Trip to Greece and possible reluctant mom
Sep 8th, 2013, 08:28 AM
#21
further to what Petros says, friends I was speaking to yesterday just got back from a summer in Greece where they said that everything was hunky dory. the only delays/problems were a longer than expected lay-over at Athens, which they knew about a week in advance, and a 30 min delay in departure of one of many ferries they took. Otherwise, everything worked like clockwork.
and the greeks will be very pleased to see you.
and the greeks will be very pleased to see you.
Sep 8th, 2013, 08:49 AM
#22
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huh, well whether people want to go to Greece or not, I know people who live in Greece and they certainly don't think it is nirvana with such a great quality of life, there are a lot of economic problems right now. A lot of people there don't have such a great standard of living, with foreclosures, pensions disappearing and job and wage loss, I'm sure they would be thrilled to know how great they are doing. There is a lot of political and economic instability in that country, continuing with the greatest recession since WWII. Not a single riot in 1.5 years? I don't think so, I know there was a lot of protest and violence including riot police, fire bombs, tear gas, etc., less than a year ago in Athens, I know because my friend was involved in it.
That wouldn't affect any plans I had to take a vacation to the Greek islands, but the political and eocnomic situation in Greece is not all fixed by now.
That wouldn't affect any plans I had to take a vacation to the Greek islands, but the political and eocnomic situation in Greece is not all fixed by now.
Sep 8th, 2013, 09:18 AM
#23
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Christina
as an Athenian i say that there is NO political instability in Greece ( where did you hear that ? ) and the economy is actually improving, also with the help of tourism.
Greece is expecting more than 17 Million of tourists this year, which will be an all time record, experts even predict 17.5 Mi.
Money spent during the last 3 months from tourists, reduced the recession from 4.6% to 3.8%, something that was totally unexpected.
Riots in Athens are rare, and there haven't been any this year at all.
as an Athenian i say that there is NO political instability in Greece ( where did you hear that ? ) and the economy is actually improving, also with the help of tourism.
Greece is expecting more than 17 Million of tourists this year, which will be an all time record, experts even predict 17.5 Mi.
Money spent during the last 3 months from tourists, reduced the recession from 4.6% to 3.8%, something that was totally unexpected.
Riots in Athens are rare, and there haven't been any this year at all.
Sep 8th, 2013, 11:12 AM
#25
I for one am very pleased that tourism has done so well in Greece this year and thus been able to reduce its deficit.
perhaps we should all go to Spain next year - they're having a tough time too!
perhaps we should all go to Spain next year - they're having a tough time too!
Sep 17th, 2013, 07:25 AM
#34
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trafaelwyer sounds great. I would highly recommend just a day or so in Athens (if you feel you would like to see the Ancient sights) and then head out to some of the other places others have mentioned: Hydra, Crete, Santorini. On the Peloponnese I would recommend Nafpoli, Monemvasia, Pylos. You will find wonderful old charming towns with cobblestone lanes, stunning views of the sea. It is much less populated on the Peloponnese and extremely safe. Probably safer than areas like DC right now 
Sep 26th, 2013, 01:38 PM
#37
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Thanks to all who have replied!
I do have one question. I've read that the public transportation (i.e. bus) on Mykonos is a reliable way to get around. I had been considering getting a car to rent (as I'd done in 2001), but if the bus service is a good way to get around I think we'd rather do that. So, should we rely on the bus to move about the island? (what little moving about we'll be doing).
I do have one question. I've read that the public transportation (i.e. bus) on Mykonos is a reliable way to get around. I had been considering getting a car to rent (as I'd done in 2001), but if the bus service is a good way to get around I think we'd rather do that. So, should we rely on the bus to move about the island? (what little moving about we'll be doing).
Sep 26th, 2013, 10:46 PM
#39
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Mykonos is very small, and has an excellent bus service to the main beach areas and to Ano Mera. I suppose if you wanted to find a remote beach off the bus routes a car would be handy.
Personally I've always found the bus service on Mykonos and most other Greek Islands very good, and have never rented a car. I looked through your previous posts and couldn't find where you said what month you will be travelling, but in the summer months buses leave for the main beaches about every half hour during the day.
Take brotherleelove's suggestion and make up your mind when you get to Mykonos. Also do what he usually suggests and get an International Driver's Permit (IDP) at a AAA office near where you live.
Personally I've always found the bus service on Mykonos and most other Greek Islands very good, and have never rented a car. I looked through your previous posts and couldn't find where you said what month you will be travelling, but in the summer months buses leave for the main beaches about every half hour during the day.
Take brotherleelove's suggestion and make up your mind when you get to Mykonos. Also do what he usually suggests and get an International Driver's Permit (IDP) at a AAA office near where you live.
Sep 27th, 2013, 12:28 AM
#40
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If you are traveling during the high season ( July and August), booking in advance would be recommended. Especially on Mykonos there are often no cars available if you decide to rent one on the spot.
