Greece: Athens & Islands Packing List

Are you ready to explore the ancient streets and sun-drenched islands of Greece?

Note that these are just suggestions and you will need to add and subtract from this list to fit your needs. 

Some questions to ask yourself:

  • Can you lift all your luggage? If not, you are bringing too much. You need to be able to carry your bags. 

  • Your bag should be no more than 50 lbs. One checked bag, one day pack, one purse is all you need. 

  • Take a look at the temperatures in Athens and Santorini as you pack. 

  • Do your ankles swell on long flights? Don’t forget to pick up a pair of knee-high compression stockings to wear on your flights.

Carry-on

Tip: Keep in mind that sometimes luggage is delayed. While we hope this doesn’t happen,  it’s always a good idea to bring any necessary items in your carry-on.

  • Copies of your passport and credit cards (carry on you throughout trip)

  • Medications (prescription, but also ibuprofen, antacids, etc)

  • Eye mask & ear plugs (or Soundcore by Anker Space A40)

  • Book or e-reader

  • Hand sanitizer & disinfectant wipes

  • Your toothbrush and some basic toiletries/cosmetics

  • Mask (in case you are seated next to someone who is ill!)

  • Water bottle (fill up after you’ve gone through security)

  • Snacks you like from home (Luna Bars, Kind Bars, nut mix)

Checked Bag

Shoes

Tip: Always break in your shoes before any trip. We will be walking a lot, so best to make sure they are comfy before you hit the cobblestones of Greece.  

  • 1 pair of walking shoes 

  • 1 pair sandals or flats

  • 1 pair flip-flops for the hotel room, pool, and beach

Clothing

Try to pack clothes you can wear more than once. Consider following a color theme so you can mix and match separates. Pack extra underwear and socks, or buy fast-drying undies you can wash out in the sink and dry overnight.

  • Pajamas and eye mask

  • Light jacket or sweater

  • Bathing suit and cover-up or sarong

  • Socks and underwear 

  • Casual clothes (3–5 complete outfits of slacks, tees, dresses, whatever you like to wear)

Accessories

  • Sun hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Day pack or a bag large enough to carry your water bottle, hand sanitizer, kleenex, and any layers you may need for the day

  • A shawl or large scarf

  • A cross-body purse (easier to be hands-free and harder to steal)

Toiletries, Rx and more

  • 1 toiletry kit

  • Sunscreen (or wait and buy European sunscreen)

  • Small first aid kit/baggie with some band-aids and blister care 

  • 1 washcloth or bath pouf (hotels in Europe do not usually offer them)

  • Disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer

  • Kleenex for bathrooms that don’t have TP (it happens sometimes)

  • At-home COVID test in case you experience symptoms while traveling with the group

  • Lg. Ziploc bags (can be used also as packing cubes)

  • Soap to quickly wash out clothes at night and let air dry if needed (e.g. Dr. Bronner's)

  • Dramamine,Sea Bands, and Ginger Chews (Gin-Gins) for the van rides and the boat ride/ ferries if you tend to get sick

Electronics & More

Tip: Your plugs will not work in Europe without an adapter. For phones, tablets, cameras etc you only need an EU plug adapter (Type C or Type F). CURLING IRONS and STRAIGHTENERS will NOT work unless they are dual-voltage (i.e. can be set to 220V/240V for Europe).

  • Travel alarm clock (or use your phone)

  • A couple of socket adapters for your various electronics (US to Europe or
    Universal adapter)

  • USB power bank to charge your phone (Zendure Power Bank 10000)

    • Power Bank Size Limits: Up to 27,000 mAh (approx. 100 Wh) are permitted on flights (carry-on only). Most standard phone power banks fall into this category.

  • Noise cancelling earbuds (Soundcore by Anker Space A40)

  • Anything you need to style your hair (curling iron, etc) 

  • Note: your hotel room will have hair dryer

Other Considerations:

  • If you don’t want to lose it, do not bring it. Leave your laptops and valuables at home.

  • Save space in your luggage for goodies you may buy while at the Greek markets you’ll visit. 

  • Travel insurance: Leave your policy # with someone at home. Make sure you email it to the Bold Spirit team, too. Carry your policy with you at all times. 

  • Wear a cross-body purse. Never keep all your money and credit cards in the same purse while out sightseeing. Leave some stashed back at the hotel in a safe place. 

  • Use a VPN (like NordVPN) if you are going to access personal information on public WiFi (like at the hotel). 

  • A password manager (1Password or Bitwarden) is useful while traveling.

  • A phone data plan with your telephone company that allows you to use the internet and call while away ($10-12/day for an International Pass) or free with some companies; you could also use an eSIM.

  • Consider RFID sleeves for your wallet and your passport.

  • Arrive with money: 400 euros in cash from AAA or your bank before you land in Europe.

We can’t wait to see you in Greece!

Regina Winkle-Bryan