Tips & Tricks, Travel, What's on

Ready, Set, Greece: Your Ultimate Packing Guide!

A quick checklist, by the Team at Greeklist.

When planning a trip to Greece, ensuring you have all necessary documents and essentials in order is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience. From your passport and travel insurance to flight tickets and hotel reservations, having everything prepared and organised will help you navigate your travels with ease. Additionally, being aware of local currency, emergency contacts, and any required visas or permits will ensure you’re well-prepared for any situation. Here’s a concise checklist to help you get started on your Greek adventure!

Clothing

Lightweight Tops and Shirts: Opt for materials like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking fabrics that allow your skin to breathe and keep you cool in the hot weather. Consider bringing a mix of casual and slightly dressier tops for varied occasions.
Breathable Trousers or Shorts: Linen or lightweight cotton trousers are perfect for evenings or cooler days, while shorts are great for daytime activities. Make sure they are comfortable for long periods of wear.
Dresses or Skirts: Pack casual dresses and skirts for day trips and sightseeing. Also include a couple of dressier options for dining out or evening events. Maxi dresses can be both comfortable and stylish.
Swimwear: Bring multiple swimsuits (bikinis, one-pieces, swim shorts) as you’ll likely be swimming often. Having more than one allows you to always have a dry option available.
Cover-ups or Sarongs: These are versatile for the beach, can be used as light layers, and are handy for covering up when transitioning from the beach to a restaurant or café.
Lightweight Jacket or Cardigan: Evenings can sometimes be cooler, especially if you’re by the coast or in the mountains. A light jacket or cardigan will keep you comfortable.
Comfortable Walking Shoes or Sandals: Essential for exploring historical sites, towns, and cities. Choose shoes that you’ve already broken in to avoid blisters.
Flip-flops or Beach Sandals: Easy to slip on and off, ideal for the beach, poolside, or casual strolls.
Hat for Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat or a cap will protect your face and neck from the strong Mediterranean sun.
Sunglasses: Ensure they have UV protection to safeguard your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.

Accessories

Travel-sized Toiletries: Save space and comply with airline regulations by packing small containers of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. Consider solid versions of these items to save even more space.
Sunscreen: Opt for a high SPF, water-resistant sunscreen to protect your skin during beach days and outdoor activities. Reapply frequently.
Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially in the evenings. Pack a good insect repellent to avoid bites.
Travel-sized First Aid Kit: Include basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Also, consider adding motion sickness tablets and any personal medications.
Reusable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial in the heat. A reusable bottle is eco-friendly and can be refilled throughout the day.
Travel Adapters: Greece uses Type C and Type F plugs, so bring the appropriate adapters for your electronics. If you have multiple devices, consider a universal adapter with multiple USB ports.
Portable Charger/Power Bank: A power bank ensures your devices stay charged, especially during long days out exploring when you might not have access to power outlets.
Travel Towel or Sarong: Quick-drying travel towels are ideal for beach and pool use. Sarongs can serve multiple purposes – as a towel, cover-up, or even a blanket.
Waterproof Phone Case: Protect your phone from water damage at the beach or pool, and it’s also handy for unexpected rain showers.
Daypack or Beach Bag: A small backpack or a spacious beach bag is perfect for carrying your daily essentials, such as sunscreen, water, snacks, and personal items.
Entertainment: Pack books, an e-reader, or playing cards to keep entertained during downtime or travel.

Documents and Essentials

Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and keep it in a secure, easily accessible place.
Travel Insurance Documents: Carry a copy of your travel insurance policy and emergency contact numbers, and store electronic copies on your phone or email.
Flight Tickets/Boarding Passes: Have both printed and digital copies of your flight tickets and boarding passes, and complete online check-in when possible.
Hotel Reservations: Print out hotel reservation confirmations, store them electronically, and include the hotel’s contact information and address.
Currency or Travel Money: Carry a mix of euros in cash and credit/debit cards, and inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid card usage issues.
Copy of Important Documents: Make photocopies of important documents and store digital copies in secure cloud storage or email them to yourself.
Emergency Contact Information: List emergency contact numbers, including local contacts in Greece and the nearest British consulate or embassy.
Any Necessary Visas or Permits: Check if you need a visa to enter Greece and arrange any special activity permits in advance, carrying the necessary documentation.

Packing Your Suitcase

Start with a List: Make a detailed packing list to ensure you don’t forget anything and to prevent overpacking.
Roll and Compress: Roll clothes instead of folding to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use compression bags for bulkier items like sweaters and jeans.
Pack by Category: Organize items into categories (clothes, toiletries, shoes, etc.) and pack them together, using packing cubes or bags for separation.
Shoes: Place shoes heel to toe at the bottom of your suitcase. Consider using shoe bags to keep dirt away from your clothes.
Fill Dead Space: Stuff socks, chargers, and other small items into shoes and any available nooks.
Layer Heaviest Items at the Bottom: Place heavier items like shoes and toiletry bags at the bottom of the suitcase (near the wheels) to keep it stable.
Toiletries: Use travel-sized containers for toiletries and pack them in a waterproof bag to prevent leaks.
Leave Some Space: If possible, leave a little room for souvenirs or items you might buy during your trip.
Weigh Your Luggage: Check your airline’s weight limits and weigh your luggage beforehand to avoid any surprises at the airport.
Consider a Luggage Scale: A portable luggage scale can be a lifesaver for ensuring your bags meet airline weight requirements.

Ensuring a safe and fun trip

By meticulously preparing your documents and essentials before your trip to Greece, you can focus on enjoying the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture without any worries. Keep this checklist handy to ensure you have everything you need for a seamless travel experience. With your preparations in place, you’re all set to explore and make the most of your unforgettable Greek adventure. Safe travels!