A Vacation in Greece for the Budget-Minded

With a wealth of holiday experiences that include some of Western civilization’s most important sites, sun-drenched Aegean islands and picturesque hillside villages, Greece is a world-class vacation destination that annually attracts millions of international travelers. You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a memorable vacation in Greece. Cheap holidays in Greece are especially plentiful this year, in part because of the country’s current financial crisis. Whatever your interest, plan well and consider these tips to get even more value from your Greece travel budget.

Off-season travel. Summer is the most popular time to visit Greece and from June-August prices soar along with the temperatures and crowds. The shoulder season, especially late spring and early fall, is an ideal time to visit. The weather is  mild, the crowds are fewer, and airfare and hotel rates are much more affordable.

After you visit Athens, get off the beaten track. The island of Alonissos (map) in the Sporades has its own quiet charm, while the island of Lesbos (map), close to Turkey has a decided Eastern feel. Don’t overlook mainland Greece. Discover unspoiled Parga (map) with its pretty harbor on the west coast. In the north, Halkidiki offers uncrowded beaches and day trips to bustling Thessaloniki (map).

Package deals. A package tour operator can offer travelers excellent value on Greece holidays. If you choose a location wisely, near the sights and beaches that you want to see, a package holiday that includes airfare, accommodations and other inclusions such as meals can save you both time and money .

Getting there. To save money on airfare, it’s all about the timing. For scheduled international flights to Greece, book early — as early as 330 days in advance — for the best air deals. During the peak summer season, charter flights within Europe are an inexpensive option. And for those who fly by the seat of their pants, procrastination has it’s reward. The cheapest air fares of all can generally be found by booking last-minute charter flights.

Getting around. Greece’s public transportation is inexpensive and reliable.  In Athens, the main attractions are concentrated in the city center and are easy to see on foot or by bus or Metro. Island hopping? The Greek ferry service is much less expensive than flying and an authentic way to experience Greece. Taxis throughout Greece are cheap by European standards, and are another practical alternative.

Cheap eateries. There is no shortage of these in Greece including local fast-food chains Everest for sandwiches and Goody’s for hamburgers. Greece also has an almost limitless supply of both cafes that serve snacks throughout the day and souvlaki joints that serve tasty sandwiches of spit-roasted meats in pita bread.

Free museum days. Take advantage of the many free museum days that Greece offers throughout the year. All public museums and archaeological sites in Greece are free on Sundays from November-March and on the first Sunday of every month except July-September. In addition, public museums are free on Greek national holidays and on several other designated dates throughout the year.

Crete Image Credit: Maria Olia

This post was sponsored by Pack Your Bags, the opinions are those of the author.