Travel to Italy and Greece

Most people come to Italy and Greece for the rich culture and ancient ruins, but opportunities abound in these countries for outdoor adventure. There are mountains for hiking and climbing and clear, warm waters for snorkeling and diving. And one of the best ways to take in both countries is to sail among their many islands. Travel in Greece and Italy will prove an easy experience, but there are still some important considerations to remember for a trip there.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Take a look at your passport. You will need to have six months remaining validity from the date of your arrival. If you won't have that, renew the passport. Also, you will need at least one blank page. If you don't have that, get more pages added by submitting your passport to the U.S. Department of State or an American embassy.

Step 2

Plan a stop at Rome or Athens if your stay in Greece and Italy will exceed 90 days. Americans automatically receive a 90-day tourist stamp upon arrival in the EU, but a visit past this will require an extension. You will find getting one a lot easier if you take care of it during a stay in one of the two capital cities available during your trip.

Step 3

Visit your doctor and get your shots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests updating your basic vaccinations and getting the hepatitis B vaccination. These are basic health precautions, however, and would be an equally good idea for life at home. What is especially important for anyone who will spend time in rural areas is getting the rabies vaccination. Greece, in particular, has a lot of stay dogs running about, and unpleasant encounters with wild animals are always a possibility.

Step 4

Bring as much of your own gear as you can. Picking up a pair of trekking poles, for example, might be more expensive in Greece and will probably be more expensive in Italy. Also, you might not be able to find the gear you need outside of major cities.

Step 5

Worry about water purification only if you intend to camp in backcountry areas where you will be drawing from local sources. The tap water in Greece and Italy is perfectly safe, so approach water issues the same way you would on a trip at home.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

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