stayed in the Athens International Hostel, 16 Victor Hugo Street in Athens for a week. There was a travel agency in the adjoining building which we visited our first day there.
See:http://www.hostels.com/hostels/athens/athens-international-youth-hostel---vi.../15727.
Staying at the hostel earned a discount on booking tours with the travel agency. I enjoyed having an expert at the agency to question about our plans.
Every day that week we took a guided air conditioned bus tour to an historic site. It was a fun week and I didn't have to plan a thing.
We always sat as far forward on the bus as possible so we could hear because the guides do not always speak understandable English.
I suggest locating a travel agent and booking your tours.