1. Summary
Discover essential packing tips and clothing advice for traveling to Greece, ensuring you navigate comfortably while enjoying the beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture.
Who do you want to be—an overburdened man with two carry-on bags, a suit bag, and a suitcase large enough to hold a small piano or the carefree guy with a single duffel bag who knows how to dress right for a visit to Greece? This packing advice will help you select just the right outfits for your travels—while keeping it simple.
Choosing the Travel Bag
When selecting your luggage, opt for a soft-sided bag that fits carry-on requirements. Moreover, during crowded flights, wheeled luggage can sometimes be denied as carry-on, even if it meets size specifications, forcing you to retrieve it at baggage claim.
A soft bag will almost always make the cut. Keep in mind, European regional airlines typically allow only a single carry-on bag, and dimensions vary from one airline to another.
How Men Dress in Greece
In Greece, men dress for comfort but avoid overly casual attire. During warm weather, loafers or stylish sandals are appropriate. Interestingly, shorts are a good choice for daytime activities, but refrain from Hawaiian prints. In the evening, a collared shirt with nice trousers or dress jeans is suitable. Consider bringing along a lightweight rain jacket, especially for the cooler seasons. Adopting the European “smart casual” look is advisable for a city like Athens.
A pair of light-colored heavyweight pants, such as jeans, will be versatile. However, it’s better to steer clear of light or medium blue jeans, as they may carry a “hippie” association that could be viewed negatively in some situations. Additionally, include one pair of dark dress jeans to your wardrobe selection.
Packing Light
Mastering the art of packing light begins with planning what you will wear to travel. Consequently, subtract those items from your packing list.
You will need:
- 2 pairs of long pants—light-colored jeans or dress slacks and a pair of dark dressier jeans.
- 1 light sweater or hoodie (you can also purchase one in Greece).
- 1-2 pairs of shorts.
- 1 long-sleeved shirt.
- 2 short-sleeved shirts.
- 1 pair of swim trunks.
- 3-5 pairs of underwear.
- 3-5 pairs of socks.
- 1 pair of good walking shoes, already broken in.
- 1 pair of sandals, preferably rubber-bottomed with straps that are suitable for water to avoid sea anemones.
- 1 windbreaker or light, waterproof jacket.
- 1 hat – or, consider buying one in Greece as a souvenir, along with any needed t-shirts.
- Sample-size toiletries (shampoo can be heavy), adhering to the 3-1-1 TSA rule; bring necessary medications in their original bottles; a notebook with pockets for receipts, booklets, etc.; a camera (or just use your smartphone), and extra media for digital cameras.
- Your phone, charging cord, and an extra battery.
Packing Tips
To maximize space, wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket as part of your travel outfit. If your shoes are uncomfortable for navigating the airport, it’s time to reconsider their necessity.
Avoid bringing metal spray cans for toiletries, as these can sometimes incite secondary checks of your checked luggage, increasing the risk of missing your flight—even if you arrive well in advance. This is particularly true if the cans are packed closely together.
Lastly, resist the urge to fill any extra space in your luggage. It’s wise to leave room for souvenirs to bring back home.
