Tips On How We Traveled For 21 Days In Europe, And How This Blog Can Help You Do The Same

When we decided to go on yet another trip this year, we wanted to make sure that we would go to Greece! But, as you know, it is very expensive to fly straight to Greece. So, we planned to fly to a less expensive European country first, then fly to Athens from there. And the adventure began!

We planned to travel in the Spring of 2018, because, first off, there are less tourists, and flights seem to be cheaper as well.

We start booking our flights and accommodations five months before our departure. This way, you have more time to research for cheaper flights, and most importantly, you get to pay for your trip before you actually leave for your trip!

So, we flew from Toronto to Prague, Czech Republic on April 25, 2018. One way flight for two people cost only $825.90 + $120/person for our checked luggage with TAP Portugal. We did not expect the $120 charge, as Expedia did not specifically mention this fee on their website. So, it is best to call the airline and ask for any additional fees that you should expect at the airport. For accommodation, we stayed at this beautiful Airbnb which is close to the Subway station, and very nice host. We stayed here from April 26-Apr 30 for only $170 CAD. We took Uber from the airport to our Airbnb for $28 CAD. In Prague, you can buy a 3 day Metro pass for less than 30 Euros for two people.

Since Prague is only 3.5 hours away from Vienna, we also planned to take a trip down South of Czech. We rented a car using our Aeroplan points for the car. We only used 18,500 points for two days car rental with Avis from April 27-29. We stayed in Vienna for just one night at Courtyard Marriot for $143.24 CAD. We also passed by Brno so that we would see the Moravian Fields. (more on the specifics of our itinerary in our next blog! Watch out for it :)

TIP #1: Try to book your flights and accommodations five to six months in advance, so that by the time you leave on your epic adventure, you would have already paid for it!

We left Prague to Amsterdam on April 30, 2018. One way flight for two was only $115.13 CAD + $90 CAD checked luggage with EasyJet. We stayed at Van Der Valk Hotel for 2 nights which cost us $342.16 CAD. There is a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel, as well as free buffet breakfast! It is very convenient as the train that goes to Amsterdam is also at the airport. The train to Amsterdam costs us $30.52 for two people, round trip.

Our next stop was Athens! We flew from Amsterdam to Athens for $217.88 CAD one way for two, this included our checked luggage! We then took a cab for a flat rate of $38 to our Airbnb accommodation. The ride from Athens airport to the center of Athens was a breeze. Great views along the way, but as soon as we got closer to the City Center, there was a bit of traffic. But overall, was amazing.

TIP #2: Use just one credit card with travel points which you can use towards flights, hotels, or car rentals. We use American Express® AeroplanPlus®* Card for all our everyday purchases to accumulate points faster!

We stayed in Athens for 3 nights and 4 days. Our Airbnb cost only $220. This is one of the best Airbnb hotels we have stayed in. I would definitely recommend this place if ever you decide to go to Athens!

After Athens, we flew to Mykonos! Our one way flight for two cost $145.84 CAD + $24.00 CAD checked luggage. Our Airbnb host picked us up at the airport for FREE! We stayed here for 3 nights for $208.88 CAD. Another awesome Airbnb as it was very close to the old town. You can walk for about 15-20 minutes, and you're there. They also offered FREE breakfast!

After Mykonos, we flew to Santorini for $145 CAD one way for two people! and this included 2 checked luggage. Our Airbnb in Oia had organized the pick-up from the airport for 30 Euros. We stayed in Oia for 2 nights for $680 CAD. This is the most expensive stay we spent in Greece. But we obviously paid for the views! (More on our Airbnb stay stories on our next blog!) Then, we stayed another night in Fira at Blue Suites Hotel for $112.29 CAD.

Tip #3: It is best to use a charge card, and make full payments every single month to avoid interest charges. This will help alleviate the stress of trying to pay off your credit card coming back from your vacation.

Last leg of our Greece trip was in Crete. We took the high speed ferry from Fira to Crete for $216 CAD for two. We then rented a car using our Aeroplan for 28,000 points from May 11-15. We had to pay for the insurance which costs $229.57. Gas was $60 CAD. Had we paid for the car rental and insurance, it would have cost us more than $700 CAD! We stayed at Molos Bay Beach Resort for 4 nights and 5 days for $381.76 CAD. This hotel offered FREE breakfast buffet! Another awesome hotel that we definitely would recommend for you. It is not only close to the two most beautiful beaches in Greece (Balos and Elafonissi), it is also very close to Chania!

Overall, this trip excluding all other expenses like food, tours (ATV, 1 Day Smart Car rental, etc), entrances, souvenirs had cost us $4730.34. Had we traveled straight to Greece, the flight alone would have cost us $3000 CAD! So, flying to an inexpensive European Country first is your best bet before flying to Greece. More specifically to Athens, as this city is the most inexpensive amongst the other islands in Greece.

Tip #4: When booking your flights and accommodations five to six months in advance, it gives you an opportunity to pay for your trip way before you actually go on your trip!

Please watch out for our next Travel Tips on where you should go in Greece - blog coming soon.

Also, check out our instagram posts for snaps of our travels, and do follow us for updates!

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog, and please do leave us a comment, because we'd love to hear from you! #JustLove