20 replies to this topic

[Dinny]

Although I am sure that we are all fed up with talking about crisis here and crisis there, there is actually no way to escape the topic. So let's face it!

I see all this building activity down here, new "rent rooms" popping up everywhere, activities expanding hoping for more business... but what will the coming tourist season be like?

Will your next holidays be "business as usual", i.e. 2-3 weeks in Crete?

Dinny

P.S. If it's business as usual, then let's have a "crisis meeting" on my terrace, OK?

[Kritsa Yvonne]

Well, hot off the press - this week I heard that my current contract due to end April will be extended to end of June and on the strength of that we have booked flights to Crete 25 April - 13 May so if the crisis meeting fits that slot

It is Alan's birthday in April so we are counting the flights as his birthday present as going to Crete is THE best present at any time.

We will be economising by only having a hire car for half the time we are there and by restricting meals out - not too much hardship as we love to cook at home.

Plans for a long break in Crete summer/autumn will be made as usual but as euros are so dear now we will make the road trip more direct than in some other years.

We hope people do still go to Crete for holidays as the local economy will suffer so much without the tourists - there has been less and less in Kritsa the last few years.

[Laid Back Lil]

Yes, we're still coming, although like you, tightening our belts a bit - less meals out, or at least, eating in the villages rather than the touristy-bits as it's a bit cheaper (and actually nicer we find). I had a pottery savings pot given to me for my birthday a couple of years ago and we've been putting all our loose change in it ever since - it's now almost full and will be smashed just before we come out - that's our spending money! I know the tourist industry there is probably suffering, but it's bad here also with shops and businesses closing daily!

[Caroline]

I'm happy to say that I am busier than ever. I guess people are looking for more cost-effective alternatives to getting married in the UK. Wherever we can we support small hotels and independant Cretan-owned businesses so we do what we can to support them. So far many of my clients are like-minded people so it gives me good feeling to know we are doing our bit, even if in the great scheme of things it is but a drop in the ocean.

[Birgit]

Dinny, no changes in my holiday plans, so please make room for me on your terrace :-)

Birgit

[Ros21]

No change to my visits for this year.
I'll be over for Greek easter & then in June & September.

I was hoping for redundancy, which is being offered, but not to my section!!! I'm just going to have to work for another few years. The drop in house prices & the rental market in the UK may well affect my plans for a permanent move in the short term.

Ros.

[DaveW.]

No.
Plans are the same as every other year.
Get there, hire a car, travel a little, visit some new places and renew acquaintances with some old ones, use local tavernas, visit friends.
What little money I may have, I can't take with me when I go, so spend it now!
Why save when the local authority take it off you should you need help later in life?
Why pay a private pension when the Government take it off any benefit you may claim later?
I can't wait for the end of July to get away!!!!
Plans to retire to Crete have gone out of the window due to health problems but more time will be spent there given the opportunity.

[muzzy]

we are near to georgiopoulis and last years crash of kosmar hit the village hard saying that the good news for 2009 is that first choice and olympic have taken over some of the hotels for us we will be out in april then most of august folled by october so no change there then

[Pam]

Only impending bankruptcy would stop us coming to Crete - fortunately, although we've been told no pay rise this year and little, if any, bonus, there's just about enough money for holidays. So, we've booked flights for 2 weeks in June (9th-25th) and also from 24th to 1st April - that was a last-minute decision made during a very bad day at work, when I decided we needed a treat, whether we had the money or not! I think the main difference it will make is that we may well not eat out all the time, but prepare simple meals in our accommodation.


Looking forward to meeting whoever is about at that time, and also to crisis meeting(s) on Dinny's terrace.

Pam & Bob

[pat & pete]

The crunch is affecting London & the South East big time. Pete is a London Taxi driver (Black Cabbie) & he has noticed over the last year a massive decrease in his income, he now earns less than half of what he used to. Fortunately he owns his cab,all be it being quite old ! (a bit like us needs some repairing!!! ) He often used to pick up city financial workers, but now they are not allowed to take a cab unless they pay for it themselves, most now catch a tube or walk.
Things are going to take a long while to recover not just here but in many countries. We do hope that it does'nt have too much effect on Crete & Greece as it would be devasting to the tourist industry. We are really wanting to return this year, but we may not make it After having a 3 week holiday in & around Crete last year & having such a wonderful time we will be sad not to return this year. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we may pick up a good deal.
Pat & Pete

[David and Glenda]

Actually, the credit crunch is good for me.
Glenda has decreed the only expenditure on the next visit will be on building a protective fence at the end of the garden to stop us falling down the cliff side, so hooray, we can enjoy the island a bit more instead of more DIY.
Coming out April 5th for a fortnight and then again in September and again over Xmas and the new Year.

regards
David

[aardigman]

Hi There
Well We will be going back to Crete (Gouves) again this year. It is the only thing I will NOT cut back on. So, Role on the end of June. Really looking forward to my 2 weeks

[Laid Back Lil]

Pam & Bob! Are you in Kalives inJune? If so we may get that drink this time round! Let me know

[Pam]

Hi, Laid Back Lil - yes, we do intend to be in Kalyves from 10th June for a few days, and would be great to meet up with you for a drink. Will be in touch when we've firmed up on dates/accommodation etc.

Pam & Bob

[aardigman]

Hi There ..
Only 4 weeks to holiday in Crete. for the tenth time. Do I like Crete or what ? lol anyway I will be staying in gouves and intend to hire a car. Who is the best to hire a car from?
thank you in advance
Kieran

[Tinks]

Sadly, I won't be visiting Crete this year (I do hope to return to Tavronitis again soon though). As I usually travel with Olympic and on Monarch airlines - I'm glad I won't be worrying about the potential Monarch airline strikes this summer though.

[Rodders]

The "Credit Crunch" has affected us all in one way or another but I know I would not survive without my few weeks out in Crete. We were out in March to "open up".. Back for a couple of weeks in June, the first week with my three brothers to walk the route of our father, one of the allied soldiers captured on Crete in May 1941... Souda to Hora Sfakia via the Imbros Gorge. We will drink to his memory at the caves with a bottle or two of Retsina (Dads favorite tipple). The second week with Brother & Sister in Law just chilling by the pool.. Back again in September with the Kids? (25 & 22) then a week at the end of Nov to put all to bed.
The difference between this year and previous? Less eating out, cheaper flights by booking earlier, sacrifices at home in order to save for Crete.
The downturn in the economy has delayed our plans for a permanent move for a while but our resolve remains solid... It will happen..

[Dinny]

Hi Rodders,
I like the idea about the family walking the route of your father! It's a real nice thing to remember him by. Hope you'll all have a wonderful time on Crete in spite of the little cut-downs. :-)

Dinny

[Aurelia]

I plan to visit and am counting the days, pinching the pennies,
and walking, walking, walking;-)

[armando]

Will The Crisis Affect Your Next Summer Holidays?

I dont think so, this year: we just booked ferry from Italy to Greece on 25/6 coming back on 11/7 .. after spending some days with our friends in Mani, at 90% we'll come also to Crete with Gythio-Kasteli line .
Only few days, like last years: work here in Italy and our sons need our presence .. for the moment .. but within 4 years I plan to be retired, increasing after the time in Crete ..