Vietnam travel resolutions for 2012

As you begin to stake claim to your resolutions for 2012, here are some added inspirations for those planning to travel to Vietnam (or elsewhere) in 2012.

To start off, learning Vietnamese has been too often touted as too difficult to learn. This year, challenge yourself to learn at least 5 new Vietnamese phrases before boarding your flight. Hello (Xin chao), Thank you (Cam on), and How are you (Co khoe khong? Answer: Rat khoe, cam on.) are three to get you started.

Take a Vietnamese cooking lesson! There are all kinds of great Vietnamese dishes that you can take home with you (and, they don’t take up any room in your luggage!). Try and learn at least the recipe for nuoc mam, or Vietnamese spring rolls, or perhaps banana flower salad!

Pack smart and pack lightly. If you plan on bringing gifts for your Vietnamese travel, think about first whether you could buy them here. And if you do bring gifts make sure they are light. Also, when you pack think about how you decrease what you are going to bring. Can you use your running shoes for everyday use as well as trekking and cycling. Maybe you can buy a book when you get to Vietnam, and pass it on to someone after your trip.

Cycle and trek! Take you travels closer to the people, landscapes and culture by cycling and trekking. Footprint already offers a number of great options that suite any level from super easy to adventurous-hard. Plans are in the works to give you even more by early 2012, so go ahead and add one to your trip! You will not be disappointed!

Home-stay! As you begin to book your trip and accommodations in Vietnam, think about staying in a home stay. Staying in a home stay is a great way to gain a deep cultural understanding about the country you are travelling in, and it ensures that the benefits of tourism remain local - not only in the Vietnam, but in the local community!

And finally, volunteer! Volunteering or doing something that ‘gives back’ is not as hard as you may think. Take a few hours out of your day while trekking in Sapa and go and do a little work in the rice paddies. For something that might take a little organizing - painting a school, repairing a playground, teaching anything (English, dental hygiene, first aid), or building something (toilets, safe walkways) - be sure to tell your Footprint travel consultant your idea, and we will help you tailor make your volunteer experience!

We understand that many of these Vietnamese travel resolutions can be integrated into any travel any where, and hopefully, where ever you go, you will take these ideas with you!

Source: Chris_Footprint Vietnam travel