Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Is it a bad idea to book a last-minute holiday to Greece?

What happens if it leaves the eurozone?

Simon Calder
Wednesday 10 June 2015 09:36 BST
Comments
Back to drachma? Greece is still an enticing prospect
Back to drachma? Greece is still an enticing prospect

Q. I am considering booking a last-minute holiday to Greece. My husband is very worried; will we even have a holiday if Greece leaves the euro? Elaine Scupham, Essex

A. June is a brilliant time to travel to Greece. Some tremendous deals are available with top-grade package holiday firms such as Thomson, Thomas Cook and Olympic.

I think it unlikely that Greece will re-introduce the drachma before the end of June – the deadline for the Syriza government to pay £1bn back to its creditors. But in the exciting world of Greek economics, anything can happen.

Suppose a "Grexit" occurs while you are away. The worst that could happen is a run on ATMs, as locals seek to retrieve as many euros as they can. It is a currency that is likely only to strengthen were it to lose the weakest member of its squad. If Greece were to take up the drachma again, its value would have to be calibrated against the euro. So you might want not to rely upon hole-in-the-wall cash machines. Instead, take euros in cash – preferably small denominations. Then, in the unlikely event of a seismic pecuniary shift taking place while you are on a sun lounger, the only effect would be that you, and everyone else with the euro, would be even more popular with the ever-friendly locals.

If you are concerned about demonstrations, the best way to insulate yourselves is to make sure you buy a proper package – which places a duty of care on the tour operator to keep you safe and your holiday enjoyable.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in