Good destinations for 1-2 days for a 4-sector run?
Sep 9, 2020, 1:52 pm
#16
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: VIE/BTS
Posts: 975
Well....! It's that time of year again 
sector run time!
I had a fantastic deal booked for 25-27th Sept to CHQ to renew status with a lovely city center hotel that just fell apart when the Dutch government put ALL Greek islands on the quarantine list. Absolutely gutted. I was looking forward to spending a full day by the pool and a great dinner and Greek wine somewhere. Mainland is still permitted though so I booked to SKG instead. (which is really crazy from a Covid POV - a small island town vs. a busy city..)
Anyway.. I have no idea about Thessaloniki. I saw there's some nice hotels near and south of the airport, though maybe it would be nice to be closer to a town center. Does anybody have any recommendations for where I should stay and if there are any MUST SEEs for Thessaloniki? A Greek dinner recommendation would be welcome too.
sector run time!I had a fantastic deal booked for 25-27th Sept to CHQ to renew status with a lovely city center hotel that just fell apart when the Dutch government put ALL Greek islands on the quarantine list. Absolutely gutted. I was looking forward to spending a full day by the pool and a great dinner and Greek wine somewhere. Mainland is still permitted though so I booked to SKG instead. (which is really crazy from a Covid POV - a small island town vs. a busy city..)
Anyway.. I have no idea about Thessaloniki. I saw there's some nice hotels near and south of the airport, though maybe it would be nice to be closer to a town center. Does anybody have any recommendations for where I should stay and if there are any MUST SEEs for Thessaloniki? A Greek dinner recommendation would be welcome too.
Sep 10, 2020, 1:12 am
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: RTM
Programs: DiamondClub (rip), Currently an Alliance Treble Champion (BA, A3, AZ)
Posts: 1,786
Well you can still fly to the islands. Its just that things like insurance might work differently (or not at all).
The crazy thing is that Thessaloniki has been quite a hotspot too, definitely more than some of the islands (though not sure how it compares to Crete).
Personally I'm not very familiar with the city... but I do know that it is well known for its cuisine. Probably very different from the island style that you were hoping to find, but hopefully good/nice nonetheless.
The crazy thing is that Thessaloniki has been quite a hotspot too, definitely more than some of the islands (though not sure how it compares to Crete).
Personally I'm not very familiar with the city... but I do know that it is well known for its cuisine. Probably very different from the island style that you were hoping to find, but hopefully good/nice nonetheless.
Thank you all for your constructive and great ideas - this is why this forum is a super place ^
Sep 10, 2020, 12:27 pm
#19
Suspended
Join Date: May 2020
Location: BEG
Posts: 57
Thessaloniki's archaeological museum is definitely a must and if you're into Byzantine history that one is superb as well. For accommodation I'd recommend The Caravan B&B - it's urban and bright and the central Electra Palace has recently been renovated. Two restaurant recommendations: Charoupi and Sempriko. And I wouldn't miss renting a bike and riding up and down the promenade 
Sep 11, 2020, 3:21 am
#20
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,884
Those M+C USA deals are sadly missed . In terms of requal A3 is better IMHO.
Sep 11, 2020, 6:50 am
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: RTM
Programs: DiamondClub (rip), Currently an Alliance Treble Champion (BA, A3, AZ)
Posts: 1,786
I still had a large chunk left to convert to Avios..A3 re-qualification is perfect. I fly frequently on Star Alliance, but only short haul, low economy. I would never make Gold the long route, but desperately want Gold for the lounge and fast track to make the frequent economy short haul more bearable. A 1-2 night mileage run adventure to Greece each year is fun, especially as I usually manage to use my upgrade coupons too!
Oct 5, 2020, 8:07 am
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: YYZ
Programs: A3&O6 Gold,IC AMB & HH Diamond
Posts: 14,132
I did not want to start a new thread so I am asking my questions here. We are planning to book LHR-ATH-XXX, and XXX-ATH-CDG. Any recommendations will be welcome . Apr 2 first departure and April 4/5 second departure.
Oct 5, 2020, 9:18 pm
#23
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Heraklion, Greece
Posts: 7,564
Not knowing what you're after (e.g. culture? hiking? etc.) I will not recommend anything in particular but give you a small warning: This is the non-orthodox Easter weekend, so both numbers of passengers and prices will sky-rocket! Act fast!!!
Oct 6, 2020, 6:56 am
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: YYZ
Programs: A3&O6 Gold,IC AMB & HH Diamond
Posts: 14,132
Been to Heraklion, SKG, Kefalonia already.
Oct 6, 2020, 9:16 am
#26
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: YYZ
Programs: A3&O6 Gold,IC AMB & HH Diamond
Posts: 14,132
Oct 7, 2020, 12:34 pm
#29
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: CHA
Posts: 151
Oct 8, 2020, 4:05 am
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: RTM
Programs: DiamondClub (rip), Currently an Alliance Treble Champion (BA, A3, AZ)
Posts: 1,786