Got an itch to go to the Greek Islands and I have little vacation time available. I am cornered into two weeks vacation time during Christmas this year. Would it be a waste of money to hit the Greek Islands during this time?

I think it might be a bit cold? It's the middle of winter and most accommodation would be closed. Come to South Africa instead - it's summer time here and the weather is good and it's cheap!

Jackson,<BR>If the Greek Islands aren't an option, you might want to consider Thailand. There are some great beach resorts on Phuket Island, Koh Samui, the Phi Phi Islands, etc. Bangkok is worth a few days as are the ruins at Chiang Mai.<BR><BR>December is a great time to go to that part of the world as the weather is perfect. But for the fact that we have a newborn, we'd go back in a minute as Thai airlines has been running some great deals.

Ryan, ironically Bangkok and the Greek Islands are 1 - 2 on our travel list! I did think about Thailand but shyed away when the package prices I looked at went through the roof for the holiday season - coming from the east c.

Paula<BR>Tell me more about South Africa. I'm not Jackson, just a piggybacker...Liked the word "cheaper" and also would like to go to South Africa, but I know nothing about it. Thanks

Jackson,<BR><BR>Why not try to book the Thailand trip yourself? It'll be cheaper than a package. Outside of the airfare, I think the cost of food, hotel and tours/travel expenses while in Thailand will be far cheaper than what you can get in Greece. Example: Average price for two for a nice meal at a restaurant overlooking the river in Chiang Mai,including drinks, about $8. Price for our hotel incl. buffet breakfast, $35/nt. In Bangkok we stayed at the Shangri-La, in the top 5 for hotels in the city. Cost =$135/nt during Christmas season.

Sue, I am one who usually always books on my own. However, I found that from the east coast China Silk Tours had packages for about $900 (air, hotel, trans, break, tour) and that alone is more than the air I can find on my own. Over Christmas the rates jump dramatically.

Jackson,<BR><BR>I should have assumed that a Fodors.com reader would typically book trips on their own, that's why they're here. Duh! <BR><BR>Wow. $900 would be hard to beat. Just my air tix from San Francisco was $600. I think the total cost of my 2 week trip was $1600. They definitely do bump up hotel costs over Christmas and New Years there, esp. in the resorty beach areas. But, all in all it's still a good deal. But I would also cringe if I saw package prices increase significantly between dates for the same trip.<BR><BR>Well, whatever you decide, i'm sure you'll make it a great trip! Good luck and have fun!

Jackson, I think you might want to save the Greek Islands for another time. My sister-in-law and her husband were there in March (as part of a longer trek) and froze their asses off. Plus, the islands are largely shut down. This can be good in some ways, but made it very difficult to find open restaurants, etc. Sounds like it was a bit of a nightmare. Go for Thailand, it's awesome. (Try Panviman on the back side of Ko Phan Nang if you're looking for a great getaway).