The Absolute China Experience

We have compiled some of our favorite things to do in China along with some China travel tips to make sure that you don’t miss anything on your luxury vacation. Take time as your peruse our China travel information to learn about China travel and we will make sure to incorporate all of your must-see destinations into your customized travel itinerary!

Beijing: Start your Chinese odyssey in its ancient capital city, Beijing. Here you can walk the tree-lined streets, climb the Great Wall, explore the Ming Tombs, marvel at the Forbidden City, pedal boat at the Summer Palace, walk the length of Tiananmen Square, visit Mao’s Tomb, and try a fried scorpion at the famous Donghuamen Night Market. Absolute Travel takes time to learn about China travel so that you can also explore the more obscure sights of this majestic city – consider taking time to walk through the hutongs, have tea near the lake at the scenic Beihai Park, or take a daytrip to Datong to see the ancient cave carvings.

Shanghai: Shanghai is a shopping paradise so have you guide take you on a stroll down Nanjing Road and peruse our [China travel information] to make sure that you make it to all your favorite shops! Walk down the streets of the Bund, Shanghai’s historical waterfront area, take some time to explore the fascinating Children’s Palace, or consider a day trip to nearby Suzhou and Luzi, both of which offer up a bevy of elegant gardens and traditional teahouses.

Environs: Of course, our China travel information includes so much more about this complex and multifaceted country. As you learn about China travel you can consider taking a cruise along the Li River in Guilin; climb the Green Lotus Peak for its spectacular views in Yangshuo; sail through the Three Gorges on a Yangtze River Cruise; check out the fine Buddhist paintings and frescos in Dunhuang; revel in the quiet of Gulang Island, where cars and bicycles are both banned; see the largest Buddha in the country carved into a cliff face above the Min River in Leshan; visit the monasteries and gape at the 600-year-old wall paintings in Baisha; explore the Flaming Mountains and caves of Bezezlik in Turpan; or browse for camels at the Sunday Market in Kashgar, one of the most remote corners of modern-day China – no matter where decide to let your journey take you, Absolute Travel is here to make sure it is an unforgettable experience!

The Absolute Thailand Experience

We have compiled some of our favorite things to do in Thailand along with some Thailand travel tips to make sure that you don’t miss anything on your luxury vacation. Take time as your peruse our Thailand travel information to learn about Thailand travel and we will make sure to incorporate all of your must-see destinations into your customized travel itinerary!

Start your trip in the vibrant city of Bangkok where you can walk down its colorful streets, shop in its lively markets and malls, relax with a traditional Thai massage, enjoy a cruise down Bangkok’s River of Kings in a long tail boat, visit the Temple of Dawn or learn the secrets of Thai cooking in a private class.

Here at Absolute Travel we learn about Thailand travel to bring you unique experiences such as strolling the magnificent ruins in Sukhothai and Ayutthaya with a private guide to glean insight into the rich architectural and artistic history of this fascinating land.

As you peruse our Thailand travel information you will want to visit the night market of Chiang Mai, where you can find one-of-a-kind handicrafts, silks and woodcarvings. Here in this magical city you will also be able to take in the view from the hilltop of Doi Sutep where you can practice your recently-learned Buddhist meditation techniques as the sun rises.

The more you learn about Thailand travel you will realize what a diverse nation it is and we can help you plan a day trip to Burma from Mae Sai or a visit to the northeast Esarn region, where residents hold a very strong cultural connection to Laos.

Of course, our Thailand travel information includes the glimmering turquoise waters Southern Thailand. Spend time in Phuket, the famous sea resort; head to the limestone peaks and premier snorkeling of the Phi Phi Islands; or take time to examine the rock formations in the Phang Nga Bay and the virgin beaches of Krabi. The hidden lagoons, coconut plantations and jungle waterfalls of Ko Samui and other small secluded isles made accessible to you by Absolute Travel will charm even the weariest of travelers.

