Before You Go

Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011

So, you’re coming to Greece for the 2011 Games. Congratulations! Please
take a look at this presentation before you come. We’ve got useful
preparation tips for your travels and some steps you can take to insure your
trip is a fun and successful one.

A good place to start learning about Greece is on the Department of State’s

travel website, Travel.state.gov. Go to the Country Specific Information
pages for Greece to get a great overview of the country. You can find that
here: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1127.html

Also, the official Greek travel website is chock full of useful information on
traveling here. Check it out here:
http://www.visitgreece.gr/portal/site/eot/

Camera? Check. Sunscreen? Check.

Useful information? Check.
 Before You Go
Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011

STEP - Before you leave the U.S. for the Games in Athens, we
suggest you enroll in the U.S. State Department’s Smart
Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). The process is easy and
will let us know that you are coming to Greece.

Through the STEP program, you will receive updates on

Travel Alerts and other information for Greece. It will also
help us to better assist you in case of an emergency.

You can enroll in the SMART program here:

https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
 Before You Go
Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011

Passports - It’s a good idea to make a

photocopy of your passport before you
leave. Leave your passport in the hotel
safe and carry the copy. Pickpockets are
very active in Athens, so always be aware
of your surroundings and make sure you
know where your valuables are, especially
on the Metro.
Credit Cards - It is also a good idea to keep
your credit card information in a safe
place, too, in case you need to call and
cancel a card. If you can, leave a second
credit card in the hotel safe, in the event
your primary card is stolen. If you don’t
really need something, don’t carry it
around!
 Before You Go
Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011

Travel Insurance - It is our experience that

buying travel insurance before a big trip is
worth the expense. Medical expenses
overseas can be extremely costly. Talk to
your insurance provider about travel
insurance before you and your family come
to Athens for the Games. Here is a link to
the State Department’s page on Medical
Insurance:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/
cis_1470.html
 Before You Go
Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011

Emergencies – memorize the number 112! This is the

European SOS number, equivalent to 911 in the U.S. In
case of injury, poison, fire or need for the police, call this
number and the operator will speak English.

Also familiarize yourself with the Greek police symbol and

what Greek police and police cars look like. They are there
if you need help.
 Before You Go
Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011

Airport - If you or your family are flying into

Athens, you’ll be coming to Athens
International Airport, also called Eleftherios
Venizelos Airport. It is located about 20 miles
outside of Athens. You can rent a car and
drive in, take a taxi or a bus or take the metro.

On the airport’s website you can find more

information on getting into the city, as well as real-time information on
departures and arrivals. See here:
http://www.athensairport-2001.gr
 See You There!
• Your “suitcase” is full of good ideas and useful
information about travel safety.
• You’ve registered with STEP
• You’ve looked at websites to plan your visit.
• You’re bringing only what you need.
• You’re READY! Athens is waiting for you!