Practical Travel Tips

YA SAS, RAZORBACKS!

We are very excited to be traveling with you. This is going to be a great trip.

The following addresses a number of “practical” type questions that many first-time travelers to Greece inevitably have. Please note that much of what follows supplements the material you will find in your UA Summer Study Abroad Handbook.

Money:

In Greece, the currency is the Euro. ATMs are widely available. Do not bring travelers checks. Be aware that Euros are a "convertible" currency, meaning that you can readily exchange them for Dollars in most places.

If you end up with extra cash (Euros), you will be able to convert them back into dollars at the airport, or you can sell them to others who plan to stay longer.

Major credit cards are widely accepted for purchases (VISA, Mastercard, American Express), if they have an electronic security chip (not just the magnetic strip).

Luggage:

The most important thing to remember here is that you should not bring a piece of luggage that is too large for you to handle. Whether that piece of luggage is strap-on backpack or a suitcase with wheels is up to you. We will bring, as usual, a suitcase with wheels. Please keep in mind that it is unlikely that we will ever be carrying our luggage for long distances. Sometimes we will have to carry our luggage from our bus to our hotel because our hotel is located on a narrow street where buses cannot go. We will also have to carry our luggage onto and off of the ferryboats we will be taking. In the past, this has meant walking a few blocks at most. Please keep in mind that if you choose to bring a strap-on backpack, you must secure the straps before checking it at the airport. Loose straps can get caught in the automatic baggage sorting machines. Finally, please keep in mind that most suitcases look alike. Please add something personal, like a ribbon or sticker, so you can easily identify your suitcase at the Athens airport.

Packing Liquids:

If you plan on bringing any liquids/semi-liquids such as shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen, etc., it is important that they be packed in such a way that they do not break and leak all over the inside of your suitcase. One good way to help reduce the possibility of a messy surprise inside of your suitcase is to pack these items inside of several zip-lock bags. This way, if something does break, the mess will likely be contained.

Day Pack:

You will need some kind of day pack in which to carry your notebook, handouts, swimsuit, bottle of water, etc., This does not have to be a giant book bag. Please keep in mind that some Greek museums are now requiring that you check BACKpacks, but not other packs, such as satchels and purses.

Other items to consider for a day pack: a good flashlight or head-mounted lamp for use in dark spaces like caves, a good camera (if you like to take pictures), and lots and lots of water. Perhaps a bandana. Think about what you might take with you on an all-day hike and that is what you will need.

Shoes:

We will be doing a lot of walking so good footwear is essential. Please keep in mind that in addition to the many archaeological sites that we will be visiting (where the ground is often uneven and a bit rough) we will be taking a number of hikes. Comfortable, sturdy, closed-toe shoes are what we recommend here. A good pair of sturdy tennis shoes is fine. Whatever you choose for you feet, be sure they are broken in. Blisters happen! You will also want to bring a good pair of sandals. Many of the participants on previous study tours have worn Chacos or Tevas or similar sandals. These have the advantage of doubling as water shoes (We suggest either bringing a pair of dual-use sandals or a pair of light weight water shoes, to guard against sharp rocks, hot sand, and prickly sea urchins).

Clothing:

It is a good idea to bring comfortable, light-weight clothing that is easy to wash and dry. Clothing made out of synthetic fabrics (the kind available at Uncle Sam's, Pack Rat, Lewis & Clark, and at the Travelsmith clothing website) that can be easily washed in the sink and that dry in very little time is a very good idea. And shorts are just fine, most of the time. It's OK if you look like a tourist.

What you want to avoid is clothing that is not appropriate. REALLY short shorts and tank tops that reveal way more than they cover are not a good idea. And it isn't just the unwanted attention you may receive if you dress this way. Inappropriate dress may make it awkward to visit houses of worship. At some churches and monasteries, visitors in shorts are usually not allowed to enter the site (at some monasteries, women may still be required to wear skirts). We will always do our best to inform you in advance when the day’s itinerary requires special attire.