The Absolute Laos Experience

If you’re interested in visiting Laos, Absolute has all the Laos travel information and Laos travel tips you could ask for. There is a lot to learn about Laos travel, but the two areas travelers are most often interested in visiting are Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Vientiane is set along the Mekong River near Thailand and is the capital and largest city of Laos. Stop by Wat Sisaket, believed to be the oldest temple in the city, check out the collection of statuary at Wat Pra Keo Museum, and ogle at the colonial villas around the Presidential Palace. Learn about Laos with travel steeped in culture and attend the That Luang Festival in November, when the stupa becomes the center of activities, candle-lit processions, and entertainment. Compare Patuxai to Paris’ similar Arc De Triomphe; enjoy the calm of Xieng Khuan, also known as Buddha Park, with its eclectic array of Buddhist and Hindu statuary in a meadow near the Mekong River; and shop the Morning Market for weavings, Lao cotton, and ceramics.

In Luang Prabang you can enjoy the unhurried pace and quiet streets of the ancient Royal Capital, attend one of the city’s many festivals, and compare the architectural style of the city’s temples with that of Northern Thailand. Visit Mount Phousi, covered with small wats, panoramic views of the city and the Mekong; stop in at the Palace Museum for its intentional mix of Lao and French architectural styles; see Wat Xieng Thong to with its mosaics and classic Luang Prabang style sweeping roofs. Travel to Wat Visoun, the oldest in the city, with its 35-meter Lotus stupa and lovely collection of Buddha statues; shop for produce alongside locals at That Luang market; and take a sail up the Mekong to visit the magnificent Buddha statues at the Pak Ou caves.

There is so much to learn about Laos and travel with Absolute ensures you will be provided with the most knowledgeable guides and most luxurious accommodations all the way. Get the Laos travel information you need; inquire about touring options in Laos and start your Southeast Asian adventure today!

The Absolute Ladakh Experience

Ladakh is not a country, but a mountainous region within the state of Jammu and Kashmir in Northern India. Many travelers want to learn about Ladakh travel because the region has a culture and geography unique from other India travel destinations. Absolute Travel has Ladakh travel tips for those interested in touring India or visiting Ladakh exclusively. If you are interested in the Himalayas and exploring Tibetan Buddhist cultures, then Ladakh travel information may be just what you’re looking for.

Learn about Ladakh and travel to the Hemis Monastery, the best-known and biggest gompa in Ladakh. Embrace the architecture and scenery of Lamayuru, where the spectacularly picturesque, and possibly the oldest, monastery will leave you awestruck. The Ridzong Monastery and Alchi Monastery are also full of spiritual intrigue and beautiful places to visit. Explore Stok Palace and Choglamsar, the largest settlement of Tibetan refugees in Ladakh, and a great place to try some meditation for yourself.

If you travel in late June and early July, you will be fortunate to see Ladakh bloom with vibrant festivals, some which only come about every twelve years. Another wonderful option is the classic Markha Valley trek, for an in-depth experience of the personality and heritage of Ladakh. Enjoy a thorough exploration of the Shankar and Thiksey monasteries, and spend a night in Uleytopko in a fixed tented camp. Adventurous travelers should consider an overland trekking journey through many small villages and monasteries, for a fulfilling and transcendent experience amidst the Himalayan landscape.

Luxury travel in Ladakh is unlike anything else and Absolute Travel has all the Ladakh travel information to guide you through this mysterious and breathtaking land. Learn about Ladakh travel or inquire about all that India and the Himalayas have to offer!

Learn More about the Maldives

If your are looking for the ultimate honeymoon destination or the best luxury beach vacation imaginable, then it is time to learn about the Maldives. Travel to these brilliant coral islands out in the middle of the warm waters of the Indian Ocean is like stepping out of reality and into paradise. The Maldives offer breathtaking, pristine white beaches and turquoise-blue water as clear as glass. Luxury travel in the Maldives is the ultimate escape and Absolute Travel has the best Maldives travel information for your lavish getaway.

