FAQs
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1. What is Greece’s COVID travel guideline?
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A. Regarding US citizens traveling to Greece: COVID-19 Information | U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Greece (usembassy.gov) Starting April 19, 2021, Greece will allow entry for residents of the United States, EU and Schengen states, and certain other countries. All travelers over the age of five must present a negative PCR test for entry. However, travelers who have proof they have completed COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days prior to arrival in Greece are not required to present proof of a negative PCR test. Please review Protocols for Arrivals in and Departures from Greece for details on entry requirements and other health-related rules for travelers. Be aware transit countries may have differing requirements and timeframes for testing. More in link provided. Embassy of Greece Covid Info: https://gr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ Arrival in Greece: https://travel.gov.gr/#/
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2. Do I need to be vaccinated?
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A. To protect yourself and others, we recommend vaccination so we can maximize group enjoyment indoor and out. If you are not vaccinated by travel date, please follow Greece's mask wearing protocol.
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3. Do I need to go for a full two weeks?
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A. You can choose to participate in leg 1, 2, 3 or all of the above. We are limiting the 3rd leg to 8-10 people. B. Pon’s 50th will be celebrated in Spetses between Tues, Sept 7 & Sun, Sept 12
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4. What can I expect on this trip?
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A. Relaxation, celebration, connection with old and new friends B. We have identified a hotel to base ourselves at each of the three destinations. Our preference is to have everyone stay at the same hotel, which would help with coordination. C. Description of the types of things we would like to do can be found in the “Schedule” section. More things will be added to the website under “Things to Do” for your info.
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5. Will there be tours and an itinerary for each day?
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No. There will be info on things we can do, but we can discuss once there and take things one day at a time based on how feel. There will be some group dining, beaching, exercising, exploring, celebrating, but you can also do your own lounging and exploration. We are not on a schedule; we are on a holiday!
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6. How can I learn more about the trip?
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We have two zoom sessions to go over the trip’s itinerary, address questions and share preferences. Thurs, 6/3 at 7:30 PM & Wed, 6/9 at 7:30 PM
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When do I need to RSVP and do my bookings?
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7. Please RSVP by 6/13 as we are looking to do a final count and get back to folks by 6/15. Recommend booking flights and hotels early, as price will increase as things continue to open up. Most hotels allow free cancellation even up to a week or a day prior to check-in. Please send any questions to Ponkhamvongsa@hotmail.com (703 855 9103), Dena.tompros@gmail.com. We can also cover them on the zoom call for the benefit of others.
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8. If I am traveling by myself, is there someone I can share a room with?
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There are individuals traveling. If you are interested in room-sharing at any of the destinations, reach out to Pon.
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9. Which flights are folks taking (Pon, Reg, Dena & Doran flights below)?
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DEPART USA //Pon & Reg DEPART DC 9/3/21 10:00 AM Wash DC AA -1176 via JFK 9/3/21 6:00 PM AA -334 Athens ARRIVE 9/4/21 10:35 AM// //Dena & Doran DEPART DC 9/3/21 5:35 PM Wash DC UA982 non-stop ARRIVE ATHENS 9/4/21 10:20 AM// DEPART GREECE //Pon & Reg 9/18/21 2:15 PM Athens AA 759 via Philadelphia AA 4693 9/18/21 9:02 PM Wash DC 9/18/21 10:15 PM// //Dena & Doran DEPART ATHENS 9/19/21 12:05 PM Athens UA983 non-stop ARRIVE Wash DC 9/19/21 4:15 PM// //Full Itinerary here: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=om#inbox/KtbxLxGrSnKtZvvJwwHcHJqVMnqzkbpSxB?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1//
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10. Do we get around in Uber or rent a car?
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Uber only operates in Athens. We will be walking in Athens and Spetses. In Spetses, there is a 10 min walk to the beach and can catch a bus to the next beach. We will have two rental cars in Tolo to go to Nefplion and Argos, where Dena relatives reside. For transportation to and from island to/from the airport, we will be taking a ferry, metro from hotel, book a car. For more Uber info, see https://www.tripsavvy.com/using-uber-in-greece-1525831
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11. Any thoughts on travel insurance, health and safety?
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From Dena: When booking flight travel, United, which has a direct flight from Dulles to Athens, offered Trip Insurance through Travel Guard, which actually is supposed to cover some of this kind of thing. The fee charged was $27. Detail coverage can be provided upon request.
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12. Do we use credit card primary or some cash (euros) are needed? Part 1
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Hotels – credit card is fine / may want to use a debit card instead, as this may charge but reimburse all conversion fees. Restaurants, major stores – most take credit cards, but some smaller ones prefer or may only take cash. Your credit card may charge a conversion fee 2. If you use a debit card from your bank, you should check your bank’s policies on conversion fees. Mine (First National Bank) charges you a fee but reimburses all of it. 3. My practice: NEVER get dollars exchanged for euros at a Travellex or at an exchange service!!! i. I use only my debit card for larger transactions and also use my debit card to get cash. There is a limit of $400 Euros per day typically ii. At flea markets or at Plaka in Athens, you will want to use cash – this way, you have a bartering position (Greeks are open to barter (especially if you’re buying multiples of something) and if you use a credit card, you have completely lost your bartering position).
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13. Do we use credit card primary or some cash (euros) are needed? Part 2
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Get your euros at the airport when you arrive in Athens (or if you have a layover in Germany or some other European country, you could do it there too). 5. Your debit card should have on the back what network it is in (e.g., Cirrus, or other) and just look for an international bank that supports your network. I haven’t found this to be a problem at all when traveling to Europe. 3. No matter what, you will want to go online prior to departure and let your credit card company and bank know what countries you are traveling to (include any connections along your flight) so you don’t get fraud notifications preventing you from being able to complete a transaction.