Disney's Aulani, O'ahu, Hawaii is Now Open

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, is a beachfront resort hotel on the island of O'ahu.

Walt Disney Imagineers worked hand in hand with locals to create Aulani—a place that celebrates Hawaiian culture, history and traditions. From contemporary Hawaiian art featured throughout the Resort, to myriad recreational activities, culinary programs, excursions and more, Aulani immerses Guests in the legends of the islands so you can experience the true enchantment of Hawaii.

From the white-sand beach and "valley" of pools and waterslides, to the multitude of recreational programs, excursions and more, Aulani provides plenty of fun for everyone! Thrilling programs and amenities have been uniquely designed with both adults and kids in mind. Discover more about the excitement that awaits each Guest at Aulani!

Discover more about Aulani Resort's unparalleled amenities:

359 Hotel Rooms, including 16 Suites

460 Disney Vacation Club Villas, including 21 Grand Villas

4 Restaurants and 2 Lounges: 'AMA'AMA – Contemporary Island Cooking, Makahiki – The Bounty of the Islands, The 'Ōlelo Room, Off The Hook, Quick Service Dining, Disney Character Breakfast.

Laniwai Spa - Achieve ultimate relaxation through one of almost 150 Spa Therapies. From massages and skin care treatments, to unique “rain water” therapies and personalized programs, Laniwai offers an array of refreshing therapies designed to help you truly unwind during your stay at Aulani.

Fitness Center - Stay in shape and revitalize your body at the 2000-square-foot, state-of-the-art health club—complete with free weights, cardio equipment and yoga classes.

Aunty's Beach House Kids' Club  -  Designed for ages 3 to 10—but welcoming kids of all ages—Aunty's Beach House is a kids club where younger Guests explore Hawaiian culture through art and music, delight in contemporary games and amenities, meet some favorite Disney friends and discover magical Disney touches at every turn.

Painted Sky Teen Spa  - This 1,500-square-foot retreat for Guests ages 13 to 17 has its own private entrance and features such amenities as: Lounge, Yogurt and elixir bar, Interactive retail, Computer stations, Daily teen-only events, Evening programs for teens, D.I.Y. mixology bar for perfumes, body polishes and face masks, Teen-specific massages, facials, manicures and pedicures—including Spa services designed for young men

Waikolohe Valley Pools, Waterslides and More  - Waikolohe Stream Enjoy 2 tubing adventures from atop Pu'u Kilo, Waikolohe Pool: a  8,200-square-foot, zero-entry pool, Rainbow Reef: The only private snorkeling lagoon on O'ahu, Menehune Bridge: Little ones will love this interactive play area that features 3 slides, a play structure and more, Wailana Pool: Separated from the excitement of the main pool, Wailana Pool offers a relaxing retreat, Makai Preserve: In this conservation pool, encounter stingrays, starfish, anemones, and more—with the guidance of marine biologists.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours to book your Disney Dream Vacation Today! 6008 W Bell Rd # F105 Glendale, AZ 85308-3793 (602) 843-5100

Tips About Health Care While Traveling Abroad



International First Aid Symbol

 To ensure that you receive needed health care when traveling abroad, before your trip, don't forget to:

Confirm with your insurance company the extent of your coverage while abroad and the procedure for submitting claims for international health care expenses.

Decide whether you need a travel insurance and/or medical evacuation insurance policy. Call your travel agent to talk about and arrange for these.

Write down the addresses and telephone numbers of U.S. consulates in the countries you'll be visiting.

Bring a letter from your doctor if you are being treated for a chronic condition, listing your diagnosis and current medications (including the generic names for the drugs and dosage, since brand names vary by country).

Always bring your insurance card and a claim form information and phone numbers, whether you're using your individual insurance policy or a travel insurance policy.

Be sure the information in your passport about whom to contact in an emergency is correct and up-to-date.

It might also be helpful to research the name of the hospitals in the areas you will be traveling (including countries where you have lay overs). Some countries have government run hospitals and private hospitals. Care at facilities may vary, so it may be wise to determine a hospital you would prefer to be taken to in the event of a medical emergency. Some countries may also have hospitals that are more able to care for tourists (the staff may speak English).

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
6008 W Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, AZ 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100

Blue Ridge Parkway celebrates 75th anniversary

The construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began as a project to put people back to work during the Depression. Seventy-five years later, the winding roadway has evolved into one of the United States' most-visited national park sites, drawing about 17 million people annually and bringing about $2 billion to surrounding areas.

