Welcome to an exciting adventure that is different to the usual Club Hotel all-inclusive holiday! We know how tempting it can be to relax at the pool and sip cocktails. But if you really want to immerse yourself in the culture of a country and get to know the local people, then let us show you how it’s done! Unfamiliar fruits, new flavours and creative recipes are guaranteed to please travel-loving foodies. Who knows what exciting encounters and culinary adventures await you on your travels? Dole also demonstrates how important social interaction and humanity are, for example through its DALE Foundation.

 

Leave the well-trodden paths behind

 

Travel is about having new experiences and getting to know other cultures. Say good bye to the tourist hotspots. Instead, why not discover hidden alleyways and visit local markets. This is where you will find the real treasures of a country, the authentic charm and the everyday lives of the people who live there. Be open to new contacts and show an interest in the people that you meet. Listen carefully and connect with others. This will allow you to visit your holiday destination away from the crowds.

 

Try local specialities

 

Imagine yourself sitting in a small pavement café, surrounded by the tantalising scents of exotic spices. What an adventure! Eating is a wonderful way of understanding and experiencing a culture. Forget the well-known fast food chains and venture into the world of local cuisine. Ask the locals for their secret tips and be surprised by the aromas and flavours. You might even discover your new favourite meal in this way. Here at Dole, we also love colourful food! How about our pineapple poké bowl with raspberry and tarragon dressing or pineapple sushi?

 

Learn some of the basics of the language

 

Don’t let language barriers stop you! You can make a connection with the locals even if you only have a few basic phrases or words. It is surprising how much people appreciate it when you try to speak their language. You will quickly discover how to break the ice and take part in a warm-hearted exchange. So bring your dictionary – it’s worth it. 

 

Take part in local activities

 

Keep an eye on what is happening locally and take part in local activities or events. Whether these are festivals, concerts, workshops or sports events, you will not only have lots of fun but you will also have the chance to speak to local people and participate in shared experiences. 

 

Social responsibility is also important to Dole. The DALE Foundation was launched in 2001. Its aim is to improve the living conditions of workers on the farms, in the companies and in the surrounding communities. In cooperation with Dole and independent producers, a programme was developed in Ecuador and Peru that helps arable farms to improve their health and safety measures. It covers various initiatives, such as constructing school infrastructure, delivering training courses and workshops, and supporting the development of small enterprises in the local communities. The aim of these initiatives is to improve the working conditions of local people and to promote positive change in the region. The DALE Foundation is committed to ensuring that workers, whether they are employed on the farms or elsewhere in the community, can benefit from the programmes and support measures.

 

Use local transport

 

Instead of taking taxis or tourist buses, immerse yourself in the local transport culture. Get a seat in a crowded bus, grab a ticket for the train or explore the area on a bike. This will allow you to experience how the local people live and soak up the real atmosphere of a country. You might get chatting with local people on a bus or gain an insight into their daily routines. On the train, you have a chance to admire the passing scenery, and on a bike you are guaranteed to be in the middle of all the action and to see all the sights. 

 

Pack your rucksack, open your mind and go on a voyage of discovery!

 

Your Dole team