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| Frequently asked questions about travel in Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific. |
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Why travel with Absolute Asia, Absolute Africa, or Absolute South Pacific?
We differentiate from other tour operators because we specialize in deluxe, private tours - not group tours. Our tours are highly personalized and offer more flexibility than those offered by any other travel companies. Our clients have their own drivers and guides, so touring is always based on their interests. We also have the unique ability to book any type of accommodation you prefer. Whether you'd like a ryokan in Japan, a ryad in Morocco, an Aman resort in Indonesia, or the Oriental in Bangkok: we work closely with all of the most remote and exclusive hotels and resorts, and are able to recommend the best type of accommodation based on your interests. Our staff is comprised of individuals who have traveled extensively and have cultivated a sophisticated understanding of travel and culture in each region. We're proud to consistently be told by clients, travel agents, and the media that our first-hand destination knowledge is simply unrivalled. Travelers choose our tours because we design each and every tour as if it were our own.
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Are there any health and safety concerns when traveling in Asia and the South Pacific?
In many parts of Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific, it is not necessary to take any extra precautions than those generally recommended when traveling overseas: drink bottled water; eat in restaurants that are clean and reputable; avoid uncooked food; avoid extreme heat and extended time in the sun; and travel with a medical kit that contains a supply of broad spectrum antibiotics and other medications you may require.
We are committed to providing travel services that are safe and comfortable. It is also important for travelers to be aware of regional health concerns as they vary from country to country. We recommend contacting the Centers for Disease Control for official health precautions and recommended vaccinations for each destination. It is also wise to consult directly with a medical doctor who specializes in travel medicine. We strongly encourage you to purchase Travel, Medical, and Emergency Evacuation Insurance once you have finalized your travel plans.
For your own safety and peace of mind, we encourage you to make duplicate copies of all official documents and essential information (e.g., passports, air tickets, hotel contact information, receipts for travelers checks, etc.). Leave the copies behind with a friend or family member who can be contacted in the event of an emergency. Should anything get lost or stolen, this would help ensure that you receive assistance in a timely and efficient manner. Beware of pickpockets in major cities, and always be aware of your surroundings. If you are cautious and confident wherever you travel, you will be a happier and safer traveler. Although it is important to be conscientious about safety and health concerns, it is also important to relax and enjoy the wonderful hospitality and generosity you'll find in Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific.
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Can an itinerary be designed that balances luxury and 'off-the-beaten-track' touring?
The recommended tours featured on this website are merely suggestions. We are pleased - in fact, it's our specialty - to work closely with you or your travel agent to design a tour that combines all of your interests. "Off the beaten track" means different things to different people. We believe travelers should experience the local lifestyle in a variety of ways. Depending on how far "off the beaten track" you want to go, we're able to design an itinerary accordingly. Whether you simply want to spend a day driving through the countryside, or enjoying a meal in a private home; or if you're looking for something more rigorous such as a remote trek in Bhutan or canoeing in Papua New Guinea: we'd be pleased to accommodate your interests and desired level of comfort.
What are some important customs to keep in mind when traveling?
Asia is a vast region many distinct, complex, and rich cultures -- each with their own norms and beliefs that are often quite different from those found in Western cultures. For example, in some Asian countries, such as India, it is offensive to eat with your left hand. In many countries throughout Southeast Asia, it is considered rude to point your feet at images of the Buddha. It is also frequently considered bad manners to point with one's finger -- instead, people use their whole hand, or nod their head. In Tibet, people take this a step further and, instead of pointing with their hands, will gesture to something with their pursed lips. In many countries shoes are removed before entering temples. This is an ancient tradition with Vedic roots. In Japan, shoes are removed while indoors or on tatami mats. When in Muslim areas, women will need to cover their heads before entering mosques. Throughout Asia women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees when visiting temples, and men should wear long trousers.
Our travel specialists are a wealth of knowledge about local etiquette in the countries where you're traveling. We also recommend that you purchase guidebooks and do some research before your trip so that you are prepared with appropriate clothing, even small gifts for countries such as Japan where gift-giving is customary. Throughout your tour, your local guides will provide invaluable insights into local culture and customs. Travel is educational, and you will learn about the fascinating regional cultures and belief systems as you travel from place to place. Still, it's always seen as a sign of respect and curiosity if you've familiarized yourself with local customs so that you can feel at ease as you travel and meet people.
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Can the recommended tours on your web site be altered to meet my schedule and interests?
Our tours are intended to serve as a "starting point" for the trip you ultimately end up taking. These suggested itineraries are based on our own expertise and destination experience. While it's fine to decide to take a trip exactly as it appears on our web site, most people prefer to work with one of our travel consultants to create an itinerary that meets their schedule, interests, and budget requirements. Our staff is dedicated to working with you to ensure that the final itinerary is exactly what you want.
How can travelers give back something to local communities?
As leaders in the luxury travel industry, our company and our clients are in a unique position to interact with and contribute to local communities in Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific. One such way is by making monetary donations to established local charities dedicated to educational development, enhanced health care, improved living conditions, and the protection of traditional cultures and the natural environment. Our Community Funding Program makes regular financial and personal contributions to the overseas organizations we have carefully chosen based on their reputation and their accomplishments. Additionally, upon request, this program enables our clients to incorporate a visit to these charities into their tour schedule. We find that this opportunity to meet the people behind these projects, and to witness their efforts and positive effects, is an important step in understanding the areas of need and how to best contribute. We encourage you to contact us if you would like to make a donation through this program, or if you would like learn more about the local charities we support.
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