Heimdall

I'm enjoying reading what others consider necessities for their trips to the Greek Islands. As a male I only need shorts and a few t-shirts, which can be washed in the bathroom sink and hung out to quickly dry in the Greek sunshine and wind. Paros does have a few mosquitos, so it's a good idea to have long-sleeves to wear in the evenings.

roxanabogdan3152

Hello,

Greece is a wonderful destination, and I have been there 3 times (each time during summer months). The heat was so high that I could not stand wearing almost anything besides a very thin summer dress. My advice, don't get the sweater because it will take precious space. Maybe it's a good idea to check the weather report before you fly so it's more accurate. I didn't experience rain in Greece in neither one of my trips there.

I hope you will have a great trip!
Schedule

nylilly

I have been checking on the weather and I think you're right - skip the rain jacket. I'll probably wear the sweater for the flight, so I won't sacrifice precious luggage space. The dresses are all lightweight and it may be overkill to pack four of them, while wearing one for travel, but I know that when it's really hot, I often change multiple times a day.

MoBro

I have nothing helpful to offer, other than that I wish I was going to Greece! Have only been to Santorini once, for 5 nights in September, and LOVED it.

I'm in awe of you folks who can pack with such discipline. I'm (over)packing now for a weekend wedding trip, and I know I'm taking too much, but I like having options for clothing when there are three special events, so I fill my checked bag with as much as it will hold. DH will roll his eyes at the weight of my bag, but he'll get over it.

nylilly

We may do a day trip to Santorini, but didn't work it into this trip's itinerary opting for Mykonos as our expensive, over-saturated with tourists island. I imagine September is an ideal time to visit Greece and once I'm retired from teaching, I hope to experience it myself! As far as packing goes, on my first trip abroad my luggage was the heaviest (by far) of my group of 7 and I've since vowed to not ever be that person again. 20+ trips to Europe later, I've mastered the carry-on only method. Summer is easy, but winter is definitely more challenging. Enjoy your weekend!

suze

hmmm, you only have dresses and shorts and skirts (no pants or capris?). I don't care to fly in a skirts and would want at least one pair of something that could cover my legs along. hey how did those 3 sundresses become 4 and 1 to travel = 5 -lol- just teasing you.

nylilly

Because the dresses take so little room I can add another! I'm not really a pants girl and don't think I'll miss them if the temperature is 85+. The sweater I'm bringing for the plane has doubled as a robe and blanket so that'll have to suffice if the airline doesn't offer blankets. Plus, I'll have a cotton scarf/wrap. PS - Did you notice I added another pair of shoes?!?

suze

I just hate sitting on a plane in a skirt, i think those seats are creepy. And don't get me started on the bathroom -lol. Why I like to cover up a bit more for travel. I wouldn't be wearing pants around Greece in 85 degree weather. Besides planes are often like an ice box (nearly froze my trip to Mexico last month dressed in summer clothes!).

Sure another pair of shoes is great although I would have chosen more useful flip flops over more stylish espadrilles. I always err on the side of more shoes and less clothing pieces. My theory is you can always re-wear a top an extra time, but if something goes horribly wrong and you only have one (or even two) pair of shoes you'd kinda screwed.

starrs

Perfect!

Wear/ take what you are comfortable in!

MoBro

You can buy flip flops anywhere, if you're so inclined. Personally, I have no idea how adults walk around wearing those things on sidewalks and streets. They are unsafe, and so bad for your feet and your hygiene. Makes me cringe when I see people traveling in those things, etc. Unless you're on the beach.

justineparis

Hi, we just spent just over 2 weeks in Greece.. May 26- June 12 .. We visited Paros,( my second time , hubbys first ) Naxos( 3rd time) and Mykonos ( 4th time ) ...

Never needed a sweater of any type.. it was hot. even at night.
Did take and wear my running shoes for morning walks ( couldnt walk much in heat of day , lol ) and evening walks.. roads can be uneven and even unpaved in some places we stayed.
Did not need pants or slacks.. but since Greece was only a portion of our 5 week trip, I did have some with me for plane ride. I would never bring them to greece in summer otherwise.. Stretchy leggings are comfier than slacks for a long plane ride anyways.

