Tips and Tricks for Italy + Greece

If you’ve always dreamed of heading to Italy + Greece, you’re not alone! Both are magical destinations that leave your eyes wide and your mouth watering. The people, the landscape and the food in both regions are second to none. It’s no wonder people flock in hoards to the beautiful shores of the Aegean!

You know what they say? When in Rome, do as the Romans do. But how do you go about that exactly? If you’re heading to Italy and Greece and are feeling completely overwhelmed with all of the cultural nuances and ways to prepare, we are here to help!

So without further ado.. Here are my tips and tricks for navigating Italy + Greece like a pro!

SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

Cities like Rome and Athens are rich in history and architecture, but some uncomfortable realities that accompany that are smaller rooms, and no central heating and air, to name a few.  Unlike America, A/C is not a standard in Europe. It will unlikely be in many of the shops you frequent, or in the hotels. Adjust your expectations accordingly. Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen and heat protection to counteract the effects of the heat. Also, wear layers so that you can add and remove clothing as necessary.

DRESS CODE CONSIDERATIONS

Understand that when visiting many religious sites, you will be expected to cover up. A general guideline to follow would be to keep your shoulders and knee caps covered if planning to visit a church in Italy. Due to the heat, it may not be practical to fully cover up during the day, but have a scarf or coverup handy for your visit to religious sites. Some churches will provide a coverup, but many do not, and you will be denied entry if you don’t meet the dress code requirements. Take care to plan your clothing in advance to avoid missing out on seeing certain sites.

PICKPOCKETS

Unlike America, pickpockets run rampant in most of Europe. Again, you are unlikely to find yourself in any physical harm, but understand, your pockets WILL be picked if you aren’t on high alert. High traffic areas like the bus and the metro are a feeding frenzy for “little fingers.” Also keep your eyes peeled at large tourist sites such as the Colosseum, Vatican, and the Parthenon. Where the tourists flock, so do the pick pockets. A good under-your-shirt money belt will definitely help lower your chances of becoming an easy target. Another interesting note: keep your cell-phone close. Leaving it on the edge of a table while eating or next to you on the metro is inviting theft. I once saw a poor sap get his phone snatched off a table in a restaurant while the waiter was explaining the specials. You can never be too careful. If you care about an item, don’t advertise it. Keep any valuables out of sight and secured if you want to hang on to them.

ELECTRICITY

If you plan to charge your phone, dry your hair, or use small appliances on your trip, you’ll need to be aware that Europe has a few major electrical differences with America. For example, the outlet plug shape varies from our standard two prong outlet. Though there are a variety of outlet types acceptable in both Italy and Greece, they both use the F and C type, with two small round prongs. You can find images and details on this outlet type here.  You can pick up a small pack of outlet converters rather inexpensively at Target or Amazon like these here. Another crucial thing to bear in mind is voltage. In America, we use 120 V of power in our outlets. In Italy, the standard is 220V and in Greece it’s even higher at 230V. Small items like cell phone chargers are okay with just a wall adapter that changes the shape of your outlet plug, but if you plan to use bigger items like blow dryers and straighteners, you’re going to want to equip yourself differently.  Purchasing a wattage converter before you leave will allow you to use your home appliances without overpowering them with European voltage and spares them from a sad burned out death. You can pick one up on Amazon like this one here.  

MONEY

We already mentioned that keeping a money belt below your clothing is a good idea, but that is just one aspect of being money conscious in Italy and Greece. While credit cards are widely accepted in Europe, Greece is more of a cash-based country so plan accordingly by hitting up an ATM or converting Euros before your trip. Italy, on the other hand, is very credit card friendly, but if you are using your normal credit card from home, be aware that there can be fees for every swipe if you aren’t careful that can add up quick. Not only does your bank charge a fee, you will face foreign transaction fees per swipe as well. If you’re dead set on using plastic for the majority of your purchases, it would be a good idea to invest in a card that has zero foreign transaction fees. My go to cards for international travel are the Capital One Venture Card, and the Chase Business Ink. Make sure that you also report international travel dates to your bank before you leave to avoid having your card frozen while abroad. I also suggest changing foreign currency at your home bank a few weeks before you depart. Take anywhere from $60-150 with you in local currency. Once you are in Italy and Greece, you can easily access ATMs for any additional cash you might need. Be aware, both your bank and local ATMs will charge you an exchange fee, so you will want to budget what you need and keep your ATM transactions to a minimum to avoid those unnecessary fees. The worst place to convert money is the airport, so plan on exchanging money before you leave, or at an ATM once while in Europe.