You should definitely plan to bring a swimsuit and a small towel (hotel owners usually don’t want their towels taken to the beach). We will have a number of opportunities to take a dip in the wine dark sea, and we will do our best to let you know in advance if we will be taking a swim.

You should also plan on bringing some kind of sweater. The temperature in Greece for May and June is usually mild but can occasionally turn quite chilly. For this reason we recommend taking a lightweight fleecy. A lightweight windbreaker, preferably one that doubles as a raincoat, is a good idea as well.

The temperature in Greece this time of year can also be quite hot. Sites without any trees or cover in the midday sun can make you sweat a gallon of water an hour. For this reason we STRONGLY recommend that you bring a hat to keep the sun off your head and WEAR it (this is one the very best pieces of advice that we will ever give you).

Finally, please note that t-shirts or any other type of clothing with political or religious messages of any kind are completely inappropriate. Keep in mind that you are a member of a group. It is not only unwise, but also unfair to bring unnecessary and unwelcome attention to the other members of the group who may not share your views or beliefs

Laundry:

While some hotels have laundry facilities, this may not always be a good option, especially since laundry service takes at least a day and can get rather pricey. If you ask us, we will be more than happy to let you know about the possibility of laundry service when we arrive at a new hotel as well as the possibility of finding a convenient drop-off laundromat. Your best bet will often be to wash out your dirty things in your hotel room sink, so a light clothesline, some Woolite (preferably in powder form), and a few clothespins should come in handy. This is yet another good reason for bringing light-weight synthetic clothing—it’s easily washed and dries quickly.

Guide Books:

The best guides to Greece are the Michelin Green Guide to Greece and the Blue Guides (there are separate Blue Guides for the Aegean Islands, and for Crete). Two other possibilities are the Rough Guide to Greece and the Lonely Planet Guide to Greece (the former includes a nice section on the Greek language while the latter features especially nice maps). If you can get one of these guidebooks and read along when we go places, you will get much more out of our trip.

Personal Hygiene:

If you require specific prescription drugs, please be sure to pack an adequate amount for the entire trip, and, if possible, bring an extra prescription in the event that your medication is lost. Also, you should know the "generic names" of any prescription medications -- just in case. And DO NOT pack your prescription medications in your suitcase (suitcases sometimes arrive late and you probably do not want to be without your medications). Rather, pack them in your carry-on bag. Also, please make sure to include in your U of Arkansas health form, ANY prescription medication you are taking. This information is confidential.

If you wear prescription glasses, it is a really good idea to pack a spare pair. You might even want to have a copy of your prescription. Greece has perfectly good soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, etc., but if you have specific preferences, bring enough for four weeks. Vitamins in Greece are rare and expensive; if you take these, you should bring your own with you.

Sun Protection:

Two very common causes of discomfort and serious illness among first-time travelers to Greece are sunburn and sunstroke. The quality of light and its reflection off of marble surfaces and the sea can burn and dehydrate you faster than you might think. The best protection is coverage: hats, long-sleeved cotton shirts, and staying in the shade. Sunscreen with a high SPF number is essential. You might want to bring some with you since not offer all brands are available and those that are can be quite expensive. You should plan on carrying at least 1.5 liters of water (the large water bottle size) with you at all times. Not carrying adequate water is not only dangerous for you, but for the whole group, since you will become a drain on someone else’s water supply. Good, dark polarized sunglasses can alleviate eyestrain and avert possible injury.

