(Editor’s note: We at ttk-old.o2dev.net were looking forward to visiting Greece and taking a small cruise through the Greek Islands in June. The COVID-19 Pandemic changed all that. We hope to try again in a year or two. We had been in contact with Eleni Fotiou about our planned trip. She offered the following travel diary and beautiful photos for families – particularly “skip-gen” – planning to visit Greece.)
By Eleni Fotiou
It is unquestionably my childhood travels that made me the person that I am. These small periods of time in my life that take up a disproportionate part of my memories. Among them stand out my travels with my grandma; they are the ones that trigger the most my nostalgia for my earliest, innocent and pure feelings of discovery; they are the ones that made me look for and, to a certain extent create, the world that I decided to live in today.
My grandma loved traveling, history, and the arts. Like most grandparents, she had the most wonderful stories to tell. Traveling with her was so much fun! Grandparents are the best storytellers because they have the patience and wisdom to become their grandkids’ real companions, to take them by the hand and show them around through their own experiences.
And isn’t this the best possible gift for the young ones! Grandparents today are healthy, active and available. Combining their stories and their unconditional love with the young children’s curiosity connects the kids with their past and their roots, and creates the prospect for great persons in the future!
Four Reasons to Travel to Greece with your Grandchildren
When I was a child and later a teen, the safest way to travel with my grandparents abroad, was to join a package group trip or to book at an all-inclusive resort. Today, travel advisors have plenty of genuine ideas for skip-gen vacations that offer authentic experiences and interaction with the locals away from the usual “touristy” commonalities! And why is Greece a top destination for active grandparents with curious grandchildren?
- Because in Greece no one gets bored thanks to the variety of the landscape and the activities you can indulge in, weather and terrain being helpful most of the time. Activities here are accessible to all generations. Fir tree covered mountains are cool and welcoming, beaches are sandy and safe and the waters are pristine. You can trek, swim or participate in sea tours to explore the islands or watch the dolphins. Or you can relax all day in the shade of a traditional tavern.
- Because Greece is authentic and slow paced, which is something that both grandparents and grandchildren need. There are so many quiet, stress-free and not crowded places in Greece to relax and enjoy nature. Take a mosaic or a pottery class, learn weaving at the loom and create with your grandchildren a work of art through which they will remember you forever.
- Because in Greece you don’t have to worry about food! You can taste original flavors from the fertile Greek land and enjoy farm-to-table meals almost everywhere!
- Because Greece is the place where storytelling was born! The land of history and mythology makes us curious about our past and excites us about our future. What a nice opportunity for grandparents to bond and connect with grandchildren.
So instead of buying them toys, plan a trip to Greece with your grandchildren!
Eleni Fotiou is a travel journalist & founder of MAMAKITA Family Friendly Greece, a travel-consulting platform providing families travelling to Greece with premium and personalized family travel consulting services and custom-tailored, family-friendly tours and activities.
