The Greek Specialist

The Greek Specialist Travel Agent and Tour Operator specialising in Greece. A brand of Verini Travel, part of PTS (Number PTS5880)

ATOL 12280

19/09/2026

So what were holidays like years ago? For some of us it brings back fond memories and for the young ones who can’t remember here are some of the things that made a holiday back in the days truly memorable.

Going on holiday in the 80s

✈️On the flight you got complimentary peanuts with a drink and you always got lemon scented wipes (what's a nut allergy?)

✈️You didn't reserve your airline seats, just sit where you wanted - first come first served and allocated at the desk when you checked in, nothing online

✈️Everyone got a FREE hot airline meal and sometimes you got to choose between 2 options - no veggie options

✈️Duty free was actually cheap

✈️There was a smoking area on the plane - cos obviously the smoke knew not to go in the non smoking area

✈️Local supermarkets sold no British brands, so your mum had to pack Tetley Tea bags, Nescafe, Mcvities Chocolate digestives and Heinz Beans in the case

✈️On package holidays when you got on the coach, there was always a rep on the full journey to your hotel informing you of local interests, offers and advice.

✈️Booking your holiday was only ever done through a high street Travel Agent

and you'd go in there collecting lots of holiday brochures and take them home to choose your next adventure, checking the back pages to see exactly how much it was going to cost

✈️You did get the option of looking at Ceefax for holiday deals (if youre under 30, Google this lol)

✈️ Airlines back then: Dan Air, Orion, Britannia, British Midland, British Caledonian, Monarch...

✈️Suitcases and cabin bags had no wheels! Yep, bad backs all round.

✈️Luggage came in 2 colours - black or brown so it took ages to identify your suitcase on the carousel and usually meant you picking up Joe Bloggs' case only to realise and shove it back on the belt hoping nobody saw you

✈️At arrivals, on your way home, a family member always greeted you because it didn't cost them a weeks wage for petrol and parking to pick you up at the airport

🏨No television in your hotel room

🏨If you wanted to know the news, you had to buy a newspaper and they were always 1 or 2 days behind and cost twice the price

🏨Newspapers and magazines were treasure and after you'd read them, you'd seek out a fellow British person to pass them to

🏨If you wanted to watch television, you had to go in the "TV Room" downstairs in the hotel, but often you couldn't change the channel cos there would be people there already invested in watching a programme

🏨No hot English breakfast, just ham cheese and boiled eggs - croissants if you were lucky

🏨There was no such thing as all inclusive, it was breakfast, half board, full board or self catering

🏨 Everyone would get proper dressed up for their evening meal in the hotel - men in shirts and ties, ladies in pretty dresses

🏨Your evening meal was never buffet style, you got a set menu and waiters would serve you in uniform with bow ties

🏨Sunloungers were very limited so it was sunbed wars at 8am

🏨The food was always "foreign", so kids ate chips all holiday

🏨There was always a "Welcome" meeting on the morning of your first day in the hotel and everyone went, often just for a glass of complimentary cheap ch*****ne and orange juice and lollies for the kids

🏨It was normal for your mum to pack a travel iron and do ironing after you unpacked...wtf

🏨Mum would pack a travel washing line and pegs - those who weren't prepared often lost towels, swimwear and underpants which had blown off the balcony

🏨Trouser presses and bidets were the norm in most accommodations

🏨Bathrooms had no complimentary soap or shower gel

🏨There was no air conditioning in your room! So you slept with the patio doors wide open risking getting robbed and eaten by mosquitos

🏨No fridge, no kettle...And no hair dryers!

🏨 The maid brought fresh laundered towels to your room daily - none of this save the planet stuff

🏝You couldn't walk down a street without being pestered about TIME SHARE (Again. Google it)

🏝Everyone coming home with a big toy donkey or a sombrero

🏝Lots of topless ladies on the beaches and men wearing budgie smugglers

🏝Taking ages writing 6 postcards to family and friends "Wish you were here" and sending them only for you to arrive home long before the postcards did

🏝Holidays abroad were always 2 weeks and during this time you never contacted home - cut off from the outside world

🏝 If you wanted to phone home, you made sure you only did this once and your dad would be shouting hurry up as he pushed endless pesetas (old money) in the coin slot

🏝Having to get Travellers Cheques from Thomas Cook for your holiday dosh, then queuing at a Spanish bank to get your cash by showing your passport

🏝The Club 18-30 holiday (yep, Google it)

🏝Everyone bought a lilo and an inflatable animal to sit on in the pool

🏝 Pushing family members in the deep end of the pool was the norm

🏝Mums would tell you to say NO ICE in your drinks as she knew it would give you the sh*ts and if a waiter put some in your lemonade, she'd fish it out and put it in an ashtray

🏝Excursions in your resort always included a trip to a Vineyard (W**e tasting) and a Flamenco show

🏝You felt so exotic buying souvenirs for family and friends, usually Spanish sweets and a fridge magnet...

What are your holiday memories from years gone by?