You can learn about the Maldives on travel in the modern capital of Male’, but most will probably want to skip right to relaxation at lavish resort accommodations along vast expanses of idyllic shoreline. If you must do something other than sunbathe and indulge in beachy cocktails, scuba diving in the Maldives is an incredible experience and a favorite of many diving aficionados. With incredibly clear water and islands surrounded by coral reefs, diving is optimal and the coast thrives with colorful fish and marine life. Snorkeling and other water sports are also highly recommended, as is sampling fresh local seafood dishes like mas huni and fihunu mas. Surfers will also enjoy the islands fortunate swells, but for those looking to relax, deluxe accommodations featuring over-water bungalows and unbelievably tranquil spas will likely prove more than enough in this romantic dreamscape.

A trip to the Maldives is more than perfect on its own, but a visit can also serve as the cherry on top of a visit to Asia or India travel destinations. Absolute Travel has Maldives travel tips and up-to-date Maldives travel information for travelers interested in visiting these fantasy islands, and our specialists are happy to help you learn about Maldives travel. Get the best in private luxury travel to the Maldives and tour with Absolute for an enchanting experience beyond your wildest imagination. Call today and plan your trip to heaven!

The Absolute India Experience

We have compiled some of our favorite things to do in India along with some India travel tips to make sure that you don’t miss anything on your luxury vacation. Take time as your peruse our India travel information to learn about India travel and we will make sure to incorporate all of your must-see destinations into your customized travel itinerary!

Walk the streets of one of the world’s largest metropolises in New Delhi. Learn about India travel as you relax and sip tea at one of its dignified tearooms before heading out to explore this vast and fascinating place. Watch 25,000 worshippers fill the Jami Masjid courtyard each Friday, learn about Mahatma Gandhi’s life at the Raj Ghat, marvel at Humayan’s Tomb and admire the Red Fort.

Of course, no trip to New Delhi is complete without shopping so our India travel information includes all the best markets and stores. Shop for souvenirs and brightly colored saris at Connaught Circus and Janpath, or spend your afternoon winding your way through the markets at Paharganj and Chandi Chowk.

Get a taste of Bollywood in Mumbai, where you can catch a flick and relax on its gorgeous beaches. Mumbai is home to some spectacular architecture so make sure you use Absolute Travel’s India travel information to make sure you don’t miss anything. Visit Elephanta Island for its remarkable Trimurti sculpture, admire the skyline from Malaber Hill, explore the cave temples of nearby Ajanta and Ellora and visit the imposing fort in Daulatabad.

When you learn about India travel, you will realize that Agra, home to the resplendent Taj Mahal, deserves a spot on the top of your India wish list. While all India travel information include this majestic structure you will also want to leave time for stops at the imposing Agra Fort and the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri while in Agra.

In Calcutta, visit its superb museum, the Victoria Memorial, which is home to one of the world’s largest planetariums. Travel to Darjeeling, the famous hill station with an unusually diverse history (and by Indian standards that is saying quite a bit!) Spend time of the Ghoom Monastery and other Tibetan Buddhist hotspots.

Consider a stop in Rajasthan during your luxury vacation, where you can explore the City Palace in Jaipur, a treasure trove of wildly painted reception halls and doors decorated with abstract designs. Admire the finely tooled stonework at the Palace of Winds. In the romantic city of Udaipur, take a boat ride on the gorgeous Lake Pichola. Learn about India travel as you go on a camel trek in the Thar Desert.

Cap off your fantastic journey with an early morning boat ride in the Ganges in Varanasi, where you can also see men practicing early morning yoga and women fetching holy water from the river.

The Absolute Bali Experience

The Absolute Bali Experience

Bali is the famed “Island of the Gods,” known for its unique Hindu culture and fascinating rituals. There is a lot to [learn about Bali and travel] on the island, but Absolute Travel is the ultimate source for [Bali travel information]. From ceremonial festivals and traditional customs to the best spots to relax on the beach, Absolute’s experts have all the [Bali travel tips] you could ask for.

