AITO accuses UK government of ‘alarmist’ warnings about Greece

The Association of Independent Tour Operators has hit out at comments made by the foreign secretary William Hague on the civil unrest in Greece as alarmist and unrealistic. AITO said it was upset by a warning to UK visitors issued by the Tory cabinet minster on the BBC’s Andtrew Marr Show on Sunday as well as media reports that the FCO is treating Greece as a ‘war zone’.

Chairman Derek Moore said its tour operator members were reporting no problems other than in two “very small, highly-contained areas” around Syntagma Square, by the Greek Parliament in Athens, and in central Thessaloniki, Greece’s next largest city.

He said: “This is nothing new – it’s exactly the same situation as the past three years. To say, as was reported, that Britons may be put at risk if the civil unrest in the country worsens, is alarmist to say the least and very far from reality.

“Very few holidaymakers fly into Athens or Thessaloniki. To claim that Britons living in Greece or visiting on holiday are likely to need emergency evacuation is, quite frankly, ridiculous.”

Riots in London, Manchester and Birmingham last summer were on a “significantly bigger scale than anything in Greece”, he added, yet there was no advice against visiting these areas.

A plea by foreign secretary William Hague for Britons to register with the consulate in case Greece “goes under” was also irresponsible, Moore said.

“The foreign secretary should, we think, temper his advice and issue a prompt statement to clarify the situation. There is no risk to British holidaymakers who travel on chartered flights direct to resorts on the islands and Greek mainland and who will go nowhere near Athens or Thessaloniki.”

Aito urged the government to encourage holidaymakers to Greece to help the Greeks. Tourism is one of its few industries with growth potential, according to Aito, offering it a chance to escape its current financial turmoil.

Despite the warnings the FCO has not changed its official advice for Brits travelling ro Greece.

Advice to British travellers in Greece ‘alarmist’

Mr Moore also said that British holidaymakers should be encouraged to visit
Greece, to help it recover from the economic doldrums. Around 2.3 million
Britons visit Greece each year

“Tourism is one of the few industries in Greece with any potential for growth,
and offers the Greeks their best chance of escaping the current financial
turmoil,” he said.

What do you think of William Hague’s suggestion that holidaymakers in Greece should register with the British consulate?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/9096661/Advice-to-British-travellers-in-Greece-alarmist.html

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City Diary: A non-fibre diet can be healthy for company stock

BSkyB (LSE: BSY.Lnews) has been flush with cash. In November last year the broadcaster
announced a £750m share buy-back scheme.

The plan was to reward investors. All that was needed was enough available
stock to, er, buy back.

Just two weeks later, the in-house broker, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
(BAML), surprised City analysts by downgrading BSkyB.

As a result the defensive stock had retreated 9pc to 716p by December16.

The reason for the downgrade was cost and competition. BAML cited BSkyB’s
decision not to invest in fibre.

Instead the broadcaster said it was going to stick to what it does best –
concentrating on core offerings such as movies and sports.

Very compelling.

So compelling Investec (Frankfurt: A0J32Rnews) followed suit downgrading BSkyB, despite the fact that
the broadcaster had always avoided investment in fibre.

The share price dropped 7pc over Christmas.

Not great news for shareholders.

Happy days for the buy-back programme though. There’s been no shortage of
shares to buy back.

BAML wasn’t available to comment.

=
PR spinner finds himself unravelled
=

UK bank HSBC (LSE: HSBA.Lnews) didn’t escape industry job cuts.

Senior (Xetra: 852271news) figures disappeared from the press office over recent months.

At least it was handled sensitively.

One long-serving PR given the chop was told be was being “delayered.”

Let’s translate the management consultancy guff: ”Delayering is the process of
pruning the administrative structure of a large organisation by reducing the
number of tiers in its hierarch,” according to an online dictionary.

harsh. Or did the spinner get a taste of his own medicine?

=
Greece not the ideal destination for all
=

Ahead of Monday’s Greek bailout package European markets rallied.

Even domestic crisis couldn’t dampen the Dax (Xetra: ^GDAXInews) . It went up following Friday’s
news that German president Christian Wulff had resigned.

Come yesterday’s announcement of a Greek bailout package and the Dax dropped
1.2pc from 6971.03 to 6885.74 and the French CAC followed suit.

As the analysts say, it’s better to travel than arrive. Especially when it
comes to Greece.

