11 Things NOT to do in Greece - MUST SEE BEFORE YOU GO

Okay, so before I say anything, it's important that you know how important this place is. I mean, if you look back at ancient Greece, you'll find not just similarities between food and culture, but also more broad topics like government and way of life. Greek cultures influence your day-to-day life in so many ways, so many that I can't even put them all into words. Now that being said, there are a number of things that you should know before you go visit Greece. Here are 11 things you should absolutely not do while visiting. Number one, always tip. Now, I don't really care what your tipping philosophy is while you're at home, but while you're traveling, that ---- kind of matters. You should definitely always tip while in Greece. Now, it doesn't have to be a lot, you know, a few coins, maybe round the bill up, but it's just important to show your appreciation for who's serving you. Number two, avoid tourist traps, especially those restaurants where they have the guys outside with the menu trying to get you inside, which is a pretty dead giveaway that it's going to be a bad time. Instead, I'd suggest trying to venture a little bit further into the town that you're at. Try and find a place that's a little bit quieter, more Greek, more locals, you know, overall it's just going to be a better experience. Number three, don't stay in one place. Now, look, Greece is huge. Both the islands and the mainland have amazing things to see. From beaches, to history, to culture, you can't really go wrong. But the only way you can't go wrong is by staying in one place like Mykonos, for example, when the Cyclades Islands have so much more to offer. You know, Peros, Andros, Mylos, these are slightly less touristy places that are just as accessible, and in a lot of ways, a lot cheaper. There's no point getting stuck at a hotel on a tourist island, when what you really want to be doing is exploring Greek culture, Greek food, seeing it for what it really is. Number four, avoid politics and religion. Hey, as tourists, can we just all agree to avoid these super polarizing debates about ---- that we have no idea about? I mean, Greece is a perfect example. Whether or not you think you know about their financial situation, or their situation with neighboring countries, it's not your place when you're traveling. So why the **** would you bring that up when you're there? But yeah, just keep that to yourself, I guess. All right, you know what, for five, let's just get this stereotype out of the way, and it's calling someone malaka. Translated English means like jerk, or idiot, or wanker, I guess, if you're English. Sometimes locals will try and prank someone they just met by telling them to say that to another Greek person. Now, of course, it doesn't always mean that, especially among a group of friends, but as a tourist, you just don't want to say that to anyone, because they're trying to be as respectful as you can be while you're there. Basically, malaka, don't say it. Oh, this sounds like a don't do drugs commercial, but it's still true, I swear. Number six, don't trust traffic signs. This is especially true if you're renting a car, and you plan on driving by yourself, but Greeks might have a different idea of traffic than you're used to. For example, motorcycles will ignore red lights, no question. Stop and yield signs are merely suggestions, and double and triple parking on a red is pretty normal. Basically, it just means be aware. Some countries, if it's green, you can walk without looking, and maybe not here. Number seven, don't try and out-drink them. Now, look, I've tried ouzo before, I've tried Sapporo before going to Greece, and I love both, and I tend to drink a lot of alcohol when I'm traveling. Now, that being said, definitely don't try and out-drink any Greek people that you're with, because for some reason, that ---- hits differently when you're there. I'm on vacation, right? Why not? I definitely had more than one night where I was more drunk than I intended, and while I definitely recommend trying both Sapporo and ouzo, it's important to keep in mind they'll probably be able to drink more than you. Number eight, don't be afraid to talk to locals. This is really important, because Greek people are so friendly, and you can open up so many opportunities by just learning a few phrases in Greek. Even something as simple as kalamera, which means good morning, not to be confused with calamari, which is a type of prepared fish, or ephiristo, which means thanks. It's simple things like that that can unlock a whole world of possibilities for you, and there's no reason not to learn this. Of course, most people in Greece do speak English, but connecting with someone by learning just one word in their language is invaluable when traveling. Number nine, don't expect it to be on time. Now, in some countries like Japan, for example, everything goes to the second. Everything shows up exactly when it's supposed to, and there's no dilly-dallying. Greece, on the other hand, is more of a laid-back, relaxed culture, and things like buses and trains can be late five to ten minutes, and your friends might not show up for 15. Who knows? So as long as you go into it with the same relaxed attitude, just letting it happen whenever it does, you shouldn't have a problem. Number 10, smoking. Now, it may surprise a lot of people, but smoking and smoking inside is pretty common in Greece. Almost around 37% of Greeks smoke, and you shouldn't expect that the bar, or maybe even the restaurant, is non-smoking. So there's no point in searching for a specifically non-smoking place because you'll waste the entire night doing it. It's one of those things you're going to have to accept while you're there. And last but not least, my favorite, number 11, make sure you enjoy Greece. Greece is such an amazing place with so much to see and so many people to meet, and I don't want this video to freak you out. You know, most of this stuff is basic guidelines and things that you should look out for while you're there. You know, things to keep in mind rather than strict rules. So I hope you guys enjoyed that video. Let me know what you thought down below. If you have any additions, if you have any corrections, I'd love to hear them. Other than that, I hope you guys have a great day, and I'll see you later.