Go over these tips to find out how to plan the perfect Athens vacation. Find out how to find good deals and go to a place that you will enjoy. Planning a vacation can be a long process, and you should definitely start ahead of time. Reading these tips should help you get started.
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If you are going to use a taxi always make sure the taxi cabs you use are certified with the city. There is usually a sticker visible from the back seat of the vehicle. If you are unsure, research city-licensed cabs before you travel. This way, you can avoid unlicensed cabs that overcharge their patrons, and save money to do more fun things during your travels. In Athens a more viable option is Uber. You’ll always know what you are going to pay up front, the vehicles are always clean, and the drivers are extremely nice.
Ubering in Athens
Uber has over 10 million drivers worldwide and now delivers more than 5 million rides a day. The real question is . . . “Got Uber”? Uber drivers tend to hang out near hotels so you should never have to wait for more than 5 minutes to get a ride. Don’t ask your driver to wait while you pick up a quick snack unless you are prepared to offer a big tip. Unlike taxis, Uber Drivers per minute fee are just pennies. (although Uber will not tell you this). If you are only going to be in a shop for a few minutes, don’t worry, Uber is always close by.
Ask your Fellow Traveler
When selecting a location to travel to, there is no better source of information than a fellow traveler. Other travelers with similar needs and plans, can tell you what destinations are must-sees and what areas you should try to avoid. No guidebook can replace the first-hand experience of another person or family.
If you have a choice when booking flights for travel, select an airline that uses primarily 767 jets. These larger jets have more legroom, and offer more direct flights because they can stay in the air longer. Also, the 767s have a two-three-two seat configuration, meaning there is only one middle seat per row instead of the usual two.
If you are squished for space while traveling by air, take advantage of every inch. Take the magazines out of the pocket in front of you and move them instead to the overhead bin. Depending on the size of the magazines, you could have bought yourself a couple of extra inches.
Watch prices even after you book.
Some airline and hotel companies offer you a refund if the price of your reservation drops after you book it, so keep an eye on the price. Alternatively, set-up an account with a price watcher site. After you enter the reservations you made and the price you paid, it will alert you when the price has dropped by the minimum amount required for a refund.
Limit the amount of luggage you take on your trip to a carry-on bag. Luggage has a nasty habit of getting lost in airports. Even if it does not get lost, you often spend an annoying amount of time waiting for it to show up on the luggage carrousel. Limiting the luggage you take to a single carry-on bag will eliminate this problem entirely.
If you need to travel across the country but are on a limited budget, consider traveling by bus. In the past, bus travel was viewed somewhat unfavorably, but today major players like Greyhound, have made major improvements to attract the growing number of travelers who can’t afford plane tickets. Today bus lines are a more civil experience. Cleaner, newer buses are the norm and most stations offer free wireless internet access and sundries.
Traveling with children
Traveling by bus with children can be a trying experience, but you can make it easier by being prepared for boredom, snack attacks and other potential circumstances. Bringing along some travel games and coloring books and crayons are great ways to keep both younger and older children occupied. If you travel overnight rather than during the day, a young child is likely to sleep through most of the trip. Pack a snack bag with food and beverages for each child. Give your children the opportunity to stretch their legs by getting off the bus during brief stops.
When traveling by car in the winter it is important to make frequent rest stops. Driving in the winter is more tiring than driving in the summer. You will want to make time to stop to stretch your legs. Taking a few minutes from driving will make a great amount of difference in improving your alertness behind the wheel.
Shopping for airline tickets online isn’t always the best deal. In general, you will find the same price by buying online as you will from the airline itself or from agencies. At times you can find great airline deals online but they are limited and contain restrictions. If you don’t mind the limits, buying your tickets online may be for you.
When you are looking for a hotel to stay in, never settle on the first one you find. It is important to call a number of different hotels and ask for their rates so that you know you are getting the best deal. Also, you can look on the Internet for other customers’ reviews.
If you want to bring your pet with you on your trip, make sure to call and ask the hotel where you are staying beforehand if pets are allowed. Although there are many more pet friendly hotels now than there were in the past, there are still some hotels that do not allow any animals.
When traveling by air, always plan to arrive at the airport at least one hour before your flights (two for international flights). Parking, checking in and getting through security, can take time. Busy lines can make the wait longer and arriving late might mean that you will miss your flight.
Never underestimate the power of a small medicine kit while traveling. Include an over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medicine, antibiotic gel or cream, anti-itch cream, stomach acid reducers, pain relievers and Band-Aids. You never know when tiny medical irritations may strike and it is better to be prepared. You may even be able to help out a fellow traveler!
When traveling with an infant, pack a change of clothes in your carry on bag for both the baby and yourself. Messy spills or diapers are bound to happen. When they do, your baby might not be the only one who needs to be changed. Having clothes handy will make both of you more comfortable in the event of an accident.
Now that you know the theory behind planning a great trip, the only thing to do is apply these tips for your next vacation. Choose where you want to go and organize your trip so that the only thing you need to worry about is having fun once on location.