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Spring/Summer 2008
Autumn/Winter 2007
Spring/Summer 2007
Autumn/Winter 2006
Spring/Summer 2006
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 Tanzania Treasures
Jordan: Beyond Petra
Luxury Amazon Voyages In Peru
 Notes On Vientiane, Laos
We're in the news!
 TANZANIA TREASURES
For many years, Tanzania has been overshadowed by neighboring Kenya, which seemed to attract the lion's share (get it?!) of visitors and luxury lodges. Interestingly enough, I think this has actually worked out to Tanzania's advantage, as tourism has developed at a more moderate pace and the country has a "hidden gem" quality. I visited Tanzania for two weeks in February and March, and it was one of the best trips I've taken. In the local Maasai language, Serengeti means "endless plain" and when you see the sunlight break across the vast savannah, you can truly appreciate its enormity. Throughout Tanzania, land is not parcelled out into endless small private concessions as in many other safari destinations, so it feels truly wild - you will likely see giraffes and elephants strolling along main roads before you even reach a reserve or national park. In addition to the plentiful game, there are many more reasons to go, including the otherworldly Ngorongoro Crater, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Lake Victoria, Olduvai Gorge (the "cradle of civilization") and the beaches of Zanzibar and other coastal islands. Please contact me to discuss a customized itinerary to Tanzania; I would be happy to help! - Michael Rubinstein |
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 JORDAN: BEYOND PETRA
Jordan's unexpected popularity among travelers this year took us by surprise, but staff member Derek K. Ong discovered on his own recent visit exactly why so many people are clamoring to go. In addition to the famous ruins at Petra, he found so much more, including the preserved Roman ruins at Jerash, the Dead Sea, the nomadic Bedouin culture, and the many sites of Christian, Judaic, and Islamic importance. He also found Jordanians to be exceedingly hospitable, progressive and sophisticated - most Jordanians dress in fashionably casual clothes and there is no requirement on covering one's head. "The food was the best surprise," recalls Derek. "I fell in love with mansaf, a fragrant stewed lamb dish served with warm yogurt gravy on a bed of fluffy rice!" He advises Jordan-bound travelers to spend a minimum of a week there, which would be enough time to explore Petra, the Wadi Rum desert, Amman and nearby Jerash, and the Dead Sea. He also hopes travelers consider stopping over from Egypt or Israel, both easy and sensible combinations. In fact, Jordan's Dead Sea resorts are, in many people's opinion, better than Israel's - our top choices are the Kempinski and the Movenpick. Visit our website to learn more about Jordan and see some of our suggested itineraries. |
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 LUXURY AMAZON VOYAGES IN PERU
We were thrilled to learn about the debut of the M/V Aqua, the first true luxury vessel to sail the waterways of the Amazon. The M/V Aqua navigates through the Pacaya Samiria Reserve, an ecologically diverse region in northern Peru where monkeys call from the thick treetops, bright parrots fly overhead, and iguanas sun themselves on warm rocks. The small size of the vessel encourages a collegial, friendly atmosphere: it has a maximum capacity of 24 passengers and each suite has large panoramic windows so guests can see what's happening from the moment they awaken. Naturalist guides lead daily small boat expeditions to introduce guests to the Amazon's magnificent animal and plant life. Both short (3 or 4 night) cruises and week-long voyages are available, depending on the time you would like to spend. Contact an Absolute Travel sales specialist to discuss incorporating the M/V Aqua into a customized Peru itinerary. |
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 NOTES ON VIENTIANE, LAOS
On my recent trip to Southeast Asia, I fell head over heels in love with Vientiane, the dreamy capital city of Laos. I only wish I had given myself more time to appreciate it - I fell victim to the impulse of many travelers who rush to Luang Prabang, but if I could do it again, I would give myself more time to fully enjoy Vientiane. While the monuments and temples were interesting, it was the slice-of-life aspect of the city that I relished - watching the locals zip along on their mopeds to work, the quiet side streets where vendors chatted easily on low stools, and the generally relaxed atmosphere. There is still some lingering evidence of the French colonial influence but it has melded with the strong traditions and rich culture of Laos to create a city with an entirely distinctive and very appealing flavor. I think my favorite aspect of Vientiane was the refreshing absence of any evidence of global capitalism - how rare to see not a single Starbucks or McDonald's in a country's largest city! I also loved our hotel, the Settha Palace; Vientiane's most upscale property is elegant but not at all ostentatious, with four-poster beds and tall windows in the rooms and a pleasant pool to escape the midday heat. If I do get a chance to return to Laos, I will head straight to Vientiane and give myself enough time (at least three nights) to fully enjoy all this lovely city has to offer. - Christina Stubbs |
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WE'RE IN THE NEWS!
Absolute Travel is pleased to have received recognition from a number of prestigious publications recently. National Geographic Traveler chose our family trip to Thailand as one of its "50 Tours of a Lifetime" and Outside's Go magazine included our Markha Valley trek in Ladakh in its round-up of amazing walking tours around the world! We are very happy to receive accolades from these respected travel publications.
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