SECURITY AND PERSONAL SAFETY
When travelling in the Caribbean islands in this brochure we have felt very comfortable and safe . However , you should exercise sensible precautions wherever you are and take care not to leave valuables about and not to carry too much cash or valuables on your person ( hotel safes are available ). On some beaches you may be approached by people selling goods such as shells , necklaces , craft-ware . If you ’ re not interesting in buying , a polite and friendly ‘ No thanks ’ is all you need .
GETTING AROUND
The hotels usually have their own trusted taxi drivers who can be relied upon to give you a vivid island tour ! Car hire is also a viable option on many of the islands . It will give you extra independence and allow you to see more of the island . Sometimes road surfaces are uneven and signposts lacking . Drive carefully and exercise caution as you would in any unfamiliar place .
REPRESENTATION
We employ local representatives on Barbados , Grenada , Tobago , St Lucia , Antigua , Nevis and Anguilla . They will meet you at the airport and show you to your taxi . They will also arrange to meet you during your stay at the hotel if you wish . However , we do not employ anyone to represent our company personally and therefore in the event of any problem of any sort you should address yourself to the Management of the hotel or phone us so that we can lend immediate assistance . Local representatives are not the employees of our company . Please note that sales of local excursions are not endorsed by this company and we do not derive any financial benefit from them . We are not responsible or liable for any excursions that you purchase locally .
BAGGAGE HANDLING
Porters will present themselves to you at most of the airports if you want a hand with your luggage . They will merely convey it from the belt to your taxi . The charge is usually a couple of dollars but if you really don ’ t want to use their services , a polite ‘ No thanks ’ will suffice .
Administration
DEPOSIT PAYMENTS
Our booking conditions and booking form detail the normal level of deposit payments required to make a booking with us . However , a higher than usual deposit payment may be required for villas , sailing , cruises , public fares on scheduled airlines and certain hotels for Christmas and New Year or even at other times . The deposit levels required for your own arrangements will be advised to you at the time of booking . These variations are necessitated by our suppliers and unfortunately we do have to adhere to them if you want your holiday to be confirmed .
YOUR HOLIDAY DOCUMENTATION
We aim to send you your holiday documentation about 2 or 3 weeks before the departure date of your holiday . Sometimes , flight tickets may have to follow slightly later . Your holiday documentation will include a voucher for each hotel , our Helpful Hints , taxi or transfer voucher , an hotel leaflet if available and of course your flight ticket ( s ) together with a ticket wallet .
AITO
We are members of AITO , the Association of Independent Tour Operators , established to promote the wide range of holidays available from the best of Britain ’ s specialist companies .
THE AITO QUALITY CHARTER
AITO is the Association for independent and specialist holiday companies . Our member companies , usually owner-managed , strive to create overseas holidays with high levels of professionalism and a shared concern for quality and personal service . The Association encourages the highest standards in all aspects of tour operating . EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP AITO sets criteria regarding ownership , finance and quality which must be satisfied before new companies are admitted to membership . All members are required to adhere to a Code of Business Practice which encourages high operational standards and conduct . FINANCIAL SECURITY AITO members are required to protect money paid by customers to the member for any holiday sold under the AITO logo and to comply with UK Government Regulations in this respect . Members submit details of their bonding and guarantee arrangements to the Association on a regular basis . ACCURATE BROCHURES and WEB SITES All members do their utmost to ensure that all their brochures and other publications , print or electronic , clearly and accurately describe the holidays and services offered . PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AND CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENTS All members are committed to high standards of service and believe in regular and thorough training of employees . Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays . They listen to their customers and always welcome suggestions for improving standards . MONITORING STANDARDS AITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regularly . All customers should receive a post-holiday questionnaire the results of which are scrutinised by the Association . RESPONSIBLE TOURISM All members acknowledge the importance of AITO ' s Responsible Tourism guidelines , which recognise the social , economic and environmental responsibilities of tour operating . Those demonstrating their achievements beyond the pure acceptance of this principle are recognised by the award of 2 or 3 star status . CUSTOMER RELATIONS All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise . In the unlikely event that a dispute between an AITO member and a customer cannot be settled amicably , AITO ' s low-cost Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and acceptable conclusion . The Association of Independent Tour Operators
Mustique in the Grenadines Phone 01392 441210 to make a reservation or discuss your holiday plans , or visit www . caribbeanexpressions . co . uk
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