TIPPING

If you have a tour guide during any part of your trip, just know that it is customary to tip 1-2 euros after any guided tours. Similarly, you’ll want to tip any bus drivers (particularly ones who handle your luggage) for their services. We usually suggest $3 per driver per day of service. If you have a helpful waiter, they will certainly appreciate a few euros for good service as well. Some restaurant receipts will include a cover charge (coperto). This is a fee for setting your table. You may also see a service charge (servizio) usually around 10% already included on your ticket. Some restaurants will not have a fee at all and choose rather to include these fees in the menu prices. In the case that service has not been included, 1-2 euros per person is perfectly acceptable. Be aware that waiters aren’t reliant on tips as their sole source of income the way American waiters are. However, a tip for good service is always appreciated and for some services, the tourism industry for example, it’s expected.

PHONE USAGE

If you plan to use your phone abroad, make sure you call your phone carrier prior to leaving. The major ones like Sprint, ATT and Verizon have very reasonable international plans, however, you must add them before you leave to avoid paying exorbitant roaming fees. ATT, for example lets you use your phone as normal for $10 per day. If you don’t plan to stay connected, you can connect to Wi-Fi in the hotels. Just be aware the Wi-Fi can be spotty and often slower than at home, but hey, you’re in Europe. Enjoy the scenery and get your nose out of your phone 😊

FERRIES

If you plan to take a ferry at any point during your journey, there are some things you should know before you go. Ferry services are often behind schedule, so understand that you can be waiting for the ferry to arrive, sometimes much longer than you anticipated. They are affected by wind, waves and all other sorts of uncontrollable factors. The larger the ferry, the slower, but also the most likely not to cancel or delay. Be patient, and understand how it works. You will want to be at the dock at least 30 minutes before your boat leaves. Most locals won’t line up until right before, but getting there early will ensure a better seat and streamline the boarding process. Ferry’s take longer than flying, but they are really relaxing, beautiful experience. On big, slow ferries, you can sit outside and walk along the deck taking in the seascape. Most ferries allow you to stow your luggage on a rack on the boarding level of the boat. You are free to haul it up to the passenger deck and keep an eye on it yourself if you prefer. Most ferries have bathrooms, charging outlets and Wi-Fi, usually for a fee. They also have food and drinks for purchase.

Obviously, there is so much more to traveling in Italy and Greece than can be explored in this blog, but hopefully this will at least give you a leg up and keep you from looking like a total noob while visiting the ancient world. If you are looking for fun things to do while in Italy and Greece, feel free to take a look at our itinerary. These are only just some of the highlights, but it will give you an idea of how much time to allot at each location and how to pace yourself.

Happy travels!

Mystery Man

Somewhere out there is a man who has no idea how our chance encounter has altered my life (and maybe a few others too). I don’t know where he lives, what he’s doing now. Hell, I don’t even remember his name—but I do know I’m grateful we randomly met.

He was assigned the seat next to mine on a 9 hour flight to Rome. I felt bad for him. I’m sure he hadn’t bargained for such a long-haul sitting next to a 5-month-old and a stressed-out new mom covered in baby puke. Poor guy. Naturally we got to talking and I asked him why he was traveling to Rome. Turns out he wasn’t. It was just a stopover on a trip to Amsterdam to see the Tulips—he and 30 other passengers. I was flabbergasted. It got better. Not only was he traveling with 30 other people, they were senior citizens and he was LEADING them through Europe. I didn’t even know people did that.

He was raised on a farm, got married young and naturally became a farmer himself. He saw that as his bread and butter and his way of life until noticing a huge void in the senior community in his town. He was from somewhere in the Midwest and wanted to make a difference so he started by hiring buses and taking seniors on day trips to get them out and about. From there it grew into a full-fledged tour company and he had entirely devoted his life to connecting people with the world around them, personally escorting them every step of the way. I’ll never forget what he said. He said, “I was a farmer. I have no education, but I’ve seen the entire world and now I get to share that with other people. Do you have any idea how fulfilling that is?” Talk about living your dreams, right? He asked me, “What are you doing with your life?” I took a hard swallow and said I was a high school English teacher, feeling suddenly unimpressed with myself. “Perfect,” he said. “You need to start sharing the world with your kids. If someone like me can do it, what kind of an impact can someone like you make? You have your whole life ahead of you.”

