Welcome to RWU Greece 2022 Blog. Very soon we will be on our way to Greece!!!

At this site, I will keep everyone up to date on our whereabouts, adventures, and travels during our trip to Greece.

Since this is a pre-trip blog, I thought it may be worthwhile to list some packing tips and items that you may not have thought about. So, here goes.

Two Important Items for the trip and layovers

1. Bring about 200-300 Euros with you in cash. You may need/want euros in Athens before we actually get to a bank or ATM. So, I suggest having some on you before leaving. You can change Dollars to Euros at most major banks (BofA, Citizens, for example). Make sure your additional funds are in an account with a debit card (i.e. a checking or debit account and not a traditional savings account.) Banks in Europe will only see accounts that are linked to the ATM. So, whatever account you use to withdraw money from the ATM, that’s the account to keep your money in.

2. Bring some light snacks for the trip. We will have a layover.

WHAT TO BRING IN YOUR SUITCASES

My BEST recommendation: pack light. Remember (#1) You will be bringing more stuff home. Let me repeat that. PACK LIGHT. YOU’LL BE BRINGING MORE STUFF HOME. If your suitcase is crammed now, you won’t have room for the return trip. International airlines typically allow one piece of checked-in luggage, one carry-on and a personal item. The weight for the checked baggage is 23KG or about 50 lbs.

A good rule-of-thumb is to ask yourself, “Will I wear/use that item more than THREE times?” If the answer is, “No,” then leave it at home. Also, remember that what you bring, you’ll have to lug around. We will be in Athens, Olympia, Delphi and Santorini for overnights.

So, what do I consider important items?

A small backpack/day pack. Something you don’t mind carrying all day. It’s great for the camera, water, souvenirs, etc.

Batteries. Anything that may need batteries, you should get them here. Batteries are REALLY expensive in Greece.

Plug converter. This is not the same as a voltage converter which you shouldn’t need to have. The plug converter simply slips on to the American plug to make a charger fit into the Greek sockets. Be careful, though. If you buy one, make sure it says “for Greece.” Other European countries have the 2 and 3 prong plugs that look like Greek ones, but they are just a tad thinner and won’t work in Greece. Italian ones, for example. So skip over the “European plug converter” label and look specifically for “works in Greece.” Here’s an example :

Greek type-C adaptor on Amazon

zip-lock bags. I typically get a box of the gallon-size (or larger). They’re hard to find in Greece and are great for packing clothes without packing air and for keeping things separated. It also keeps your suitcase more organized. Skip the “special vacuum bag for travel” bags. They don’t really work any better than the heavy zip-lock bags and they’re really expensive. Also, you want have a vacuum cleaner over there!

A pouch for money and passport. I typically bring the type for around my neck. These help you feel secure, especially when traveling by train or bus.

Photocopies of any credit cards (both sides) and your passport. I leave at it home. Also, in the event that you have your wallet or purse stolen, have a copy of the telephone numbers of your banks and of a credit reporting agency as well. You want to be able to call them quickly to avoid any type of identity theft.

Broken-in shoes. In the past, some students have purchased new shoes for these trips. Bad idea. We will be doing a lot of walking. Better to have comfortable shoes.

Band-aids. Since I’m thinking about shoes. Good idea to have band-aids with you.

Aspirin. And, with band-aids, it’s a good idea to have aspirin (or other) and neosporin (or other) in the event you get a scrape.

SUNSCREEN (optional). Really expensive in Greece. I admit it is harder to burn there than here, but we will be at many beaches/pools, you’ll need it then. I’ve been told it has something to do with the UV levels in Europe being much lower than the U.S.

Bathing suit–obviously

Water Bottle. Bring one that’s medium-sized. It’ll save you lots of money you would spend buying bottled water everywhere.

Bath towel. Hotels have them; beaches do not.

Student ID. Please bring your student ID. You often get discounts with proof of being a student.

Pants or Jeans. For guys. You will find yourself often in crowds where only the Americans are wearing shorts. Most Greek men wear slacks/jeans. Just an FYI.

Light jacket. No need for anything heavy, but a windbreaker or similar is a good idea for the evening.

One nice outfit (i.e. shirt and slacks). While most of the time we’ll be in casual attire, there are dinners at hotels and evenings out where you may want something a little spiffier.

2-3 pairs of shoes. One you’re wearing, so two in your luggage. I usually bring a pair of top-siders, sneakers, and laced shoes. Maybe flip-flops, if you are so inclined.

camera/smart phone. Don’t forget the charger.

iPad-like device. You will have homework. Some have done everything on their phones in the past, but even they’ve admitted that it’s hard. DON’T Bring a computer--unless that's all you use. Just something you can type and download from. Make sure you back up everything before leaving.

While crime is low in Greece, petty thievery is common. You’ll have no need for the computer and leaving it at home minimizes risk.

FINALLY, make sure you have a copy with you or at home of your cell phone’s IMEI number and MEID number. Those are the long ones in the about/general settings. In the very unlikely event that something happens to you phone, you will need those numbers for replacement purposes.

WHAT YOU DON’T NEED TO BRING:

1. Don’t bring 20 pairs of shoes and sandals. I mean this. Often students think that a certain pair of shoes would look really cute with an outfit, but they forget that they need to carry them there and coming home.

2. Don’t bring laundry detergent. Greek washing machines take a different type/concentration.

3. Don’t bring an umbrella. I doubt it’ll rain. If it does, there are plenty of people in the streets more than willing to sell you an umbrella for a Euro or two.

4. Don’t bring enough clothes to avoid the washing machine.

5. Don’t bring a heavy jacket. It’ll never be cold. Bring a light jacket, if you want. I typically just pack a pullover, but I don’t think I’ve ever actually worn it over there.

6. Don’t bring a tie. You may want to bring a nice, light oxford style shirt to wear on those occasions when we eat at nicer restaurants as a group, but this is not mandatory.

MY PACKING LIST

Often students ask what I pack for the trip to use as a guide. This obviously works better for men than women, but here goes:

– All items listed above in recommendations (except a blouse)

-2 pairs of pants (cotton)

– 1 pair of jeans

– 2 pairs of shorts

– bathing trunks

– 3 pairs of shoes

– 6 pairs of socks (3 dress, 3 white ankle socks)

– 2 belts (black, brown)

– 6 pairs of underwear

– 4 short-sleeved shirts

– pullover

– 2 long-sleeved shirts

– toiletries

Good luck and See you in Boston!

Next blog: More packing tips and money