Great Gods stands for responsible divine travel experiences, business excellence and innovation. We aim at becoming the largest sustainable travel agency in Greece. We would like to invite all our Friends and Guests to carefully read our Traveller’s Code and to comply with the following simple rules for achieving a better, more sustainable Planet!

We would be delighted, to advise further in person.

 

1. It is (not) all Greek to me!

Greeks are normally friendly, and multilingual. However, they appreciate your efforts in using some Greek words, especially in remote villages. Greece has a tremendous cultural heritage accessible to everybody. Your trip will become far more exciting, if you invest some of your valuable time to explore the Greek culture, way of living, local music, dance, literature and, last but not least, local gastronomy. This insight will enhance your overall experience, and potentially, will save you from embarrassments.

 

2. Travel responsibly!

As a rule of thumb, do prefer to travel responsibly. Check for operators, destinations and accommodation displaying an accredited sustainable management system, recognised by GSTC (https://www.gstcouncil.org/certification/achieve-gstc-recognized/). If such an accredited system is not available at your destination, ask us for further advice.

If you choose to travel by plane, as most of the tourists do, care for your own carbon footprint. Prefer, if possible, direct flights to your destination and avoid superfluous landings and take-offs. Consider paying a ticket surcharge to counter measure your carbon emissions.

Move responsibly upon your arrival. If you need a transport mode, rent an electric car or use public transportation, such as train, ship, bus, metro etc. Public transportation in Greece is safe, cheap, reliable, and truly fun! Or simply explore the iconic Greek landscape by bicycle!

 

3. Stay responsible!

Carefully choose your accommodation in Greece. Prefer domiciles which comply with the international best practices for preserving our environment. Here is some advice for your responsible stay:

  • Re-use your hotel towels or sheets.
  • Switch off the lights, heating, or cooling system when you leave your room. Do not keep your electronic equipment on a standby mode but switch them completely off if not in use (including your room TV).
  • Consider how precious water and do not waste it while bathing, shaving, washing, flushing, cleaning etc.
  • During breakfast, meals or dinners ask only for so much food as you will consume. Avoid any wasting of food or beverages.
  • Avoid using single use plastic, including water bottles. Recycle anything that can be re-used so that the environment remains clean, unpolluted, and healthy.

 

4. Live like a modern Greek God!

The Greek cuisine is fabulous, healthy, and tasty. Its local variety is immense and strikes even Greeks! Street food is normally classy, as well! Eat traditional Greek food, consume local wines, fruits, and vegetables. Support local business and markets, the excellent restaurants, tavernas and hotels. Buy souvenirs and present your beloved ones with Greek brands, design, and artisans. Explore the Genuity of the Greek art de vivre!

 

5. Respect local Culture!

Greece, blessed by Gods, is full of hidden gems! Mingle with the locals learn from their way of living, habits, cultural heritage, religion and gastronomy. Dress appropriately when visiting religious or archaeological places, monasteries, and churches. Ask for their local policies on photos or videos (especially, if intended for commercial use). Be kind enough to ask for their belongings. As of courtesy, you may offer them provide a copy of it later.

 

6. Venerate the Greek Nature!

The Greek nature amazes for its beauty and diversity, all year long! During your excursions make sure to only leave your footprints behind. Comply with the following simple, yet powerful rules:

  • Protect the local flora and fauna: avoid picking any flowers or herbs. Do not take any flora and fauna species as souvenirs. Be an informed traveller, and familiar with the IUCN “Red list” (https://www.iucnredlist.org) and the CITES Treaty (https://cites.org/eng).
  • If you visit national parks or protected areas, be informed of the local rules and do walk on the predefined paths, so that natural habitats can be preserved.
  • Avoid making noise: admire the sights and the natural peace and calmness!
  • Avoid using sun creams or any oily products while swimming in freshwater seas, bassins or lagoons.
  • Do not litter the place or cluttering it unnecessarily.
  • Avoid throwing off cigarette butts anywhere, including beaches, but store them in a portable container.

 

7. Mind yourself and others!

Here are some simple rules to maximise your joy in Greece:

  • Keep calm and smiling. Always!
  • For your entire stay, have a valid travel and health insurance.
  • During your excursions, take all necessary personal protective measures (wear comfortable clothing, shoes, hat, sun-crème etc.). Do not forget to have always at hand enough water, snacks etc.
  • A 10% tip for good service in hotels, restaurants, bars, taxis etc. is always a good practice.
  • Avoid crowded touristic places, unsolicited invitations of unknown persons, extensive alcohol consumption, political or social riots, trading with archaeological artefacts or icons (unless you have a written permission by the competent Greek authorities).
  • Extremely rare to happen but, do report to Police of any serious crimes you may encounter, including sexual exploitation of minors.

 

8. Upon your return home! …

As soon as you return home, there are still some more tasks to care of:

  • If you wish to support organizations that aim at protecting the environment, welfare, and culture of the places you visited, we would be delighted to assist you in your choice.
  • Kindly fill in our Great Gods’ Customer Satisfaction Questionnaire and please provide us with your feedback regarding our Services and your overall Experience in your destination.
  • If you did appreciate our Services, share your experience with your beloved ones in our social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).
  • Please do not forget to subscribe to our Newsletter.

 

Thank you for trusting Great Gods for your responsible holidays in Greece! Hope to see you soon back in Greece!

Samothraki, in March 2022.