Guidelines for online travellers

Have you just decided to reserve your next destination for vacations just by sitting on your couch? Whether you have already prepared your friends, or know the destination and the dates for your trip, what are you waiting for? If you are the chief of your gang you have to act accordingly. Below you can see what you should have in mind during the reservation process in order to avoid any hidden charges:

Air-tickets… In case you are preparing to fly with a low cost airline and you are very happy to find a ticket at such a low price, you should be aware that you have to figure out the way by which you will transfer from and to the airport. The costs vary according to the destination so we recommend you to do a research and think that maybe an organised travel package may be of greater value. It will save your money from all those taxi drivers that think that tourists are the perfect victims for that….so call no man happy until he dies!

I can’t spell my name: Unfortunately some people make mistakes even in the simplest things. If you do not want to spend money and Onasis is not your forefather you have to be very careful as you type your name. Even for the smallest detail in a name such as «GEORGIOS» – «GIORGOS» or «XRISTOS» – «XRISTAKIS» you can be charged for 50 euros depending on the airline. So if you are planning to surprise your partner with a trip we recommend you to have a look at his/her ID or Passport information and not at his/her student ID or transportation card. The name…-not the nickname- must be written in Latin characters just right as it is in the travel document (ID or passport) you hold during a trip.

The biter bitten Make sure that the written price that you are about to pay is also the final price and there are no small letters (or big ones) that tell you that you have to overpay for your ticket. Spend some time and attention to those. Make sure that all the airport surcharges are included before purchasing so as not to be surprised. Above all we do not want to spend all of our pocket money that grandma gave us just because we are too bored to read just a few paragraphs that have the title <<Attention!!!>>

Suitcase made of gold You do not want to stay at the airport with your suitcase for sure..huh? (have you found the terminal?). You have to be informed concerning the allowed dimensions and the weight that your luggage must have. It might be desirable to not overdo it with the weight and the dimensions for both the outbound and inbound journey as it is possible to travel without your luggage or pay a huge amount of money in order to have it with you.

Take it easy I am not a terrorist Announcment!!! This goes to all the girls…just to be prepared and to not have any catfight at the airport with your neighbor that joined the trip just because your best friend has a crush with her, according to the flights’ safety regulations, you cannot bring on the plane any of the expensive, odoriferous fragrances that exceeds 100ml. All types of face or body creams are included. So if your night cream is in an XXL package you must part from it for some days. Hope you can!! You are ready…if you think of that as being too much let everyone else to take care of your trips.

The most known site for youth travel packages that takes care of everything. More information in detail can be found in the website: https://www.thegreeks.com/en/

Keep calm and travel on!

The 4 most…Oriental markets of Istanbul

The 4 most…Oriental markets of Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most important cultural crossroads of the world as it is built in the most nodal point between Europe and Asia. The magical pictures, the fragrances and the flavours that can lure you are some of those things that someone can experience while visiting this city. The arcades, the flea markets, small or big ones are spreaded to every corner where someone can find everything that is looking for, drive a bargain and get to know the oriental culture.

The Grand Bazaar (covered market – Kapalıçarşı)

It is one of the biggest and most visitable markets of all times. Its name means “covered market” and its construction began in the 15th century and today it has more than 3.000 shops. In this market, which deservedly competes with all the other malls in the city, someone can find a variety of products for every taste, however many of those are also known as “counterfeit” . It is worth visiting and walking the endless, small roads of the market so as to get to know the majesty of the oriental culture, as its art and architecture are magically combined. Attention! Do not hesitate or embarass to drive a bargain. Do not be fooled by the prices of the products. You can lower the price even by 50%.


Arasta Bazaar

It is a smaller and less bustling market contrary to the Grand Bazaar, thus it is more appropriate for a visitor that looks for a variety of products, without having to walk a lot in order to find them. It is located close to the Hagia Sophia and is mainly known for the handmade carpets. It also has pottery shops, spices, clothes and accessories for every preference. As you finish shopping you can rest at the market’s restaurant which provides you with moments of relaxation and recreation accompanied with live music. The shopkeepers speak Turkish, but do not be surprised if you hear them speak in your language as they can communicate in many languages.