Rooming on the road:

You can expect to be in a shared room at all times on our trip. Roommate assignments will be rotated, the idea being that you should eventually room with everyone (of your gender) in the group. We will also do our best to try and make sure that the number of times you share a triple room is roughly the same as every other participant. Hotel rooms will vary greatly in terms of space, views, quality, and bathroom facilities. We will not be spending much time in the hotel, except to sleep, so location, cleanliness and a good breakfast are our top priorities

Toilets:

In Greece you will encounter western style toilets, just like at home. Unlike at home, however, you should NOT throw your toilet paper into the toilets. Instead, you will find a little covered receptacle next to the bowl and that is where you should put your used paper. Failure to follow this simple rule may cause your toilet to clog and overflow. This is ESPECIALLY true on our ferry boat trips.

Please make it a habit to keep a little toilet paper with you, in case there is none in the facilities you use.

Food on the road:

Breakfast is provided by the hotel. They usually have tea, coffee, bread, rolls, cheese, jam, and butter. A more deluxe offering might include eggs, cold cuts, more cheeses, olives, fresh fruit, croissants, cereal, and delicious yogurt with honey. Please note that it is not proper to take hotel breakfast food out of the breakfast room. Although we will have some special group dinners on the trip, for the most part, you will be on your own in the evenings. For lunch you will also usually be on your own, but with some restrictions, due to our schedule. For example, you may have an hour or so to find a place to eat, or we may all have to eat at one place, if that is the only place around. Fortunately, it is not difficult to find good, reasonably priced food in Greece. Tipping Advice: Tips are usually included, but most Greeks leave a little something extra if the service is good (approximately 5%).

“Typical” cuisine in Greece includes fresh vegetables usually cooked in olive oil, fresh bread, olives, cheese, yoghurt, salad (cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, usually no lettuce), grilled meats (beef, lamb, pork and chicken), a variety of casserole-type baked dishes such as mousaka (eggplant, potatoes, ground beef topped with a béchamel sauce), the ubiquitous gyro (pita bread stuffed with meat, fried potatoes, onions, tomatoes, slathered in yoghurt), seafood (fresh fish is usually very expensive while things like kalamari are much less so), dessert pastries such as baklava, fresh seasonal fruit (the cherries, melon, and watermelon are especially delicious), all washed down with a glass of ….

Alcoholic Beverages

The attitude toward drinking in Greece is different from that in the United States. Most Greeks will have a drink with their afternoon or evening meal and we usually have a drink when we have dinner. Indeed, whether it is ouzo, the anis-flavored national aperitif, retsina, the pine-flavored white wine of Attica, or Chikoudhya, the fire water of Crete (often offered complimentary as a token of Cretan hospitality), alcohol is an integral part of the Greek dining experience. The key, of course, is moderation. In Greece, the attitude toward alcohol is that it is meant to be enjoyed as part of a meal, but not abused. Drunkenness, especially in public, is frowned upon, and considered rude and uncouth. It is also no fun to sit on a bus the next day with a hangover. Take care of your bodies!

Of course, the advice given above concerning drunkenness in Greece, especially PUBLIC drunkenness, is serious. PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND.

To repeat: Drinking along with your meal is socially acceptable in Greece. Alcoholic beverages are widely available, and, what’s more, there is, effectively, no drinking age. So, if you wish to have a drink with your evening meal, you are free to do so. Just remember the famous ancient Greek dictum: ΜΗΔΕΝ ΑΓΑΝ (Nothing in Excess).

A final word on drinking (water). It is perfectly safe to drink tap water in Greece, although some people prefer bottled water.

Illegal Drugs:

Do not even think about doing drugs in Greece. If you end up in jail in Greece, there is little or nothing that we can do to help you.

Several Words of Caution:

Nighttime:

As in any big city, there are certain areas in Athens that, while safe to visit during the day, are best avoided after dark. One such place is the Hill of the Muses, also known as the Philoppapou. Another is Omonia Square. When in doubt, please ask us, and we will tell you what we know.

Scams:

The ATM Machine Scam. ATM machines are plentiful and widely used in Greece. Just remember that when you are using one, you must not let anyone see your pin number. The best way to do this is to COVER UP the keypad with your hands so that no one—not even someone with a pair of binoculars—can see what your pin is. You see, scam artists are able to insert a card into an ATM machine that will give an exact impression of your card. All they need is your pin number, which they can’t get, as long as you COVER it UP with your hands while punching it in.

