Our editor Yashna Balwanth recently travelled to Greece and island-hopped like nobody’s business! Here’s what you should know when travelling abroad to the teal blue waters.
There’s a certain magic that happens when you step off the plane in a foreign country – the kind that speaks to your soul, whispers with exciting possibilities and servings of tenacity with a side of sophistication. Greece has always been at the top of my bucket list when it came to travelling. From the food to the culture, the tiny cobble streets, the crisp white villas and the oh-so-blue waters, I wanted to experience it all. However, travelling on your own can be a little daunting, so I found myself a group of like-minded women who were embarking on similar journeys and off we went — ready to explore a new country and discover a new way of life.
I learnt so much and thought it fitting to share the knowledge I gained with you — even if it’s just to spark your interest. So if you’re keen on boarding a flight to picturesque Greece, indulging in platters of seafood galore and dancing until the sun rises, let’s create your perfect dreamy European summer.
Share more, pay less
As South Africans, our rand isn’t as strong when it comes to exploring international waters. Booking your trip 9-12 months in advance will really help you with time as you save up for it, so you can party and shop on holiday almost guilt-free. Travelling with a partner or a friend also helps in sharing the accommodation costs, as most places are a 2-sleeper (single sleepers are just more expensive). Another thing to note is that the meal portions in Greece are truly massive, so much so that sharing with a friend or partner is completely possible to make it through the trip. So on average, if a meal is around €13 (euros), you’ll look at about €6.50 per person, which then roughly works out to R135 – the price we already pay in South Africa for some meals. Be aware that not all islands are priced the same, and some really are more expensive than others. Santorini and Mykonos are tourist central so all their prices are hiked up (we paid €18 for a cocktail in Mykonos, which is roughly R370, so let that sink in).
The lesser travelled islands, such as Naxos or Paros, are a bit more reasonable. Bonus tip: If your accommodation offers breakfast, eat up in the morning then take some fruit with you for a snack later on.
Light as a feather
Believe it or not, but it is highly possible to travel for two weeks with nothing but two cabin-sized bags and a small backpack (I did!). This does take a bit of meticulous planning but if done right, you can travel light to keep movement between the islands easy and stress-free. Start by planning your wardrobe and create your own holiday capsule collection; this includes dual pieces that work double or triple time, neutral staples that can be dressed up or down, and 3 to 4 pairs of shoes to tie each outfit together. Go big with accessories to change the whole vibe of your look. Those cobble streets are not for the faint of heart, especially when you’re rolling a +20kg bag around, moving up hills and getting lost in the little alley ways. Travel lighter, move quicker (you’ll thank me later).
Travel agent vs booking yourself
If you want to have a bit more of a stress-free break, use a travel agent you can trust. While it may be cheaper to book it all yourself, sometimes you can be bogged down by the research, options and reviews. There is so much to go through, and a lot of the time it can feel very overwhelming. Booking through an agent will help you to relax more and fully have the holiday you want. For this Greece trip in particular, I booked it through Fem Power Luxury Travel, which caters to solo female travellers. They put together the entire holiday, leaving you to just enjoy your time on the islands while they take care of the transfers, food, accommodation, activities and more. All you get to do is stress about which bikini you need to put on when heading out to the beach.
Think ahead
The ferries that move between the islands are wild to travel on – it feels like you’re part of a bunch of cattle being herded off Noah’s Ark. However, they are the most cost-effective way to island hop and best to be booked in advance. Certain activities on the islands should also be booked ahead of time, especially if you travel during the peak summer season. If you want to save a few coins, a good tip is to travel in their off-peak time, which is either just before the European summer starts in May or just as it is ending in September. The crowds are less, the prices a bit better, and the vibes are still vibing.
In Wi-Fi we trust
Let’s be honest, the islands don’t have the best network at times. Internet is slow at some places, making it difficult to upload images, send pics or videos back home, or even do a WhatsApp call to family. For this reason, if you need to stay in touch with your loved ones, get a local sim card. However if staying unplugged is the plan, just use the free Wi-Fi whenever you can. Almost all the accommodations have network, even if it’s not the strongest. The restaurants you visit and some public spaces such as the Paros waterfront will also have network.
Using Wi-Fi allows you to unplug from your life for a bit and be present in the moment, soaking up the sights and sounds around you. When will you ever be in that spot again to take it all in? Consider staying off the grid for just a bit while you travel — I mean, that’s how they travelled back in the ’80s and ’90s, right?
What to know about each island
Paros
Not as popular as the other islands, but still so much fun. Teal blue seas everywhere you look and the waterfront area is where the party is at.
Naxos
Still underdeveloped in certain areas and very rich in their history. The waterfront/port area is quite busy with tourists and there are tons of restaurant choices.
Mykonos
The most expensive of all the islands, but you party from sunrise to sunset. Go for the vibe, but it’ll cost you.
Santorini
Very touristy and a bit pricey, but so picturesque from every angle. It gets quite busy in the popular spots.
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Words: Yashna Balwanth
Photography: Getty Images, Shutterstock, Supplied
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