Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

Clicking of fingers is a habit of by-gone days and only makes you the butt of amusement. be polite, say the first 'good morning', get to know the waiters/waitresses names - it will make all the difference. Never lose your temper in public. In the Far East, there is no quicker way to lose respect. If you have a problem seek out the management and they will do their utmost to resolve the matter.

The English language is widely used in most resorts. However even when English is spoken, a heavy local dialect should be expected. This may come as some surprise, particularly in Phuket (Thailand) and Bali (Indonesia) for some reason!

The waters of the tropics are generally free from the industrial pollution now being seen in Europe, and the turquoise blues and greens of this brochures pictures are true. However, minor pollution is being experienced in some of the fast developing beach areas in the Far East. Controls, such as they exist are half hearted.

Water-sports in the tropics are generally excellent, although conditions and standards vary depending on destination and hotel. Many hotels have their own water-sport arrangements, and these have to be seen to be reliable and efficient, and more importantly they are usually covered by the hotel insurance. We strongly advise against you using the equipment of ad-hoc beach boys. Frequently they carry no insurance, their equipment is faulty, and they make a good living off the naive and occasionally stupid. They can and have ruined plenty of good holidays, not least with their own brand of persistence. So, in the absence of any local government action, your good sense is your guide.

Take it easy. Do it gradually - it will last longer. A few hours at most, the first few days builds up a good base to turn brown. 6 hours on the first day will have you resembling the fish dish of the night!

With the exception of the larger resorts or cities, do not expect too much in the way of entertainment, particularly outside of the hotels.

Good company is often essential to your holiday enjoyment. This is particularly relevant if you have chosen an "escapist" resort. 2 weeks of togetherness may not be the best antidote to 50 weeks of "Good morning/Good evening/Good night"!

Some hotels see overseas outgoing calls as a source of real profit, whilst others charge only a nominal fee. Please check prior to usage as the bill can sometimes be unpleasantly high.

Changing of money: It is suggested the bulk of your money is taken in Travellers Cheques. Remember to keep your numbers in a separate pocket. Generally, Sterling Travellers Cheques are accepted world-wide, ask your bank for up-to-date advice. Banks are usually found at airports and main towns. Your hotel desk will be able to exchange money, but will charge for the service!

As travel to the tropics has become more popular so, unfortunately, has petty crime. bear in mind most areas are still regarded as "3rd World" and financial extremes exist. Put in perspective, you could easily spend more on a round of drinks than a waiter could earn in a week. Don't put temptation in their way by doing things that would be stupid at home. Always use the hotel safe for your valuables. Many hotels do have regular security, although standards vary from resort to resort. This is for your benefit, although very occasionally their presence can be seen as an invasion into your "privacy". It is certainly difficult to get the balance consistently right.

Beach vendors selling souvenirs can be a great source of enjoyment and fantastic bargains. Their persistence can also be a real pain in the backside at times. Please never invite vendors onto hotel property or into your room.

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