What impact will unrest have on Greece next spring with children

The problem is that you are asking an impossible question. No way to forecast what the political situation will be in six months or a year. Personal I would go. In the past we have been in some areas where there were protests, etc. but no brother to us because it was not in our immediate area. Obviously, it is wide spread involving the core city, then it can be a problem. Look at the recent mess in London. Who would have expected that or been able to forecast. Most counties are very protective of their tourist trade and will try to protect it. At this stage I would stay with the original plans.

As Frank has said, there's no way to predict what will be happening next year. I do know people who have recently returned from Greece and saw none of the problems. I'd say go if your heart is set on it.
Or if you are doubtful, why not go to Turkey and continue from there?

I was just there a few weeks ago (Athens) and from the news coverage here one would have thought it was everywhere. Never saw anything other than a few banners that I think may have been student protest signs, but since I could not read them they could have been advertising a concert! Because the unrest had started before we left I was glad that I was flying in and out of Istanbul with a side trip on Agean Air to Greece. Had the situation worsened, we could have bailed out on that part of the trip, but that is not why I booked it that way. I had my ten year old grandson with me, so of course, my only concern was his safety and good time, but we saw nothing of this protests and took a bus tour all around Athens.

Donna, I was in Greece last year at a time when numerous demonstrations and civil unrest were being reported. Except for an almost comedic march in Nafplio, everything was "business as usual". I'm not sure all of the countries you mentioned will be practical as "day trips", so it would be a good idea to plan carefully. Rather than visiting Germany as a day trip, I'd suggest staying in Munich for a few days, as there's LOTS to see there and I'm sure it would be a really interesting stop for your group. Given the age of your boys, the Deutsches Museum is one possibility. Neuschwanstein Castle is another good stop, but you'll have to decide if they're able to "handle" Dachau. Munich and Salzburg are only a short rail trip apart, so the trip is very easy. Your husband and sons might enjoy reading Europe Through The Back Door so they'll have some idea "how" to travel well in Europe.

Thank you all for your response. Its been very helpful and a comfort that this should not be one of our biggest concerns. My husband is "Safety Guy" and so I don't want to overwhelm him too much. Others have suggested more of Germany or France maybe easier/more to see than Greece as we've only allocated about 5 days for that portion of the trip. Does anyone have an opinion on that. Donna

Donna, On your visit to Greece, are you planning in visiting only Athens for five days? I'd suggest about 2 - 3 days for Athens and then one other place. One other point about Greece is that it's somewhat "distant" from the other spots you'll be visiting, so you'll have to budget for transportation. Were you planning on starting in Greece? It would also help to have some idea on which cities you want to visit in Italy, Austria and the other countries on your list. If you don't have a definite list for those yet, you might check your local Library to see if you can find Guidebooks on each country. Are you planning to get around primarily by rail? In order to provide accurate replies, more information would be a big help. Cheers!

hi everyone Our plan was to start with 2 days in Athens, 2 in Santorini(flying between), fly from there for 3/4 days in Rome, 7 days just north of Venice, 4 days in Vienna, 2 days in Salzburg, pick up a car in Innsbruck. Spend 5 days in Tyrol Austria (I have relatives in that area, 1 day trip to St Moritz) , train to Frankfurt and flying home. We'd have a car rental in the Venice area and Innsbruck/Tyrol time only, the rest via plane/train. Give or take 1 day on any of the above. From north of Venice we're thinking of having a car to cover Trieste, Verona, train into Venice 2 days, .. Does that sound reasonable or too much. We greatly appreciate the suggestions/information you're all providing. Diana

I should add the place north of Venice we're thinking of staying in is Pordenone - a smaller city. Also if 4 days in Vienna and 2 in Salzburg is too much we have considered going to Prague for a day/night but not sure if that wouldn't make it too much. Diana

Strikes and work shutdowns seem to be a regular feature of Greek life (gee, I wonder if that has something to do with why they're about to default on their debts?). Whatever unrest is occurring now will probably will have long since died down by the time you arrive... and something else will have flared up by then,

Oh, the political unrest.... I was thinking you meant the boys.