Greece Information and Culture
As with all countries of the world there is always some cultural taboos to be aware of. Some are the law. some are just out of respect, and as always there is our Nomad standards as well. This is important information for everyone. this also include specific information to review,
As with all countries of the world there is always some cultural taboos to be aware of. Some are the law. some are just out of respect, and as always there is our Nomad standards as well. This is important information for everyone. this also include specific information to review,
Souvenir Hunting While this isn't like a lot of the world where haggling is a huge part of the culture, it still exists in good portion here. Bargain to see if you can get a better price, Even With Items With Price Tags! And cash is king so if you do pay in cash ask for a discount as well. While many places may post signs saying they take credit cards, they may say the machines broken or too slow right now, to avoid paying fees. In many cases if you chose not to haggle you only harm their economy as it raises expectations and people travel to other destinations instead, where the prices are lower. Wine and Drinks Since the group desires wine on the table for dinner nightly, your group will take rounds, each person will have two rounds on this Journey. This means with 7 travelers that will be 2 bottles each of the 2 nights. Wine ranges from $15-$30/bottle in restaurants. This and any other alcoholic drinks with meals can be paid for in one of several ways as there will be no separate checks from the restaurant:
Drink Prices While food and n/a beverages are included, you may want to enjoy some of the adult spirits or mixed drinks which are not included. All the prices vary depending on the atmosphere, the type of place you are drinking at, and the region you are n. For example you may pay €9 for on the beach in Naxos for a beer, while in Athens near the hotel you may pay €5 or less. Keep in mind they do have happy hour at some places as well. But on an average here are some of the prices. Beer € 5-6 G;ass of Wine € 4-6 Mixed Drinks €9-14 Ouzo, Raki, Kitro €4-8 Water Drink plenty of water, even though this Journey is on shoulder season, and the weather is cooler, keep in mind with adult beverages, the amount of walking, and the amount of time outdoors you will want to drink a lot of water as well, to keep from getting ill. Tap water in Athens is okay to drink, just not very tasty. Other places may not be as potable. |
Home Visits As of right now there are no home visits planned, unlike many of the Journeys, but as some Nomad Travelers know, that could change anytime, and frequently does. In that case if the group is invited to a home, if possible we will go as it is rude to turn down an invitation. Be prepared to eat and drink A LOT, and of course be respectful of their traditions. For example, it's rude to turn down food, so enjoy and expect to be stuffed like dolmasdes. Your host will buy a gift for the group to present to the local host if you are invited to dinner, however you can always bring a small gift as well. Gifts Some NES memebers bring small gifts to give to the locals while traveling, postcards from home, or other trinkets are always good to give to people that you have mad e a connection with. Waiters, restaurant owners, any non Nomad tour guides, or just people you meet along the way. For children, pens and pencils, coloring books, or other such gifts are always nice. This is not a necessity, nor expected, just an option. Toilets Do not throw your toilet paper in the toilet, There will be a trash bin to throw it in. And as always bring tissues with you everywhere in case of toilet paper running out. Greece is ancient nation with ancient plumbing.. Hand Gestures Do not thrust your hand in front of someone, it is a very rude gesture. Pickpockets While Greece is fairly safe, be aware of your surroundings pickpockets are present especially in tourist zones and high foot traffic areas. Strikes As stated before strikes are common which means you may miss certain things, and the Host will adjust accordingly, however, sometimes things happen beyond the control of your Host, like ferry strikes. Unfortunately, a lot of the strikes happen at a moments notice, which means it may be too late to cancel reservations at the hotels, and then you will be responsible to pay for any other accommodations and not refunded on the original cost. Of course your host will arrange this as low a price as possible, if this on the slim chance happens. Feeling Unwell If you do get traveler's stomach, let your Hosts know ASAP, you should pack some anti-diarrhea meds, as well as some gas pills, but let your Hosts know if there you are having issues, so that they can adjust the pace of the day. |