Problems with Greek economy effecting travelers?
Jan 5th, 2012, 06:55 AM
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Problems with Greek economy effecting travelers?
We're tentatively planning a trip to Italy and Greece and wondering if the economy is effecting bus, train, ferry schedules and prices overall for tourism in Greece. Are there fewer scheduled trips on public transport? Have hotels and restaurants significantly increased prices and or taxes for tourists? Any responses from locals or recent travelers sincerely appreciated!
Thanks!
Saige
Thanks!
Saige
Jan 5th, 2012, 07:36 AM
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As a local i would say :
everything is normal, nothing has changed, busses, trains, ferries operate as they always have,hotel prices have dropped in most Greek destinations. ( with a very few exceptions).
In restaurants and hotels same taxes are applied to everyone.... tourists don't get different rates.....
I am sure that you won't even notice that there is a crisis in Greece.
everything is normal, nothing has changed, busses, trains, ferries operate as they always have,hotel prices have dropped in most Greek destinations. ( with a very few exceptions).
In restaurants and hotels same taxes are applied to everyone.... tourists don't get different rates.....
I am sure that you won't even notice that there is a crisis in Greece.
Jan 5th, 2012, 08:10 AM
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Last summer we did experience a strike that affected the ferrys for a day but no one seemed to be put out about it. I can't think of a better place to be stuck for a day than a Greek Island. Just make sure you plan to be back a day or two before your flight home so these kind of delays won't affect you. Of course there were a few disruptions to flights when the air controllers went on strike but overall the delays were timed so that the airlines could adjust.
We walked into a demonstration in Athens which was in one location with police lines on the perimeter, lots of loud voices and a crowd inside the protest area and life going on as normal just a few meters away. In fact we sat and read our books and had a picnic on a bench about 100 meters away and were not disturbed at all.
There was no signs of this kind of activity on the islands.
Prices for accommodation and dining seemed pretty much the same as previous years with the exception of hard booze where I saw a price increases caused as I understand it, primarily by a tax increase. Here in Canada we call that a sin tax and happily pay it.
We walked into a demonstration in Athens which was in one location with police lines on the perimeter, lots of loud voices and a crowd inside the protest area and life going on as normal just a few meters away. In fact we sat and read our books and had a picnic on a bench about 100 meters away and were not disturbed at all.
There was no signs of this kind of activity on the islands.
Prices for accommodation and dining seemed pretty much the same as previous years with the exception of hard booze where I saw a price increases caused as I understand it, primarily by a tax increase. Here in Canada we call that a sin tax and happily pay it.
Jan 5th, 2012, 08:29 AM
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stanbr, Thanks. We're generally flexible in our travel plans and can cope with delays if need be. Greece has been on my list for a long time and I'm excited to finally be planning this trip.
Jan 5th, 2012, 08:35 AM
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sarge,
I hate to be the person raining on this parade, and I realize the importance of tourism to Greece and Greece to your travel agenda, but when is this trip?
I would wait until March at least to book anything unrefundable. People's experiences of yesterday are not a sure guide of what will be happening over the next few months in Europe.
I hate to be the person raining on this parade, and I realize the importance of tourism to Greece and Greece to your travel agenda, but when is this trip?
I would wait until March at least to book anything unrefundable. People's experiences of yesterday are not a sure guide of what will be happening over the next few months in Europe.
Jan 5th, 2012, 08:46 AM
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We spent a couple weeks there last May/June and were not in any way affected my the political and economic situation. We didn't find prices to be much lower than normal, but it was early in the tourist season yet and hoteliers may have lowered prices further into the season.
I do think Zeppole has a good point though. If we were heading to Greece again this year, I'd probably wait until fairly close to my trip to book anything nonrefundable, or I would purchase the expensive type of travel insurance that allows you to cancel for any reason. Most travel insurance policies specifically exclude cancellation due to political upheaval, so read the fine print carefully.
I do think Zeppole has a good point though. If we were heading to Greece again this year, I'd probably wait until fairly close to my trip to book anything nonrefundable, or I would purchase the expensive type of travel insurance that allows you to cancel for any reason. Most travel insurance policies specifically exclude cancellation due to political upheaval, so read the fine print carefully.
Jan 5th, 2012, 08:50 AM
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zeppole,
I posted because my spouse has read some alarmist predictions and asked me to inquire on "my" travel forum. I was trying to get a feel for what is happening now, that's why I asked for locals or recent travelers to respond. Of course, things can change over time. I appreciate your response and advice. Our trip will be later in the year. Thanks for responding! Saige
I posted because my spouse has read some alarmist predictions and asked me to inquire on "my" travel forum. I was trying to get a feel for what is happening now, that's why I asked for locals or recent travelers to respond. Of course, things can change over time. I appreciate your response and advice. Our trip will be later in the year. Thanks for responding! Saige
Jan 5th, 2012, 08:54 AM
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P.S. If there were to be any demonstrations in Athens while you were visiting, they would almost certainly be easily avoided as long as you don't stay in a hotel on Syntagma Square. Book something in the Plaka or near the new Acropolis Museum (world class, by the way!!!!). Were I in your shoes, I personally would go. Greece is a beautiful company and the people are among the most hospitable I've ever met. Learn a few Greek phrases before you go, if you can 
.
