The survey, which marked World Book Day on 7 March, also found that 67% of children are encouraged to read to entertain themselves during journeys and between activities.

Commenting on the findings in the Telegraph, Emma Kenny, a child psychologist, said: “I cannot express how important reading to your children is. The book world is a world of make believe, which invites the imagination to embark on creative and magical journeys.”

Books can also be windows onto the real world for children, conjuring up images and stories that will then make their experiences of actual travel so much richer. That’s why we’re suggesting books you that will bring history, mythology and nature alive for your children on holidays to Greece. Each book here is paired with a Greek destination, so you and your child can read your way across Greece.

If you’re going to Mykonos – This is Greece, by Miroslav Šašek

The This is… series of picture books by classic Czech illustrator Šašek have inspired generations of children to become travellers from the late 1950s on. Greece is much changed since this book was first published in 1966, but that’s no matter because it beautifully captures Greek tradition, history and some of its most recognisable landmarks, too. Little visitors to the island of Mykonos, in the Cyclades, will be particularly thrilled to see Šašek’s illustrations of its windmills come to life.

Recommended for: picture book readers of all ages

If you’re going to Crete – Old Greek Stories, by James Baldwin

There are many books retelling Ancient Greek myths for children, but if you want to choose one that transmits a love of literature, too, then don’t go past this collection by the great American novelist Baldwin. You could match so many of the stories in this book with destinations all over Greece, but perhaps none more so than the story of that mythical creature, the Minotaur, or Cretan Bull.

Recommended for: ages 8 and up

If you’re going to the Peloponnese –Young Zeus, by G. Brian Karas

Young Zeus is a more irreverent take on Greek myth, and one that you could read to much smaller children. The Peloponnese peninsula is peppered with ancient sites, including the ruins of the temple of Zeus at Olympus, and this book could go a long way to giving little travellers a more personal connection with the past. It imagines Zeus as a small boy and tracks his action-packed path to becoming ruler of the whole world!

Recommended for: ages 6 and up

If you’re going to Corfu – My Family and Other Animals, by Gerald Durrell

While this is not strictly a children’s book, I read it when I was about 11 or 12 and its funny and spellbinding depiction of life on the island of Corfu has lived in my imagination ever since. It’s a brilliant and often bonkers tale of Durrell’s own five years on Corfu from age 10. He later became a naturalist, so it’s no wonder that he pays as much attention to the pets he collected (including Achilles the tortoise and Quasimodo the pigeon) as he does his own quirky family and the island’s other inhabitants. Read it aloud or just let independent readers enjoy.

Recommended for: age 11 and up

What are your top tips for books to inspire an interest in Greece for kids? Pop them in the comments below!

Whenever someone comes home from a holiday in Greece they tend to be full of superlatives… the food was amazing! The culture is spectacular! The beaches are so beautiful! The ancient history is mindblowing!

Greece almost seems to be too good to be true, but our holiday experts can confirm from personal experience that this is a country blessed with genuinely stunning landscapes, a wonderful climate and delicious local cuisine.

Why not test our knowledge? Join our resident experts for a LIVE Facebook chat on Tuesday 21 August and tell us what YOU’D like to know about gorgeous Greece!

Event: Facebook chat with Rob Goodwin, Megan Pallett, Monice Lee & Gemma Carroll, experts on Greece at Cosmos Holidays
Date: Tuesday 21 August
Time: 12noon – 1pm
The Wall at: http://www.facebook.com/cosmosholidays

Here’s how it works

Firstly, get your thinking caps on! Think about all the things you’d like to learn about Greece from people who’ve actually been there. We have personal first-hand knowledge so prepare to tap into that.

If you’re feeling very organised you could give us a head start by sending your questions to social.media1@monarch.co.uk before the event This will help us to prepare some answers for you, but don’t worry, it’s not at all compulsory!

Then, meet us at http://www.facebook.com/cosmosholidays on Tuesday 21 August at 12 noon.

Look out for our post announcing Rob and team are ready to chat.

When you see the announcement, add your question as a comment on this post. Please don’t post other separate questions on our wall as we’ll get confused!

What are we going to be talking about?

Rob, Megan, Monice & Gemma all have first-hand travel experience in various destinations in Greece and are happy to answer questions about almost anything. Here are a few ideas to get the juices flowing and your thinking cap thinking, before the live event:

- The best time of year to go to Greece
- Great places to stay on various budgets
- Rob & team’s personal recommendations for things to see and do, beyond Greece’s beautiful beaches and lovely resorts
- Our favourite street food / local cuisine
- Our favourite sites – famous and lesser known
- Must-sees and must-dos

Contingency plans & community rules

This is a great opportunity to ask Rob and the team for any hints and tips about your trip to Greece, and tap into their expertise. Please stick to the topic because in the limited time we’ll have, we won’t be able to answer anything about other destinations.

