Going To Greece

In 2003, Boa Bone and his Afro travelled the Greek Islands with his friends Spiros and Effie Giannopolopoulous, learning some useful insider tips along the way.

The only time you really need to book accommodation in advance is if you really want to stay at a particular place, especially in high season (July 16th to Oct 31st).

There are usually plenty of touts at the port willing to fight to the death over your business. Bargain as hard as you can to save that extra ouzo money (even if you have loads of pounds, just do it for a laugh!). If you've read about some fantastic hostel in your traveller's bible but can't find any touts from your hostel at the port, don't snub the first tout that tells you your chosen hostel is full. The chances are, that when you arrive at your chosen hostel in your own taxi feeling great because you told the lying touts where to go, you will discover that there was no one at the port from the hostel because... IT IS FULL!

Don't worry about the difference between ferry companies. All you need to consider is departure times and to decide between high speed and slow ferries. High speed ferries cost about twice as much and usually arrive in half the time. Here are a few tips.

Fast ferries.
Why stand out in the hot sun with your backpack on, being pushed and shoved in a crowd, while ridiculously large suitcases are being bashed into your Achilles tendons in the hope that you will push the person in front of you right off the jetty?

Look at your ticket; the fast ferries have allocated seats. Sit back in the shade and enjoy an ouzo while the crowds disperse, then walk right in and sit right down.
If you're a smoker, suck 'em down before you board - unless you’re crew there is no chance to smoke once on board.

Slow ferries.
Now, we all know that the deck is outside and that's why we are told by the crew to stay there - right? But why are Spiros and Effie with their deck class tickets allowed inside? Basically, the crew blocking the entrances to the inside areas of the ferries are checking tickets that all say deck class and are simply letting the locals inside and telling the tourists to stay outside (not so pleasant on overnight ferries). Five or ten minutes after the ferry leaves harbour.

Here’s what to do. The crew leave the entrances and that's when you backpackers can pile on inside - if you get stopped at one entrance, try another. Once you're inside and comfortably seated the crew don't hassle you.

If you're planning on travelling from Santorini to Naxos on a slow ferry and tragically fall asleep over a few ouzo's only to awake in Athens - don't panic because you just saved a load of cash for a trip you would have had to do sooner or later anyway.
 

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