We are on the point of booking as I would so love to go back to Corfu.  However, we are a little nervous with the crisis looming, and have just read in the paper about strikes, airports closing etc.  We were planning a visit very early July.  If I had already booked, I probably wouldn't be so worried but is it foolhardy to book knowing that there is a crisis looming - or is Corfu likely to be more laid back than the mainland.  Any advice welcome.  Thank you.

Corfufan wrote: We are on the point of booking as I would so love to go back to Corfu.  However, we are a little nervous with the crisis looming, and have just read in the paper about strikes, airports closing etc.  We were planning a visit very early July.  If I had already booked, I probably wouldn't be so worried but is it foolhardy to book knowing that there is a crisis looming - or is Corfu likely to be more laid back than the mainland.  Any advice welcome.  Thank you.

ABTA statement about Greece and the Euro

It is important to remember that speculation about Greece leaving the Euro and its possible impact is just that, speculation. It remains perfectly safe to travel to Greece. The images of violent demonstrations that we have seen on TV have been sporadic and limited to the Syntagma Square in Athens and parts of the second largest city Thessaloniki, neither of which are significant tourist destinations. The vast majority of UK holidaymakers fly directly into the Greek islands which have not seen any unrest. The Greeks are a very hospitable people and holidaymakers will if anything find them even more welcoming as they are desperate for people to visit as the economic situation and insecurity, plus the negative speculation, is clearly having an impact on business. A Euro is a Euro regardless of where it is printed. If Greece were to leave the Euro nobody can predict 100% accurately all the effects this might have but it is safe to say that there would be a transition period when you would still be able to pay with Euros in bars and restaurants as is common in many countries where currencies such as the Euro or dollar are accepted in parallel to the local currency.

Well said Nigel!!! Yes, Greece is in a mess...with other EU members not far behind. But nobody knows what is going to happen...it is beyond the ordinary persons control. Life here goes on in Corfu.There is plenty of everything you need to have a great holiday. You are as safe here on the island as you have always been...prices are mostly the same as last year...the peoples' hospitality is just the same. The media's portayal of Greece is usually Athens or Thessalonika and bad it may be at times..but funny how last years riots in English cities hasnt deterred the Olympics from being touted!!! And quite right too!

Ellenjay

I'm not letting it bother me either!!! Still intend to enjoy my holiday whatever - and not going to be put off by the press with their scaremongering. Times are tough not just for Greece but for other countries, us included... if we heeded every word in the newspapers - none of us would be even having a holiday, so no I am not put off in the slightest nor am I worried...

sidari-ite wrote: I'm not letting it bother me either!!! Still intend to enjoy my holiday whatever - and not going to be put off by the press with their scaremongering. Times are tough not just for Greece but for other countries, us included... if we heeded every word in the newspapers - none of us would be even having a holiday, so no I am not put off in the slightest nor am I worried...

Someone I know just got 1.22 things are looking good, that means your holiday will be 20% cheaper than last year, can't be bad.

BruceAndMaria wrote: sidari-ite wrote: I'm not letting it bother me either!!! Still intend to enjoy my holiday whatever - and not going to be put off by the press with their scaremongering. Times are tough not just for Greece but for other countries, us included... if we heeded every word in the newspapers - none of us would be even having a holiday, so no I am not put off in the slightest nor am I worried...   Hi Michelle, It would be fair to say, if we were to believe half of whats said in the newspapers and on TV we would not even get out of bed in the mornings.. I'll leave it to the experts, you know the ones that got us into this mess in the first place and now haven't a clue on how to get the world out of it.  So why should I worry about something thats beyond my control, so me and the wife, (God willing) will get on that plane and have our holiday in Kassioi regardless of what the currency is, be it Euros, Drachmas or whatever else the Greeks choose...providing I have enough for a Metaxa and a Greek salad I'll be one happy old man, because I don't intend to sit here worrying right up to my holiday about if I should take cash, credit card, debit card, because in the end I know the good Greeks people will look after us holiday makers like they have always done. Bruce

Exactemundo Bruce!!!!

We are off on Friday, I am seriously thinking of giving up reading the papers as they have to sensationalise everything just to sell them.  Bruce from Friday my glass will be full, half full, empty and then full again, repeat until time to go home   Cath