Egyptian Bazaar (Spice bazaar)

The Egyptian Market, by its second name, it’s the representative of spices in the city. It was built in the 17th century next to the New Mosque (‘Yeni Cami’) and is the place where someone can find any kind of spices, dried fruits, herbs, sweets and traditional presents. Only by having a look, you can be overwhelmed by the thousands of colours, scents and flavours, as you notice the pyramids made of spices and the hanged dried products in every showcase. You must be very careful as there are many traders that may try to sell you spices that you are not aware of and probably you don’t need to possess .


Book Bazaar (Sahaflar çarşısı)

The Book Bazaar couldn’t be more perfect for the bookworms and the literature enthusiasts. It is located between the Bayezid Square and the Grand Bazaar and it is the epitome of its kind as it has hundreds of used or authentic books and manuscripts. This bazaar dates from the 15th century and it is worth mentioning that it sustains its content from the first day of its operation in Byzantium. The books are mainly written in Turkish as they are addressed to the students of the university that is located nearby, however it also has foreign literature. Unfortunately, the prices are stable and you cannot drive any bargain in this market.


All the sweetness of Istanbul served to you!

All the sweetness of Istanbul served to you!

Apart from the many sights that someone has to visit, Istanbul is also known for its desserts that every visitor has to try. There are countless desserts but the city is more famous for its syrup desserts rather than the chocolate. Below we present you the most important dessert dishes that you have to try during your trip for which you won’t be disappointed!

Baklava

We couldn’t omit the most important dessert of Istanbul! Baklava originated from the Ottoman Empire and is usually made with peanuts. Recently people make it with walnuts, something that drives everyone crazy! The most famous pastry shop is Karakoy Gulluoglu, it has operated since 1949 and serves thousands of pieces of baklava. The crispy pastry sheet in combination with the fragrant butter and the tasty peanut are the reason that many people visit this place daily!


Turkish delight

Turkish delights are either loved or hated. But when it comes to a traditional Turkish delight everything changes. Turkish delights are made of honey or molasses and then any kind of flavour can be added such as rosewater, orange, lemon, ginger and many others. You can also enjoy your Turkish delight with caster sugar, as the initial version, or with coconut and nuts. Turkish delights are always a traditional dessert for any time of the day.


Kazandibi

Kazadibi is a dessert with a long history. Sultan asked the imam to make a cream for him, but the imam burned the buffalo milk and he named it “kazandibi” , that is the bottom of the pot to justify himself. Since then the dessert has had many admirers and it is undeniably a delicious one!


Orchid Ice-Cream (Dondurma)

Dondurma in Turkish means ice-cream. Greek people are used to refer to ‘dondurma’ and mean the clotted ice-cream (also known ‘kaymak’) which is made with milk, sugar, orchis and mastic. Serving this dessert is a ritual process. The seller wears a fez, a traditional vest and mixes the ingredients with a pole, he throws it up in the air and then places it in the ice-cream cone. Thus, do not try this dessert in a pastry shop but choose to buy it from a seller in the street so as to admire the show as well.


Orchis (Salep)

Finally, we have the flavoured and loved orchis. Orchis is a hot beverage that has the orchid as its basic component which is used in order to make the milk more thick before adding the sugar and the cinamon. It is usually consumed during the winter. You can also find it in many shops, but hawkers sell it as well.


Skopelos: 5 magical beaches!!!

Skopelos: 5 magical beaches!!!

Skopelos is one of the most hospitable and romantic islands of Sporades and is adorned by many beautiful beaches of natural beauty that have crystal clear waters. The main town of Skopelos catches everyone’s eye due to its amphitheatrical architecture and the blue-white colour cast combinations that the houses have. In a small distance away from the centre of the island someone can escape and swim in paradise waters.