Rob and the team will try to answer as many on-topic questions that we receive by 1pm. If we can’t answer everything, we’ll answer as many as we can later on our blog.

We will try to answer your questions individually, but if we receive multiple questions on a theme, we’ll answer them all together to save time.

Please only post your question once – don’t worry, we will see it even if we don’t answer it immediately, though we’ll do our best to keep up!

Please be friendly to other people in the discussion even if you disagree with their point of view. Our community rules can be seen here

We are hoping for a lively discussion. In the unlikely event of someone deliberately posting about unrelated topics to try to disrupt our discussion, or breaching the community rules, we reserve the right to delete posts in order to minmise offense to other participants.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

The turquoise, shimmering waters are as blue as any tropical paradise and even the sun seems to shine brighter in the birthplace of the Gods! The people are warm and welcoming and happy to take time to explain the local sites and history, you will be overwhelmed by their hospitality and the beauty of the place.

You will certainly not go hungry either; whether you fancy fresh fish or seafood straight out of the sparkling sea or one of the famous meat dishes like lamb kleftiko you will not be disappointed, and to start with maybe sample the freshest bread, olives, cheeses and dips.

With the current exchange rate Greece is certainly good value for money at the moment and after a day soaking up the sun there is no better feeling than watching the sun set over the bluest sea with a chilled beer or maybe a glass of the local wine.

I’d recommend anyone to visit Greece… a truly stunning country well worth your time ~ Emma.

Old hands and newbies alike will find a choice of terrain to suit their level in Greece – from introductory climbs and rambles for beginners, to serious mountaineering and hiking for the more experienced. Here are some of the best:

Kastelli Kissamos, Crete

From Kastelli Kissamos, a fishing town in northwestern Crete, walkers will have their choice of rambles. Explore necropolises, wander through olive groves and down deserted coastal paths or stretch your legs in the stunning Sirikari Gorge.

Best for: something to suit any level of walker

Location: around 40km from Chania; book with Cosmos for flights and holidays to Chania

Kalymnos

Limestone caves and cliffs make Kalymnos a climber’s paradise. The island has more than 2,000 routes, many of which are already equipped with permanent bolts. Here, you’ll meet climbers of all ages and abilities, whether beneath the Grand Grotta’s forest of stalactites or over a cold beer at one of the island’s laid-back bars.

Best for: joining the international climbing scene

Location: from Kos, take a short taxi ride to Mastichari then a 30min ferry trip to Kalymnos; book with Cosmos for flights and holidays to Kos

Pelion Peninsula

Follow in the footsteps of walkers from ancient times on the many monopati (unpaved footpaths) and kalderimi (stone donkey paths) across this peninsula. They’ll take you from secluded beaches to mountain villages, and from unspoilt fishing settlements to beech forests and pine groves. End the day in a village square to watch the sun set over the glittering Aegean Sea.

Best for: a walk into traditional Greece

Location: book flights with Cosmos to nearby Skiathos, then take a ferry to the port of Volos on the Pelion peninsula

Mount Sagias

Experienced walkers will relish a circular walk around Mount Sagias’ stark peaks. With coastal views on three sides and the Taygetus mountains to the north, expect spectacular scenery – as well as wildflowers in spring, field mushrooms in autumn, an ancient temple and an abandoned monastery decorated with Byzantine frescoes.

Best for: an uplifting challenge for experienced hikers

Location: in Deep Mani, on the Mani peninsula near Areopoli

1. Explore a wild coast – Limni Keriou, Zante

Laganas is the place to party in Zante. But if you’re looking for something different, try the unspoilt village of Limni Keriou at the island’s tip. From here, you can explore Zante’s untamed west coast. Why not visit the Keri Caves or head out with one of two local scuba diving centres? Or, just kick back on Limni Keriou’s uncrowded beach.

Best for: Getting off the beaten track

Location: 12km from Zante airport – fly to Zante with Cosmos.

2. Choose from 60 beaches – Skiathos

The golden sands of Koukounaries beach on Skiathos deserve their fame. But there is no shortage of beaches to discover on this island – from family favourites such as the vast Megalos Aselinos, to out-of-the-way treasures like Kechria. It’s an easy stroll between some beaches, whilst others are only accessible by boat.

Best for: Picture-perfect beaches

Location: Fly to Skiathos with Cosmos

3. Mix island life with historic splendour – Rhodes

When we think of Greece’s past, most of us picture the ancient sights of Athens. But the medieval fortifications of Rhodes’ old town deserve our equal attention. Rhodes town’s captivating historic centre is World Heritage listed. It’s also surrounded by all the trappings of a holiday island, including beaches and nightlife.

