I can tell that a lot of people received the newly-repackaged Blu-Ray gift edition of "Mamma Mia the Movie!" this year - because suddenly the questions "Where is the island of Kalokairi?" and "Does the Villa Donna really exist?" are showing up in full force. Like "Is there really a Santa Claus?" the answer is both "no" and "Yes!". So, here's more help on all your "Mamma Mia the Movie!" questions - and advice on taking the fantasy just a little closer to reality.

Movie Locations for Mamma Mia the Movie

Villa Donna and its Sisters

"Kalokairi" - The Mamma Mia Island(s)

Planning a "Mamma Mia" Trip to Greece

In the aftermath of the thwarted terror attack on Flight 253, new procedures are already affecting travel. While some of these will impact how you move through the airport, others will have a direct affect on you during the flight.

While official notices have not been posted yet, CNN reports that passengers in the air today, December 26th, are already experiencing some changes.

• Passengers may not be allowed out of their seats during the last hour of the flight.
• Blankets and pillows have been taken away from some passengers during the last portion of the flight.
• Passengers were not allowed to access overhead bins during the last portion of the flight.
• The mapping displays available on video screens were disabled prior to reaching U.S. airspace

Here is what I suggest to help make your travel more comfortable with these new procedures if they are made permanent.

• Don't count on that blanket. Have a thin extra jacket or pullover with you at your seat if you get cold easily. Bulky outerwear may become subject to additional restrictions.
  
• Limits on liquids no longer just apply to your baggie of toiletries. Try to time your fluid intake so you will not be desperate to use the bathroom in that last period. For security reasons, airlines will probably not tell everyone to go "Use the bathroom now!"
  
• Landing at an airport well within U.S. borders? Expect those restriction times to start earlier, and adjust accordingly.

The Christmas Day attempted terror attack on Delta/NWA/KLM flight 253 will intensify and possibly change security procedures worldwide. Since the flight originated in Lagos, Nigeria and the alleged perpetrator also passed through Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, increased security at airports in Europe and Africa, and especially on the affected airlines, is highly likely.

The details of the device used in the attempted attack on the airplane are not clear at this time; it has been suggested by news sources that the suspect used a syringe filled with a chemical to activate some sort of powdered substance.

If this is true, and it is not clear at this time, those who travel with syringes for medical reasons can expect extra scrutiny. Make sure all associated paperwork is readily available and in order and you may want to explore back-up plans for your next destination in case your medication or equipment is confiscated or placed in stowed baggage which may then go astray or be further delayed.

• Since a "powder" may have been involved, any powdery substances - food, spices, makeup - may now be looked at more carefully. If you don't need powder with you, pack it in your luggage instead.
• This is a no-brainer - but allow extra time before your flights.
• Before going to the airport, contact your airline directly for their updated recommendations, especially in the next week or so as the holiday travel season winds down.
• If you are booking your multi-leg or international flights now, avoid tight connections as increased security may delay some flights, or slow you down going from terminal to terminal quickly enough to make a connection.
• While it is tempting to try to avoid extra luggage fees and cram everything into your carryon baggage, if you are stopped for an additional search, every extra item which needs to be rummaged through or inspected just means more delay. BBC and CNN.

Aegean Airlines is offering some great rates to Greece from European cities. You can book now until December 28th for flights departing on or after January 10th, 2010. Many of these destinations can be combined with cheaper flights from the U.S. or Canada. You need to book before December 28th to take advantage of some great deals on off-season flights to Greece; travel must be completed by March 28th, 2010.

From Barcelona, Brussels, Madrid, Munich, Milan, Rome, Vienna, and Berlin, it's just 55 Euros one-way.
From Paris, it's 66 Euro. For London flights, the most expensive of the bunch, the payment is in pounds - 69 of them to be exact. Here's a currency converter to help compare rates.

All fares include all taxes, but they are non-refundable and ticket changes are not allowed, so be sure this is exactly what you want before you book it.

Picture of Aegean Airlines plane © Aegean Airlines; used by permission.