Stafilos Beach

Stafilos beach is found approximately 4 kilometres away from the main town of Skopelos. It is a bay surrounded by pine trees, with bright green waters and fine sand. The beach is organised and is equipped with sunbeds, and it has a beach bar and a restaurant. Nothing can ruin the moments of relaxation of those that swim and enjoy the magic of nature.


Agnontas Beach

Next Stop: Agnontas beach!!!! Almost 8 kilometres away from the main town of Skopelos someone can discover a hidden treasure with crystal bright green waters. It is like a work of art…. A picturesque harbour with fishing boats, with a shadow created by a plane tree and scattered taverns with fresh seafood and meze.


Limnonari Beach

The waters of Limnonari beach remind of the calm waters of a familiar lake. After a route of 9 kilometres into nature, the trees and the cool air, you will arrive at this peaceful and beautiful beach. The sunbeds, the taverns and the beach bar provide you all the comforts for an unforgettable day!!!


Panormos Beach

Rumour has it that it is the most famous beach in Skopelos!!! Panormos beach is found in a rich and thick pine forest with crystal clear, green-blue deep waters. The beach is organised and is approximately 12 kilometres away from the main town. Those that love the beauty of the ambience must visit the beach and swim during the evening, while enjoying the sunset that makes this place unique! It is a beach that combines wild beauty and romanticism.


Kastani Beach

Mamma Mia!!!!The beach that we got to know from the famous movie is called Kastani and is located approximately 15 kilometres away from the main town. Apart from being famous, the beach is also very beautiful, while the sea and the pine trees are colouring the landscape with azure and green shades that turn the place into something exotic. The beach is organised and equipped with sunbeds, it has a beach bar and a parking area. Do not miss the opportunity to visit this place!!!! To visit Skopelos at a low price, click here: https://www.thegreeks.com/en/hotels/in/skopelos 


Chania: 6 beaches that you must visit!

Chania: 6 beaches that you must visit!

Chania is undeniably one of the most beautiful travel destinations of Greece.. And of course summer is the best time of the year for someone to visit the island, as the prefecture of Chania has some of the most impressive beaches of Greece. Six of those are presented below by proving that Crete is known for its waters and coasts!

Balos

Some of the places that someone has to visit when arriving is the Balos lagoon. It is located in the northwest point of the island and you can get there by two means: by boat, by taking a cruise to Balos and Gramvousa, or by car until a certain point and then continuing on foot. If you choose the second way the lagoon’s view will reward you during your descent! As you arrive there, you will face a unique spectacle that results from the incredible combination of the shallow, deep-blue waters with the fine white sand, which in some spots is pink! It is worth mentioning that the peninsula of Gramvousa is registered as a Nature region, due to its rare flora and fauna.


Elafonisi

Από τις γνωστότερες και πιο φημισμένες παραλίες της Ελλάδας είναι το Ελαφονήσι, το οποίο βρίσκεται στα 75 χιλιόμετρα νότιο-δυτικά των Χανίων. Στην πραγματικότητα, το Ελαφονήσι είναι ένα μικρό νησί, το οποίο ενώνεται με τη στεριά από μια στενή λωρίδα άμμου, με αποτέλεσμα να σχηματίζεται μια ρηχή λιμνοθάλασσα, με πολύ ζεστά νερά. Από την άλλη πλευρά αυτής της λωρίδας, απλώνονται τα πεντακάθαρα, γαλαζοπράσινα νερά της Μεσογείου, τα οποία δημιουργούν μια τέλεια αντίθεση με την κατάλευκη, λεπτή άμμο της στεριάς, συνθέτοντας ένα τοπίο, που κόβει την ανάσα.