=
Groupon bags the better bargain
=

Online company Groupon is famed for its special offers, from spa days to
holidays.

On March 19 managing director Tobias Tschoetsch is speaking at the inaugural
Daily Deal Summit Europe.

It’s nearly £600 for a place at the conference.

For that you get 12 presenters, including Kate Garraway, founder of Goodypass;
Lopo Champalimaud, chief executive of Wahanda; and Parmy Olson, London
Bureau Chief of Forbes.

What a bargain. Well it’s better value than Groupon’s proving to investors.

Groupon disappointed on February 8 with its first quarterly financial results
since it went public. The company reported a net loss of $42.7m (£27.7m).

=
It’s the truth but not as we know it
=

And this week’s irony award goes to a spokeswoman for a rather newsworthy
media conglomerate.

She (SNP: ^SHEYnews) preached: “I want the story to represent the truth.”

That’s “represent the truth” mind. Not the actual truth.

=
DIY chief’s gong for cementing relations
=

Kingfisher (Euronext: KFR.NXnews) ‘s Ian Cheshire has been awarded the insignia of the Chevalier de
L’Ordre National du Merite.

Let me translate. The French honour, established by Napoleon Bonaparte, was
bestowed upon the chief executive on Monday for his “significant
contribution to the strengthening of economic and commercial links between
France and the UK.”

Kingfisher plc is Europe’s largest home improvement retail group and includes
brands such as BQ, Brico Depot and Screwfix.

The event was hosted by Bernard Ernie, French Ambassador to the UK at his
residence.

It seems Cameron and Sarkozy aren’t the only two country representatives
working on Anglo-French relations.

Cheshire said: “I am very honoured to accept this award. I would particularly
like to thank my French colleagues for the way they have contibuted to our
success.”

Surely this is a decoration Ian’s missus will allow into the chez Cheshire.

Last September the chief exec announced a new product, a Swarovski-encrusted
BQ toilet seat.

That time round Mrs Cheshire used her right to veto the chav-tastic “bit of
bling.”

http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/city-diary-non-fibre-diet-082734972.html

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Historic monastery in Cyprus near collapse

“(The monastery) is vital for us, we see this as part of the common cultural heritage of Cyprus,” official Kudret Ozersay said, adding that protecting such monuments is key for Turkish Cypriots to generate tourism revenue.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2012/02/21/historic_monastery_in_cyprus_near_collapse/

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Greece’s tourism receipts up 9.45% in 2011

Greece’s revenue from its vital travel industry increased by 9.45 percent last year as it struggled to keep its economy afloat in a devastating debt crisis, a tourism lobby group said on Monday.

In total, the crisis-hit country garnered over 10.5 billion euros ($13.8 billion) in international tourism receipts according to Bank of Greece figures, the association of tourism enterprises (SETE) said.

Proceeds were up 14.4 percent in July and by nearly 15 percent in October compared with a year earlier but then fell 12.5 percent in November.

After two years of sluggish demand, Greece is believed to have benefited this year from unrest in neighbouring North Africa which forced travellers to seek alternative destinations.

Greece is struggling to escape bankruptcy with the help of loans from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund in return for a host of painful austerity measures.

http://news.yahoo.com/greeces-tourism-receipts-9-45-2011-203411201.html

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Greece is the word… and here’s why

Greece attracts well over 19 million visitors a year, contributing to 15% of the nation’s economy, according to figures for 2011. Recent research from Post Office Travel Money reveals that Greece has followed the cost-cutting example set by Spain and Portugal. Bars and restaurants in Corfu for example have cut prices by 10%, helping Greece edge closer to the top three value destinations so British holidaymakers can expect their pound to go a lot further, making holidays to Greece a very attractive proposition.

Location and Overview
Greece is one of the most magical and idyllic places to be found in the world, located in the south of Europe and bordered by The Aegean Sea to the east of the mainland, the Ionian Sea to the west and the Mediterranean to the south.

A holiday in Greece is high on the wish list of the British traveler seeking sun, value and something special. With Crusader castles and Roman ruins set in stunning countryside and sun-drenched beaches and coves lapped by sheer blue Aegean waters, Greece makes for the perfect holiday destination.

Why is Greece popular?
From the hot Mediterranean climate and the hospitality of the Greek Islands to the chic and hedonistic resort playgrounds, Greece has something for everyone and becoming more and more popular particularly with the British.

