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Greece
Greece: island hopping at the birthplace of democracy
When you speak of the West or Western culture, keep in mind that Greece was where that culture was born. While archaeological ruins permeate this nation on the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula and encompassing islands throughout the surrounding seas, the evidence of antiquity isn’t the only reason why Greece is one of the most favored travel destinations throughout the world. Sandy beaches interspersed with rocky coasts, a mountainous inland, the quintessential Mediterranean climate (think southern California, if you’ve never been abroad), and a laid back, friendly population make Greece a fabulous locale for adventure, relaxation, or a contemplation of a glorious past.
Getting in, out, and about Greece
Like most of the rest of Europe, Greece is a member of the Schengen Agreement. For US travelers, this means that with a mere passport that has at least three months continued validity on it, you can travel anywhere in the Schengen area, including Greece, for up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
If you are a US citizen who was born in Macedonia, however, you may face additional requirements for getting out, and you should consult the US State Department’s website for additional information: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/greece.html. One possible consequence is that if you are male, you may be pressed into the country’s mandatory military service, so check with the State Department and plan accordingly.
Like most of the rest of Europe, you do not need any special vaccinations for your travel, although some travelers will get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B, and for rabies. In the case of the latter, it is uncommon for dogs to be carriers, and this is largely a precaution against exposure to bats. Check with your local physician about your travel plans to see if any of these vaccinations would be appropriate for you.
While there are no currency requirements, you may be asked to furnish proof of a return ticket or an onward travel destination, as well as enough money to get by in the country. In addition to this, you should be aware that unlike in the US, it is illegal to carry mace or pepper spray. Drug laws are rigidly enforced in Greece, and the society is sufficiently anti-drug oriented that you may risk being reported to the police by an average citizen if caught. Penalties for possession of even the smallest amounts can lead to long term incarceration, so don’t take any chances.
Another practice that US travelers should remain wary of is the purchase of black market goods, which are illegal. Even though in some places in the larger cities, knockoffs and pirated goods are sold along the street, possession of these is against both Greek and US laws and potentially subject to prosecution.
Greece is a relatively safe country with very few instances of violent crime. However, since it is one of the southernmost entries into Europe, it has been prone to occasional terroristic attacks. What is more common are public demonstrations and marches, which happen frequently, particularly around the universities. While these are mostly peaceful, they can sometimes get out of hand, and you are advised to steer clear of them.
Another possible circumstance of violent crime perpetrated towards tourists stems from concerns over illegal immigration. Travelers of African, Asian, Hispanic, or Middle Eastern descent have been targeted in the past. These instances are relatively rare, however. Greece is a safe place to travel generally, and the biggest instances of crime against tourists tend to be characteristic of tourism everywhere: pickpockets and petty theft. Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid attracting undue attention by wearing expensive jewelry or flashing large amounts of money.