Traveling to Greece Has Never Been Easier

Tourists are flocking to Greece in record numbers, primed to surpass even pre-pandemic levels. As one of the most popular European travel destinations thanks to its numerous sandy beaches, historical sites, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and smattering of islands, Greece beckons travelers to discover all it has to offer. And luckily, it’s never been easier for travelers of all kinds to partake in the beauty of Greece.

However, traveling all the way to Greece isn’t a faint undertaking. The flight from New York City is over nine hours, and if you need to get work done while you’re on your vacation, it can be difficult to find the right accommodations to make things relatively painless. Not to mention, all these expenses can add up quickly when you’re trying to make the most of your getaway. The trick is to know where to save and where to splurge. Take it from someone who travels for a living, here’s how to do Greece the right way.

Save

Low-cost airline, Norse Atlantic Airways, recently launched a direct flight from New York’s JFK Airport to Athens. Prices start at just $199 for a one-way economy ticket or $498 for Norse Premium. If you plan on flying economy regardless of airline, Norse is the way to go. Not only is the Norse terminal at JFK small and easy to navigate, but the service aboard the aircraft makes your flight much more enjoyable than many of the big-name airlines. If you want to enjoy a bit of extra comfort, opt for Norse Premium, which offers extra legroom, seats that recline 12 inches, and amazing service.

When it comes to food, passengers can select from Light, Classic, and Flextra options, the latter of which includes the maximum baggage allowance, two meals, increased ticket flexibility, and an enhanced airport and onboard experience. Like many other low-cost airlines, Norse allows passengers to pick and choose which extras make sense for them, meaning you only pay for what you really want.

Splurge

Once you land in Athens, you’d be remiss not to spend a day or two (or more!) exploring the historic capital before hopping around to other Greek hotspots. There are endless attractions you’re going to want to check out and depending on what strikes your fancy, you’re going to want to book those skip-the-line tickets or splurge on a private or small group tour.

Prior to meandering through the Acropolis, you’re going to want to check out the modern Acropolis Museum, which is a work of art. Thoughtfully designed, the museum provides a great jumping-off point for learning about the history of the Acropolis, showcasing ruins, sculptures, and a storied past.

Other popular attractions you’ll likely want to add to your list include the Benaki Museum, ancient Agora, a bus or walking food tour, and shopping in Plaka. And when it comes time to shop, you aren’t going to want to hold back – from leather sandals to Greek olive oil to artwork and wine, there are a lot of gems you might want to stash in your luggage for your trip home.

Save

Hotel prices can add up, especially when you plan on staying in a location for an extended period. Stayforlong, a hotel booking website, specializes specifically in long-term stays and rewards travelers with better deals the longer the trip. The platform currently services 22 different countries, including Greece, where it works with hotel partners to find its guests the ideal accommodation. Lux&Easy is one of those accommodations and as its name implies, its automated technologies and services make your stay seamless, giving guests a home away from home experience. Like high-tech hotel chain Yotel, Lux&Easy cuts down on human interaction by providing automated check-in by key code in lieu of your typical reception desk. Rest assured that you can still chat directly with the concierge team via call, e-mail, or text. Located a mere 10-minute walk from the heart of downtown Athens, Lux&Easy’s Acropolis Suites are designed like apartments, complete with a kitchen, writing desk, seating area, and even a private terrace. The modern accommodations are also equipped with smart lighting, bathrobes and slippers, and all the other classic amenities you can expect at a typical hotel. Additionally, the Acropolis Suites location boasts a rooftop view of the Acropolis (make sure to check it out at night), along with a jacuzzi and a gym.

Splurge

One of the most basic, yet beloved, ways to truly immerse yourself in a new culture is through a destination’s food. With fresh fish, flavorful dips, and crispy falafel on the menu at many a restaurant in Greece, you’d be silly to skimp when it comes to the country’s culinary scene. When it comes to imbibing, there are numerous bars in the city that boast worldwide recognition. The Clumsies, Baba au Rum, and Brettos Bar are all top contenders, two of which are among the World’s Top 50 Best Bars: the other, the oldest distillery in Athens. Popular items you’re going to want to get your hands on are include traditional moussaka, souvlaki, baklava, Greek coffee (beware the strength!), gyros, and of course, a refreshing Greek salad. Many tour operators offer food tours throughout the city, which makes for a great way to try all the region’s delicacies, as well as learn about the history behind many of these treasured dishes.