This year the National Park Service is celebrating the parkway's 75th anniversary with a variety of events, including a weekend festival in September. That makes this summer and fall a good time to enjoy hiking and camping, local arts, and small-town life along "America's Favorite Drive."

Since its groundbreaking on Sept. 11, 1935, at Cumberland Knob, N.C., on the Virginia border, the parkway has become an integral part of the mountains and the Appalachian communities that lie along its 469-mile route, as well as a gateway to the region's culture and history.

The parkway connects Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It starts at Rockfish Gap, Va.,  winds southwest through Virginia into mountainous western North Carolina. Along the way, travelers will find campgrounds and hiking trails, glimpses of small-town Appalachian life in places like Floyd, Va., the small cities of Roanoke, Va., and Asheville, N.C., and many other treasures tucked away in the mountains.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
6008 W Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, AZ 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100

Cruising Alaska

Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined. Seeing it – and Alaska’s abundant marine life and tidewater glaciers – is one of the most popular travel options in the state. There are two ways to reach Alaska by sea: cruise ship or ferry.

Cruising is the single most popular way to see Alaska, and for good reason. Cruise companies have operated in Alaska since the early 20th century, and have perfected the art of the Alaska cruise. Cruise visitors travel in all-inclusive comfort on ships of all sizes and on itineraries of varying length, with abundant tour options in established ports of call.

Cruises fall into two basic categories: large ship and small ship cruises. Itineraries to Alaska range from seven days to several weeks, depending on route. Small ships tend to offer more individualized service and custom or specialty itineraries (for instance, cruises focused on photography, whale watching or archaeology). Large ships offer lavish entertainment, shopping and extensive tour networks in major ports to create a seamless travel experience.

Watch for information on our Alakan tour.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
6008 W Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, AZ 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100

Taking a Cruise During Hurricane Season?

Is it worth the risk to plan a cruise to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexican Riviera or even Canada or New England during hurricane season? Yes absolutely, with one major stipulation: Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

The chances that your particular cruise is going to be affected by a hurricane are very slim. But changes to your plans are a possibility and it's important to approach a hurricane season cruise with the right attitude.

Keep an eye on the storms on the Weather Channel or at www.noaa.gov, which features round-the-clock updates on storms that might affect travelers and any impact on cruise ports.

Cruise schedules and itineraries may well be affected by storms, but the chances you'll actually be caught in one are slim to none.

These days, solid engineering and satellite equipment allows cruise lines to follow the paths of storms (and quickly send ships elsewhere);Several cruise lines have established situation rooms -- which enable staffers to monitor storms and respond to changing circumstances.

Start monitoring tropical storm conditions a week before you leave. Be proactive if your cruise seems to be lying in the path of a storm by contacting your travel agent in case contingency plans are necessary.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
6008 W Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, AZ 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100

Where Awesome Doesn't Say Enough

Watch the landscape change before your very eyes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Located 30 miles southwest of Hilo, this is the home of Kilauea volcano, one of the most active volcanoes on earth. The chance to witness the primal process of creation and destruction make this park one of the most popular visitor attraction in Hawaii and a sacred place for Native Hawaiians.

Founded in 1916, the Park encompasses 333,000 acres from the summit of Maunaloa to the sea. Here you'll find 150 miles of hiking trails through volcanic craters, scalded deserts and rainforests as well as a museum, petroglyphs, a walk-in lava tube and two active volcanoes: Maunaloa, which last erupted in 1984 and Kilauea which has been erupting since January 3rd, 1983. The extraordinary natural diversity of the park was recognized in 1980 when it was named a World Biosphere site by UNESCO and in 1987 when the park was again honored as a World Heritage site.

Kilauea is sometimes called "the world's only drive-in volcano." This prolific volcano currently produces 250,000-650,000 cubic yards of lava per day, enough to resurface a 20-mile-long, two-lane road daily. As of January 1994, 491 acres of new land have been created on Hawaii's Big Island. The current eruption may last another 100 years or stop tomorrow. Pele, the volcano goddess who lives here, is very unpredictable.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
6008 W Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, AZ 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100

Travel Etiquette - Part 2

 The people of Italy are emotionally demonstrative, so expect to see lots of cheek kissing among acquaintances, embraces between men who are good friends and lingering handshakes. Italian men may walk arm-in-arm, as may women. Pushing and shoving in busy places is not considered rude, so don’t be offended by it. Try to hold your ground. The Italian body language vocabulary is is quite extensive.

