Greek ferries: a constant effort for improvement…

Serving more than 25 millions of passengers every year, Greek ferries have improved a lot their services, contributing thus in the development of tourism and transportation system...

As Greece is a country surrounded by sea and has a lot of islands, it developed a strong ferry system to facilitate the communication between the islands and the transportation of permanent inhabitants and visitors.

Over the last decades, the development of tourism in Greece has made it necessary to build a flexible and high quality ferry system. Such a strong system of Greek ferries started to develop in the 1970s, along with the first tourists to come in Greece. Those tourists were hippies looking for small and isolate islands, like Antiparos or Elafonissos, or remote beaches, such as Matala beach in Crete. Then, tourism became more massive and Greek ferries had to accomplish an important role: not only to transport tourists to the Greek islands, but also to contribute in the development of these islands and the improvement of the quality of life of the permanent inhabitants.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Greek ferries were quite slow and services were poor. However, over the years, services were getting better and time to cross the Aegean was getting less. The ferry companies bought new vessels that had modern facilities, new nautical companies were established and the Greek State would subsidize lines to islands quiet far from Athens, such as Rhodes, Kos, Lesvos and many other islands that didn't have much traffic.

Greek ferries today are modern and quick. They have improved a lot over the years and are constantly getting better to face competition. Many Greek ferries have pools, cinemas, play rooms and many other facilities to give their passengers an enjoyable trip. The more distant the trip is, the better facilities Greek ferries offer. Cabins are spacious and comfortable, while there has been a certain effort that all Greek ferries are accessible by people with special needs. Note also that Greek ferries pay extra attention in terms of safety on board.

However, it is not only the quality of services that has improved. Prices also have, since companies understand that in order to be competent, low prices are required. Greek ferries try then to reduce the rate of the tickets and special offers are frequently given to families, groups of passengers, passengers with car or early bookers. Each company has its own ticket policy.

Lines are also getting better, so that island hopping is promoted. As ferry lines usually cover mostly certain islands with much traffic, there is a great effort that Greek ferries will improve and expand their lines, so that more islands will be directly connected to each other. Therefore, both permanent residents and tourists will have the chance to visit more islands without having to change their ferry. This is truly an important advantage for the further development of tourism, as tourists who come to Greece are usually looking to visit many islands rather than settle and spend their holidays only in one. Therefore, a good system of Greek ferries is truly helpful.

Greek ferries are constantly trying to improve their services and prices to serve better their passengers. And they have achieved a lot over the past years, serving more than 25 millions of passengers that travel through all ports of Greece to the islands. by Daisy

Travel Tips for Italy

Italy has something for everyone and is a destination that takes many visits to fully appreciate. Travelers have been spellbound by it's mountains, art, landscapes, people and food for many years. Below I will outline some important Italy travel tips you should know before going.

General Tips

1. Many tourist attractions do not allow photography - particularly museums.

2. It is considered rude to walk around towns in bikinis, beachwear, short shorts or skimpy outfits.

3. American and European DVDs use different formats, so what works at home may not work in Italy. This is becoming less of a problem with the rise of Multi Region DVD's.

4. Returning or exchanging an item, even if it is flawed not common in Italian stores so make sure you check things thoroughly before you buy.

5. Some stores will not allow you to try on shirts and blouses.

6. Wheelchair access to restaurant bathrooms is rare, as are ramps and elevators in old buildings. Buses are also generally not wheelchair-compatible.

7. Topless sunbathing is common on the northern and central Italian beaches, however it is not advised in the more conservative and traditional south.

8. Hotels often don't have pools or videogames, while virtually nothing on the radio or television is in English.

Health and Safety

1. Olive oil and wine are a fundamental ingredient in Italian cooking. They are also natural laxatives and so can cause problems for those with sensitive stomachs.

2. In an emergency, dial 113.

3. If you are in trouble and need the help of passers by, yell AIUTO (pronounced ay-you-toe), which is Italian for HELP!

4. Serious crime is rare, however pickpockets and purse-snatchers are more common in the largeer cities.

5. Stick to bottled water as Italian tap water is sometimes heavily chlorinated

Eating out

1. Italians usually take their food as it is listed, seldom making special requests, such as "hold the mayo."

2. Don't wait for the check - ask for it.

3. Tip with cash. A 'servizio' charge is usually included but a small tip is appreciated.

4. Breakfast is usually served from 7-10:30am, lunch from 12:30-2:30pm, and dinner from 7:30-10pm. Peak lunch and dinner hours are 1 and 9pm.

5. There are almost no restrictions on alcohol. It can be purchased at any time on any day and there is no minimum drinking age.

6. Kids menus are almost unheard of so ask upfront for a half portion if required.

Opening Times and Holidays

1. Banks are open weekdays 8:30am to 1:30pm and sometimes for an hour in the afternoon.

2. While some major churches are open all day, most are open from early morning until noon and then close for three to four hours, before reopening again, and close at 6pm.

3. Many museums are closed on Monday.

4. Most shops are closed between 1pm and 3:30pm for lunch. Due to Italy being a Catholic country, many stores are closed on Sunday.

5. Try and avoid traveling to Italy in August as most of the locals are on vacation and everything is closed.

6. Apart from Christmas, New Years, and Easter, Italy also celebrates: Epiphany (Jan. 6), Liberation Day (Apr. 25), May Day (May 1), Festival of the Republic (June 2), Farragosto (Nov. 1), All Saints Day (Nov. 1), Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8), Feast of St. Stephen (Dec. 26). by Graham Jeffries