So, obviously, it's necessary to acquire/beg/borrow/steal or heavily insure a laptop or similar device, and then, clutching it to your chest like a precious child, carry it everywhere with you for two carefree, fun-filled weeks. Something's missing from this picture. Like spontaneity. Like fun. And it may still be useless - while upscale hotels are offering online services, including WiFi and high-speed lines, often your only option for getting online will be to buy a local internet access card (the instructions are usually bilingual, including the support lines) and see if you can plug into your hotel phone.
Fortunately, unless you're a computer-addicted writer like me, there's a great alternative to this form of cyber-slavery, and that's to avail yourself of the growing number of fun, convenient, and (relatively) inexpensive cybercafes. I have a feeling that if Socrates, Plato, Homer, and a few other ancient Greeks are to transmigrate to modern times, we might well find them clutching cups of trendy coffee while engaged in a fearsome electronic debate emanating from the modern Greek computer cafes.
Visiting an Internet cafe is also a great way of meeting locals, sharing experiences with fellow travelers, and enjoying a good cup of coffee in the heart of modern Greek life.
A few things to remember for American and Canadian travelers- in Europe, cheap net access is still a dream. The prices are usually about 4-6 Euro an hour, much higher than you'll pay by connecting to your room phone at your hotel, but often more reliable. Cybercafe connections are also likely to be faster and better maintained than similar connections to public computers at hotels...this is their main livelihood, they have to make it work.
If you can, try to find an internet cafe which advertises on-line games heavily. These are aimed at the young and always have the lowest prices. The "nicer" the cafe, the higher the prices.
Computer cafes are booming, so keep an eye out for new ones to spring up at your feet during your travels in Greece. Internet access is even showing up in standard tavernas and in hotel lobbies. Planning Your Own Trip to Greece? Here's help.
Compare airfares to Greece here: Find Greek Airfares
Compare Rates on Car Rentals in Greece: [Rent Cars in Greece Note: Use the Eleftherios Venizelos option if you need rates from the Athens International Airport at Spata.
