Ever since I started working in a travel agency (back in 2002), I formed a bond with Greece and its sights. I was responsible for the Greek hotels and travel agencies we worked with so , inevitably, I made a lot of Greek friends who asked me to visit their lovely country. I was close to doing that back in 2003 and later in 2005 and 2009, but something always happened.

Not anymore as we’ve just booked the flights to Rome and to Athens. So , for 2 weeks in March, we’ll be enjoying what two awesome countries have to offer.

While the time spent in Italy will be part leisure part work (I will have to work at least part time while there) , Athens is research time. However, I am sure it will also be an awesome time.

I’ve also booked our stay in Athens but not in Rome (yet). As for other plans, I do have *some* ideas , but I am just starting to put together a list and do some more research. As usual, once I arrive I start to make plans, rather than before I leave.

For us, this will be a pre-honeymoon as Alex put it yesterday. So I am sure we’ll find some romantic things to do , considering that we’ll be at the sea side in Italy (nope, not staying for a week in Rome, just two days).

I have a love-hate relationship with the sea side. I’ve only been once to a stretch of beach in Romania (in 2006) and totally hated it. It was too hot and didn’t want even to go and dip my feet in it cause it was dirty. But as a friend of mine said, it’s the person you travel with that makes or breaks a trip…so I am sure this time I’ll like it.

Prices, flights, and such

We booked the flight to Italy on WizzAir. Timisoara (TSR) to Rome (FCO) was 68.50 euros (but it’s already more expensive and we made the reservations on Jan 11, 2012). As for the flight to Greece, we booked it via EasyJet and it was 113 euros. Both prices are for 2 adults and round-trip flights.

A general rule is to try to book the tickets in advance. About 4 to 8 weeks in advance ensures the best rates, but that’s not always the case. For example, when I first looked up the flight to Athens it was almost 10 euros cheaper than the price we paid.

As for the hotel, in Athens I’ve found plenty of options around 100-120 euros for 5 nights for a double room. But for Rome, I am still struggling to find something cheap and ok for us (wi-fi is a must considering I need to work and need to check in online for our flights).

Later edit Jan 15, 2012:

Yes, we also booked the hotel in Rome: a private double room in a small guesthouse close to Termini. It was 7.6 euros upfront (10%) and the rest is due on arrival. Now I am a bit more relaxed and can start planning the other activities.