MEALS
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in Vietnam. Generally, to give you the maximum flexi-
bility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other‘s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.
Please check the itinerary for details of meals included. Breakfast is included in all hotels where you have stayed the previous night.

SINGLE TRAVELLERS
Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation. Single travellers are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. (Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.) If we are unable to find you a roommate you will have your own room. If you are single and would like the guarantee of a single room you will be required to pay the single supplement.

IMPORTANT NOTES
During the months of October and November Vietnam is prone to heavy rains. While we continue to run successful trips during this period, please note that our itineraries are subject to change as the conditions require.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the tour until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require proof of purchase (a receipt or credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

VISAS
It is the responsibility of the individual traveller to ensure all visa and entry requirements are met prior to arrival in Vietnam. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. It is your responsi-bility to arrange visas before you travel. Your travel agent can assist. Below are the visa requirements for Vietnam, at the time of printing. A visa is required for all nationalities. Please obtain a visa before arriving in Vietnam. You should allow 3 weeks for processing. Remember to keep the customs and immigration form you receive on arrival, as you need it to complete exit formalities.

MONEY EXCHANGE
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.xe.com.
US currency (cash or traveller‘s cheques) is the most convenient to carry when travelling in Vietnam. However it can be difficult to change travellers cheques outside the big cities. Cash in US dollars can be used to directly purchase goods and services along with the local currency, Vietnamese dong. Other major international currencies may be exchanged in the main cities, where Visa and MasterCard may also be used for cash advances. ATMs are available in most large towns throughout Vietnam. The hotels we use offer exchange services at a reasonable rate. It is not possible to exchange Vietnamese dong outside the country so convert or spend all your dong before leaving. Black markets are reemerging in Vietnam but are considered a danger and best avoided.

SPENDING MONEY
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others, while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember that Vietnam is a culture that is used to nego-tiating. Expect to negotiate for most items.

TIPPING GUIDE
For your leader we recommend $2 USD a day. For drivers and local guides we recommend $1 USD a day. You are under no obligation to tip, this is a guide only.

COMMUNICATION WHILE AWAY
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address. Email has quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch and email cafes are commonplace throughout the regions we visit. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We don‘t recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change, and the reception staff may not speak English. Please note that mobile phones on a GSM or Global Roam network may not work in some rural areas.

YOUR FELLOW TRAVELLERS
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group – patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone‘s travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don‘t keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well – this takes just a little effort on your part.

LAUNDRY
Facilities are offered by most hotels for a fee. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

LOCAL DRESS
When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout this region. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In winter months the extra length will keep you warm! Generally speaking, neat and tidy clothing is appreciated in Vietnam. Shorts should be knee length and singlets/tank tops are not recommended.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects.

TRAVELLING WITH traveldoitnow RULES
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for traveldoitnow travellers. traveldoitnow philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

TRANSPORTATION
We take the hassle out of your travel and for all tours (with the exception of Indochina Linked and Peddle Vietnam), arrival and departure transfer are included in the cost of your tour. We also ensure that transport for all group activities and meals are taken care of on all our tours (except Peddle Vietnam.)