.
Jan 5th, 2012, 09:31 AM
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The one thing I would advise would be for you to save your time on the mainland until the end of your trip. This leaves you with some extra time to return from the islands in case there is a strike, or a delay caused by mechanical breakdowns or weather.
Jan 5th, 2012, 11:35 AM
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The main effect on tourists from the euro crisis has been to push the value of the euro down from an average of $1.47 in 2008 to a current $1.28. This means, all other things being equal, that prices in dollars are actually lower than before.
The state of the economy in Greece is of great concern to Greeks, and I wish all my Greek friends well. But that shouldn't be a worry to tourists from outside the eurozone, who will always be welcome in Greece. Whatever happens, hotels and restaurants will still be open, and ferries, flights and buses will continue to run. If anything, I would be more worried about travel to certain other eurozone countries, where the worst is yet to come.
The state of the economy in Greece is of great concern to Greeks, and I wish all my Greek friends well. But that shouldn't be a worry to tourists from outside the eurozone, who will always be welcome in Greece. Whatever happens, hotels and restaurants will still be open, and ferries, flights and buses will continue to run. If anything, I would be more worried about travel to certain other eurozone countries, where the worst is yet to come.
Jan 5th, 2012, 11:56 AM
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Heimdall, how true....
What happened to Greece, is now happening to Portugal, since the EU and the IMF are using exactly the same recipe ( that was a total failure in the case of Greece) and Italy along with Spain are following.....
I only hope that these countries won't have to suffer the way Greeks did. ( and still do).
What happened to Greece, is now happening to Portugal, since the EU and the IMF are using exactly the same recipe ( that was a total failure in the case of Greece) and Italy along with Spain are following.....
I only hope that these countries won't have to suffer the way Greeks did. ( and still do).
Jan 6th, 2012, 01:37 AM
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Clausar,
I agree, and I have advised people not to book anything unrefundable in all parts of the eurozone. If the eurozone fractures, many Americans would not be able to afford the vacation the planned for Germany, where the currency would likely reach astronomical values against the dollar. Similarly, I wouldn't want to be stuck working out the cost of a rental in Greece in euros if Greeks are no longer using euros.
Heimdall,
I think you may be very surprised at what happens if the eurozone fractures, in Greece and elsewhere. I hope all works out as you describe, but in conscience I can't not point out to people planning a trip that a great many observers are not as optimistic as you are.
The point of my posts is not to point a finger at Greece, and if the point your snickers and winks is that Italy is also facing the potential for catastrophe, what's the joke? The situation is dire, and will pose great difficulties for tourists throughout Europe if Greece exits the zone, and if that causes the euro to collapse.
Several threads on Fodor's about this subject have come to remind me of threads about pickpockets in Barcelona. The crisis with the euro is a very real problem that has the potential to cost travelers no end of problems and money. Reports from individuals saying "I once went there and I didn't have a problem" are misleading and I think irresponsible when it comes to advice to planning a trip.
By March, a lot more will be known about the stability of the Euro and the reaction of people to austerity measures. Predictions that all will be well aren't based on anything real, neither are predictions that all won't be well. What's real is no one knows what will happen the euro. I don't know why anyone would advise people to go ahead and buy futures in such circumstances.
I agree, and I have advised people not to book anything unrefundable in all parts of the eurozone. If the eurozone fractures, many Americans would not be able to afford the vacation the planned for Germany, where the currency would likely reach astronomical values against the dollar. Similarly, I wouldn't want to be stuck working out the cost of a rental in Greece in euros if Greeks are no longer using euros.
Heimdall,
I think you may be very surprised at what happens if the eurozone fractures, in Greece and elsewhere. I hope all works out as you describe, but in conscience I can't not point out to people planning a trip that a great many observers are not as optimistic as you are.
The point of my posts is not to point a finger at Greece, and if the point your snickers and winks is that Italy is also facing the potential for catastrophe, what's the joke? The situation is dire, and will pose great difficulties for tourists throughout Europe if Greece exits the zone, and if that causes the euro to collapse.
Several threads on Fodor's about this subject have come to remind me of threads about pickpockets in Barcelona. The crisis with the euro is a very real problem that has the potential to cost travelers no end of problems and money. Reports from individuals saying "I once went there and I didn't have a problem" are misleading and I think irresponsible when it comes to advice to planning a trip.
By March, a lot more will be known about the stability of the Euro and the reaction of people to austerity measures. Predictions that all will be well aren't based on anything real, neither are predictions that all won't be well. What's real is no one knows what will happen the euro. I don't know why anyone would advise people to go ahead and buy futures in such circumstances.
Jan 6th, 2012, 02:11 AM
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Zeppole
There are many theories about what will happen should Greece default and leave the Eurozone.
