Euro Travel & More

I’ve been to Greece many time because my CEO was from Greece and usually when we do go to Barcelona – the factory where the company used to be – we would head to Greece for a short break.  So I was very fortunate to be able to see a lot of Greece and you know what the people there like most?  American souvenirs it seems – so I brought some American silver eagles for my CEO’s wife and his daughters – Sofia and Anna-Maria.  They in turn brought me to the hotel they worked in.

The Royal Myconian Hotel is one of the most beautiful hotel I’ve seen and its view was simply awesome.   This is the terrace bar at the hotel -  pretty hot now – but later in the evening – it’s a great place to get a drink and read a book or even catch up with friends.

Love the pool and the scenic – so calm and so serene.   The hotel was spotless and the amenities was like any 5-star hotel and I was quite impressed at how quiet the staff were.  Spring time isn’t peak season in Greece – therefore, you can get a very good rate for a hotel like this.   The funny thing about Greece is everyone can speak in Spanish – no wonder my CEO married a Spaniard.  The beaches surrounding the hotel was clean and absolutely beautiful and I was told by the gals that you can choose to suntan in the nuke – if you so choose to.  Be careful when you take a cab to town – because cabby tend to overcharge tourist – so i heard but most people are very nice in Greece.

I found an old picture of the Temple of Zeus, when I was in Athens some 16 years ago – traveling with my boss to his hometown – after a trip to the head office in Barcelona.  A magnificent sight if i may say so myself – some 600 yrs or more – I can’t remember now.   But since our hotel was nearby – we came over for a short visit before going out to one of the cafe to have food.

Look at the columns – beautiful right?  I don’t think you can see anything like this anywhere else.   More on Acropolis and surrounding areas in my next post.

Going on a cruise to Athens need not cost an arm and a leg -  no, no silly, you don’t have to go in a shipping box .  One can avoid paying more by bundling it up this fall by buying a combo package.  Airfare, hotel accommodations and an island-hopping cruise – sounds awesome right..??  An  8-day tour that includes time spent taking in the sights of Athens and a 3-day Greek Isles cruise smack in the middle of your trip. Plus, you’ll also save with special reduced rates starting from $1,059 (normally $1,359) for an additional $300 back in your pocket.After flying from New York City, travelers are escorted from the airport to the four-star Titania Hotel located in central Athens.

For those who are not aware of this or those who live in the tropics and have never experienced winter, like me when I lived in Singapore, then I should highlight that I now live in the West and winter is about 6 months long.  Many a times I have been asked by friends, customers and relatives about the all inclusive vacation. What it includes and how can one find some discount holidays since most of us here bring the entire family to warmer places during our coldest month in the Winter.

The folks from the UK are darn lucky because of the many cheap holidays they can find departing from UK.  That is why overseas students in UK would definitely plan to tour Europe at least once before going home.  Many of these places includes Spain (my favorite since I ended up working in Madrid/Barcelona), Greece (where my ex-boss was from), Cyprus (the third largest Mediterranean Island), Turkey (more than just Turkish delights and of course the Canaries (very much Greek & Roman influence). One can find not only results online but the ever popular all inclusive holidays.

So you ask “What’s the benefit of going for an all inclusive holiday?”  First of all, an all inclusive holiday usually means airfare, accommodation and the main 3 meals are included in the package.  With breakfast, lunch and dinner provided for, you now only need spending money for gifts and the little extras.  Did I mention that drinks are also included? Yes, drinks, which to many is the best part of the vacation.  Whether it is juice for the kids, cocktails for yourself and beer for the spouse, it’s there for you for free.  Finding cheap holidays is a must, especially when you are bringing the entire family along.  If you have teens who are still growing you will understand why I recommend it since they do eat non-stop.  So besides the relaxation time spent on wonderful beaches, the sun and the sea and some sightseeing, it’s actually also a great time for bonding, for bringing back that love.   If you chose Cuba then don’t forget to check out their vintage cars, they are all over the streets.

Kalathas Beach was definitely a sight to behold. Driving thru’ an old road, we arrived at one of the nicest beach I’ve ever set eyes on . The beach here had high tide the time we were there. .so we did have some fun.. fooling around.. and just getting ourselves wet. In September.. it wasn’t getting any cooler.. and here I thought it was the end of summer.

Lovely beach eh..?? I had so much fun.. just sun-tanning and reading a book. .and having a cup of espresso.

There were water sports.. as you can see here.. and people playing volley balls.. and there were lots of sunbeds too. There was a small island about 100m aways. .and we did get to swim around there too. We headed to Chania after this.. but that’s for another day .. and another story.

The Acropolis considered by many as the most important ancient monument in the world. I was in Greece for a short break.. because my ex-boss was from Greece. He and his wife had so graciously welcomed me to their family home… and showed me some very interesting history. Not everyone in Greece spoke English, if my ex-boss wasn’t with me.. i wouldn’t have been able to get around as well. Greece boasts of a very unique legacy, when you arrived in Greece, you actually feel as if you will be see some Gods.  There are many smaller islands around Greece and it is quite mystical.. to be in Greece and exploring those small islands. Tipping is a must .. because the greeks are so awesome and friendly.. and don’t forget to tip the taxi driver as well.. because you will find him waiting for you .. at your hotel.. the very next morning.. when you are ready to go out.

Cute yellow taxi.. abit old .. and rough in shape.. but it does get you around.  Always make sure you agree on the price.. before hopping in .. some cabbies are really out to get whatever money they can outta you.