0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and b… Discover it Chrome Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Book a Trip to Greece

How to · Travel

How to Book a Trip to Greece

See the ancient ruins and islands of Greece without draining your bank account by planning your summer escape early.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $3,100 before anything else
Across the 0% window $206.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $3,100 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Picture yourself walking through the sun-baked ruins of the Acropolis in the morning and taking a ferry out to a quiet Cycladic island by the afternoon. Greece in the summer is unmatched, but the best spots fill up fast and prices climb the longer you wait. Booking your flights and ferries early in the year is the only way to lock in reasonable rates before the peak season rush hits.

A trip like this usually runs about $3100 for the basics, which is a lot to hand over all at once. Spreading that cost out over time makes it much easier to handle without ruining your month-to-month budget.

That 0% intro window is a deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when the 15 months are up, interest kicks in on the remaining amount.

The steps

  1. 01

    Book your flights early

    Lock in your transatlantic flights early in the year before airlines hike their summer rates. Mid-week departures usually save you a decent chunk of change compared to flying on weekends.

  2. 02

    Pick your island route

    Don't try to see six different islands in one week or you'll spend your whole vacation on a ferry. Pick two spots that pair well together, like Athens plus Naxos or Milos.

  3. 03

    Map out your stay

    Book your hotels or guesthouses right after your flights are secured. Places with good views and fair prices disappear first, especially in high-demand areas.

  4. 04

    Use your card terms

    The Discover it® Cash Back gives you 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. If you charge the $3100 trip total, paying $206.67 per month covers the balance before that window closes.

  5. 05

    Build your daily cash buffer

    Islands rely heavily on cash for smaller tavernas, buses, and beach chairs. Set aside a specific amount each week so you aren't stuck hunting for an ATM with high fees.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

When is the best time to book Greek island ferries?

Ferry schedules for the summer usually open up around January or February. You don't need to buy them months in advance unless you are traveling during peak August, but booking early secures your preferred routes.

How much should I budget for food in Greece?

You can easily eat well on 30 to 40 dollars a day if you stick to local gyros, bakeries, and neighborhood tavernas. Sit-down dinners in tourist-heavy spots like Santorini will cost significantly more.

Do I need to rent a car on the islands?

It depends on the island. Places like Naxos and Crete are huge and much better with a car, while smaller islands like Antiparos or Hydra are easily navigated on foot or by local bus.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment during the 0% period?

Missing a payment can trigger late fees and might cause the card issuer to end your promotional rate early. Set up auto-pay for at least the minimum so you stay on track.