Waiting for your flight may just have become more bareable

There is nothing easy about trying to grab a few hours’ sleep between connecting flights on those uncomfortable airport chairs, where plastic armrests and wafer thin foam pads hinder any chance of comfort. Combined with the drone of security and boarding announcement, excited children and stressed parents (not to mention the sounds and smells coming from the person next to you) it’s usually a long, trying and uncomfortable wait before you are able to board your flight for yet more insufficient rest.
While some airport terminals do have connecting hotels where you can gather a few hours of contented rest (probably the only time most of us would consider paying for a hotel by the hour), the rates are usually too steep for most to consider this an option.

An affordable solution is on the horizon however and may be coming to an airport (or even train or bus station) near you.

The Sleep Box is a budget friendly, compact hotel room featuring a modest 4sq meters of space, with single bed and a lockable door so weary travelers are able to grab a little rest in peace and security.

There are no en suite facilities and with just a plug needed to connect the rooms’ electricity, units are entirely mobile (think small garden shed with a bed inside) and can be installed in any space, without the need for extensive renovations or remodeling, making this new innovation not only practical but very affordable.

They are gradually being seen in hotels, hostels and even offices (for overworked employees) around Europe with plans to introduce these to the USA in 2012.

Prices range depending on location but are typically around $50 per night or $15 an hour for those in airport terminals.

Photo Credit: SleepBox

I recently visited the Greek island of Zakynthos (also known as Zante) and spent some time exploring the holiday villages of Gerakas and Vassilikos where you can find stone-built villa and pastel painted apartments to rent through Ionian Eco Villagers.

Stone Villa at Vassilikos fron Ionian Eco Villagers

This collection of privately owned holiday lodging is run by local conservationist Yannis Vardakastanis who strives to provide a welcoming and eco-friendly holiday experience. The southern end of the the island of Zakynthos is home to the nesting sites of the Carretta Carretta or loggerhead turtle and Yannis is an award winning conservationist on the island, running the Earth Sea Sky turtle information centre close to the protected beach at Gerakas as well as a volunteer conservation programme to monitor turtles and wildlife. Although many of the resorts on Zante are packed with package holiday makers in high season, Gerakas and Vassilikos, where Ionian Eco Villagers is based, offers a much more low key and authentic Greek experience.

Villa at Gerakas by Ionian Eco Villagers

The properties range from simply furnished to boutique style but all are set in beautiful natural surroundings, with olive groves, lemon trees and bouganvillia and with space to relax and breathe in the scent of thyme and chamomile. There are different size and style of properties for different budgets, some with swimming pools, and the long sandy beaches of Vassilikos and Gerakas are within walking distance of all of them.

Villa at Vassilikos from Ionian Eco Villagers

As part of the holiday service Yannis provides information about wildlife in the area, taking guests on nature walks and providing bikes for guests to get around. The company supports the local economy by encouraging individual Greek property owners to preserve the unspoilt character of the area and discourage the building of larger scale hotels that would threaten the turtle and wildlife habitats in the area. Ionian Eco Villagers encourages the use of solar power and other eco friendly measures in their properties and they run turtle friendly catamaran trips around the bay where you can swim in the turquoise water, explore sea caves and if you are lucky, you may see some turtles too.

Turtle nesting beach at Gerakas

If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday in the sun that’s eco-friendly amid the olive groves and unhurried rhythm of Greek life, do take a look at Ionian Eco Villagers for a range of holiday properties to suit all budgets and tastes.

For more information visit the Ionian Eco Villagers Website and you’ll find other ideas for Zakynthos lodging on the Uptake website

Photo Credits: All photos by Heather on her travels on Flickr

Santorini, Greece

Santorini, one of Greece’s most popular vacationing spots, offers relaxation, tranquility and seclusion. Not only is the hotel situated atop a cliff with the most remarkable views, it is also surrounded by endless gardens which adds to the beauty of the Spa. Santorini Princess Spa Hotel offers the perfect escape for those who wish to spend quality time with what is important to them.

Not only will guests be amazed by the unbelievable views, the hotel also offers a top quality health spa, an unforgettable restaurant and a tranquil pool. With all of these available amenities, guests only have to worry about relaxing and enjoying the sun.

With 6,000 islands to choose from in Greece, I thought my particular insight of such a secret gem would help narrow down vacationing choices. With endless activities to choose from at the Princess Spa, such as snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing, this hotel is enjoyable for all ages.

One famous amenity of the hotel is the daily Yoga classes offered both indoors and on the cliffs outside the hotel. If relaxation is all you need on your vacation, Santorini Princess is the perfect spot for your vacationing needs.

Santorini Princess

84700, Imerovigli

Santorini, Greece

+30 22860 25870-72

Photo Credit to David Spender

Related: I Dream of Greece; Island Hopping in Greece.

Did you know that the Greek word for ’Inn’ is Kataluma, which literally translated means ‘guest room.’ Now read the passage in Luke 2:7, which says that Jesus was born in a manger because ‘there was no room for them in the inn.’ What the passage refers to is that the guest room aka the inn was full.

According to historians well versed with social norms during this period, it was customary for visitors to stay at peoples’ homes in the inn, as opposed to a place where travelers pay-to-stay nowadays – what we call the Inn. But one lodging company in Greece has reconciled both meanings, by offering guests a stay with families in farm houses.

Roggia Farmhouse, Corfu

The Guest Inn, which provides  accomodations all over Greece, is offering Farm Holidays at four of it’s member properties on Corfu and Zakynthos islands.

The two farm houses on Corfu - Roggia & The Little Farmhouse –  are located in the north part of the island. They are simple farm houses situated in the scenic calm of olive groves, where you can learn how organic olive oil is produced, taste fresh vegetables from the garden and get acquainted with animals that are part of the families. You can wander around the surrounding areas, walk through preselected paths, ride on horses or on bikes.

In Zakynthos, the two farm houses – Lithies & the Logothetis Farm - are located to the south of the island, and provide an opportunity for sampling a rural life, from fruit and vegetable picking to grape harvest and wine tasting. Olive oil, honey and cheese are some of the local produce that you can taste and buy.

You can also enjoy the trekking, biking, and horse-riding activities, and discover the refuge of the kareta kareta turtles in the nearby beaches.

Photo courtesy Guest Inn

Related: I Dream of Greece; Island Hopping in Greece.