Athens Greece
Despina's Planner Rating
Despina Panagopoulou
Mom of 2
Age : 2.5 year old girl and 6 week old boy!
Resident for : 39
Profession: Psychologist
#1 Travel Tip: Expect the unexpected in Athens! Be prepared for last minute strikes that might interfere with possible plans and always have a back-up plan.
WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING
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We are planning our first trip to Athens and with a city with so much to do it was hard to decide how to best to plan what to do with our time to get the most out of the visit and make it a memorable trip for the little adventurers. We saw the great idea of contacting MomAboard and having an insight from a mum who lives in the country providing with a perspective that you know will be great for travels with children. We received a great itinerary from MomAboard with great ideas of things to do, where to eat and tips to make the most of our stay. As an avid traveller with children and was really impressed with the unique activity ideas that were included and were really off the beaten path hopefully making it a more enjoyable experience for us all.
Nisbah, www.fiveadventures.com
Mother of a 7, 5 and 3 year old
London Athens
About Athens, Greece : The capital of modern Greece and the center of the ancient Greek civilization for over 4000 years, Athens still contains many remnants of its glorious past. Athens is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Acropolis and the Daphni Monastery. And when you’re done sightseeing, there are lovely streets and neighborhoods in which you can relax!
GET TO KNOW DESPINA
Tell us about your life growing up in Athens
Growing up in the city in the ‘80s was much different from nowadays. More open areas to play at – even on the streets (fewer cars). Wandering around Athens was one of the best things to do with my brothers and parents. Visiting the sites and the museums and being able to do so over and over again. Also figuring out the next best spot to enjoy the view of the city and being able to share that with friends visiting from abroad!
What do you love most about living in Athens?
Its history, the people and modern Athens and the variety of things to do that it provides!
What’s one Athens cultural quirk?
Do not take a flower (usually gardenias) from a Roma girl to be found in areas with restaurants/bars/ etc. You will have to give a minimum of 5€ for the flower.
Why is traveling important for a family?
It brings its members closer together and also broadens their horizons. The best way to fight biases about people, places, religion etc.
What’s the hardest thing about traveling with kids?
Combining interests among generations and adjusting the schedule to everyone’s pace.
What’s your favorite family travel destination in the world?
The beach
What’s on your travel wish list?
A family road-trip in the US – show them some of the places I have lived in!
What’s one thing you do on every trip that makes traveling with kids easier?
Prepare ahead of time and have back-up options.
Give us one song from your road trip playlist!
Oh dear . . . so many Greek children’s songs but also “the itsy-bitsy spider.” I have a feeling the songs will change as the children will grow older (I hope!).
