2010 = 21!

Absolute Travel just turned 21 years old so we're going to (legally) celebrate with a glass of bubbly and an unbeatable rebate offer! Looking for your own cause for celebration? Here are some exciting events that would make a festive focal point for a trip this year.

Carnival (February 12 – February 16) – Brazil
South America's most colorful party is coming right up – and with the winter doldrums setting in here, couldn't we all use a dose of warm sunshine, crazy costumes, and street-dancing? The first Carnival since Rio won the bid to host the 2016 Olympics is expected to be even more over-the-top than usual. Catch the party in Rio and then head to the beaches of Buzios for some rest and relaxation…and caipirinhas!

Shanghai World Expo (May 1 – October 31) – China
“Better City, Better Life” is the theme of this international event, which has received little publicity here but is eagerly anticipated overseas. Country pavilions with cutting-edge architectural designs will host exhibitions, events, and forums; organizers expect 70 million visitors during the five-month long extravanganza.

FIFA World Cup (June 11 – July 11) – South Africa
Soccer (football) fans have been counting the days to this event for four years. Accommodations are limited but we can secure rooms for those who act now. You get the tickets to the games you want to see and we'll handle the rest: transportation, accommodations, and touring in the cities and safari lodges of South Africa.

Bali Arts Festival (June – July) – Bali
A full month allows plenty of time to showcase Bali's rich cultural heritage with dance performances, music shows and handicraft exhibitions. Take in the festivities during the day and head back to one of the island's exquisite resorts at night – the three Amans and the two Four Seasons properties are our favorites.

Hanoi's Birthday Party (October) – Vietnam
21 years is nothing – Hanoi is celebrating its 1,000th birthday this year! It became the capital of Vietnam in 1010, after Ly Thai To ended many years of Chinese rule. The grande dame looks great for her age and remains Southeast Asia's most sophisticated city. French colonial architecture, gourmet dining, proximity to Halong Bay: Hanoi has something for everyone – pay a visit and raise a toast to her longevity!

Qualifying trips must cost a minimum of $7,500 per person and include accommodations and comprehensive touring services. Offer is valid on new bookings made between January 15 – February 15, 2010, 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 cancelled or postponed. Rebate cannote be used in conjunction with credits from previous bookings.

Of course, we're happy just to be nominated...

If you've worked with us and think we deserve it, please vote for us in the Travel + Leisure 2010 World's Best Awards survey! It takes only a few minutes and we would appreciate your support. (You can find Absolute Travel in the tour operators/safari outfitters category.) Thank you!