If your trip depends on you saving for it, now is the time to do so. Unless you are planning a student fling, a budget trip, or a completely independent adventure allow anywhere between $250 and $400 a day. This means that a 10-day trip including either a coach tour or a short cruise will cost about $2500-$4000 per person including airfare, moderately priced meals, and some minor souvenir shopping. If you're a gourmet diner, lover of luxury hotels, or a heavy shopper, adjust these figures accordingly.
Do you need a traveling companion to split some expenses? Start screening your circle of friends now. Almost everyone will say they would love to go - but 80% of them won't write the check to the travel provider. Best advice? Have a deadline in place where they must commit their funds - but still prepare to go on your own.
Is health an issue? If so, you may want to wait to pay for your trip at almost the last minute. This will enable you to take advantage of an important loophole in many travel insurance policies, which will waive the pre-existing health clauses for trips paid for within two or three weeks of the departure date.
And since the rest of your preparation schedule depends on it, decide what time of year you want to travel in Greece.
Is it important for you to become very comfortable speaking Greek? Now is the time for the Greek lessons, the tapes, the classes.
Buy a good guidebook and a big map of Greece to help you figure out your travel options. Or order some free maps and books from the Greek National Tourist Organization (GNTO).
