With warmer weather just around the corner, we’re focused firmly on the future! So, rather than recap where we’ve recently been, we’d like to share a few of our staff members’ plans for the coming months, and hopefully whet your own appetite for travel! Here are teasers from our favorite journeys-in-the-works…

BROOKE GARNETT: MALI
Before working at Absolute Travel, I wasn’t sure exactly where Timbuktu was located, I just knew it was remote and far-flung – and I certainly didn’t dream that I would ever be going there! Two years ago, though, my colleague Michael returned from Mali raving about his experience and my curiosity was piqued. Coincidentally, one of my best friends (and a former Absolute Travel coworker) is currently in graduate school studying international sustainable development; from a base in Paris, she has been working with the Mali Folke Center to help communities and villages in Mali gain access to electricity using plentiful natural energy sources like solar- and wind-power. We decided to visit Mali together so that we could see some of these communities first-hand, learn more about the development projects, and explore the countryside. We are planning to hike through the Dogon Country, sleep on the roof of a village chief’s house, take a three-day boat ride along the Niger River, visit the Djenne Mosque on market day, take drum lessons and see live music in the capital city, Bamako. I can’t wait to see Mali – and be able to brag that I’ve been all the way to Timbuktu!

– Brooke

KATIE LOSEY: UGANDA AND RWANDA
In June, I’m going to be tracking the elusive lowland mountain gorilla in Bwindi, Mgahinga in Uganda, and Park National des Volcans in Rwanda. With fewer than 700 lowland mountain gorillas left in the world, their plight is a time-sensitive issue that needs immediate attention. After spending 2 weeks tracking gorillas and staying in eco-lodges, I will go back to basics with a volunteer experience arranged through Conservation through Public Health in Bwindi. This organization is working to promote gorilla conservation and an appreciation for these animals by improving basic healthcare for humans, especially around areas in close proximity to the gorillas. Because human and gorilla DNA is so similar, diseases can easily be transmitted between us. CTPH helps to prevent this unnecessary spread of disease and educates locals about the importance of these incredible animals to their livelihood. I also plan to spend some time in Kigali, Rwanda, focusing on programs that emerged after the genocide in 1994. I think it will be an incredibly rewarding and interesting learning experience and I can’t wait!

– Katie

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Due to the overwhelming success of our 20th anniversary promotion, we are extending the rebate offer! Until April 30, 2009, we’re offering a $500 per person rebate off the cost of qualifying trips – start planning your own journey of discovery now to take advantage of the offer!

Qualifying trips must have a quoted cost of at least $7,500 per person and include accommodations and comprehensive touring services. Offer is valid on new bookings made from March 15 – April 30, 2009, and cannot be applied to bookings made prior to that date. Booking date is established upon receipt of deposit. Rebate will be applied as a credit towards final payment and is not valid if trip is canceled or postponed.