gogogreece

I have been a member of this forum for much longer than FOUR years and seldom post. We are well traveled, especially in Greece, and since Santorini and Mykonos are not our favorite destinations there, I seldom respond. Many times I do give up in replying as it can be frustrating to do so. Yes, they have never remembered me either on when logging in. So what?

Now, my question is this. Does this last post by Traveljan indicate that our present President, Mr Bush, is responsible for this log in problem and that perhaps a more socialist bent to policy will rectify all posting problems on Fodor's Travel Talk as of tomorrow. I know he promised change, but to this site????? Did I miss read this?

Alice 9,

Have a super trip. You have some great tips so far!

travelerjan

gogo, you are right. When in doubt, blame Bush.

Alice9

Okay, I know you guys must be sick of me by now, but I haven't booked airfare yet - I hadn't seen any changes for weeks. BUT, I do see some slightly better fares in the second half of May now. We were originally thinking first half of June - is there any reason it would be better or worse to go the second half of May? The airfare is about $250 cheaper per person, with decent times and layovers.

Is the weather much different? Do the ferries run less often?

Thanks,
Alice

travelerjan

Lodgings are somewhat cheaper, ferries are a bit more chancy, of course fewer people.

A lot depends on the SWIM factor -- I do love to swim evry other day or so, but being from the N.E., and having spent lot of time on L.I. sound, I can deal with "brisk" water, which it is, in May.

I really think it depends on how you can work out your transport for what I recall is an ambitious itinereary spread across the Aegean. If you can get that rationalized, go ahead.

Heimdall

Most of the time it is perfectly okay in the last half of May, but the weather doesn't really settle down until June. I have been on the islands in mid-May when it was too cold to eat outdoors in the evenings, and there is still a chance of rain until the end of the month.

Last year I waited until June for my spring trip, and it was getting very hot by the time I left, so this year I will go earlier.

I usually go back to the islands again in September, and that's when I do most of my swimming. May is okay for sunbathing and quick dips in the sea.

Alice9

Just to close the loop and let you all know how I ended up. We decided to go the latter half of May rather than the first half of June for several reasons - airfare was cheaper, and we had less conflicts on our calendar AND I could use the Memorial Day holiday and so take one less day of vacation.

I booked our airfare through Vayama (first time), and paid a little under $1,000 a person. Which I still think is high but it's the best I could find without having to have VERY long layovers, or extra stops. Convenience is worth something, I think.

So I'm onto finding hotels, and will be checking into all your recommendations for Athens, Naxos, Santorini and Nafplion.

Thanks so much,
Alice

travelerjan

Good find on the airfare, Alice --- I DO hope that if your connection is in Paris (CDG) that you have AT LEAST TWO HOURS, preferably THREE for the transfer. CDG is the Airport from HELL ... requires bus to go between different "arms", no ENglish spoken, no help given ... you must go through security again tho u don't leave the airport. If u doubt me, google CDG complaints. I hope that instead your change is anywhere else in Europe... I have tried them all.

Alice9

Actually, we're not going through Paris. We're flying over on SAS, stopping in Copenhagen. On the way back, we're using Lufthansa, stopping in Frankfurt. The first layover is about 2 hours, the one on the way back is about 3 1/2 hours, but my other choice was 1 hour which isn't enough.

I've never used Vayama, but they definitely had the best rates. Mobissimo pointed me there.

Alice

travelerjan

Sounds great! Both airports are fine -- and I find Mobissimus easier to use than Kayak; they both scan the same number of flight websites, and I can find my way around better with Mobissimus.