The largest of the Greek Islands is Crete, which is characterised by golden sandy beaches and dramatic rugged mountains. With a host of attractive resorts on offer and cloud-free summers, Crete is a perfect choice. To the northeast of Crete lies the island of Kos with an unsurpassed shoreline and secluded coves. For those seeking something exciting, buzzing Kardamena has streets lined with bustling bars, English pubs with karaoke, and vibrant nightclubs. Nearby Rhodes has a number of great resorts that cater to all tastes. The serene and beautiful town of Lindos has pretty whitewashed houses and quaint cobbled streets. Cosmopolitan Faliraki, on the other hand, offers lively bars, nightclubs and restaurants, proving very popular with young Brits.

For something a little more traditional, try the resorts of Kefalonia, Zante (which featured in the Cosmos top 10 holiday destinations) or Skiathos with a mix of stunning beaches, laidback lifestyle and ancient history. The island of Corfu lies north west of the Greek mainland, boasting picture-postcard villages, and famous vineyards.

Greece – The Ideal Holiday Destination in 2012?

With so many varied and extensive tourist attractions, Greece holidays offer great value for money. With lots of cheap holidays on offer, and Greece keen to welcome tourism, a holiday to this remarkable country is an attractive opportunity in these tough times.

Source: Post Office Travel Money, Royalmailgroup.com

http://www.rhyljournal.co.uk/news/110175/greece-is-the-word-and-here-s-why.aspx

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On the Spot: Will American Airlines’ woes affect flights?

Question: The question in On the Spot about Greece’s ability to weather its financial crisis ["Greece's Reality," Feb. 5] prompts this question about the consequences of American Airlines’ bankruptcy: Two months ago, I bought a round-trip ticket from L.A. to New York City on American for next month. Now I hear that American will slash thousands of jobs and restructure, so is it likely that hundreds of flights will be canceled and I will be forced to wait at airports for hours?

David Tulanian

Los Angeles

Answer: If you’re forced to wait hours at airports, the culprit may be the weather, not American’s fiscal problems — at least, not in the near term.

American wants to cut about 13,000 jobs — including as many as 2,300 flight attendants and as many as 400 pilots. But don’t assume, as I did, that cutbacks in personnel mean cutbacks in schedule; that’s adding two and two and getting five, Mary Frances Fagan, an American representative, told me. If unions will make concessions on work rules, existing workers may be able to fill in the gaps left by laid-off workers, she said. Result: no schedule cutbacks.

Whether that’s best for American’s workers — and American’s customers — is unclear, but flight attendants will work hard to keep business struggles out of the cabin, said Laura Glading, president of the Assn. of Professional Flight Attendants, which represents the 17,000 flight attendants at American Airlines. “If American has done one thing right in the last 50 years, it’s that they have hired incredible people, proud people, who are resilient,” she said.

And they must be in these tough times for airlines, as fuel prices creep upward and consumers often choose their airline based on low fares rather than quality of service. When price and service intersect, it’s traveler nirvana, but with American, that hasn’t always been the case, some say. “American has not provided a stellar experience, so why would anyone pay extra for a ticket?” said Grant Cardone, an author and frequent flier who stars in “Turnaround King,” a National Geographic Channel reality show in which he advises businesses on how to make things work. It’s not just American, he added. “If I fly coach on some of the majors and you ask for a glass of water, you feel like you asked somebody to take your dog out at 35,000 feet.”

Whither, then, American? It seems to have missed the merger mania that allowed Delta to take on Northwest and United to blend with Continental, and there’s some thought that the government, worried about whittling down competition, won’t be quite as willing to bless another merger.

American’s best bet, said James Brock, professor of economics at the Farmer School of Business at Miami University in Ohio, may be to become smaller, not larger. “They have the potential to be a very sleek, slimmed-down, competitive airline,” Brock said. “American can be one of the last, best hopes for competition in the domestic market.”

In other words, the new Southwest, which always has had a different model for running an airline. If American gives Southwest a run for its money, the result may be lower ticket prices and a flying experience that’s differentiated by customer service.

Putting the comfort of the person who pays ahead of the comfort of the person who’s being paid? Now there’s an experience every leisure traveler — who doesn’t fly first class and doesn’t necessarily have elite frequent-flier status — can get behind.