I would not bring a denim skirt.. denim is so hot and heavy.. stick to light and gauzy ( bonus light and gauzy is easier to sink wash, dries in a few hours, and as noted its less weight in luggage)

I had more clothes than 2 weeks in greece needed.. as mentioned Greece was only a portion of our trip.. but all I wore was a bathing suit ( brought two) , a beach cover up, 2 sundresses, 2 skirts, one pair of shorts, and assorted lightweight tops.. flip flops , runners, and I brought some dressier flat sandals.. never wore them there though.. Did purchase one more sundress on Naxos for 25 euros..( super lightweight gauzy cotton.. I was just so hot)

I don't pack something to sleep in.. its hot.. ( and for portions of trip its not so hot..hotel beds seem to provide sheets and blankets..lol) To sit out on various decks and have morning coffee I did have a sarong. ( this is a perfect travel item .. it can be draped around your head and shoulders on plane for warmth and light blocking to sleep, it can be worn as a beach cover up, it can be a bathrobe, and it can also be tied to my shoulder bag and used as a shawl if needed or in the case of one church we visited to cover bare shoulders as requested.

We dont do clubs etc.. if one is into that then I guess you might need more clothe

sassy27

I like these types of posts. I am debating a Greece trip next August maybe and I never know what to take. I'm a causal dresser and don't really wash clothes. When I've tried something just doesn't go right unless I have access to both a washer and dryer. I did do fine in Italy Amalfi coast in August and did rewear clothes but not all as I do sweat.

BuffaloGirl

I just spent two weeks in Greece with a 22x14x9 carry on and another bag that fit under the seat. I packed everything in 2 quart Ziploc freezer bags. I ordered the 2 quart size from Amazon....I've never seen them in a store. Place some items in, close it and leave about 1-2" open. Sit on the bag on a hard service to let out the air and then close the remaining 1-2". You'll be amazed how much you can fit in the suitcase if you do this. You can also purchase bags with little pumps to remove the air.

I am very paranoid about arriving somewhere without my clothes. The first time I went to Italy my bag was not on the carousel. We found it on a cart that an employee was filling up to take to unclaimed baggage. I have no idea why it never made it around. Anyhow, I'm convinced there is nothing sold over a size 2 there, so I would have been SOL. So now, it's carry on only.

My 22x14x9 bag is expandable, so I check it on the way home.

I usually stay somewhere that at least has a washer. And I also hand wash some things. I usually pack lightweight items. As someone said above, you hang your clothes on the rack outside and they are dry in 2 hours or less, especially on the Greek Islands.

Have a wonderful trip!!!

suze

For MoBro...
You're obviously talking cheap beach flip flops, that's why you think bad things. The kind I have I can't just "buy anywhere". My "flip flops" are orthopedic, I can walk for a couple miles in them, they are leather and nice looking. But I also have rubber ones (again a good brand Haviannas not cheapies) to use as bedroom slippers, for the pool, for the beach, in a questionable shower stall.

suze

well I am not comfortable to sleep naked in strange places. What if the fire alarm goes off in the night someone knocks on your door or whatever? And I don't like to sleep in something that's 'dirty' from being worn outdoors. My Mexico trip weather is similar to what we're talking about Greece (no sweater needed, no pants needed!) and i keep one extra tank top and gauze shorts to use as pajamas. It's nice to have something cool and clean to slip into after shedding daytime clothes soaked with sweat.

MoBro

suze

The ones you buy "in a pinch" and you are describing don't fit, aren't supportive, and I agree are appropriate for the beach, pool, shower shoes.

I call these "flip flops" because of their style. I'm talking about ones like these: https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/p/...4000?pid=29461

MoBro

Yes, I have to wear decent arch supports-- in particular Birkenstocks-- or my plantar fasciitis will flare up.
I have a collection of different Birks. They last a long time and fit my feet perfectly.

I don't like the slapping sound that some sandals make, and I don't like the between-the-toes thingie.

I love these, for around the house and/or traveling to a beach destination:
https://www.birkenstock.com/us/arizo...a-u_color=3856

suze

people need good shoes to travel with is my only point. birks kill my feet. i'd die in those. i'd fall down in espadrilles. it's just so individual. but i do think footwear's an essential part of smart packing... per the topic of this thread!

Jomicdia

I just got back from Paros, Naxos and Santorini. Take a light sweater for the evening. In Greece it is totally acceptable to wash clothes out. I did on a daily basis which cuts down on packing. I packed a lot of Under Armor type material tops and they went a long way