24 Hours Before Greece: Sort It Out Today, Leave Calm in the Morning

Get ready today, not at the border

Summer in Greece doesn't start at Bogorodica - it starts the night before you leave. What most people rush through while already stuck in the queue can be sorted out calmly today. Fill up at home, because fuel is pricier in Greece, and get your international driving permit in time - it's mandatory, and you can't obtain it at the crossing itself.

The kit the Greek police check for

Before you leave, make sure your car has a fire extinguisher, a first-aid kit and a warning triangle. They are not a formality - driving without a fire extinguisher carries an 80-euro fine. It's easier to check them the night before than to pay on the way to the sea.

In the morning, check first - then get in the car

Traffic at the border is no surprise - it repeats every summer, in the same time slots. Heading to Greece it's calmest before 06:00 or after 13:00, and on the way home before 12:00 or after 19:00. So before you get in the car, open the live cameras from Bogorodica, Medzitlija and Star Dojran and see how it looks right now. If Bogorodica is packed, go around via Star Dojran. The live cameras, the crowd clock and the full list are on the guide to a holiday in Greece.