Helena

I'm planning a trip in early May to Greece, and I'm concerned given the proximity to the yugoslav regions and the demonstrations that have taken place in Greece. Any thoughts?

Charlie

My wife and I planned a four week tour of greece --athens, peloponese,corfu, cyclade islands. But after watching the anti-US rioting in Athens and northern <BR>greece, we asked ourselves "Why go where you're not wanted?" and decided to cancel We were looking foward to this trip all year but our logic was that even if the war ended before we arrived there would probably be a lot of anti-american feeling throughout greece, especially in the serbian community. Although we do not fear for our physical safety, we did worry about hostile reeceptions in hotels, taxis, and restaurants (the thought of what a serb or pro-serbia waiter or cook might do to food being served to Americans was particularly disturbing). The good news is that Delta refunded our economy fare without penalty, as did Auto Europe our car rental cost. We had reservations at 9 hotels and all have accepted our cancellations . We put a lot of work planning this trip but even this won't be lost because we plan to tour Greece in the future. Perhaps next year Americans will be more welcomed

s.fowler

Helena, I wouldn't worry. You should take the normal precautions one takes re: demonstrations and large crowds and keeping a low profile. The Greeks can separate politics from people. <BR>Charlie, <BR>Given your feelings it is probably good that you cancelled your trip. <BR>A little background: the Greek affinity for Serbia comes from them both being members of the larger Orthodox church. You are much more likely to encounter Albanians in Greece than Serbs. And I doubt that a Serb, if s/he were working in a restaurant, would do as you seem to fear. <BR>Greece doesn't want the region destabilized. While it has issues with Macedonia, they certainly don't want Macedonia to be chopped up. Even if Greece wanted territory, they would then have to deal with an even larger Macedonian speaking population. [which they treat poorly btw] <BR>Outside of Athens I doubt you would see anything or experience anything untoward. And in Athens, simply take certain precautions that are, unfortunately, becoming normal in any big city.

Marion

think again about Greece or further east this year. offical word may be it's ok, but ....

s.fowler

But what? <BR>Please share with us what you know that goes beyond the "official" and is based on a knowledge of the region? <BR>

judy

I just heard today that some of my friends had canceled their trip to Greece. They've been before and were excited about returning two weeks from now (middle of April). I don't know that they know any specifics, but caution seemed the best choice. I think I would cancel, but then I always think of the things that can go wrong... <BR>

Helena

My father, typically quite cautious, thinks it's safe. Given the fact that Greece's biggest industry is tourism, I doubt they'd let much interfere with their ability to earn a livelihood. But, I'm still undecided. <BR> <BR>In any case, I won't be going alone (a possibility, at one point, given the fact that so many of my friends work too much...)

Ginny

We are planning to go to Crete next Tuesday the 6th of April. We live in London, we work across the street from the U.S. Embassy, we checked with the State Department at the Embassy - no problem for Americans in Crete. Just use your common sense. Travel on!

D. Spiegel

I'm planning on going to Greece very soon, and I look at this as an opportunity. Do I think Greece will loose business -- you bet. I doubt anything will be crowded, and that's on top of going off season. I think it's so sad what is going on, but I personally feel it will not have a great affect on tourism on the islands. I'll let you know what I learn when I return. Let's all hope for a peaceful end to this tragedy.

Gehrig

We will be leaving for Athens,the Peloponnesus, and the Islands in June. I see this as a great oppurtunity to see Greece without all the tourst clutter. Isn't it somewhat ironic that people will cancel their plans to a country where there has been no violence against Americans whatsoever when they live in a country as unsafe as ours. If you are planning to go and will be miserable the entire time looking over your shoulder then stay at home. You might want to avoid the neighborhood mall as well, though.

Maura

Helena -- what did you finally decide? <BR>We have booked a trip for 10 days in June and found out today that if we cancel we still are responsible for 50% -- major dilemma! We are still very much on the fence regarding the safety of Greece, we have heard from several friends in the US (we live in Ireland) that it is not safe and that Americans are being treated badly (e.g. restaurants, hotels, taxis) and even our Greek friends are skipping their annual visits this year. Any other or more recent thoughts?

Ella

The safety in Greece depends on the area(s) you are visiting. I am Greek Orthodox and have family in Athens and Creete. The word is that it is safe to travel at this time. Athens is the only area of concern I would have. Just be respectable to the Greek people if you do decide to go. They have a strong religious tie to the Serbs - Orthodoxy. NATO has not done that much to respect this religion which has offended Russia and Greece. It is unfortuante for the travelers who have made plans this summer. Most importantly, remember that tourism is the major industry in Greece. They are very friendly people and welcome amiable travelers and the business.

susanna

we had already booked our flights and made our hotel reservations for a much anticipated family meeting in Greece on july. unfortunately our son in law is in theus military stationed in germany. <BR>travel restrictions to greece, turkey and crete are in effect and it left us scrambling to choose another location. we are still trying to get credit for our olympic airline flights and look <BR>forward to peace in the area, a much <BR>dreamed about vacation to greece - and a chance to see our grandchildren.

susanna

we had already booked our flights and made our hotel reservations for a much anticipated family meeting in Greece on july. unfortunately our son in law is in theus military stationed in germany. <BR>travel restrictions to greece, turkey and crete are in effect and it left us scrambling to choose another location. we are still trying to get credit for our olympic airline flights and look <BR>forward to peace in the area, a much <BR>dreamed about vacation to greece - and a chance to see our grandchildren.

D. Spiegel

I just returned from my trip to Greece and Paris. Stayed in Mykonos, Santorini and Athens. Never felt in danger. In fact, I never felt so safe. Go for it!

Marla

We just returned from Switzerland last weekend. While we were there, we met a US military chaplin who was stationed on Crete. Due to the Kosovo situation, all military personnel and their families are not permitted to go into the city. I think they are restricted to the base. According to the chaplin, the Yugoslavians and the Cretes haved shared a common religious bond for 500 years. So, the Cretes are sympathetic to the Yugoslavians. The chaplin and his in-laws from the states changed their travel plans to Switzerland and Germany based on the circumstances.

Ian

My family and I are off to Parga (about 15 miles from Albanian border) very soon. We have not considered cancelling but it comforting to here of so many responses from those whose trips were uneventful.

Tom

I am indeed curious about the saftey, specifically in Athens. I am planning my honeymoon to Mykonos and Santorini and have read a lot about the current situation. Does anyone have first hand knowledge of sentiment and acts of violence? Gehrig's earlier comment is totally inaccurate. In fact there have been several acts of violence specifically against American Business in Athens since 3/22/99. In fact a woman was killed on April 27th in a bombing at the Intercontinental Hotel in central Athens. That and other situations were outlined in a news bulletin from a company called Control Risks Group out of McLean, Va. My problem is that their interpretation of events may have a negative bias and I am looking for first hand reports from people who have been there that do not necissarily have an "angle". Obviously I can't ask my travel agent in Greece. Help! <BR>

Helen

You might want to check out the NY Times (print or electronic) for this past Sunday (June 6.) There was a brief story on the Greece situation on p. 3, mentioning the bombing, which was news to me.

Helen

Oops - That's p. 3 of the Travel section. (That info might help.)