Could I please get some travel advice??
 

Hi, I have an opportunity to travel to Greece this summer, and would greatly appreciate some advice. I'm 26 and this will be my first time travelling outside North America. Basically I wanted to know what kind of things that people my age would recommend, ie. beaches, nightlife, etc. I plan on going for about 3 weeks, and would appreciate some suggestions, or help. Thank you. <BR>

Shane I wish I could help but I'm too old:-( <BR> <BR>You deserve all the help we can give you just for knowing the difference between "advice" and "advise"- and being so polite. <BR> <BR>If you would like to know a bit about Crete from a 40 something, let me know

Shane, where are you planning to go. The mainland or islands or both. Athens is worth two days (IMO), but there are day trips or overnight trips that you can take. Beware of the bars in Athens and if you go in one always check the prices out. Some of them have VERY HIGH prices. A lot of men on the street in tourist areas will ask you what the time is to get a response and then try to talk you into going into one of their bars. Other than these, it is very inexpensive to eat and drink in Greece. The country has a very dry terrain (similar to So California in many ways). If you are interested in history Athens has a great anthropological museum to visit. Delft is also interesting. <BR>Regards <BR>Art <BR> <BR>

Hey, Shane, I am old too, but my first, real introduction to Europe was via Greece, 17 years ago. First Athens and then Skiathos (before it was overrun by tour packages). Art is right, spend a few days in Athens and then look at some of the islands. Eyewitness guidebooks has two specifically for Greece: island and mainland. It depends on what you like to do: museums, archeological ruins, mountain terrain or beaches, blue seas and nightlife. It is easy to hop from island to island, and that is where you will find the most action. You also might want to check on the Lonely Planet forum. <BR> <BR>Whatever you decide, have a great time, and welcome to Europe. May this be the first of many trips.

Shane: <BR>26 year olds in Greece enjoy beaches, nightlife, theater, museums, fine food and drink, good conversation, sightseeing, sports, the list goes on. Question is, what are your interests? <BR>Greece has it all. <BR>Go and enjoy. <BR>John

Shane, my first trip outside of North America was Greece too. (That was 25 years ago when I was in my mid-20's.) I had always wanted to go to Greece and it definitely lived up to my expectations. I went back again last year and I still loved it. On my first trip, I saw some of the mainland (Peloponnesus - probably spelled wrong), Athens of course and then some of the islands. Some of the islands had and still have a real party reputation - that would include Mykonos and Ios. Some islands are really geared towards tourists - I would put Santorini in that category. I actually like Athens - sure it's big and dirty, but I like cities. And there's a lot to see there. <BR> <BR>I would recommend that you buy a good guidebook and check that out. There's also a good website that a lot of people here have consulted - I don't know the exact address, but the guy's name is Matt Barrett. I can't vouch for his recommendations, but he does do a good summary of the various islands and island groups. You could start there to get an overview and then narrow it down. <BR> <BR>Depending on when and where you travel, you don't have to make your arrangements all that far in advance. I think August is probably extremely busy, but it's easy to find accommodation on some of the islands without booking ahead other months. That would give you some flexibility. First time around we had no idea where we were going - we made plans as we went along and it was a wonderful trip! <BR> <BR>Good luck!

Hi Shane <BR> <BR>The website Susan was referring to is www.greektravel.com. I was actually looking at that site about an hour ago looking for info about islands close to Athens. It gives good descriptions about the different islands. <BR> <BR>I'm 29 but was in Corfu and Mykonos when I was 20. If your into the party scene these are two of the big islands for that. In Corfu there is The Pink Palace which is technically a hostel I think but is the place to go for spring break like atmosphere 24hrs a day. www.thepinkpalace.com <BR> <BR>You wont have trouble finding places to drink yourself silly in Mykonos. <BR>And I plan on doing it all over again next summer. <BR>Paradise Beach is the popular beach in Mykonos. <BR> <BR>Hope this helped somewhat. <BR>Lidija

Thank you Art, Sheila, John, 'Santa Chiara', Lidija, and Susan for all of your help! I'm sure all of your advice will certainly ensure that I have a blast in Greece! Thanks again...

Hi Shane, <BR> <BR>The what ALL the above people told you or advised you is absolutely correct. <BR>Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Rhodes and Creta are among Aegean Sea's most beautiful (and most tourist-visited islands!). Therefore, if you seek NOT relaxed and peaceful holidays, pls go there ! <BR>Corfu (in the west side of Greece) is also a beautifull cosmopolitan island, with a touch of Venetian and English architecture. <BR>Then it depends when (what month) are you going to travel in Greece and what your interests are (as also John put it too). <BR>I adition to the already given advices, I would say: Be Aware of the TAXI drivers because very often they DO overcharge !! (especially when they take you to and from the airport!!). <BR> <BR>The difference between the other people that advised you and me is that I AM a permanent resident of Greece, so I have an inside experience of life and possible problems in Greece! (please trus t the globetrotter local!) :) <BR> <BR>For any further advise, at your disposal, <BR> <BR>Bye and have a nice trip in Greece, <BR> <BR>Georgio.

Hi Shane, <BR> <BR>For out and out fun, put Mykonos on the "must-do" list. I just came back and it was a blast! Beaches are great, and nightlife is quite fun. We also enjoyed Santorini - not quite as happening, but a beautiful island with lots to do and plenty of nightlife. I've heard Ios is also a real party island (though it's a bit young for me - probably fine for someone your age.) Have a great time!