Read below how to choose the best Greece vacation package and keep your sanity whether you’re researching online or discussing with a travel agent.
Don’t rely on internet for your Vacation Package
First things first. There is plethora of offers out there, some worse than others. The internet is a vast place, and sometimes the more you read the more confused you get. Getting stuck in the decision-making process is very common, so your top priority is to narrow things down.
It’s not a piece of cake, but it will save you so much time and resources down the line.
The easiest way to remain focused while going through all these options, is to have a clear image of the holidays you want to embark on *before* you start your research, and don’t let yourself get distracted too much.
Stumbling upon a life-changing article and redesigning your whole trip is rather impossible, but questioning your decisions every step of the way is time-consuming and a problem many people face while choosing the best vacation package, because there are just too many choices out there, and self-doubt is inscribed in out DNA somehow.
Another thing that might slow you down or even throw you completely off-course at some point is start looking at irrelevant things. If your plan is to find the best vacation package for family holidays in Crete, don’t let yourself browse through honeymoon holidays in Santorini for example. Maybe this is OK at a preliminary stage, but once you start comparing options, you should have a very clear picture of the holidays you want.
So, rule number 1: Don’t let ~the internet~ distract you!
Compare & Contrast. And, for The Love of God, Plan
There’s no simple, fool-proof way to choose the best Greece vacation package other than comparing available options. It really is the only way to go, if you want to spend your holidays like you had imagined them and not just go with the flow.
But be precise, and put a full stop (or at least a semicolon?) while comparing and contrasting. Yes, cut back on those open google tabs!
Plan online and educate yourself. Take your time but be as precise as possible. Search for good deals, but don’t make this your only goal.
The web is filled with information that can help make vacation planning easier, so use it to your advantage, without becoming too invested in it.
Do you see yourself in a private villa away from heavy crowds? Do you dream of enjoying your breakfast at luxury villas in Skiathos? Then skip those generic hotel deals and start searching elsewhere.
Online itineraries, maps, last-minute deals, local tips, and travel experiences from fellow travellers can give you valuable insights during your designing process, without breaking the bank – use them wisely.
Don’t be afraid of lists, of things you want to do, of dishes you want to taste. Plan ahead so you are always informed and prepared.
So, rule number 2: The internet can be your ~friend~, too!
Greece Vacation Package from a Travel Agent
If you’re having a hard time with all the information available online and find yourself struggling to decide, perhaps a travel agent is the best solution for you.
A travel agent can first listen to you, and then suggest what’s best and more suitable to your needs and preferences. You can discuss all details with your travel agent. Tell them your preferred destination, the dates you’re interested in, your budget, your travelling companions, everything – don’t hold back! This way, they will have all the necessary information to suggest the most ideal packages for you, and maybe save you valuable time if decision-making is not your strong suit.
Booking through a travel agency is a great option for many travellers, because this way the can rely on the experience and professional expertise of their travel agent.
Experienced agents smooth out the time in transit and know exactly what tourists want to do and see during their vacation.
But beware: have a saying on this, and don’t let the agent plan every little detail for you!
This is your vacation after all, and what is “popular” or works for some travellers, might not work for you. A ready-made vacation package for Greece might contain visits to museums and archaeological sites, but if you’re a beach person craving to just sit back and relax and spend maximum time at the beach then you’ll find yourself at a pickle.
Here are some of the most common questions you may have to answer:
- What’s your budget? Just a price range would suffice, to narrow things down.
- What kind of experience do you want? Lots of activities or relax?
- What is the focus of the trip? Is it your honeymoon or a family affair?
- When do you want to travel? Prices heavily depend on season.
- What type of holidays are you after? Do you need an all-inclusive package or crave for bespoke services?
So, rule number 3: ~Communicate~ with your travel agent!
What Does “All-Inclusive” Include in a Vacation Package?
Every “bundle” includes at least airfare and hotel, but some vacation packages in Greece also offer a rental car, meals, tours and more. In some cases, throwing a car rental in the package can increase the price by hundreds of dollars, so unless you really need it, don’t add it just for the sake of it.
If negotiation is your cup of tea, and in case you’re a firm believer of personal contact and last-minute deals, then maybe you should skip the all-inclusive package and follow a more tailor-made approach, specifically made for you and your group.
Another thing to keep in mind are the extra fees.
Read the fine print, and read the small letters, and when you’re done, read them again. Something that appears to be “all-inclusive” and “cheap” at first sight, might hide traps along the way.
Maybe Wi-Fi is not included, maybe transport from and to the airport are only offered at an extra cost, maybe if you need travel insurance the cost skyrockets. Maybe that luxurious hotel you’ve been drooling over is very far from town, so you’ll miss on all the great staff on your bucket list.
When it comes to choosing the best Greece vacation package for you, be thorough and you won’t regret it.
So, rule number 4: Pay attention to the ~details~!
Timing is Everything (Well, Isn’t It Always?)
When it comes to vacation packages for your Greek holidays, being flexible with the actual period of your holidays is a must, and it is also tightly connected to prices as well.
Being flexible with the time will get you much better deals, and this includes but is not limited to the following:
- Actual days that you travel (whether it’s a Friday or Wednesday),
- How long you stay (usually the longer you stay, the more discounted the rate),
- Season (is it peak summer, shoulder season or off-season?), and
- Even the time of the day (with a cheaper flight from a low-cost carrier arriving after mid-night)
The more flexibility you have, the cheaper the vacation package you’ll be able to score.
Some of the most popular Greek destinations, like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Rhodes welcome the majority of their visitors during July and August, so this may not be the best time to visit Greece if you don’t like heavy crowds, or if you’re on a budget.
Alternatively, book a vacation package for June or October, to enjoy your Greek vacation like a pro.
Another thing that you should never forget is plan with your work as well! If you have to arrange your time-off with your colleagues, be sure to discuss it well in advance of your planned vacation dates.
A general rule of thumb that can also come in handy is this: Plan far in advance or book last-minute.
You best chance at a great deal that would make even the most avid traveller jealous, is plan and book everything more than three months in advance – even more if you’re interested in a touristy destination during peak season – or less than two weeks.
Planning a trip on such short notice may sound scary, especially if you’re travelling overseas — but you will be amazed at the deals you can snag.
For most Greece vacation packages, “early bird” discounts, and “last-minute” discounts are the norm, so make sure to exploit them to your advantage.
So, rule number 5: ~Timing~ is everything!
Whatever your plans are, and no matter what type of Greece vacation package you’re looking to score, don’t get overwhelmed.
Here’s everything you need to know in a nutshell: Research thoroughly, don’t get distracted, ask for professional help, compare and plan budget-wise and time-wise.
You got this!
