Hi, I'm 24 first time travelling abroad and I'm starting or ending in Athens. (up to 10 days there) I will be leaving in early June returning in July. I'm going to be somewhat backpacking , though I'm not going to be camping or couch surfing. The budget is under $150 a day to maximize length of stay. My first question is about Mykonos, why does everyone suggest here? (I like to go out but not main interest ) and also where is the best places around Greece.Maybe Egypt, Turkey or Hungary where the Canadian dollar will take me far comfortably. Maximum stay will be 6 weeks, I want to experience Athens and possibly Egypt but 3-5 countries would be great. I like history but I don't want to be completely focused on historical sites. Maybe check out some concerts, markets(when in Rome do as the Romans do). I am starting to plan now and I have basically no ideas and would appreciate greatly any tips or suggestions. (best booking sites,is it cheaper to enter via other countries/ferry, hostels/bnbs in Athens,great cities/places everyone should go to, fun activities,anything really???).My itinerary is virtually non existent. All suggestions are helpful.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
Greece is right now cheaper again so is Egypt but you would have to like it hot or I would say oppressively hot at that time of year. Mykonos is a very famous party island. Because of heat I personally would do just islands. One of the most beautiful is Santorini. In Athens I would suggest neighborhood Plaka and do your sightseeing early morning to avoid midday heat. Make sure that your hotel has air conditioning. Few suggestions: Croatia- Adriatic shore and islands or if you are like me and don't like too much heat, look north. Scandinavia is too expensive, so try Poland and Baltic republics. Maybe Saint Petersburg but it's relatively expensive and you would need Russian visa.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2169 posts
Here's one possibility: fly into Istanbul, spend 2 weeks in Turkey, visiting Ephesus and Cappadocia, and working your way down to Antalya and Kas. Then take a ferry (daily) from Kas to the tiny, unbelievably beautiful Greek island of Kastellorizo. Island-hop via ferry from there to Rhodes, Tilos, and Nisyros, spending a few days at each. Rhodes is a big island with lots of sights and nightlife. Tilos is tiny and cheap and friendly. Nisyros is fascinating, with an active (but not erupting) volcano that you can walk around inside. It's also very inexpensive (room with air conditioning, balcony, right on the port = 35 euros). You can continue via ferry back to Athens, or hop from Nisyros to Kos, then ferry to Santorini, then to Athens. End up with two or three days in Athens before you fly home. The Blue Star Ferry line makes this trip through the Dodecanese twice a week .... from Athens to Kastellorizo, stopping at all the islands I named on the way down, and then again on the way back to Athens. You can check BlueStarFerries.com for schedules (they don't have June-July posted yet). Each ferry trip is very inexpensive (maybe 15 euros). This would be a wonderful vacation and would easily fill up your six weeks.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32325 posts
Rachel, As this is your first time travelling abroad, I'd suggest starting by reading the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door. It provides lots of good information on "how" to travel in Europe. Also, check your local Library or book stores for country-specific Guidebooks, as they have lots of information on sightseeing in the places you'll be visiting. For planning your time in Greece, you might find it very helpful to have a look at This Website. There's LOTS there to help with planning your time in Greece. Limiting your trip to Greece and Turkey would minimize your travel costs to some extent. Each time you change locations, there will be a cost involved in both time and money. Using open jaw flights would be the best idea (ie: inbound Athens, outbound Istanbul?). If you're planning to stay in Hostels, you might consider buying an inexpensive membership in HI Hostels, as that will provide slightly cheaper rates if staying in their properties. It doesn't look like your local PBS stations carry Rick's programs, so you may enjoy watching a few short video clips (there are lots more on You Tube). Nafplion Athens & Hydra Istanbul Bazaar Good luck with your planning!