Expert: Denny - 6/20/2007

Question
QUESTION: I'm from Seattle and I'm going to be taking the last couple months off of work to go to Europe for the first time.  I'll be starting in Greece alone, and then heading to Italy to meet up with a group for a month, then ending it off at Oktoberfest in Munich.  

As for Greece, I have a flight into Athens on the 9th and out of Athens on the 15th.  Is this enough time to make it to Santorini and Mykonos?  I am 22 and want to get some good partying in.  Flying might be an option if the ferry takes too long to get to Mykonos.  

Also, I have not booked any hostels yet.  Do you suggest doing that before hand, or just showing up in Greece and expecting to find a hostel.

ANSWER: Yiasou Charlie, Thanks for your question,

Damn long flight...less you are going over the poll. Jet lag would wipe me out for aweek! But, I'm not 22!

SLEEP on plane,don't watch movies...

IF you can...reserve a flight to Santorini...also better reserve something in the hostel or camping arena NOW! Spend 2-nites there, (while there RESERVE space on the DAILY hydrofoil to MYKONOS)...RESERVE a spot at PARADISE BEACH (Camping/bungalow whatever available), they have a car that will take you to beach. Enjoy the beach & club Paradiso.  Spend a nite in town too (6-km's - bus or taxi or moped).  

Leave by ferry fm Mykonos to Piraeus sometime on the 14th...check for ferry schedule that suits you...several a day and evening...regular 5-hour(22-euro),
Hydrofoil (2 1/2 hr) about 44-euro.

If you do not reserve there is still a chance that rooms will be available on Mykonos as the turnover is terrific.
Locals will show up and offer you hotel rooms that are WAY out of town...I suggest you reserve a room either INTOWN or on Paradise Beach. There are other beaches and other places on the island that are nice...but you are 22...believe me...the action YOU want is IN TOWN or at THE Beach.

AUGUST is HOT and HEAVY with temperature and tourists.  Space is limited.  I have in the past been denied passage on the ferrys to MYKONOS because I did not have a room-reserved.  I went anyway and slept on a roof.  Not bad really, and 1/2 price.  Next day I scored a room.  I was closer to 22 then.

Calh taxiedi
and have a buon viaggio
DENNY

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have been avidly looking for placing to stay in Santorini and Mykonos, but it seems that all places are for two people or more.  Do people go to the islands alone, or is it something that people tend to do in groups.  Even the campsite had a minimum of double occupancy.  Any suggestions.  The only place that has a mixed dorm on the islands seems to be the Youth Hostel Anna.  It is in the center of Santorini; probably not the best place to be.

Answer
Yiasou again charlie,

JUST A brief follow-up on my last...

IF you do get a double-room as a single...tell the management that you are expecting a friend to join you soon and you want to know if there will be any additional charge...IF they say 'yes' (threaten not to stay there and or bargain for a lower rate).  DOUBLE room should be one-price for one or two ... or they should lower the price somewhat for you by yourself.

Thanks for the kind words...

DENNY  

ask my friend Rita at rita@windmills-travel.com ...