There are a number of countries in Europe with debt or financial problems and which will welcome foreign tourists to help balance their books. These are countries where bargains may well be available: they include Greece – a favourite holiday destination for many, but recently in trouble, Ireland with its well known financial problems may well be offering travel bargains and Hungary – not in the Euro and with its currency falling against the dollar should have cheaper costs – though probably not in Budapest (try the wine country for bargains).

There is a promise of a magnificent spectacle for visitors to Athens at the end of October. Not just the 2010 Athens Classic Marathon – the 28th -and other  quality races, but a theatrical enactment of the original marathon 2500 years ago,