Play Your Part
Do you want the world to welcome you on your holiday?
Well we do too! Please help keep your future holidays as beautiful as the ones we offer today by adopting the tips below, and have a great time!
- Water is scarce in most holiday destinations - because it doesn't rain
as much as at home! So use water carefully and avoid wasting it by leaving
taps running, have showers rather than baths and use your towels more than
once to reduce laundry.
- Don't waste energy by leaving lights, fans and air conditioning on when
you are out of your room. Make sure your appliances are fully turned off and
don't leave your charger plugged in when you aren't using it - this will also
protect against damage from power surges.
- Dispose of litter carefully. No-one wants to see your old plastic bags,
bottles and cigarette butts hanging around for the next 50 years! Take pride
and take your rubbish to a bin or back to your hotel with you. If you can,
remove packaging before you leave home.
- Don't buy souvenirs made from shells, turtleshell, coral, or any other wildlife
- you'll be contributing to their exploitation and it may be illegal to bring
home.
- It's easy to feel pestered by over enthusiastic sales people, particularly
if you are not in the mood to buy. If you're not interested decline politely,
or with a sense of humour. Please don't be rude - everyone's trying to make
a living after all!
- Get out and explore beyond your hotel! Support the local economy by sampling
regional dishes at locally owned restaurants, buying locally produced food
and drinks and buying locally produced handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Respect local customs such as covering up away from the beach and especially
in towns, shops and religious places.
- Relax - you're on holiday. In many places the culture is simply more relaxed,
so it's never a good idea to get impatient when service isn't as snappy and
instant as at home.
These little things will enrich your holiday experience, but also enrich
local peoples' experience of YOUR visit.
If you have any questions or comments, either before you go or on your return,
email our Responsible Business Manager at responsibletourism@virginholidays.com