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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Greece

Summer Clothing

Summer (June-August) brings hot, dry weather. Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and rayon. Include shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, skirts, swimwear, and beach cover-ups.

Evening Wear

  • A light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces.
  • A shawl is also a suitable option.
  • Evenings can bring a slight drop in temperature near the sea.

Shoulder & Winter Clothing

Shoulder season (May, Sep-Oct) means pleasant temperatures. Pack a mix of summer clothing and light long-sleeved tops, light sweaters, or fleece jackets. Rain is possible, so a lightweight waterproof jacket or small umbrella has utility.

Winter Essentials

  • Mild but wet. Layers are for comfort.
  • Warmer jackets, sweaters, long pants, and a raincoat.
  • Temperatures are cooler and rain is more frequent.

Footwear Recommendations

Beach Footwear

Water shoes are excellent for protection on Zakynthos' many pebbly or rocky beaches like Navagio and Porto Limnionas. They offer better grip on slippery surfaces.

Protection from sharp stones.

Walking/Exploring

Comfortable walking sandals, sneakers, or athletic shoes fit well for exploring towns, villages, and archaeological sites. You will likely do a lot of walking.

Avoid flimsy sandals or flip-flops for serious walking.

Evenings

Dressier sandals or shoes are good for nicer restaurants or bars.

Appropriate for upscale dining.

Essential Documents

Document Checklist

Important documents include your passport, visa papers, and identification.

  • Original passport and visa documentation (if applicable).
  • Travel insurance policy information (print and digital copies).
  • International driving permit (IDP) with domestic license (if applicable).
  • Vaccination records and health documentation (doctor's note for meds).
  • Printed and digital copies of reservations (flights, accommodation, tours).
  • Emergency contact information (family, embassy, credit card companies).
  • Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable).
  • Keep copies in a separate bag from originals.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Greece uses Type C and Type F (Schuko) electrical outlets. The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz.

Electrical Needs

  • A universal travel adapter with surge protection works well.
  • A voltage converter is needed if devices are not dual voltage.
  • Mobile phone networks use GSM technology; 4G/5G coverage is generally good.

Device Tips

Consider device compatibility and solutions for data and power needs.

Smart Travel

  • Local Greek SIM card from Cosmote, Vodafone, or Wind for data/calls.
  • A waterproof camera or phone case for boat trips and beaches.
  • Portable chargers and power banks for extended exploration.

Digital Preparedness

App Recommendations

Google Maps for navigation, Google Translate for language, local weather apps for forecasts.

Backup Solutions

Cloud storage (Google Photos, Dropbox) for backing up photos and documents.

Device Security

Ensure your phone is unlocked for international SIM cards.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid & Medications

A basic travel first aid kit should include antiseptic wipes, adhesive bandages, pain relievers, and anti-diarrhea medication.

Kit Contents

  • Antiseptic wipes, bandages, gauze, medical tape.
  • Pain relievers (ibuprofen, paracetamol), allergy medication.
  • Anti-diarrhea medication (Loperamide).

Personal Health Needs

Carry all prescription medications in their original containers with clear labeling. A copy of the prescription or a doctor's note for controlled substances prevents issues.

Traveler Remedies

  • Remedies for indigestion, heartburn, motion sickness (for boat trips).
  • Medication for common colds, sore throats, mild pain, or fever.
  • Keep prescription medications in carry-on bag.

Sun & Insect Protection

Sun Protection

  • High SPF reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
  • After-sun lotion or aloe vera for soothing sunburn.

Insect Protection

  • Mosquito repellent with DEET or Picaridin.
  • Water purification not generally needed, tap water is often potable.
  • Reusable water bottle with filter for hiking or plastic reduction.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Snorkeling & Diving

While tours often make gear available, having your own snorkeling set can make independent beach exploration better and secure a proper fit. Basic diving gear is rentable locally.

  • Rent snorkeling/diving gear locally.
  • Bring your own mask and snorkel for fit/hygiene.
  • Tanks and weights are always rented.
  • Bicycle rentals widely available.

Hiking Essentials

A small daypack for water, snacks, sunscreen, and personal items. Trekking poles are an option for more challenging trails.

  • Small daypack.
  • Water, snacks, sunscreen.
  • Personal items.
  • Trekking poles for challenging trails.

Boating Gear

A waterproof dry bag keeps electronics, towels, and valuables safe from sea spray or accidental splashes on boat trips.

  • Waterproof dry bag.
  • Keeps electronics safe.
  • Keeps towels and valuables safe.
  • Against sea spray or splashes.

Rent vs. Buy Decision

Items to Rent

  • Snorkeling and basic diving gear.
  • Bicycles.
  • Motorbikes/ATVs.
  • Cars (especially for short trips).

Items to Bring

  • Personalized hiking footwear for comfort.
  • Mask and snorkel for fit/hygiene.
  • Specialized medications.
  • Specific personal care brands.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Essential items for travel comfort and personal security.

Travel Aids

  • Travel neck pillow and eye mask for long journeys.
  • Noise-canceling headphones for quiet.
  • Money belt or RFID-blocking wallet for valuables.
  • Small padlocks for luggage or lockers.

Eco-Friendly & Beach Items

Reusable items contribute to less waste and save money. Beach essentials enhance relaxation.

Green Travel

  • Reusable water bottle to cut plastic waste.
  • Reusable shopping bag (plastic bags may have a charge).
  • Reusable utensils for street food or picnics.
  • A beach towel (some accommodations do not provide them for beach use).

Sustainable Travel Items

Refillable Bottle

Reduces plastic waste.

Reusable Bag

For shopping and groceries.

Portable Cutlery

For picnics or takeaways.

Personal Beach Towel

For independent beach visits.

Destination-Specific

Zakynthos-Specific

  • Good book or e-reader for beach relaxation.
  • Specific personal care brands you prefer.
  • Specialized medications you rely on.

Practical Needs

  • Consider bottled water preference due to taste.
  • Small Euro denominations for cash payments.
  • Printed map or offline maps for exploring.

Packing Pro Tips

Pack light for easier movement and to avoid excess baggage fees. Roll your clothes to maximize space. Organize items into packing cubes for efficiency.

Create a checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten. Consider wearing your bulkiest items on the travel day. Don't forget your swimwear!