Have a travel dilemma? Write to travel@latimes.com. We regret we cannot answer every inquiry.

http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-spot-20120219,1,1396683.story

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10 places you never thought you could afford

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By Caroline Costello, SmarterTravel Staff

What’s keeping you from embarking on that big dream vacation kicking around in the back of your imagination? If money is your answer, then we have the solution. Big-ticket trips can be had for unexpected cut-rate prices-that is, if you know where to go. We discovered 10 thrilling destinations where fantastic bucket-list getaways can be bought for run-of-the-mill rates, from cruises through the wilds of Alaska to urban explorations of historic European cities.

PHOTOS: See the places you never thought you could afford

The Galapagos
The Galapagos is a land of fearless sea lions, game-changing scientific theories, and expensive vacation packages. The destination is best explored by boat or guided tour, and one of the easiest ways to plan a trip is by booking a one-price-covers-all vacation package-but these aren’t cheap. Published prices for Galapagos packages on Intrepid Travel, a small-group adventure-tour operator, start at $2,020 for five nights, no airfare included-and we won’t even get into what luxury packages cost. So consider the alternative: Plan your own journey. SmarterTravel editor Caroline Morse did just that and saved a bundle. Morse details her incredibly affordable Galapagos trip in this trip report, writing, “We ended up walking into one of the numerous tour operators that line the streets on the main island and booking ourselves onto a four-day, three-island tour with everything (meals, accommodations, tours, snorkeling, boat transfers, et cetera) included for just $200 per person.” Putting on your travel-agent hat and conducting a bit of research could really pay off when planning a Galapagos getaway.

The Galapagos is a land of fearless sea lions, game-changing scientific theories, and expensive vacation packages. The destination is best explored by boat or guided tour, and one of the easiest ways to plan a trip is by booking a one-price-covers-all vacation package-but these aren’t cheap. Published prices for Galapagos packages on Intrepid Travel, a small-group adventure-tour operator, start at $2,020 for five nights, no airfare included-and we won’t even get into what luxury packages cost. So consider the alternative: Plan your own journey. SmarterTravel editor Caroline Morse did just that and saved a bundle. Morse details her incredibly affordable Galapagos trip in this trip report, writing, “We ended up walking into one of the numerous tour operators that line the streets on the main island and booking ourselves onto a four-day, three-island tour with everything (meals, accommodations, tours, snorkeling, boat transfers, et cetera) included for just $200 per person.” Putting on your travel-agent hat and conducting a bit of research could really pay off when planning a Galapagos getaway.

Greece
What does Greece’s recent economic turmoil mean for travelers? As of publication, there are no warnings issued by the U.S. Department of State against travel to Greece, and this year could, in fact, be an excellent time to go, as Greece travel deals are popping up like olive trees. TripAdvisor reports that hotel rates in popular Greece destinations have fallen by as much as 20 percent in the past year. The influx of bargains is a win-win for both locals and visitors, as a healthy tourism industry could help Greece revive its economy. According to Catharine Hamm of the Los Angeles Times, “Greece needs tourist dollars now more than ever to find its way out from under lest it default on its loans. Tourism is one of its leading industries, and that means you are apt to find bargains.”

Egypt
Revolutions don’t make for an attractive vacation destination-but travel deals do. To counter a drop in demand due to Arab Spring unrest, providers are rolling out some incredible price reductions for Egypt travel. As of press time, we spotted offers like 50 percent off Egypt tours from luxury tour operator Abercrombie Kent; this deal also includes complimentary travel insurance with select trips. Furthermore, Hotels.com lists Cairo as one of 10 worldwide destinations where luxury hotels cost the least (the average nightly rate for a five-star Cairo hotel came to $203 in 2011). If you’re comfortable traveling to a destination where there may be some civil disorder (we recommend purchasing travel insurance), you can book a once-in-a-lifetime luxury getaway to Egypt for pennies on the dollar.

Japan
The tourism industry in Japan took a major hit after the catastrophic earthquake that struck almost a year ago, and it continues to lag. To bounce back, Japanese hotels and other travel providers have been offering deep savings on accommodations, attractions, and more in an attempt to lure international visitors. (Experts agree it’s now safe to travel to most of Japan, including the greater Tokyo area.) “Japan is still expensive, primarily because the yen is high against the dollar,” Chris Gray Faust, of Chris Around The World, told us in an email. “But hotels have been offering value-added specials to entice tourists back to the country. In Kyoto, for example, the Hyatt Regency Kyoto has been offering deals where if you buy one night, you get the second one for 50 percent, or a third night free with two nights paid,” she said. Moreover, spending money on a Japan vacation is a great way to support a nation that has endured a terrible tragedy and is still in the process of rebuilding.

