taxes in Greece

No. In fact there are some great bargains to be found if you take the time to contact hotels regarding accomodation. Aegean Airlines offers deeply-discounted airfare to the islands as well as to other airports in Europe. Sign up for their email newsletter and keep an eye out on their website.

Greece has always been one of the more inexpensive European destinations. The islands can still be pricey during high season. Where and when were you thinking of going?

Thanks for those responses to my question about costs. My thought was perhaps May, but that may already be too late. So maybe September. I'm thinking of traveling in shoulder times.

If you're thinking it's too late to get some bargains, I assure you it's not. Here's a good way to get a hotel discount. Make a list of the best 10 hotels you like wherever it is you want to visit and send them all an email stating how much you like their website, that you have read some excellent reviews and would love to stay there. You would like to book a room for "x" dates. Go off their stated room rates and discount them 15% when you ask if they have anything available for "x" euro per night. Chances are good at least one of them will make you a deal.

I agree with Lee, It's NOT too late to enjoy Greece on a budget, in may. In fact, last 2 weeks in May are ideal. Prices don't go up until June 1 (even June is called "middle season" in many places) ... the plus part of Spring is that it's just after the rainy season so everything is green & flowery, weather is in the 70s-low 80s, water is swimmable. Everything's open, nothing is crowded. Also, Greeks are not rushed, have time to socialize with you. Sept is nice too (I've been both times) but after 4 very dry months, the landscape is browner... and the Greeks (after the July-Aug mob scene of European package holiday makers)are a bit "burned out" and are thinking about getting their kids into school, and closing up shop so it's got that end-of-season feeling sometimes. but it's up to you. If you like small B & B's (8 - 20 rooms) family-owned, in May there are tons of small places to stay, often on a beach with balconies on the view, for 30€ or so. Do some quick homework (here' a great online overview of Greek islands with good visuals & info)... http://www.greek-islands.us/ the Cyclades isles are ideal for newcomers. Look at some, get back to us with specifics.