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Pre-Trip Checklist

Pre-Trip Checklist

Greece

Essential Preparations

Follow this timeline for all important steps prior to your departure.

Chronological Planning Timeline

Structured steps to organize your trip effectively.

3M

Months Before Departure

Check Passport Validity

Your passport should remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. This avoids issues with airline boarding or entry requirements.

Research Visa Requirements

If not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, research Schengen visa requirements for your nationality. Apply for your visa well in advance, as processing times vary.

Book International Flights

Secure your international flights to Athens International Airport (ATH).

Research Accommodation

Begin researching preferred accommodation types and locations on Milos. For high season (July-August), start booking your lodging now, as popular places fill quickly.

Arrange Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation/interruption, and lost luggage. World Nomads provides options.

1M

Month Before Departure

Book Domestic Flights/Ferries

Secure your domestic flight from Athens to Milos (MLO) or your ferry tickets from Piraeus (Athens) to Adamas. This becomes especially important for high season travel.

Book Specific Tours

If you plan popular activities like a full-day boat tour to Kleftiko, book it in advance, especially when traveling during peak season.

Confirm Accommodation Bookings

Double-check all your accommodation reservations and confirm dates, room types, and any special requests.

Arrange Car/Scooter/ATV Rental

If you plan a rental vehicle, book it now. Rentals encounter high demand and limited supply during peak periods.

Obtain International Driving Permit IDP

If your national driver's license is not in English or lacks a photograph, obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association. It typically applies to rentals in Greece.

Consult Doctor for Vaccinations and Health Advice

Discuss recommended vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A, Typhoid) and general health advice for travel to Greece. Ensure routine vaccinations remain up to date.

Start Packing List

Begin compiling a detailed packing list based on the climate, activities, and duration of your trip (refer to Section 3).

1W

Week Before Departure

Finalize Packing

Complete your packing, confirming all clothing, toiletries, and activity-specific gear are present.

Download Offline Maps and Useful Apps

Download maps of Milos and useful apps like Google Translate, Ferryhopper, and a weather app to your phone.

Print All Essential Documents

Create a physical folder with printouts of your passport copies, visa (if applicable), travel insurance policy, flight and ferry tickets, and accommodation reservations. Maintain digital copies on your phone and in cloud storage.

Notify Bank of Travel Plans

Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations to prevent fraud alerts or card freezes while abroad.

Ensure Prescriptions are Filled

Ascertain you have prescription medications for your entire trip, plus a few extra days' supply. Carry them in their original packaging with a doctor's note.

Pack a First Aid Kit

Assemble a Small travel first aid kit with basic medications and supplies for common ailments (refer to Section 3.4).

Home Preparation Before Departure

Steps to secure your home and inform contacts.

Home Tasks

  • Arrange Mail/Pet Care/House-Sitter: Make arrangements for mail collection, pet care, or a house-sitter when leaving your home unattended.
  • Inform Trusted Contacts of Your Itinerary: Share your travel itinerary, accommodation details, and contact information with a trusted friend or family member at home.
  • Secure Your Home: Lock all doors and windows, unplug unnecessary electronics, and secure any valuables.

Arrival Checklist

These steps help you settle in quickly and smoothly upon arrival in Milos.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • Clear Immigration: Proceed through immigration at Athens Airport (ATH) for international arrivals, or directly at Milos Airport (MLO) or Adamas Port for domestic arrivals.
  • Collect Luggage: Retrieve your checked luggage from the carousel.
  • Locate Pre-Arranged Transport: Find your pre-arranged taxi, rental car pick-up, or hotel shuttle.
  • Activate Local SIM Card: If you purchased a local SIM card, activate it or confirm your international roaming service functions.

Orientation and Essentials

Locating your accommodation and amenities.

Orientation Strategies

  • Locate Your Accommodation: Head directly to your hotel or guesthouse to check in and drop off your bags.
  • Find Nearest Amenities: Locate the nearest ATM, pharmacy (farmakeio), and grocery store (supermarket or mini-market) from your accommodation.
  • Pick Up a Local Map: Grab a free tourist map from your hotel or the port information desk.

Currency and Initial Purchases

  • Withdraw Euros from an ATM.
  • Purchase bottled water if you prefer it over tap water, especially upon arrival.

Transportation from Entry Point to Accommodation

  • From Milos Island National Airport (MLO): Take a taxi or the local bus to Adamas or your specific village.
  • From Adamas Port: Many accommodations in Adamas are walkable. Otherwise, taxis and local buses are readily available.

Recommendation

Booking your transportation from the airport or port in advance can save time upon arrival.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for your departure from Milos for a hassle-free journey home.

Souvenir and Shipping Considerations

  • 1
    Purchase Souvenirs:

    Allow time for last-minute souvenir shopping.

  • 2
    Shipping:

    When purchasing large items or quantities of products, inquire about shipping costs and procedures with local postal services (ELTA) well before your departure.

  • 3
    VAT Refund Procedures:

    Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds apply for non-EU visitors on purchases made in Greece above a certain amount. Keep your receipts and request a tax-free form at the point of purchase. You will process the refund at Athens International Airport before your international departure. (Note: This pertains to purchases made in Greece, not specific to Milos).

Pre-departure Timing Recommendations

  • For Milos Airport (MLO):

    Arrive at least 1 hour before your domestic flight departure.

  • For Adamas Port (Ferry):

    Arrive 30-60 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure. With a vehicle, arrive at least 60-90 minutes early.

  • Reconfirm Flights/Ferries:

    Double-check your departure flight or ferry schedule 24-48 hours before your planned departure, as minor changes can occur.

  • Pack According to Baggage Rules:

    Confirm your luggage complies with your airline's baggage allowance and restrictions to avoid last-minute fees. Eagle Creek offers packing solutions.

Additional Departure Tips

Keep Receipts

Maintain all purchase receipts, especially for VAT refunds or customs declarations.

Charge Devices

Ensure all electronic devices are fully charged for your journey, especially if you have digital boarding passes.

Final Document Check

Before leaving your accommodation, complete a final check of all travel documents: passport, tickets, and reservations.

Smooth Departure

Following these steps can lead to a calm and efficient departure from Milos.

Image 16: Passport, flight tickets, and map on a table

A visual representation of essential travel documents for your trip.

Document Readiness

  • Your passport is the most identity document for international travel.
  • Flight tickets confirm your itinerary and boarding pass.
  • Carry digital and physical copies of all important documents.

Strategic Planning

  • A local map helps orient you within your destination.

Important Document Security

Safeguard your documents throughout your trip.

Best Practices

  • Keep originals separate from copies.
  • Use a secure travel wallet.
  • Avoid carrying all documents at once.
  • Store digital copies in cloud storage.

Benefits of a Visual Checklist

  • A visual template presents all necessary items at a glance.
  • Organized sections streamline the planning process.
  • Tailored advice assists different traveler types.

Your Preparedness Partner

This checklist strives to cover every aspect of your trip preparation.

A well-prepared journey sets the stage for memorable experiences.