News Release:  5 October 2015

Many other countries are already charging for plastic carrier bags, so should holiday makers be packing bags in their bags? Online travel agent, Travel Republic, issues a guide to charges in popular holiday destinations

As of today (5 October), in many instances UK shoppers will be charged for single use plastic carrier bags, but as many other countries have been charging for years, or have banned them altogether – should holiday makers now be thinking about travelling with their bags for life?

In 2011, Italy became the first country in Europe to ban non-biodegradable plastic bags, with the UAE following suit by banning all plastic bags apart from oxo-biodegradables.  Several other countries have banned very thin plastic bags (which can get into the waterways, causing blockages and resulting in flooding); China, Kenya, South Africa and Bangladesh, and a few countries in Africa have banned them altogether!

In the United States of America local laws mean that the rules can be unclear, and vary greatly between states, and even among different cities in the same state, although nearly all US supermarkets have been offering paper alternatives for a long time now.

Closer to home, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have all had charges in place for a while, leaving England to play catch up.

So, whether your decision to take shopping bags with you on your vacation is based on money-saving, habit or moral environmental grounds, here is a guide to which popular holiday destinations also charge for plastic carrier bags at their supermarkets:

• Spain: 2 – 50 cents (1p – 37p)
• Portugal: 2 – 12 cents (1p – 8p)
• Italy: 5 – 10 cents (3p – 7p)
• Germany: 10 – 30 cents (7p – 22p)
• Netherlands: 20 cents – 30 cents (14p – 22p)
• Some Eastern European countries charge, while others don't (Poland and the Czech Republic are among those who do)
• USA: 10 – 30 US cents for a paper options (6p – 20p)

In a few other popular holiday destinations plastic carrier bags are still available at no cost:

• Greece
• Cyprus – no charge on the whole, a few international super markets choose to apply a small charge
• Turkey
• Egypt
• Morocco
• South America
• Dubai – with the UEA banning all but oxo-biodegradable bags, they now only offer these types, but at no charge
• Asia – Some countries in Asia have banned plastic bags (some altogether, some just certain weights) but enforcement is an issue, many other Asian countries have no policies
• Australia – Although the nation has not banned plastic bags, the states of South Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT and Northern Territory, along with some cities have independently banned the bag. Coles Bay, Tasmania was the first location in Australia to ban the bag

A Travel Republic spokesperson, says “We know that many people completely overlook the fact that plastic bags are chargeable in other countries too, taking bags with you is certainly something the vast majority of holiday makers will not currently consider! OK so it won't cost a lot to buy them on holiday, but nor will it be too difficult to take them with you. Either way, we want travellers to be aware, so that they can make their own decision, especially those who are eco conscious, and start getting into the habit of packing shopping bags into their luggage should they wish.”

To make bookings or find out more about the great deals Travel Republic offers: Call 0208 974 7200 or visit www.travelrepublic.co.uk

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

*NB: the above information is based on our own research, as no official guidelines could be found.

With more than three million holidaymakers booking annually through their websites in the UK, Ireland, Spain, and Italy, Travel Republic is one of the largest and most well-established online travel agents in Europe. They have been successfully helping people book their hotels, flights and other travel arrangements for over 10 years.

Travel Republic offers a Lowest Price Guarantee

Travel Republic promises the absolute lowest prices available - each and every time.

Book with Travel Republic and then find flight, hotel, attraction, or other booking on sale and available at a lower price on a comparable travel website, they will refund the difference.*

Travel Republic is a travel search website acting as agent only.  Travel Republic does not sell or arrange package holidays.  Customers can tailor make their own holiday.

Press Contact:

Maxine Soghmanian

PR Manager Travel Republic

0208 974 7201

07852 107361

msoghmanian@travelrepublic.co.uk