Most travelers take things for granted when they visit a foreign country and hardly ever consider that they need to abide to rules in order to enjoy a vacation without problems. While you read about the Top 10 Best Things to Do in Greece please take some time to read about what you shouldn’t do in Greece, as well.

1. Do not drive a car whilst drunk

Greek drivers aren’t exactly well behaved and you need to be very careful when you drive so you really don’t need additional hazards which come with drinking while intoxicated. Should I also mention the fines? Greek policemen are used to the drinking habits of the locals so they employ breathalyzers en masse after hours.

>>read more about Car Rentals in Greece

2. Do not drive/ride a scooter without a helmet and/or whilst drunk

We know that you can drive a scooter even with your eyes closed but, for your own safety, please ask for a helmet when you rent it. Also, you really don’t want to run into trouble for driving whilst intoxicated, so stay away from the Greek beer, ouzo and wine.

>>read more about Renting a Scooter in Greece

3. Do not expect everything to be “perfect”

Remember you are in the Balkans. Here the trains and ferries get delayed and the person at the counter might not speak English (see no.4). Buses are crowded, the air-conditioning might not be on but that doesn’t mean you cannot laugh about it.

4. Do not expect to speak English EVERYWHERE

Most youngsters do speak English so it’s not very hard to find someone who can help. However, if you go on a less touristy island or even if you venture on hidden alleys in big cities you’ll end up not being able to speak any English at all. I recommend a pocket phrase guide.

5. Do not visit only Athens/Thessaloniki/Santorini/Mykonos

We know that the budget is limited and you probably don’t get too many vacation days annually, but try to think out of the box. Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini and Mykonos are the most well known vacation destinations in Greece but there are plenty other places to check out which are not only cheaper than the above mentioned places but also more relaxed and less crowded.

Read more about
>>Cities and Islands
>>Top 5 Secret Greek Islands

6. Don’t be loud and obnoxious

Especially when you visit churches or monasteries, please keep your voice down. Plus, speaking loudly in any public place is not exactly the best way to be heard (or helped).

7. Don’t eat at (American) fast food chains

We know you are probably addicted to that particular coffee shop or you need to have your serving of French fries from a particular fast food chain but remember that the Greek cuisine is one of the healthiest in the entire Europe. And it’s very tasty. Plus nothing compares to eating the real Greek food in the place where it was invented.

8. Don’t look like a (disoriented) tourist

Let’s be more specific. Fanny pack? Map in hand? Camera hanging on your wrist or neck? What do you look like? You guessed it: a tourist! A disoriented one, who happens to be the best target for pick-pockets and can fall deep in a tourist trap. Take some time to read about what to wear during summer , as well as winter so that you know what to pack in order not to look like you came from Mars.

Photo credit: RobW_ on Flickr