Why it is both safe and smart to visit Greece this year

Despite the current economic hardship , Greece is a modern country, with fully working social and economic institutions and up-to date infrastructures that offer everything the contemporary traveler should need. A modern road network, harbors and airports guarantee your smooth and swift transportation. At the same time, in case of an emergency, there are fully operational and up-to-date both public and private health centers and hospitals around the country. Also, all major retail companies can be found in Greece, be it from electronics to clothing. Moreover, well trained security forces, police and tourist police, are there to assist you and provide you with a sense of security and the affirmation that you are, indeed, in one of the safest countries to Europe, according to most statistics.

The images of riots and of clashes of citizens with the police that lately make their way to TV screens around the world, are certainly not a common and widespread phenomenon in actual Greek life. In fact, they always occur at the same exact spot each time (outside the Greek parliament in Athens), and it is the same small group of extremist youths that chooses to clash with the police exactly because they hope that foreign television crews will capture and transmit these images around the world. All surrounding neighborhoods in Athens and, of course, the rest of Greece which attracts the bulk of foreign visitors, are completely unaffected. Foreign visitors are in no more danger in Greece, even in Athens on a day a demonstration takes place, than they are in any other European capital.

In fact, this may be one of the best times to visit Greece from the perspective of the foreign traveler. Because of the crisis and the circulation of images of social turmoil in the media, many travelers are reluctant to consider Greece as a holiday destination. For the smart traveler, this can be an opportunity to enjoy Greece more fully than ever before. Archaeological and other cultural sites are less crowded, goods and (especially) services are becoming cheaper, the quality of services is improving in often unprecedented attempts to increase customer satisfaction and, paradoxically, most places in Greece now ooze an aura of tranquility like never before.

So be one of the smart travelers this year and come to Greece to discover and enjoy the country's unparalleled cultural treasures and physical beauty.