The Greek islands have won international acclaim for being the perfect holiday getaways for romance, wine, azure waters, and glorious sunsets. But with over 200 islands with their own unique attractions, choosing just a few can be tricky. Tune into our guide of the top 3 islands to help you plan your perfect dream holiday.

Santorini

Santorini, arguably Greece’s most famous island is a spectacular blend of pristine beaches and immaculately whitewashed architectural marvels. Santorini’s largest island Thira with its bustling tourist towns of Fira and Oia is a great place to spend the day. For a quieter getaway, find solace in the laidback beaches of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni. From unique beaches with red and black sand, archaeological ruins of the ancient Roman Empire, and the forgotten town of Akrotiri, to spectacular views of Caldera, a stunning turquoise pool at the center of the island, Santorini will take your breath away. Soak it all in to make create memories of a lifetime!

Corfu

Head to the lush green haven of Corfu islands and enjoy citrus and olive trees coupled with uninterrupted views of the pebbly beaches and serene cobalt blue waters. So idyllic is this Greek island that it made the perfect setting for Homer’s Greta Greek epics! No wonder that Corfu is the preferred getaway for tourists who want to escape from the din and hustle of city life, and unwind amidst Nature. Palaio Frourio (Old Fortress) and the Corfu Museum of Asian Art are exceptional historical and religious attractions. Paleokastritsa Monastery and the Corfu Donkey Rescue are unique in their own right and must-visits while at Corfu!

Crete

From balmy and palm-studded beaches, Emerald forests as well as bustling cities amidst ancient ruins, you are spoilt for a choice of things to do on this Sunny isle. The spirited vibe of Crete lends itself to numerous taverns to dine at, raki at sidewalk cafes, stylish bars, and nightclubs, mainly in the Northern parts of Chania or Heraklion. And for those who seek sun and the sea, fear not, for Rethymnon or Agios Nikolaos beaches hold the promise of the great outdoors.

Staycation is one of the few unique trends brought about by the recent global pandemic. While traveling seems to be the commonly popular option after a long house-arrest of this pandemic, a staycation is a more economically feasible and healthy alternative. Staycations provide the opportunity of hassle-free local exploring in a restorative and affordable way instead of expensive busy typical travel itineraries. But, there are some common mistakes the travel experts always warn you about, while planning and during the ‘travel’ to your own hometown. Here they are.

• Missing Out Local Discounts

In almost every place, some hotels, eateries, spas, and attractions offer special discounted rates only for local travelers. So while booking a local hotel or travel experience, don’t forget to ask about special local rates.

• Last Minute Booking

It’s very wrong to assume that early booking is not needed in case of staycations. With domestic travels picking up gradually, staycations are more popular than ever resulting in a rush booking of hotels and attractions. According to travel experts, it’s best to make your reservation at least a month ahead to avoid the fuss.

• Not Packing Properly

Though sounds irrelevant, proper packing is a useful trick of the trade, while planning a staycation, especially due to some pandemic-driven changes in hospitality practices. For example, almost every hotel now is prioritizing hygiene safety and is no longer providing one-time-use toiletries. So, packing your regular-use things accordingly will save you a ton of hassle later on.

• Skipping Research on the Location

According to travel experts, probably the biggest mistake of any staycation planning is not to bother with researching about the destination like any out-of-station trip. Though relatively closer to your home base, exploring new attractions, trying new things, and discovering hidden gems will undoubtedly perk up your staycation, enabling you to appreciate your known hometown in a new meaningful light.

• Failing to Unplug from Mundane Life

The proximity of staycation from your house or workplace can be a burden during staycation causing trouble in disconnecting from your daily life. Choosing a nearby place to be available on short notice, is a sheer waste of the staycation budget.