Please join the group with the intent to travel responsibly:

•  Some core values at Sure Flaneur Travel  helps drive how we conduct business.    No one wants to offend, but sometimes it’s hard to know that something we do at home isn’t appropriate at someone else’s home, like wearing shoes inside a house. Dan has in-depth knowledge about customs, practices, what's "cool" and what's a behavior to avoid. Dan briefs travelers on the basics as they arise so we’re sure to respect the people & places we encounter along our journey.  

•  We encourage learning a few basic words & phrases of the local language as a few choice words go a long way in communicating and breaking down barriers.  Just knowing how to say "thank you" can make a big difference when interacting with locals. Dan can teach you a few words or phrases and you can try them out on the locals; it’s rewarding and polite to try.

•  Dan offers suggestions on etiquette and dress, for day-to-day activities, but especially when visiting places of worship or if we will be in someone's home. For example, exposed shoulders or high cut shorts are inappropriate for such places but fine for the beach; Dan keeps his travelers in-the-know.

•  Being observers in a foreign land, its best not to impose our rituals & beliefs on others who we encounter, nor to expect others to behave like us.  What is normal and expected to us might be odd and inappropriate for others, and vice versa.  For example, there's little privacy in Vietnam.  It's not uncommon for you to hand your phone to someone to show them a photo and then watch them proceed to scroll through your entire collection of photos.  Another example:  we love to hug and kiss when we say hello and goodbye to friends.  This is uncommon in Vietnam between the sexes and you might really shock someone if you kiss them goodbye.

•  We encourage travelers to learn the art of bargaining and Dan gives expert advice on how to do so.  Contrary to what we're used to when making a purchase, bargaining is expected and just the way things are done for many items available at markets and such in Vietnam. Dan can help you pay a reasonable price for something and have a fun & rewarding time doing so. Of course, if need be, Dan is willing to step up and bargain for you as well, just ask.

•  Tipping is seen differently just about everywhere in the world outside of the USA. Dan will advise on when and how much to tip for services. Dan arranges trip services with many local guides and drivers and tips are a significant part of their income. Tipping $5 or $10 per day per person is about right but Dan can explain why group-tipping is a good idea at the end of a service - where we pool our money together in one of those little red envelopes before handing it over. In short, it’s a quicker and classier way to tip.

•  We believe in supporting local incomes by employing local guides and drivers. We believe in supporting small businesses by visiting family run shops and eating at local family-owned restaurants whenever possible.

•  We discourage purchasing things from children selling on the street, as doing so just bolsters their parents’ decision to keep them out selling on the streets for long hours.  Instead, purchase from adults.  We encourage doing business with disabled sellers, as their options are more limited with other types of employment and street peddling is a common occupation for them in Vietnam.   If travelers would like to donate significantly to a specific cause or demographic, Dan can direct you to information about various local charities that would welcome your support.