Most international travelers know the virtue of carrying an extra change of clothing. Along with that minimum, throw in a sarong.
A sarong can work as a surprisingly warm light blanket, can serve as a top, a skirt, or doubled and wrapped, even as a substitute for a mens' pair of shorts, though I recommend tying it rather carefully for this purpose.
It can also serve as a beach cover up, a beach or picnic blanket, or a towel.
Folded in a triangle and wrapped tightly like a giant bandana, it can form a functional hat.
With a little knotting it can also serve as a shopping bag; twisted into a rope-like shape, it may also tie your luggage together.
It's also a wonderful emergency coverup if your clothing isn't up to the dress-code requirements of the local monastery or church.
In a recent trip to Heraklion, when my luggage had been misplaced in Paris, I realized with shock that while I'd packed an emergency top and undies, I'd skipped bringing a change of pants. Being alone in a hotel room for the night, I also didn't want to either sleep in my clothes or go entirely bare. Fortunately, I had brought a sarong. It served me as a comfortable nightgown that night and was ready to go as a skirt in the morning.
Other travel uses for sarongs include using them as emergency curtains, quick tablecloths, rolling one up to use as a neck pillow, and even instant mood lighting - throw one over the lampshade.
While artful knotting can make a sarong into almost anything necessary, having a few safety pins with increases the possibilities - and can help preserve modesty in a brisk wind. In Greece without a sarong? No problem. Bright Greek entrepreneurs have hit on having sarongs made in Bali using Greek designs. While this isn't quite as Greece-made as I prefer for my souvenirs, many of the designs are beautiful, combining Greek spirals and symbols with Balinese dye techniques. My favorite spot in Greece for acquiring these is the shop along the harbor at Loutro, Crete, where they are displayed by the dozens and exposed to plenty of good Greek salt air.
Planning your trip to Greece? You can compare hotel rates throughout Greece and the Greek islands.
Compare airfares to Greece here: Find Greek AirfaresYou can also pre-book tours in and around Athens: Athens Tours you can Book Direct