Berlin
This year, Berlin turns 775 and will open a new major international airport. And while the city is one of Europe’s best for museums, galleries, fashion, and culture, it offers more bang for your euro compared to major Western European destinations such as London, Paris, or Rome. Average nightly hotel rates in Berlin are just €72-that’s well below average prices for the aforementioned cities. And did we mention the exchange rate? The euro has been falling against the dollar, and economic problems in the euro zone, while calamitous for those who live in E.U. countries, could lead to better exchange rates for U.S. travelers.

New York City
New York is the most expensive U.S. city to spend the night in, with average nightly hotel rates reaching $190.46 in 2011, according to data gathered from Hotels.com. But high hotel rates can couple with a wealth of free activities to strike an affordable balance for travelers to the Big Apple. City parks, music shows, galleries, breweries, famous stores, monuments, and museums that charge zilch abound in the city-you need only know where to look. We recommend browsing through the regularly updated listings on Time Out New York or reading this list of 40 free New York attractions from Lonely Planet. If you’re looking for even more savings, beat those notorious New York hotel rates by booking alternative accommodations on sites like Airbnb and Flipkey. We found one-bedroom apartment rentals in Manhattan listed on Airbnb for as little as $100 per night for high-season summer stays.

Hawaii
It’s shaping up to be a good year for Hawaii, as more and more travelers are heading to the lush locale. (Can you blame them?) The Wall Street Journal reports that Hawaii tourism rates are at their highest levels since 2007, thanks in part to large advertising campaigns put forth by the local tourism board. As a consequence, one might expect prices for travel to this already-expensive destination to rise. Yet there are ways to try big-wave surfing, explore underwater lava caves, or dance the hula on the cheap this year. One cost-cutting tactic is to buy your big-ticket Hawaii flight from a discount airline; very soon, you’ll be able to do this. Hawaiian Airlines and JetBlue recently entered into a partnership agreement that will open up new routes to the Aloha State (this will also bring about the only nonstop flight connecting New York to Hawaii). United’s adding a new nonstop from Washington, D.C., as well. New routes usually amount to greater competition, which could work to push down fares to Hawaii in the coming year.

Alaska
Alaska is enormous-it’s two times the size of Texas. And crossing hundreds or thousands of miles by plane, train, or automobile isn’t cheap. The solution? Set sail. Cruising is the most popular way to tour Alaska-and it may be the cheapest, too. The destination has been drawing more and more ships (Disney Cruise Line began its inaugural Alaska season in 2011) since the state’s government decreased head taxes on cruise-ship passengers. For an amazingly economical Alaska vacation, book a cruise during shoulder season. As of this publication, we spotted weeklong spring and fall Alaska cruises on our sister site Cruise Critic’s deals page on sale for as little as $569 per person.

Switzerland
As the euro falls in surrounding countries, the franc holds steady; this would, it seem, make for a very expensive Switzerland vacation. However, with many travelers choosing neighboring destinations that offer better exchange rates, the local tourism industry has suffered. The good news? Travel providers are taking pains to make it more affordable to see Switzerland. This season, ski resorts have been offering free night’s stays and free skiing in an effort to draw more guests, reports OnTheSnow. And, as of press time, the Zurich Tourism Board was offering 20 percent off winter stays at a variety of local hotels. Of course, if you’re an American or a European, you’ll have to deal with an unfavorable exchange rate when traveling to Switzerland. But take advantage of a good travel deal or two and your Swiss vacation could be a lot cheaper than you might expect.

Cayman Islands
Discount carriers like JetBlue and AirTran don’t fly to the Cayman Islands, and the destination is generally considered one of the most expensive in the Caribbean. So to access the islands’ blue waters and breezy beaches at a fraction of the price, veer off the beaten path. Skip the high-rise hotels that line the coast on Grand Cayman and go for a guesthouse or a villa on one of the Caymans’ smaller islands: Cayman Brac or Little Cayman. (There are no campsites on the Cayman Islands, so guesthouse lodging is likely the cheapest option you’ll find.) We spotted oceanfront guesthouses listed on the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism website for as little as $1,000 per week in high season-a more-than-fair price for a one-bedroom house that sleeps four or five people.

