When planning your honeymoon, two popular destinations often come to mind: The Maldives and Greece.
Both destinations provide luxury, stunning Mediterranean views, a natural romantic environment and adventure all in one. But when deciding which destination is the better fit for you, there are several things to take into account.
Which country is cheaper?
If you’re on a budget but still want somewhere beautiful and stunning, Greece or Maldives are two excellent choices. Both islands boast idyllic beaches, coastal stretches and turquoise-water bays – the perfect combination!
When it comes to accommodation, the Greek mainland offers a more affordable lifestyle than its island neighbors. In Athens alone, an apartment can be purchased for less than half the cost of living as your average London flat!
Public transportation in Greece and the ferry to other European countries are both convenient options. But if you want to escape the crowds and experience true Greek island life, then staying on one of its many islands might be your best bet.
If you’re thinking about moving for work or study, do your research first. The Czech Republic can be an attractive option for those working in banking, IT and services sectors.
Restaurant Prices
Dining out can be expensive, so if you’re on a tight budget, try checking out local diners or budget-friendly buffets. Most of these establishments are worth the price of admission!
Your drink of choice may be the most costly item on your menu, so you may want to consider a more budget-friendly option. On both mainland and island locations, there are plenty of wine and dine establishments with prices as low as chips.
Let’s say you’re a foodie on vacation and looking to save money. There are plenty of upscale restaurants, bars and cafes on the island; but it pays to shop around for discounts or off-season deals. Additionally, try asking at the hotel check-in desk – they often give vouchers that can save you some bucks.
House prices
Greece has weathered two housing price crashes since 2008, yet remains one of the best places to invest in property.
Prices in Greece remain significantly lower than those of other European nations, with a home in an authentic Greek village offering traditional hospitality being purchased for less than 250,000 euros. Furthermore, luxury villas on the coast with breathtaking views, superior comfort and top quality building materials are quite affordably priced.
Furthermore, Greece boasts an average household disposable income significantly higher than other European nations. This makes the country an attractive option for overseas buyers looking to get more value for their money.
Though Greece’s housing market has yet to fully recover from the 2008-2009 recession, it has managed to stay afloat due to strong economic growth and low interest rates. Nonetheless, it should be remembered that these conditions may not last indefinitely; inflationary pressures and declining household incomes can depress housing demand, particularly during times of economic uncertainty.
Food prices
Greece may boast some of Europe’s priciest restaurants, but a quick glance around any grocery store or local market reveals how affordable dining can be in Greece. A gyro sandwich for under $2 is commonplace here; a greek salad costs between $8-9 while an evening meal at one of Greece’s many fine restaurants should not break your budget at all – anywhere from $15-20.
By shopping locally for groceries such as cheeses, grapes and olives, you can save money. Beverages such as frappes (whipped milk, instant coffee (Nescafe) in a glass for under $3 can also be had for less money; the most expensive item on the bill will be a bottle of fine wine at about $5. To maximize savings on your next holiday trip to Greece, be smart and do some research beforehand; some items on mainland Greece tend to be cheaper than in the islands so if you want the lowest cost place to spend your vacation consider traveling during off-season discounts.
Transport prices
The Greek islands provide a range of transport options. These include buses and taxis, as well as metro and tram services. However, some people opt to use their own car when travelling.
Traveling in Greece is the most budget-friendly option: KTEL operates buses that cost 6 euro one way across mainland Greece and most islands. Their extensive network of regional roads makes for convenient connections.
Another popular way of traveling in Greece is by ferry. These cost-effective and convenient services allow you to get from island to island quickly and conveniently.
They offer an idyllic way to take in the country’s splendor, especially during summer months when temperatures are usually warm and sunny.
When planning your travel to the Maldives, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, ferry service isn’t very frequent so you’ll need to organize your itinerary around when they run.
Taxi prices
Greece is a popular tourist destination, and its taxis are cheap and easily available to hail. But it’s essential to know how to navigate the country’s cab drivers in order to avoid scams and unpleasant surprises.
Cabbies in Greece have a reputation for being thug-like, so it is essential to treat them with respect. If a driver attempts to con you, threaten to call the police and they’re likely to stop and charge you the true rate.
Another common trick is to pick up additional passengers – if you don’t want this, inform them beforehand. Not only will this save you money on gas, but it can be annoying waiting while others enter and exit the vehicle.
Greece differs from other countries in that fares are set for each journey. Therefore, it’s wise to inquire your hotel or accommodation host about the standard fare before making your journey. Furthermore, let your taxi driver know you’re a tourist so they won’t quote you an amount you don’t comprehend.
Petrol prices
Recent increases in petrol prices have been unprecedented, and with good cause. A gallon of the stuff in the UK now costs a whopping PS80! If you plan on doing a lot of travelling, take into account this cost as well as accommodation and travel insurance when creating your budget. Travelers looking to save money should do some research into the best deals in their destination of choice. Fortunately, this task is made easy with our handy comparison table and Elsewhere’s helpful team. We’ve crunched the numbers and compiled a list of the best places to buy fuel at your destination. Additionally, we created an informative comparison table so you can compare prices between destinations and plan your budget accordingly. Hopefully this will save you some money and enable you to plan an ideal vacation for yourself and your loved ones – don’t hesitate to get in touch if any questions arise!
Accomodation prices
On one side of the Indian Ocean lies a sparkling strip of cays and atolls fringed with coral gardens – famous for their honeymoon hotels. On the other, thousands of isles boast half-ruined ancient temples as well as yacht-dotted coves offering everything from adventure to luxury cruise experiences.
The Maldives boasts some of the world’s finest beaches, from sand-blasted Maafushi to jungle-backed Lhaviyani Atoll. But if you’re searching for a more budget friendly option or wish to escape the crowds, Greece could be just what you need.
Accommodation-wise, Greece is much cheaper than the Maldives when it comes to accommodation. Most resorts provide either full-board or half-board meal plans and some even include alcohol in their prices.
For a luxurious vacation in Crete, try staying at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa – described as “a Maldives experience in the Mediterranean sea”. With 225 rooms and overwater bungalows that look just like those found on the Maldives, complete with private decks, hammocks and jacuzzis – guests are sure to have an unforgettable vacation.
