Greek Islands - Is �500 enough Money??

[Hazel104]

Hi there, myself and my partner are going on an easyCruise for 9 days, starting in Athens and going onto places such as Corfu, Keffallonia, Ithaka and then sailing back to Athens. We have a tour each day to the major sights as part of the package. Now we have �500 (about 635 Euros') for the 9 days, which will be paying for food/drink, nights outs out to bars etc. Do you think this will be enough to get by on? I'm starting to worry (admittedly I do do a good line in worrying ;-) ) that it is not quite enough and we will have to be watching the pennies, which are never nice on holiday, is it? Any help/advice would be very much appreciated.

[IggyB]

well thats �55 per day for both of you so �22.50 each per day - so it sounds to me like you'll have to be quite careful with the money, especially if you are buying your own food and drinks ... does the cruise not provide meals etc?

[Hazel104]

Hi

I should have thought of it like that!

They do have restaurants but it�s a la carte so quite expensive, they are now offering a deal where you get 50% off if you buy a meal package when booking, and as we�re already booked they will not let me buy the meal package!

Oh well, looks like we'll have to watch what we spend - but at least we'll be on holiday!

Thanks for the help

[LoftyLottie]

I would think it dubious that this will even cover your meals on a cruise. It would probably be OK for a Greek Holiday where you could eat and drink at local cafes and restaurants but on board eating and drinking is more expensive. However, if your tours each day include meals you should be OK. Just eat more at lunchtime and make sure you go on shore in the evenings to eat and choose bars and restaurants where you see loads of locals - they are cheaper.

Don't worry about, you will cope and have a lovely time.

[Hymie]

Admittedly it was over 15 years since I was last on holiday in Greece, but eating out was dirt cheap (a good meal with retsina could be had for less than a fiver) and booze was less than half the price in the UK.

Perhaps things have changed over the last 15 years, but I would be upset if I could not enjoy myself (not go mad) on �22.50/day � especially if my accommodation & day activities were taken care of.

[pink-kittens]

Personally I don't think this is nearly enough if you are having to buy your own meals too. �22.50 per day as per Iggy's working out, is not a lot of money and don't forget you will also want to buy souveniers for yourselves.

What happens if one of you needs medication? Or becomes very ill whilst away? Even with your EHIC card you are NOT guaranteed free medicines or medical care in any European country. Sorry to look on the bleak side but I think it is important you consider this before you go. When are you going BTW?

Have you got any credit cards you could take for emergencies?

[Hazel104]

Hi All

Thanks Lofty & Hymie
We are able to eat locally rather than on the ship, apart from breakfast as the cruise gets to each port early morning and doesn�t leave for the next island until 2/3am.
We had a talk last night and we think we can scrap a bit more money together and are just grateful to be going away really, as its been 5 years since we've had a holiday!

Pink Kittens
We don't do credit cards I'm afraid. We are fully insured for the trip and have our life/accident cover so that should cover anything major. And if we find ourselves in a real emergency we both have family and friends that will be able to put money in our accounts if need be. Any day to day meds will be coming with us so we shouldn't need to buy any of that.

Thank you all, you helped me look at it all in different light.

[pink-kittens]

Insurance is good!

Have a lovely time Hazel :)

[LoftyLottie]

You'll be just fine. We never take much spending money abroad (can't afford it) and we manage to have a great time. Sunshine, beautiful views and good company - all are free! (and we don't do presents or souvenirs any more).

Glad you have insurance - really essential as I have found out on several occasions. Although we don't do credit cards I do have one for emergencies. It's a very quick way of getting out of a mess and you can pay it back in full when you get home without incurring any interest. It does give a certain amount of peace of mind. However, debit cards are also accepted nowadays (although this costs more!).

Have a really lovely time. Greece and her Islands are absolutely beautiful! xxx

[Hazel104]

thank you!

you've both put the smile back on my face!

xxxx

[Dee Sa]

hope you have a great time.
Dee