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Newsflash
Below are detailed the latest news and information updates, relevant to the specific publication. These will be incorporated in the next book revisions.
| Thassos - latest news and information |
| 17/02/2010 |
HOW WILL THE PRESENT FINANCIAL SITUATION IN GREECE IMPACT ON VISITORS TO THASSOS?
The continuing extensive media coverage will understandably worry some holidaymakers with regard to how these problems will affect the overall cost and quality of their vacation? I can confirm that at present the indications are that any impact will be negligible. We have seen a small increase in the price of petrol (but the cost is still lower than in most EU countries). This may have a slight 'knock-on effect' with regard to the price of transported goods, flight costs and ferry crossings to the island. However, for 'package deal' visitors, the latter two are included in the price of the holiday.
On the positive side, for those outside the common currency, the weak euro should mean that any increase in prices on the island will be offset by an improved exchange rate.
I will closely monitor the situation and post updates when appropriate. |
| 22/01/2010 |
Blue Air who offer direct flights from London Stansted airport in the UK to Thessalonica have changed their website address to www.blueairweb.com
Therefore please note the address quoted in the book is now incorrect. |
| 06/01/2010 |
For those who are regular visitors to our island, we are sad to report that Peter Collinson, who owned 'Cheers' bar in Thassos Town, passed away yesterday after suffering a major heart attack. He will be sadly missed. |
| 18/12/2009 |
It has come to our attention that some web book retailers have previous year's editions under the banner of the new 2010 editions. We therefore advise that prior to purchasing, you confirm the edition of a book.
Alternatively, all three 'A to Z Guides' sold on our eBay site and through the publishers Arima.co.uk are guaranteed to be 2010 editions. |
| 17/11/2009 |
The A to Z Guide to Thassos including colour photographs of the island and mainland attractions is now available in e-book format (180 pages) for use on pdas, computers and electronic readers. Further information can be obtained by clicking the Lulu.com link on the Thassos page. |
| 16/12/2009 |
A new budget airline, Blue Air, has added UK/Thessalonica to their services. Flying out of London Stansted, the flight is direct to Thessalonica. Their flight costs are very competitive and the initial feedback from those who have flown with them is positive. The on-board services are basic, but only to a quality that would be expected from a budget carrier. |
| 13/05/2009 |
Occasionally I have been asked why there are no photographs in the printed version of the book? When I first set out to write my travel guides, the two prime objectives were to publish books at an affordable price and to make sure they were accurate and with the latest information (initial research had shown that the vast majority of guide books contain numerous errors and omissions). To achieve this, the publication process I chose was POD (Print on Demand), whereby each book is printed at the time of order, from a manuscript that is regularly updated (larger retailers such as Amazon do hold small stocks). However, one drawback of POD is that the addition of colour photographs would add considerably to the cost of each book.
As is the practice with books containing photographs, if they are to be offered at a reasonable price, they are printed in bulk to reduce the unit cost. This inevitably means that at these quantities, the book can be significantly out of date when purchased. I hope you therefore agree that my decision to sacrifice the addition of photographs so as to ensure the accuracy of information on the island, was the correct one.
However, the book including photographs has now been published in e-book format. You can find further information by clicking on the Lulu.com link on the Thassos page. |
| 04/01/2010 |
For 2010, 'HistoryShots’ will be presenting superb multimedia shows telling the amazing ancient history of Thassos, known in antiquity as 'The Athens of the North'. The full plans for this year's venues and dates have not yet been finalised. However, there should be weekly shows at two of the island’s 5 star hotels, namely the Alexandra Golden Boutique Hotel in Golden Beach and the Ilio Mare in Skala Prinos, both will be open to non-residents. In Thassos Town, as in 2009, there will also be two shows a week in Kalogeriko, the white two-storey building on the Old Harbour. All of the above will include full multimedia including film, interactive displays of ancient artifacts, museum accurate sets of full 5th century B.C. Hoplite and Persian weapons and armour, an introduction to the archaeology on the island and much more. |
| 04/01/2010 |
I am sorry, but I still cannot confirm the re-opening date for the vastly improved archaeological museum in Thassos Town, although we hope that this will happen this year. The reason for the delay is that the Ministry of Culture have not released adequate funds for the required increase in staff. Everyone involved on the island is both saddened and annoyed at the situation, but it is outside of their control. |
| Kos - latest news and information |
| 17/02/2010 |
HOW WILL THE PRESENT FINANCIAL SITUATION IN GREECE IMPACT ON VISITORS TO KOS?
The continuing extensive media coverage will understandably worry some holidaymakers with regard to how these problems will affect the overall cost and quality of their vacation? I can confirm that at present the indications are that any impact will be negligible. We have seen a small increase in the price of petrol (but the cost is still lower than in most EU countries). This may have a slight 'knock-on effect' with regard to the price of transported goods to the island, guided tours and flight costs. However, for 'package deal' visitors, the latter is included in the price of the holiday.
On the positive side, for those outside the common currency, the weak euro should mean that any increase in prices on the island will be offset by an improved exchange rate.
I will closely monitor the situation and post updates when appropriate. |
| 18/12/2009 |
It has come to our attention that some web book retailers have previous year's editions under the banner of the new 2010 editions. We therefore advise that prior to purchasing, you confirm the edition of a book.