He praised me for my bravery in taking a 5-month-old to see the world and encouraged me not to stop there. At the time I was embarking on what I believed to be my last trip to Europe. I’d been once before in high school and had high hopes of becoming a world traveler. I promised myself that one day I’d go back. But one day turned into one year and slowly life began to happen. Before I knew it I was married and had a baby on the way. Society told me my chance was gone. We praise the young unattached twenty-somethings, encouraging them to seize the day while they can and explore and so on, but once motherhood calls, we are supposed to kill that hunger to roam and replace it with an urge to compete with other mothers about who’s birthday party was the most pinterest-worthy, who breast-fed longer, and who sacrifices more for their children. It’s a great calling, don’t get me wrong, but I never considered that there was an alternative way—that I could (with more bags and more work) wrangle my own children and traipse through foreign lands. I especially didn’t think I could do it with other people’s kids. Was it a lot of work? Totally! Was it worth every hassle? 100%!!

The mystery man and I exchanged pleasantries the rest of the flight, but his words stayed with me. What was I doing with my life? Is it really possible to share the world with kids like that? Senior citizens, sure, but students?

It took me a little over a year to work up enough courage to take my first trip, and also a gentle nudge from a colleague, but I took the leap and it has turned out to be one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I used other tour companies as a crutch at first, believing that I needed them as a security blanket, that I was just some frail little woman who needed their knowledge of all things travel. It didn’t matter that I had over 15 years of travel experience or that I’d lived abroad for a year. One day, with another gentle nudge, this time from my husband, it hit me. They are just dudes in a cubicle. They are no different than I am. The only thing that separates me from that man on the flight is that when my dreams come knocking, fear makes me ask them to come back another day. I was tired of paying big bucks for someone else to do something I enjoyed so much—the planning was the fun part. Deciding where to go, what untouched gems to discover, local traditions to learn from, flavors to taste for the first time—these are the things I love, and things I totally didn’t have a hand in when I was outsourcing tours to someone else—I was petrified that I wasn’t worthy.

Sixteen countries later and my very own tour company and I can’t believe I ever worried that one trip was going to be my last. But collecting stamps in my passport is hardly the best part. By far the travelers are what make the experiences so worthwhile.

Watching travelers is hard to describe. It warms places in my heart I didn’t even know I had. I’ve witnessed many beautiful moments while traveling. Here are a few of my favorites. I had the privilege of watching a dear friend of mine come alive after heartbreak, realizing her life isn’t over just because her marriage was. She took a huge leap in coming on the tour and watching her take the reins of her life—refusing to be a bystander--was a beautiful thing to witness. Another great memory was watching a couple on the brink of divorce rekindle their love for one another while on tour and rebuild a strong and healthy foundation for their family. I’ve seen strangers take on other travelers as their own children when they were in a tough spot or low on money. I’ve seen beautiful friendships (that would NEVER happen in a traditional school setting) develop and blossom as a result of travel. I’ve seen students who receive special services absolutely flourish with self-confidence and adaptability as a result of travel.  Barriers are broken down. People are challenged, and they ALWAYS rise.

I could go on and on, but I promise I won’t. I have been able to truly realize how blessed I am because of the experiences and connections travel has helped me form with students, friends, family, and strangers who become some form of all of these things. If you have traveled with me or entrusted your children to my care: THANK YOU! You guys are amazing! I truly believe that giving your kids the experience of travel is setting them up for a lifetime of success. Also, those that invest in themselves and travel know what life is all about: people, history, culture, connections—you name it, travel does it!

I wish I could find that man and thank him, but the likelihood of that happening is slim—believe me, I’ve spent hours randomly searching “Midwest Senior Travel Company” and scouring pictures on the internet hoping to catch a glimpse of a familiar face. My students, friends and anyone who has traveled with me and benefitted from travel have him to thank! I wish I could tell him to his face, but since I can’t—let’s honor him by living our own lives to the fullest every day. Whatever that means to you, get out there and DO IT! For me, that’s sharing the world, one person at a time. If that sounds like your cup of tea too, come with me! Seriously. No catch. Just us making the world our oyster. We may know each other well, we may just be acquaintances, or total strangers, but I know after traveling we will all feel like family.