SmarterTravel.com features expert travel advice and unbiased coverage of travel deals.

SmarterTravel Staff / USA TODAY

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Superstar-Style Holidays

LONDON, February 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –

Family adventure holidays have traditionally been seen as all about getting back to basics.

Maybe in the past you’ve roughed it at a campsite in the countryside on your annual walking holidays. Maybe you had to shoehorn your family into a standard chalet when booking last minute cheap ski deals. But now a yearning for luxury on your ski holidays doesn’t have to be a half-pipe dream and families don’t have to be millionaires to upgrade from a pedalo to a private yacht.

If you too are tired of seeing the likes of Simon Cowell and Roman Abramovich living the dream on a mega yacht surrounded by crystal-clear waters, then maybe it’s time to get your own taste of the high life – but without having to pay the big bucks.

Neilson Holidays has invested millions in their impressive 4*+ beachclubs and a fleet of new yachts for you enjoy their extravagance on their unique 14 night ‘Stay Sail’ break.

The fun Stay Sail fortnight sees the first week spent either relaxing like a superstar at one of the stunning beachclubs before swapping your sandals for deck shoes to learn the ropes on a specialist sailing course. Training is tailored to your level of experience, so whether you are a nautical novice, or have sailed the ocean wave before, you can definitely learn something. Then it’s time to spend the second week aboard your very own private yacht!

Book before Feb 29th 2012 and receive a FREE yacht sailing course for two adults!

The stunning Neilson Stay Sail Beachclubs are located at exclusive 4* Neilson hotels in specially selected destinations across Turkey and Greece. As with all Neilson Beachclub holidays, the first week can be spent undertaking a whirlwind of activities, from mountain biking to waterskiing, unwinding doing yoga or just sipping cocktails at the spa!

There will be no sign of scurvy thanks to our healthy, delicious buffet, which serves a daily breakfast, daily lunch and four evening meals all included in the price (meals for week two are all up to you on a self-catering basis).

In your second week, aboard your yacht, a lead crew will be there to point out all of those fabulous islands, secluded beaches and local taverns along the flotilla route. You can be as ‘hands on’ as you like, but if you’d rather relax with drink in hand and take in more of the scenery, you can book a private skipper to steer you in the right direction.

Stay and Sail prices from £549pp this summer.

Neilson requires a minimum of two adults on board their yachts, but some of the boats have berths that sleep up to eight people, should you decide to bring your entire crew for a very social getaway.

So shun the celebs and don’t worry about being hounded by the paparazzi while you live the dream with Neilson on a Stay Sail holiday this summer. The break is great value for money with the travel company taking care of everything on dry land as well as on board, including your resort transfers, yacht fuel, damage waiver and marine insurance!

For more information or to book your getaway visit http://www.neilson.co.uk or call 0845-070-3460.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/superstar-style-holidays-fraction-price-090000974.html

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Travel deals to Greece, despite troubles in that country

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – If you’ve always wanted to see the Acropolis, now might be a good time.

The money troubles in Greece mean some great deals for tourists, with last minute deals on flights and hotels across the country cutting rates by as much as 20 per cent.

The riots you hear about in the news are actually centred around a few blocks in the financial district of Athens; it is business as usual across much of Greece. But Claire Newell with Travel Best Bets warns, despite the deals to be had, it’s not for everyone.

“You have to be prepared for a potential strike that might affect buses or taxis or the ferries. You have to be flexible, which is part of travel,” she tells us.

“Anytime there is a situation like the one in Greece, with the economy and revolving public strikes, you tend to see prices dropping a bit. The same goes for places getting negative media attention; for example Mexico and Egypt,” explains Newell.

“There are people I wouldn’t recommend this for,” she adds. “You have to be a little more adventurous; a little more patient. If you want the ‘no hassles,’ smooth vacation, it is not the time to go. Goodness knows there are so many other places in the world you can visit.”

But if a Greek adventure sounds good right now, intrepid travelers are snapping up discounts.

http://www.news1130.com/news/travel/article/331972--travel-deals-to-greece-despite-troubles-in-that-country

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