I am reading also many different scenarios about Italy, and i truly don't know what to believe.
The whole story with Greece leaving the Eurozone started back in 2009, so i am used to ignore all these controversial articles in the media.
Have been seeing in this forum, people advising travelers to avoid Greece,save it for future travels or telling everyone to make an extra insurance, as Greece was about to default.
( some even paste the same text in every thread that is tagged Greece)
Nothing happened in 2010 and 2011 Greece had an increase of 10% of incoming tourists, reaching 16 Mi. guests.
Should they have followed the advice of the few Fodor's Cassandras? certainly not.
I have no clue what will practically happen if Greece, or Italy leave the Eurozone( and i am not sure if this will ever happen), but this wouldn't stop me from planning a trip to one of these countries.
Being of italian origin, i will continue visiting Italy and i will travel to Portugal later this year.
There are many theories about what will happen should Greece default and leave the Eurozone.
I am reading also many different scenarios about Italy, and i truly don't know what to believe.
The whole story with Greece leaving the Eurozone started back in 2009, so i am used to ignore all these controversial articles in the media.
Have been seeing in this forum, people advising travelers to avoid Greece,save it for future travels or telling everyone to make an extra insurance, as Greece was about to default.
( some even paste the same text in every thread that is tagged Greece)
Nothing happened in 2010 and 2011 Greece had an increase of 10% of incoming tourists, reaching 16 Mi. guests.
Should they have followed the advice of the few Fodor's Cassandras? certainly not.
I have no clue what will practically happen if Greece, or Italy leave the Eurozone( and i am not sure if this will ever happen), but this wouldn't stop me from planning a trip to one of these countries.
Being of italian origin, i will continue visiting Italy and i will travel to Portugal later this year.
Jan 6th, 2012, 02:50 AM
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Zeppole, yes I am an optimist, and make no apologies for that. I feel sorry for the pessimists, because their life must hold few pleasures. If I were a pessimist I would never book a ski holiday in case there were no snow, or book a beach holiday in case the weather is cloudy and cold. Far safer to stay home! ;-)
Like clausar, I have observed the Fodor's doomsayers warn against holidays in Greece for the last three years now. I have been to Greece four times in those three years, and so far my optimism has not let me down. As for 2012, yes, there are some crucial decisions to be made in March, and a Greek general election probably in April. That is too late for most people to defer their summer travel decisions.
Like clausar, I have observed the Fodor's doomsayers warn against holidays in Greece for the last three years now. I have been to Greece four times in those three years, and so far my optimism has not let me down. As for 2012, yes, there are some crucial decisions to be made in March, and a Greek general election probably in April. That is too late for most people to defer their summer travel decisions.
Jan 6th, 2012, 03:22 AM
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Look folks, my posts aren't about waving national flags. The fact I'm writing this in Italy isn't why I'm writing it. I'd say the same thing if I was in the Netherlands or the US.
I am quite used to people on Fodor's ignoring news, clinging to travel as the end-all-be-all of life (whose life is pitiful?) and either bursting into tears when their favorite travel destination is discussed with respect to its ongoing problems or simply shouting shrilly that they are damn proud never to think about anything more serious than their next vacation and they are now going to shut their eyes and put their fingers in their ears and hum loudly so as not to have to listen to any more upsetting talk.
I am stunned that people say they were in Greece last year and were totally unaffected by what was going on. Are people really so capable of putting themselves into such a bubble? They weren't even curious to talk to the protesters? I was.
However, a question was asked for which the truthful answer is: At this moment, it is too soon to know soon to know if bus, train, ferry schedules and VAT and hotel taxes in Greece will be significantly changed by economic and political developments in Greece in 2012,and the same is true for Italy. More information on which to base a decision is likely to be known in eight weeks or so.
When someone asks a question, they deserve a truthful answer. You all know that the situation in Europe is unstable. They didn't ask you what you would do. They asked for information about the future. If you don't have a clue, just say so.
I am quite used to people on Fodor's ignoring news, clinging to travel as the end-all-be-all of life (whose life is pitiful?) and either bursting into tears when their favorite travel destination is discussed with respect to its ongoing problems or simply shouting shrilly that they are damn proud never to think about anything more serious than their next vacation and they are now going to shut their eyes and put their fingers in their ears and hum loudly so as not to have to listen to any more upsetting talk.
I am stunned that people say they were in Greece last year and were totally unaffected by what was going on. Are people really so capable of putting themselves into such a bubble? They weren't even curious to talk to the protesters? I was.
However, a question was asked for which the truthful answer is: At this moment, it is too soon to know soon to know if bus, train, ferry schedules and VAT and hotel taxes in Greece will be significantly changed by economic and political developments in Greece in 2012,and the same is true for Italy. More information on which to base a decision is likely to be known in eight weeks or so.
When someone asks a question, they deserve a truthful answer. You all know that the situation in Europe is unstable. They didn't ask you what you would do. They asked for information about the future. If you don't have a clue, just say so.