Φαλάσαρνα

Στη δυτική πλευρά του νομού Χανίων, εκτείνεται μια από τις μεγαλύτερες παραλίες του νησιού, τα Φαλάσαρνα, τα οποία έχουν ενταχθεί επίσης στο σχέδιο Natura. Το μέγεθος της παραλίας είναι τέτοιο, που δύσκολα θα νιώσετε συνωστισμό, παρά το γεγονός ότι αποτελεί πόλο έλξης για χιλιάδες τουρίστες. Γαλάζια, διάφανα νερά και ψιλή άμμος, είναι δυο περιγραφές, που αντικατοπτρίζουν πλήρως αυτή την παραλία. Επιπλέον, καθώς η τοποθεσία είναι εκτεθειμένη σε βόρειους και δυτικούς ανέμους, είναι ιδανική επιλογή για όσους ενδιαφέρονται για θαλάσσια σπορ στις ακτές της Κρήτης.


Λουτράκι

Δίπλα στην πόλη των Χανίων, μόλις 16 χιλιόμετρα μακριά, βρίσκεται το Λουτράκι, ένας μικρός, κλειστός κόλπος, που συνδυάζει το γαλάζιο της θάλασσας, με το καταπράσινο γρασίδι των λόφων του. Στη μία πλευρά του κόλπου, εκτείνεται η ακτή, όπου τα ήρεμα νερά της θάλασσας αγγίζουν την χρυσαφένια άμμο της. Από την άλλη πλευρά, βρίσκεται ένας μικρός καταπράσινος λόφος, με ξαπλώστρες, ο οποίος δίνει έναν λίγο διαφορετικό ορισμό στην έννοια της παραλίας. Από εκεί, μπορείτε, όχι μόνο να απολαύσετε την εκπληκτική θέα του κύματος, που συγκρούεται με τα βράχια, αλλά και να βουτήξετε στα σμαραγδένια νερά, για μια πραγματικά ξεχωριστή εμπειρία.


Σούγια

Ένα τελείως διαφορετικό τοπίο συναντά κανείς, όταν φτάνει στη Σούγια, 70 χιλιόμετρα νότια των Χανίων. Η γαλήνη των προηγούμενων τοπίων, δίνει τη θέση της σε ένα ολότελα διαφορετικό σκηνικό. Τα διάφανα νερά παίρνουν ένα βαθύ, μπλε χρώμα, η ψιλή άμμος αντικαθίσταται από λευκά βότσαλα και τα ρηχά νερά μεταμορφώνονται σε βαθιά. Η ζέστη όμως του Λιβυκού πελάγους, η οποία γίνεται αμέσως αισθητή από τη θερμοκρασία του νερού, μαζί με το απέραντο μπλε και τη σχετική ερημιά της παραλίας, συνθέτουν ένα σκηνικό, που αναδύει μια ξεχωριστή αίσθηση ηρεμίας.


Φραγκοκάστελο

Στη νότια πλευρά της Κρήτης, αγκιστρωμένο στο Λιβυκό πέλαγος βρίσκεται το Φραγκοκάστελο. Το παλιό φρούριο, που είναι χτισμένο δίπλα στο κύμα και ορατό από την παραλία, δημιουργεί μια απίστευτη αίσθηση δέους. Η λεπτή, σκουρόχρωμη άμμος και το χαρακτηριστικό βαθύ μπλε του Λιβυκού πελάγους δένουν τόσο αρμονικά με το φαινομενικά παράταιρο κάστρο και σχηματίζουν μια ζωηρόχρωμη εικόνα, η οποία θα σας μείνει αξέχαστη. Εάν επισκεφθείτε την περιοχή, μην παραλείψετε να αναζητήσετε λεπτομέρειες σχετικά με τους Δροσουλίτες και το μύθο γύρω από αυτούς, που σίγουρα θα σας συναρπάσει! Τα φθηνότερα πακέτα για τα Χανιά θα τα βρείτε μόνο εδώ: http://www.18-24.gr/destination/39