Best for: Combining sightseeing with swimming

Location: Fly to Rhodes with Cosmos

4. Head for the hills – Crete

Crete’s mountains can provide more than just a stunning backdrop to your favourite beach. Venture inland from Chania to walk the 16km Samaria Gorge – Europe’s longest. You might be lucky enough to spot Crete’s rare wild goats, the kri-kri.

Best for: Getting closer to nature

Location: Fly to Chania, Crete, with Cosmos and take the daily round bus trip from Chania Central Bus Station.

5. Cycle around the sights – Kos

When it comes to Greece’s bigger islands, Kos is an easy-going alternative to bustling Rhodes. It’s also a great place to take in the countryside by bike. Take advantage of the island’s many bike rental shops and unhurried country roads.

Best for: Sightseeing by bike

Location: Fly to Kos with Cosmos

The choice is yours! It all depends on your destination and the kind of holiday you’re after.

Secure your peace of mind

Hiring a guide or joining a tour can help you relax, as you put worries to rest and make the most of your holiday. Knowing that your itinerary is settled in advance takes all the pressure off of planning, so you can go with the flow.  In places such as Egypt, for example, having someone to show you around the major sites can help make your trip considerably easier as it can be tricky to obtain rental cars to go it alone. And this can be true wherever you go – even in places like Goa where most travel is trouble-free.

On the other hand, there are many destinations where you can feel confident about exploring on your own. This is especially true on Cosmos’ cheap holidays to Florida, Spain, Greece and Cyprus – to give just a few examples.

Remember these tips when deciding on a guide or tour:

• Guided travel is sometimes a must. If you want to travel off road in Egypt, for example, you need to hire a qualified guide and obtain the relevant permits from the Ministry of Interior

• It’s a good idea to check the latest travel advice about your destination on the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) website at www.fco.co.uk

• For maximum peace of mind, you should choose guides and tours that are recommended by Cosmos or your travel operator

Make more of your adventure

It’s a misconception that intrepid travellers avoid guides and tours.

• An expert or local guide can make your holiday experience richer and more exciting as they’ll have a wealth of local knowledge to share with you. In some countries, reputable guides are licensed by local tourism authorities after obtaining a qualification or training in history, local culture and other key topics. You can pick their brains about local traditions, politics and even religion… if you all feel comfortable broaching the subject!

• Whether you’re interested in nature,  culture, cuisine or even extreme sports, a good guide will take you off the well-worn tourist trail and get you closer to the action

• You don’t necessarily have to stick to a rigid schedule. Your guide might have an itinerary but be able to flex it for you, depending on the group size and rate you’re willing to pay. Make sure you ask the question before you confirm your booking

• Travelling with a local can help you in all kinds of situations – markets are a good example. If don’t know the value of an item or how hard to realistically haggle, your guide will likely have some good ideas

• Tours and guides needn’t break your holiday budget either. Take advantage of the low cost package holidays to Greece, for instance, and then add value with tours that come highly recommended by Cosmos. A day trip by boat around the island of Corfu, leaving from Kontokali, is one great option

Be your own guide

With a little research and planning, you might decide to take a DIY approach to guided travel. To plan your own self-guided adventure:

• Consult online travel guides, blogs and  tourism board websites. There’s a wealth of information freely available online. Google is your friend in this regard!

• There are lots of clever sites online to help you plan your itinerary, such as Tripit.com, Yahoo Trip Planner or BootsNAll. You could simply plot your own route on a Google Map and share it with friends and family

• Ask questions and share experiences with other travellers online – Facebook is a good place to start! Review sites like Trip Advisor could come in handy too. Expat community forums are also excellent sources of information, direct from people living in the destination

• Ask friends for their tips and advice – and make sure you take a look through their online photo albums for inspiration!

• You don’t necessarily have to reinvent the wheel. Some people cheat a bit by borrowing itineraries so they can make sure they hit all the highlights

• Consider following in the footsteps of your favourite travel writer. There is lots of information online, but there are also excellent travel sections in libraries these days full of travel guides, inspirational biographies and travel journals

• Last but not least, don’t forget your  weekend newspaper, travel magazines (Wanderlust, Lonely Planet and Sunday Travel are worth a look)

• When you get home, why share your adventures and make everyone jealous!

 What do you think – do you prefer your trip to be planned for you, or like to DIY?  Do you have some tips to share?