[Learn about Bali with travel] that embraces the local culture and music! Visit the Werdi Budaya Arts Center and take in a student music and dance performance at the Abiankapas Arts Center in Denpasar; check out the black sand beach in Lovina; snorkel off of Menjangan Island; visit the cultural and geographical center of Bali, Ubud to see graceful Balinese dance and the art galleries; or take in a traditional Legong dance performance and its all-woman gamelan orchestra in Peliatan.

There is no shortage of adventure in [Bali and travel information] on all sorts of exciting options is just a call away! Stroll to the magical monkey forest just outside Ubud and walk through the rice paddies; ride a bicycle down Mt. Batur; take a whitewater rafting trip; ride in a canoe on Lake Batur, a dramatic volcanic lake with hot sulfur springs and the ruins of a pre-Hindu civilization; and visit the 22-temple complex of Besakih, the most important Hindu pilgrimage point on Bali.

While you will undoubtedly [learn about Bali on travel] through the temples and shrines, make sure you take some time to kick back and enjoy the island’s marvelous beaches. Watch the sunset over Tanah Lot, a remarkable Hindu temple partially submerged off the southwest shore, or enjoy an upscale dinner along the coast in Seminyak. The glimmering ocean and verdant green hills of this Southeast Asian gem will undoubtedly have you falling in love.

If Bali sound like the perfect place for your next getaway or romantic honeymoon, call up the specialists at Absolute Travel and inquire about more [Bali travel information]. You’ll be glad you did!

Learn More about Japan

Learn about Japan through the futuristic cities and elegant countryside of the Land of the Rising Sun. From ancient history, to traditional artistry, to breathtaking scenery, there is a journey in Japan to suit every personality and interest.

Get cultural as you learn about Japan with travel focused on ancient crafts and local flavors. Visit weaving centers and pottery villages; take in a classical Japanese theater performance; tour houses that once belonged to Japan’s finest craftspeople; take a class in ikebana—the Japanese art of flower arranging; or learn how to perform a formal tea ceremony. Sample sake at local breweries, dine in Kyoto’s most exclusive seasonal Kaiseki or Zen vegetarian restaurants, and learn how to prepare regional cuisine with a fully immersive cooking class!

Our luxury travel specialists have in-depth knowledge of Japan’s natural wonders, and we have plenty of Japan travel tips for naturalists and adventurers alike. Sail to Miyajima, an island in the Itsukushima Sea with a beautiful shrine and one of Japan’s memorable sights; stay in a ryokan in Kurashiki, Takayama, or Kanazawa; ride a horse through the national park in Kyushu, surrounded by active volcanoes; hike in the “Japanese Alps” or around the pristine lakes in the northern island of Hokkaido; hang with the locals at one of the casual izakayas, a popular gathering spot for food and drinks; or visit a Japanese family home for dinner or tea.

Some relaxing Japan travel tips include a walk through the mountain paths of Kamakura and its shrines, a dip in one of Hakone’s famed hot springs, or an exploration of Nikko and the shrine on its grounds. In Kyoto, visit rustic teahouses, homes of folk artisans, and shops that have been selling traditional goods for hundreds of years. Watch the deer roam in Nara Park, tour the famed Miho Museum, stroll through the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, or even take a journey up Mt. Fuji.

There is a lot to learn about traveling in Japan and Absolute Travel has all the Japan travel information you need to plan your perfect getaway. Give us a call and ask to talk to one of our luxury travel specialists today!

The Absolute Indonesia Experience

Learn More about Indonesia

With over 17,000 islands comprising the country, there is a lot of Indonesia travel information, so it is important to learn about Indonesia so travel there suits your needs and interests. Absolute Travel has a ton of Indonesia travel tips, but recommendations vary depending on what part of the archipelago you plan on visiting.

Java is home to the capital of Jakarta, where you can stroll along the old harbor wharf and visit the Wayang Museum to see intricate Indonesian puppetry exhibits. In Yogyakarta, learn about Indonesia by traveling to Royal Kraton to see a special gamelan performance in the Golden Pavilion, and take a class in batik design at one of the schools. In Borobudur, see the world’s largest stupa, venture into the highlands and explore the sulfur springs, caverns and petrified lava flows of Dieng Plateau, and voyage to East Java to watch the sunrise at Mt. Bromo.