This news report is one of many similar reports I am reading and seeing with my own eyes that most of the smaller island...
06/08/2026

This news report is one of many similar reports I am reading and seeing with my own eyes that most of the smaller islands in
Greece have very little, if any, availability left for this month. Some hotels that I know of are fully booked till the end of September. When enquiring please be aware it may be what is left on the small islands rather than exactly what you want for the next couple of months.

Day 3 of Crete had us take a boat trip from Chania. Domes really excel with their experiential events and this was no ex...
21/05/2026

Day 3 of Crete had us take a boat trip from Chania. Domes really excel with their experiential events and this was no exception.

We went out to anchor off a small island inhabited only by goats before swimming (it was a little cold) and a wonderful lunch.

We finished by going into Chania Old Town last night for an amazing harbour side meal.

Day 2 of my trip to Crete took me to visit two other hotels - Domes Zeen Chania or Domes Noruz Chania.Zeen is a family h...
20/05/2026

Day 2 of my trip to Crete took me to visit two other hotels - Domes Zeen Chania or Domes Noruz Chania.

Zeen is a family hotel with a slight far east vibe with luscious gardens, rooms and villas in the grounds and amazing food just a 20 minute stroll from Chania Old harbour.

Noruz is an adult only hotel where every room has a water element, whether it’s a hot tub or plunge pool. Located about 15 minutes from Chania by taxi it has a chill out beach club vibe.

As always if you want more info please email [email protected] or call 0115 654 7796

So the Domes Aulus Chania is absolutely stunning! We had a site visit this afternoon and looked at the different room ty...
18/05/2026

So the Domes Aulus Chania is absolutely stunning! We had a site visit this afternoon and looked at the different room types (there are 7) as well as the spa, gym and food and beverage outlets.

Such a great price for the product that is provided.

For more details please email [email protected] or call 0115 654 7795

Aulūs Chania, Curio Collection by Hilton

At this time in the morning it can only mean one thing! It’s the first work trip of the year but where am I heading off ...
18/05/2026

At this time in the morning it can only mean one thing! It’s the first work trip of the year but where am I heading off to?

It’s a fabulous hotel chain with 3 amazing hotels in the city of ……….. Chania!!!!!

Keep an eye on the fantastic content I will be bringing you over the next few days!

Aulūs Chania, Curio Collection by Hilton

17/05/2026

I am out of the office this week visiting hotels in Crete. Keep an eye out for some stunning properties to come over the next few days.

I will have my laptop with me but as I am on hotel visits, I may not be able to respond immediately.

If your matter is of an urgent nature, please call 0115 654 7795 and leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

09/05/2026

Right. I want to take a moment on this one. ✈️

The UK press has been running headlines about 13,000 flights being cancelled and the framing has been alarmist enough to make travellers genuinely nervous about booking.

Let me put that number in context.

There are roughly 100,000 flights taking off worldwide every single day in May. That works out at approximately 3.1 million flights this month alone. 🌍

13,000 cancellations out of 3.1 million flights is 0.42 percent.

Let me say that again. Less than half a percent.

And if you look closer, a significant portion of those 13,000 are likely on routes where the same airline operates multiple daily slots, which means passengers are simply consolidated onto another departure on the same day.

This is not a crisis. This is the travel industry doing what it always does: managing capacity, optimising routes and adjusting in real time.

What actually matters is this. If you have a holiday booked or you are thinking about booking one, the smartest thing you can do is travel with someone who is paying attention.

Someone who tracks operational changes, knows the back channels, has direct supplier relationships, and is going to know about a disruption to your booking before you do.

That is what I do for my clients every day. 💙

The headlines are loud. The reality is calm.

And if anything changes that affects you specifically, you should hear it from your travel adviser, not from a newspaper.

If you would rather travel with someone who has your back, you know where to find me.

🌴✨ Discover Your Perfect Escape with Domes Resorts Greece ✨🌴Whether you're dreaming of luxury, romance, or a vibrant get...
13/04/2026

🌴✨ Discover Your Perfect Escape with Domes Resorts Greece ✨🌴

Whether you're dreaming of luxury, romance, or a vibrant getaway, Domes Resorts has a stay tailored just for you — now with UP TO 45% OFF!

💎 Domes Reserves – Ultra-luxury, exclusive havens with elevated privacy, VIP services, and refined elegance. Perfect for those who want the very best.

🏛 Domes Originals – Signature 5-star resorts blending authentic Greek culture with contemporary luxury. Ideal for couples and families alike.

🌅 Domes Noruz – Adults-only lifestyle resorts with a chic, social vibe. Think beachfront beats, cocktails, and stylish relaxation.

🏡 Domes Finds – Handpicked boutique villas and residences offering privacy, charm, and a true “home-away-from-home” experience.

🌿 Domes Aulūs – All-inclusive, eco-conscious resorts focused on effortless holidays, wellness, and great value without compromising style.

🔥 LIMITED TIME OFFER: SAVE UP TO 45% 🔥
Sun, sea, and savings are calling… where will you stay?

📍 Book now and turn your Greek island dreams into reality.

Call 0115 654 7795 or email [email protected] for more information

25/03/2026

We feature all of these wonderful islands! Which one would you pick?

Address

Office 39, Anglo House, Worcester Road
Stourport
DY139AW

Opening Hours

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Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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