Be careful trying to sell your kids or park an elephant in Florida

Come on, admit it, there are times that you wish you could get rid of your kids for a little bit on holiday so you can enjoy some much-deserved ‘me time’. Well you’ll have to avoid the temptation when you’re on your Florida package holidays, because it’s against the law to put them up for sale. Yes that’s right; it’s illegal to sell your children in this US state. You have been warned!

Another weird one from Florida relates to transport. When you’re on holiday, it’s often nice to try some new ways of getting around. Maybe you’ll hire a quad bike or try a few hours on horseback. However, if you select an elephant as your desired mode of transport in Florida then you will have to park it like a car, tie it to a parking meter, and get a valid ticket. If you don’t, you’ll be breaking the law.

Can you count to ten in Spanish?

Time abroad can be a bit stressful from time to time – maybe you’ve misplaced your passport, or forgotten to pack your bikini on your Spain package holidays. However, if you find you’re losing your temper in the warm weather, resist the urge to swear at someone or insult them – it’s against the law and they can sue you! Deep breaths…count to 10…

Also, if you wear glasses and you plan to hire a car, be sure to bring a spare pair in case you misplace your main pair. The Spanish police have the power to arrest you if you can’t produce them!

Don’t drink (anything) and drive in Cyprus

Picture the scene: it’s 35° in the blazing sunshine, the AC is broken in your hire car, you’ve never been this hot before. You ask your partner to pass you the bottle of iced cold water -STOP! We don’t just mean stop, we mean literally pull over. It’s illegal to drink anything while behind the wheel in Cyprus – brings a whole new meaning to ‘drink driving’.

Game-free in Greece

It’s nice to keep in touch with people while you’re on holiday. You may find yourself flicking through your Facebook feed at an internet cafe. Hmmm, you seem to have 10 minutes left on your purchased time – why not play a game? We’ll tell you why. It’s illegal to play games in internet cafes in Greece. This law was part of an initiative to stamp out illegal gambling. It was difficult in some cases to tell the difference between harmless games and gambling, so Greek parliament just banned everything. You should probably stick to sending emails to loved ones back home!

Do you know of any equally strange or even stranger laws overseas? Have you been guilty of breaking one yourself? Share your stories in the comments below! 

Taverna Aeolos – Akrotiri, Santorini

This family-run taverna has a magnificent view to compliment the excellent, affordable food. Wash down the succulent veal in lemon sauce or the delicious grilled squid with the locally-sourced house white wine. The owners are so welcoming, you might even get a lift home if you ask nicely!

Great for: A great value meal with a stunning sea view

Location: 8km from Santorini Airport

The Blue Grotto – Gaios, Paxos

This hidden gem, tucked into an alleyway off the seafront really lives up to its name. Mirroring the famous local sea caves, it doesn’t look like much from the outside, but its modest exterior hides some real beauty. Scrumptious seafood and delectable meaty meals are cooked up in the traditional Greek style. Try the lamb baked in a clay pot – you won’t look back.

Best for: A taste of the real Greece

Location: Fly to Corfu with Cosmos and then take a hydrofoil to Paxos

Etrusco, Kato Korakiana, Corfu

This world-renowned restaurant is run by Greek-Italian chef Ettore Bottrini. His unique style of combining regional Corfiote cuisine with molecular gastronomy has seen him win numerous awards. Try the cubes of salmon and sea urchin soup for a meal to remember on your next holiday to Corfu.

Perfect for: Pushing the boat out on the last night

Location: 15km from Corfu International Airport

Ikarian Winery – Piyi Evdilos, Ikaria

If you really want to get off the beaten track, this family friendly organic farm and winery is just the ticket. You can pop by for a visit or even rent one of the three-storey stone houses for a longer stay. The winery is run by the Karimalis family who have been making wine for over 500 years, so they really know what they were doing by now – so much so that they offer wine tasting and cooking classes for those who want to get involved.

Ideal for: Blowing your friends away back home when you dish up grilled octopus in red kidney bean stew at your dinner party

Location: Fly to Athens with Cosmos then fly or take a ferry to Ikaria

The Chania Municipal Market, Crete

If you’re self-catering on your holiday to Crete and you’re looking to create your own culinary masterpiece, you’ll need fresh ingredients. This grand indoor market was modelled on the famous covered market in Marseille and and offers everything you could need to enjoy a healthy Mediterranean diet.

Most shops in Crete and Greece are closed on Sundays. The Chania Municipal Market stays open from 06:00 until 22:00

Most stores though follow the standard shop times, which are: 09:00 – 14:30 and 17:00 – 21:00

Perfect for: Those who want to save money by doing it themselves

Location: 16km from Chania airport

If you come across any fantastic places for food during your holiday to Greece please come and help your fellow holidaymakers by mentioning them in the comments below.