I know that I will need a good hat to keep the sun off my face while exploring the Greek Isles (an Athens-to-Istanbul cruise) but really don't want to try to pack one in my airline bag or carry it on the plane, so my plan all along has been to purchase one in the Plaka since we will be in Athens our first day. But I recently read a travel journal of another woman doing the reverse of my cruise who had the same idea but wasn't able to find anything but baseball caps in the markets in Turkey. Am I going to have the same problem in the Plaka in Athens? I will be looking for a straw hat with a wide brim and my husband usually likes the "Greg Norman" (the golfer) type of man's hat.

travel supply companies like Magellan and Travelsmith have crushable, folding straw hats that can work well. I added a long silk scarf tied around the crown of mine to improve its look.

You will find straw hats in Athens, but not necessarily the foldable ones. So, buy a real Panama hat from home. It is comfortable, the wind does not throw it from your head PLUS it folds nicely into your suitcase or bag.

Why not try a Tilley? I requested one for my birthday. They protect you from the sun, they float, they dont blow off in the wind and they look great! check them out at Tilley.com I can't wait for my birthday to get here...i know i got one...saw the bag!!

Tilley<BR>Tilley<BR>Tilley

The packable, crushable hats are available at TJ Maxx and Marshall's at reasonable prices. I just bought one for $20. They really are easy to pack - all you do is fold in half and roll up. They fit in those small spaces we always try to fill when packing. Why bother wasting time looking for a hat on your vacation? Have a great trip.

Why would anyone pay $65+ for a hat from Tilley's when, as Mari pointed out, they are available for $20????<BR><BR>

Try Walmarts. Last year I bought some crushable sun hats there for $4 each. They fit well, and look just as nice as the more expensive ones.