Bali is known for its mystical atmosphere and one-of-a-kind Balinese Hindu culture. There are many temples you can visit in Bali, though Besakih, the ‘Mother Temple,” is certainly the most important to the Hindu tradition of the island. Celebrations also occur periodically throughout the year and are an interesting way to learn about Indonesia and travel in style. Gamelan performances and dance rituals, are great ways to get involved and Ubud is always a source of artistic inspiration. Check out a sunset at Tanah Lot or take a canoe ride on the volcanic Lake Batur, where you can see the ruins of a pre-Hindu civilization.

Sumatra is another great place to learn about Indonesia with travel to the Bohorok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center near Bukit Lawang You can trek through spectacular rainforest and go whitewater rafting on the Alas River. Get adventurous and spend the night on Samosir Island, where you can visit traditional raised houses, enjoy a musical performance, or just walk around this peaceful island of Indonesia. Travel information about adding a day in Samosir Island can be discussed with a representative if it is an option that interests you.

Lombok, Flores, and Komodo are also great islands to visit in Indonesia, and travel tips include a full moon pilgrimage to the crater of sacred Mt. Rinjani, a view of the sunset in Labuanbajo, a visit to the volcanic lakes of Keli Mutu, a stop in one of the traditional weaving villages, and of course, a trek to the famous Komodo Dragon Park in Komodo.

If you want to spread your wings to the far reaches of Indonesia, travel information is available on areas of Borneo and New Guinea. Visit Papua, formerly known as Western New Guinea, or Irian Jaya, and you can get a rare glimpse into the lives of the Stone Age Dani tibespeople, trek to the villages of the Asmat to stay overnight with traditional wood carvers, and visit the Wasur Reserve on the border with Papua New Guinea. Kalimantan, the Indonesian side of Borneo, is also a great place to see. Take a boat up the river to Tanjung Puting Reserve, cruise along the Mahakam River in eastern Kalimantan, or visit the orangutan sanctuary.

The Absolute Malaysia Experience

The Absolute Malaysia Experience

From city to surf, Malaysia is one of the Southeast Asia travel destinations with the most variety. There is much to learn about Malaysia and travel there will take you through a dynamically evolving country, a mix of both high technology and the developing world. Luxury travel in Malaysia is an exciting and immersive experience that will open your eyes to the wonders of the country and the culture. Absolute Travel has specialized in private Southeast Asian tours for decades and we have all the Malaysia travel information to make your trip something truly special.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and largest city in Malaysia; Internationally renowned as an architectural wonderland, you will learn about Malaysia on travel through this city’s striking variety of ethnic influences and intriguing mix of traditional and futuristic atmosphere. Kuala Lumpur is an alarmingly huge metropolis, and there are many districts and ethnic neighborhoods to explore. While shopping and eating may vie for most of your time in the city, the Petronas Twin Towers are an obvious must-see, and spots like Chinatown and Masjid Jamek are wonderful stops you should make time for.

Enjoy alluring beaches and gastronomic delicacies on the beaches of Penang, and indulge in tropical paradise on the island of Langkawi, where you can partake in colorful snorkeling, water sports, sunbathing, and even a mangrove safari. Sip some of the world’s best tea in the Cameron Highlands, a region renowned for its high-end tea production and majestically poetic landscapes. Meet some of Malaysia’s “Original People,” or Orang Asli and learn of their traditions. You can also take time to visit the trading port of Malacca, or explore the ancient rainforests of Taman Negara National Park.

There are many pathways to explore in Malaysia. Travel tips and Malaysia travel information on private luxury touring is waiting for you at Absolute Travel, and our friendly staff will be more than glad to help you learn about Malaysia travel options. Call or e-mail us with any inquiries you may have, and begin planning your adventure!