Note: It is a very good idea to have another person with you whenever you go to an ATM.

The Bar Scam. There are several versions of this scam. One goes something like this: Someone (a Greek male, or someone you think is a Greek male) makes eye contact with you (you being a single, obviously non-Greek male), points to his watch, and asks you for the time. You respond in English, he thanks you, and then asks you where you are from. You tell him, and he cries: “Arkansas!" My uncle had a restaurant in Little Rock!” Your new found friend then invites you to have a drink at his bar. The next thing you know, you are seated at a table between two rather heavily-made up women, staring at an open bottle of champagne that you never ordered. You are the only customer in the bar. Your “friend” has long since disappeared. Things just don’t look right, and you decide to make a run for it. Out of nowhere appears a huge bouncer who blocks your escape and presents you with a bill for several hundred euros. The moral of the story: do not go into a bar alone with someone you have just met, and whom you do not know.

Theft:

While the crime rate, especially for violent crime, is far lower in Greece than it is in the US, petty crime such as purse snatching and pocket picking is on the increase. Be smart. Keep you wallet in a safe place. Be careful where you set your purse: don't let it leave your sight -- even briefly.

Especially pay attention when you are in a crowded place or when using public transportation such as the Metro or Tram, or getting off a Ferryboat. You always need to be vigilant, in a crowded place -- including the Airport. As with using ATMs, when you look out for each other, you reduce the chances that a thief will choose to approach you.

Avoid walking near groups of men who seem to be loitering; in certain parts of Athens there are many illegal immigrants from Asia and Africa. These men are stranded in Greece and may resort to petty crime (such as purse snatching and pick-pocketing) to survive.

Avoiding Pickpockets:

Please note the following, which we took from Matt Barrett's most helpful website.

"Pickpockets work the metro and the train to and from the airport and I have even received an e-mail from someone pick-pocketed in the airport while looking at the flight board. Keep your wallet and passport in your front pocket with your hand in it on crowded trains and buses. Ladies carry your handbags zipped if possible and close to your chest. People with backpacks are an easy target. If you think you are safe with cargo pants with zipped side pockets, forget it. These guys are so adept that they can cut through any pocket and you won't even know until you put your hand in and find everything gone. They also use confusion as a weapon, for example stumbling into a crowded car or bumping into you."

The previous quote is from Matt Barrett: http://www.greecetravel.com/.

Greece in the News:

It seems that Greece and its economy have been in the news a lot lately, following the election last January of an openly left-wing government that had campaigned on a promise to renegotiate the terms of Greece's debt repayment. After several weeks of very tense negotiations--surrounded by rumors of a Greek exit from the eurozone--a compromise deal was reached on February 20 and Greece has been extended credit for another four months. In practical terms, this means that Greek banks and government services should continue to function relatively smoothly for the duration of our stay in the country.

Final Words of Advice

Our program will keep us on the move for nearly four weeks -- be ready to live from your suitcase! Please leave valuables at home, as we cannot accept responsibility for lost jewelry and other such items. It will be good to bring an alarm clock and a reliable watch, so you never miss a meeting time or bus departure. Not only will we have a tight schedule, but also it is inconsiderate to keep the other members of the group waiting. Since we have a relatively large group, it is even more important to be responsible.

If you have not been doing a lot of walking lately, start now. Your legs will thank you for preparing them for the many hours you will use them every day. And one last piece of advice: Be flexible, because sometimes things like museum hours and ferryboat schedules can change without warning. There is also the possibility that strikes could force us to make alternative plans. Please be ready to adapt.

Please ask if you have ANY questions. We love to hear from you!

Daskaloi: Daniel Levine, George Paulson dlevine@uark.edu; gpaulso@uark.edu