GREECE - Many Pinoys think Santorini is reserved for the rich and famous. Based on my five days here on the most visited island in Greece, you can travel to Santorini on a budget like me. I am here in Europe in preparation for my concert in Amsterdam at the Casa Sofia on June 1 with Nhelly dela Rosa and Vanessa Tan and produced by visual artist and publisher Geraldine Hernandez Martens of Europe Pinoy. 

The “Para sa Pilipinas” concert is dedicated to the Vice President of the Philippines, “Inday” Sara Z. Duterte, as she celebrates her birthday this May 31. I decided to come to Europe beforehand to take my husband Emil and the two kids to Santorini. 

Before watching Mamma Mia, I already vowed to myself that I would bring my family to the black pearl of the Aegean because I visited this breathtaking island fifteen years ago with crooner Eric Santos after our successful concert for the Pinoys in Athens. 

With Santorini’s stunning blue-domed churches, whitewashed buildings clinging to cliff faces, and electric blue beaches, plus the mamma mia vibe, I just had to bring the entire fam here, and to my joy, I could do it on a budget. Here are the tips to go to Santorini without breaking the bank:

1. Several budget airlines operate in Europe, offering competitive prices for flights to popular destinations like Santorini. One key tip is to be flexible with your travel dates. By doing so and booking in advance, you can secure a great deal on airfare, making your dream of visiting Santorini a reality. We came from the beautiful country of Budapest. If you are willing to fly on a 10 kilo- baggage, you can fly round trip from Budapest to Athens for as low as ten thousand pesos, and from Athens to Santorini round trip, you can fly RyanAir for as low as P8,000. 

2.  Once you arrive in Santorini, it's essential to make smart choices regarding accommodation. Do not book in Oia or Fira because that is where the luxury hotels and exclusive resorts are. Consider booking a hotel in one of the less touristy areas of the island, where prices tend to be lower. This is precisely what we did as we booked through booking.com two beautiful rooms at the Artemis Village, a boutique hotel in Caldera Beach. Artemis Village Hotel is a charming accommodation option located near the beach, offering guests a peaceful and scenic setting to enjoy their stay on the island. The hotel provides easy access to the beach, allowing us to relax by the water and soak in the stunning views of the Aegean Sea, which is why you should go to Santorini. The kids enjoyed amenities such as a swimming pool, sun loungers, and friendly staff headed by Mr. and Mrs Artmeis, who are ready to assist with any needs or inquiries. They even offered a free shuttle service to the airport and helped us book our car to go around the island for only thirty euros a day. How much is Artemis Village? We only spent P23,000 for four nights, and that’s two rooms.

3.  When it comes to dining, while there are plenty of upscale restaurants offering stunning views and gourmet meals, there are also many affordable options that won't break the bank. Look for local tavernas and casual eateries where you can sample traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh seafood without spending a fortune. Feel free to wander off the beaten path and explore the smaller villages on the island, where you're more likely to find authentic, budget-friendly dining options. Just look at the price difference: in our area in Karterados Beach, a large mineral water bottle (you cannot drink water from the tap in Santorini) costs .50 cents (euro). When we got to Oia, the supermarket beside Kookoo Café charged us 2 euros for a small bottle of mineral water. What a tourist trap! Other smaller villages to check out for cheap food are Emporio, Pyrgos, and Megalochori. 

4. You can only go to Santorini to watch the sunset in Oia and bask in the view of Fira. So rent a car for thirty euros. It will still come out cheaper because the hotels in Fira and Oia are crazy expensive, and there are too many tourists; you will have no privacy on your terrace. Parking is also free all over Santorini. If you see paid parking, chances are three lots beside it have free parking. Just pay attention to one-way signs so you will not be ticketed. 

In addition to saving money on flights, food, and accommodation, there are plenty of free and inexpensive activities to enjoy in Santorini. Our family took strolls through the charming villages of Oia and Fira, where we admired the Aegean Sea's iconic architecture and panoramic views.  We had no more time to visit the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, an archaeological site that offers a fascinating glimpse into Santorini's rich history. But do place that in your itinerary. My best experience was when we spent a day at the Kaldera beach, swam in their ice-cold water, sunbathed, and relaxed without spending a centavo because the beach entrance was free. By following these tips and being mindful of your budget, you can experience the magic of Santorini without breaking the bank. From affordable airfare to budget-friendly dining options and cheap places to stay, there are plenty of ways to make your dream vacation a reality without emptying your wallet.