Getting the Most Out of Your Greece Adventure
- By Nick Nikolis
- Published 02/9/2009
- Travel
- Unrated
Nick Nikolis
Nick Nikolis is writing about Hospitality Industry and destinations. Check here Greece hotels and Greece Villas.
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Greece is one of the most exciting and popular tourist destinations in the world. With its rich ancient history, mythology, archaic buildings, and fabulous weather, its a great venue for first-time and seasoned travelers alike. Greece is also, statistically speaking, the safest country in Europe making it the ideal destination for young people and women, especially if you're considering a backpacking and hosteling adventure. If you're planning a trip, the first thing you'll want to prioritize is good accommodation, and there are a number of useful tips you can remember to make your first trip as pleasant as possible.
First, if you're shopping online, remember that hotel websites are not objective. It's easy to romanticize the wide angle-shots of beds framed against the Mediterranean Sea, but keep in mind the business has an obvious self-interest in trying to market its services to you. Your best bet is to contact a reliable travel agency or do a quick search for "Greece Hotel Reviews". A good idea is to look out a few quality travel forums and get a first-hand account from real people who've stayed at hotels in the area; or even better, stayed in the exact accommodations you're considering. Travel agencies are more reliable than hotel sites, but they may also have a business interest in guaranteeing bookings for certain hotels. Your best bet is to get as many real answers from real people as possible--these are travel enthusiasts who only want to share their experiences.
Second, you'll want to plan ahead as much as possible. Not only do you get the best experience by booking places close to the activities and sights you really want to see, but you also enjoy early booking discounts of up to twenty percent on travel fees. The later you wait to book, the more likely the hotels and flights you're looking for will be full up. Booking early also allows you more time to research the surrounding area, giving you a chance to immerse yourself in upcoming events and cutting down on travel time when you finally get there.
Remember, the most expensive hotel is not always the best. As far as courtesy, food, and comfort is concerned, it generally is true that you get what you pay for but this may not be the kind of experience you're looking for. Do you want to stay in a posh four-star hotel with room service, or would you prefer the cozy comfort of an authentically Greek bed and breakfast? If you take the time to know which small-time Greek hotels are half rate and which ones are the real deal, you get the chance not just to stay in cozier quarters but to make real connections with the staff and family. Sometimes being treated like the best customer isn't half as satisfying as being the favorite guest.
Finally, make your trip personal and have fun! Getting the best accommodation in a country like Greece is a lot more than just finding a comfy bed and working air conditioning. It's about getting the true benefit of opening your mind to a new place in a new culture.
First, if you're shopping online, remember that hotel websites are not objective. It's easy to romanticize the wide angle-shots of beds framed against the Mediterranean Sea, but keep in mind the business has an obvious self-interest in trying to market its services to you. Your best bet is to contact a reliable travel agency or do a quick search for "Greece Hotel Reviews". A good idea is to look out a few quality travel forums and get a first-hand account from real people who've stayed at hotels in the area; or even better, stayed in the exact accommodations you're considering. Travel agencies are more reliable than hotel sites, but they may also have a business interest in guaranteeing bookings for certain hotels. Your best bet is to get as many real answers from real people as possible--these are travel enthusiasts who only want to share their experiences.
Second, you'll want to plan ahead as much as possible. Not only do you get the best experience by booking places close to the activities and sights you really want to see, but you also enjoy early booking discounts of up to twenty percent on travel fees. The later you wait to book, the more likely the hotels and flights you're looking for will be full up. Booking early also allows you more time to research the surrounding area, giving you a chance to immerse yourself in upcoming events and cutting down on travel time when you finally get there.
Remember, the most expensive hotel is not always the best. As far as courtesy, food, and comfort is concerned, it generally is true that you get what you pay for but this may not be the kind of experience you're looking for. Do you want to stay in a posh four-star hotel with room service, or would you prefer the cozy comfort of an authentically Greek bed and breakfast? If you take the time to know which small-time Greek hotels are half rate and which ones are the real deal, you get the chance not just to stay in cozier quarters but to make real connections with the staff and family. Sometimes being treated like the best customer isn't half as satisfying as being the favorite guest.
Finally, make your trip personal and have fun! Getting the best accommodation in a country like Greece is a lot more than just finding a comfy bed and working air conditioning. It's about getting the true benefit of opening your mind to a new place in a new culture.