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Spring/Summer 2008
Autumn/Winter 2007
Spring/Summer 2007
Autumn/Winter 2006
Spring/Summer 2006
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 South America division launch
Playing with the pandas
 Samoa: South Pacific Paradise
Southern Tanzania
SOUTH AMERICA DIVISION LAUNCH
 It gives me great pleasure to announce the latest addition to our destination portfolio: Absolute Travel launched our South America division in March! Argentina, Chile, and Brazil are natural fits for us, offering magnificent landscapes, undeniably rich cultures, inventive food and wine, and an indescribable vibrancy all their own. We will be adding additional destinations in South America, including Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands, in the coming months.
I urge you to explore the suggested itineraries to South America on our website; I think you will be as excited and inspired by them as I am. I'm personally looking forward to climbing a few of Patagonia's legendary peaks, tasting Chile's famous wines, and taking a private tango lesson in Buenos Aires - and I promise to report back!
My favorite thing about South America? It's so close. An easy flight and almost insignificant time change mean less travel fatigue and more time to explore. In fact, even a week is enough time for a very satisfying journey. Contact our South America division manager, Matt Flynt, with comments, general questions, or requests for a customized itinerary to Argentina, Chile, or Brazil. - Ken Fish
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 PLAYING WITH THE PANDAS
Last fall, I traveled in China for nearly three weeks, and the highlight of my trip was my visit to the Wolong Giant Panda Breeding Center. Wolong is about 3 hours by road from Chengdu, and it is inhabited primarily by Tibetans and Qiang people - and about 70 pandas! The scenic region is marked by pine- and bamboo-forested mountains and crystal clear rivers-prime panda territory!
Because it is virtually impossible to spot pandas in the wild, a visit to the breeding center is a good way to guarantee contact. After checking out the living spaces of the adult pandas, I observed the babies in the nursery - one was being bottle-fed and several other infants crawled and tumbled in a playpen. Then came the opportunity of a lifetime: for a small donation, I spent a short time in a panda kindergarten. The time flew as I played and wrestled with these adorable creatures. I even fed one an apple and he overzealously chomped on my hand (I wasn't hurt)!
With a comfortable four-star hotel nearby, Wolong is well worth a visit. Guests can see pandas in the zoos of almost every large Chinese city, but there was something very special about seeing such a large concentration of them in their home territory. I'd go again in a second. - Ben Macrory |
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SAMOA: SOUTH PACIFIC PARADISE
In addition to their spectacular beaches and rainforest canopies, Samoans take pride in the fa'a Samoa, or "Samoan Way." Absolute Travel invites you to experience the traditional Polynesian hospitality that characterizes the fa'a Samoa while exploring seaside villages, pristine beaches, and dramatic waterfalls on a weeklong journey. 
THE SAMOAN WAY
Day 1: Arrive Apia, transfer to Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa; Day 2: At leisure; Day 3: Private full day Upolu Island tour; Day 4: At leisure; Day 5: Private full day Manono Island tour; Day 6: At leisure; Day 7: Private half-day Apia excursion; Day 8: Airport transfer to depart Samoa |
| Cost per person, double occupancy, from $3,120 |
Michael Rubinstein, South Pacific Manager, visited Samoa in April. "Samoa is the ideal South Pacific island for those who want to venture beyond their luxury resort to truly learn about Polynesian life and history. Because there are very few resorts on the islands, visitors get a chance to interact with Samoans and learn about their dynamic and traditional Polynesian culture."
Questions about Samoa or the South Pacific? Ask Michael.
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 SOUTHERN TANZANIA
Ranee Rhodes, Absolute Travel staff member, recently explored southern Tanzania and, based on her trip, believes it's an excellent alternative to the more heavily traveled northern region of the country. One of the highlights of Ranee's trip was the Selous Safari Camp on the Rufiji River in Selous National Park. Among other adventures, Ranee viewed wildlife by riverboat and on foot with a trained ranger. "On our walking safari, we surprised a huge elephant. The ranger stopped us and told us to stand perfectly still. I felt my heart stop for a moment as we stood in silence. The elephant stared at us, stamped his foot impatiently, and then lumbered away. The trip was worth it for that moment alone - to be so close to wildlife is just an unforgettable experience." Selous also offers a fly camping location, so guests can conclude a walking safari with a night spent beneath the stars.
Ranee's recommendation? Spend one night in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's busiest city, and then head to the bush for six nights. Conclude the journey with several days lounging on the lovely beaches of Ras Kutani.
KEEP IN MIND...
If you want to see the Great Migration while you're in Tanzania, it's best to plan a visit between April and July, when the animals follow the rains across the Serengeti toward the "western corridor" and the Grumeti River -- see some suggested Tanzania itineraries.
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