Alternatively, all three 'A to Z Guides' sold on our eBay site and through the publishers Arima.co.uk are guaranteed to be 2010 editions. |
| 17/11/2009 |
The A to Z Guide to Kos is now available in e-book format (161 pages) for use on pdas, computers and electronic readers. The book contains colour photographs of the attractions on and near the island. Further information can be obtained by clicking the Lulu.com link on the Kos page. |
| 25/08/2009 |
Whilst I stand by my decision to be impartial and unbiased in my guide book with regard to accommodation on Kos, I have received a number of emails asking me to mention the Kos Imperial Thalasso hotel at Psalidi. They have all commented on the exceptional quality of service, food and facilities. They have also praised its location, offering easy access to Kos Town. |
| 13/05/2009 |
Occasionally I have been asked why there are no photographs in the printed version of the book? When I first set out to write my travel guides, the two prime objectives were to publish books at an affordable price and to make sure they were accurate and with the latest information (initial research had shown that the vast majority of guide books contain numerous errors and omissions). To achieve this, the publication process I chose was POD (Print on Demand), whereby each book is printed at the time of order, from a manuscript that is regularly updated (larger retailers such as Amazon do hold small stocks). However, one drawback of POD is that the addition of colour photographs would add considerably to the cost of each book.
As is the practice with books containing photographs, if they are to be offered at a reasonable price, they are printed in bulk to reduce the unit cost. This inevitably means that at these quantities, the book can be significantly out of date when purchased. I hope you therefore agree that my decision to sacrifice the addition of photographs so as to ensure the accuracy of information on the island, was the correct one.
However, the book including photographs has now been published in e-book format. You can find further information by clicking on the Lulu.com link on the Kos page.
|
| 11/05/2009 |
I have been advised by a reliable source, that there is a new and impressive restaurant 'H2O' located in the Hotel Aktis Art, near the Bus Station, Kos Town. I will post a review when I have had a chance to personally visit.
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| Santorini - latest news and information |
| 17/02/2010 |
HOW WILL THE PRESENT FINANCIAL SITUATION IN GREECE IMPACT ON VISITORS TO SANTORINI?
The continuing extensive media coverage will understandably worry some holidaymakers with regard to how these problems will affect the overall cost and quality of their vacation? I can confirm that at present the indications are that any impact will be negligible. We have seen a small increase in the price of petrol (but the cost is still lower than in most EU countries). This may have a slight 'knock-on effect' with regard to the price of transported goods to the island, guided tours and flight costs. However, for 'package deal' visitors, the latter is included in the price of the holiday.
On the positive side, for those outside the common currency, the weak euro should mean that any increase in prices on the island will be offset by an improved exchange rate.
I will closely monitor the situation and post updates when appropriate. |
| 18/12/2009 |
It has come to our attention that some web book retailers have previous year's editions under the banner of the new 2010 editions. We therefore advise that prior to purchasing, you confirm the edition of a book.
Alternatively, all three 'A to Z Guides' sold on our eBay site and through the publishers Arima.co.uk are guaranteed to be 2010 editions. |
| 17/11/2009 |
The A to Z Guide to Santorini is now available in e-book format (153 pages) including photographs of the island for use on pdas, computers and electronic readers. Further information can be obtained by clicking the Lulu.com link on the Santorini page. |
| 15/5/2009 |
I am pleased to confirm that easyJet have initiated direct flights to Santorini from Gatwick Arport in the UK. This is in addition to its UK flights into Athens, from where you can take an internal flight to Santorini. |
| 13/05/2009 |
Occasionally I have been asked why there are no photographs in the printed version of the book? When I first set out to write my travel guides, the two prime objectives were to publish books at an affordable price and to make sure they were accurate and with the latest information (initial research had shown that the vast majority of guide books contain numerous errors and omissions). To achieve this, the publication process I chose was POD (Print on Demand), whereby each book is printed at the time of order, from a manuscript that is regularly updated (larger retailers such as Amazon do hold small stocks). However, one drawback of POD is that the addition of colour photographs would add considerably to the cost of each book.
As is the practice with books containing photographs, if they are to be offered at a reasonable price, they are printed in bulk to reduce the unit cost. This inevitably means that at these quantities, the book can be significantly out of date when purchased. I hope you therefore agree that my decision to sacrifice the addition of photographs so as to ensure the accuracy of information on the island, was the correct one.
However, the book including photographs has now been published in e-book format. You can find further information by clicking on the Lulu.com link on the Santorini page. |
| 02/02/2009 |
If you fancy a change from Greek food during your stay, there is a Chinese and a Mexican restaurant on the island. The 'China Restaurant' is near to the cable car in Fira town, offering either eat in or a 'take away' services. The Mexican restaurant 'Senor Zorbas' is about 3km outside Fira on the road to Megalochori. These are the only restaurants of their type on Santorini and both are of high quality, therefore I am happy to mention them. |
| 02/01/2010 |
Due to a serious accident at the archaeological site of Akrotiri in 2005, the site has been closed to the public. The authorities are not sure when it will re-open, I will post a note as soon as I know more. |
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