Wondering what it’s like to travel to Greece as a family during the pandemic? Our Head of Product visited Greece with her family in August 2021. While it does require extra planning, getting in and out of the country is easy. At-home test kits are a convenient way to test the whole family and have your results on hand quickly. Alfresco dining during the summer months is a safe way to enjoy Greek food and culture. Pick up more tips from Yenyi in the trip report below.
After a prolonged period of restrictions, encompassing eighteen long months characterized by lockdowns, the creation of social bubbles, and the necessity of Zoom-based schooling, our entire family eagerly anticipated the opportunity to travel once more during the summer season. However, with two young children in our family ineligible for vaccination against the prevalent virus, we prioritized identifying a destination that offered ample opportunities for outdoor adventure. This would ensure we felt comfortable and secure while traveling with our children.
Ultimately, we selected Greece as our destination, predominantly drawn by the allure of its breathtaking and renowned beaches. While none of us in the family had previously had the opportunity to visit Greece, I had been captivated by the abundance of stunning photographs I had encountered across various platforms, including Instagram and the broader internet landscape. The serendipitous discovery of affordable airline tickets to Athens coincided precisely with the commencement of our destination search, effectively solidifying our decision.
Navigating the logistical aspects of international travel during a pandemic required careful consideration and attention to detail.
Since April 2021, the Grecian Government has maintained a commendable level of clarity and consistency regarding its travel policies and guidelines. This clear communication instilled in us a sense of confidence that the established protocols would not be subject to abrupt alterations or last-minute modifications. For travelers originating from the United States, the stipulated entry requirements consisted of either presenting a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result obtained within 72 hours of the intended travel date or furnishing proof of vaccination against the virus. It is important to note that children under the age of 12 were specifically exempted from these requirements. Given that both my husband and I had received our vaccinations, we duly completed the Grecian Government Passenger Locator Form (PLF), meticulously uploading our comprehensive travel details along with digital images of our vaccination cards. This constituted the entirety of the prerequisites, and we were able to complete this process conveniently within 48 hours before boarding our scheduled flight. The entire procedure proved to be remarkably straightforward and efficient.
Upon our arrival at the bustling Athens airport, we were informed that airport authorities were conducting random secondary screenings on a selection of flights each day. As part of this process, all passengers arriving on the selected flights were required to undergo a rapid PCR test directly at the airport. Regrettably, our flight was among those chosen for this additional screening measure. While the airport staff demonstrated commendable efficiency and friendliness throughout the process, it nonetheless required approximately one hour to process all passengers on our flight, adding an unexpected delay to our arrival.
Fortunately, the process for our return journey home proved to be equally streamlined and uncomplicated. As a prerequisite for air travel, a negative Covid test is mandatory, prompting us to procure the Abbott labs BinaxNow at-home test kits. Utilizing these kits, we were able to conveniently administer the required return home test in the comfort and privacy of our hotel room, accompanied by a relaxing glass of wine. You can read more about the test process here. The test results were swiftly available within a mere 15 minutes and were automatically accessible through the associated mobile application. Upon reaching the airport for our departure, we simply presented the QR code displayed on the application to the check-in agent, thereby confirming our compliance with the testing requirements and securing clearance for our return flight. Furthermore, the test results were also delivered to our email address, enabling us to print a backup copy for added assurance.
Despite the ongoing global pandemic, we felt remarkably safe and secure throughout our sojourn in Greece. The majority of individuals we encountered in various settings, including hotels, restaurants, and tour guides, consistently wore masks, demonstrating a commendable commitment to public health and safety.
To facilitate and maintain adequate social distancing measures, the majority of restaurants exclusively offered outdoor seating arrangements, which proved to be perfectly acceptable and even desirable to us. This allowed us to fully savor the pleasant weather conditions and picturesque surroundings. During a few days when Athens experienced particularly hot weather, we opted to dine indoors. In such instances, we were required to present our vaccine cards as proof of vaccination status. Notably, digital photographs of the cards were deemed acceptable, and none of the restaurants encountered any issues with recognizing or accepting US-issued vaccine cards.
Throughout the majority of our trip, we intentionally prioritized spending our time engaging in outdoor activities amidst the stunning natural beauty that Greece has to offer. A particular highlight of our vacation was exploring the diverse array of beaches located on the enchanting island of Crete, providing a refreshing and delightful respite from the scorching August heat. We visited Elafonissi Beach. In addition, we also embarked on explorations of significant archaeological sites, including the iconic Acropolis and the historical Knossos Palace, where our children had the opportunity to learn fascinating stories from Greek Mythology. We relished the experience of discovering quaint, small local villages, where we gained insights into their traditional foods and time-honored crafts. One such notable village was Margarites, a charming locale renowned for its pottery production, a tradition that dates back to Roman times. In Margarites, we visited a pottery shop.
Considering the abundance of exceptional outdoor activities suitable for the entire family, the consistent and transparent entry regulations implemented by the Grecian government, and the robust COVID-19 policies enforced within the country, Greece emerged as the ideal destination for our family’s first international trip following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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