Shaking hands across a threshold is considered unlucky in Russia. An interesting feature of this is that some pizza delivery guys refuse to conduct a transaction across a threshold; you either have to go out to the hall or invite them just inside the door. – From the Lonely Planet Russia travel guide

 In India it is possible to pay a tremendous compliment with body language alone. When somebody approaches a person with their tongue between their teeth and gathers the air around the person’s head with their hands to draw it into their own personal space, it means they find the person either unbearably beautiful or extraordinarily intelligent.

 Don’t stick your index finger and middle finger up with the palm of your hand facing towards you in the UK… it’s the equivalent of giving someone the finger. Tip: Don’t order two beers in this fashion in UK bars. Doing it palm facing out is OK (i.e., the peace sign) – From a Lonely Planet staffer in the UK

Moroccan greetings can last up to 10 minutes. Shake with your right hand then touch your hand to your heart, to indicate that you’re taking the meeting to heart. Good friends may tack on up to four air kisses, accompanied by a stream of well wishes: ‘How are you? Everything’s good with you? I hope your parents are well? Baraka (blessings) upon them!’ – From Alison Bing, Lonely Planet Morocco

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
6008 W Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, AZ 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100

Disneyland's Its a Small World Celebrates 45 Years

"It's a world of laughter, a world of tears, it's a world of hopes and a world of fears ..." These lyrics bring to mind one of the world's best-loved Theme Park attractions – and this year's 45th anniversary celebration of Disneyland's "it's a small world" attraction is in full swing.

Originally, Walt Disney was approached by Pepsi to create the attraction in honor of UNICEF for the 1964 World's Fair – one of several attractions tested at the Fair and later reconstructed at Disneyland Park.  After several art directors took a shot at what it might look like, Disney gave Mary Blair a call. Her children's books from the early 1940s were perfect for this. She came out and did all the concept renderings. Imagineer Rolly Crump and a few other model builders were tapped to interpret her artwork into this immersive 3D world.  It was very important that the set pieces looked exactly as she designed them."

When the attraction was rebuilt at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, it exceeded the size of its World's Fair counterpart. Rolly added, expanded, and moved various scenes out of order.  He designed a Rube Goldberg-style façade for the exterior (not previously in the New York exhibit) .  The Tower of the Four Winds (a focal point in the New York attraction) was replaced by the smiling-faced clock tower, which blended perfectly with Mary's whimsical designs.

"It's a small world" opened in Disneyland on May 28, 1966, and continues to delight Guests.  To date, there are four other versions in Parks around the globe – Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland. The attraction features over 300 Audio-Animatronics® figures of international children, with more than 250 toys and 80 animated props. New to the attraction are 29 popular Disney and Disney-Pixar characters (as costumed dolls) in the countries or regions where their stories take place. They include: Woody and Jessie (Spirit of America), Aladdin and Jasmine (Middle East), Mulan and Mushu (Asia), Ariel and Flounder (Pacific Islands), Alice and the White Rabbit (Great Britain), Lilo and Stitch (Pacific Islands/Hawaii), and Donald Duck, Panchito, and Jose Carioca (South America).

Now through October 31 at Disneyland Resort, fans can experience the timeless magic of Mary Blair's work at the Disney Gallery on Main Street, U.S.A. The show  features 45 pieces and includes a cross-section of Mary's art for the Studio, movie shorts, and WED [Imagineering]. "Mary's style is indescribable ... so unique, sophisticated, and innocent.

Those with special "small world" memories can collect the limited-edition, commemorative pin featuring the children of the world as a spinner element (released at the D23 Expo, August 19) and several new children's books that include art inspired by the attraction, a song CD, and more.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
6008 W Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, AZ 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100

Travel Etiquette - Part 1

You step over someone’s legs in Nepal and don’t even realize you’ve committed a grave social taboo! Although most locals will excuse breaches in etiquette, wouldn’t you rather be informed? Read below for a list of etiquette tips to help you navigate different parts of the world.

1. In Asia, never touch any part of someone else’s body with your foot, which is considered the ‘lowest’ part of the body. If you accidentally do this, apologize by touching your hand to the person’s arm and then touching your own head. Don’t point at objects or people with your feet, don’t prop your feet on chairs or tables while sitting. – From the Lonely Planet Thailand travel guide (and other Asia guidebooks)

2. Also in Asia, refrain from touching people on the head or ruffling their hair. The head is spiritually the ‘highest’ part of the body. Don’t sit on pillows meant as headrests, as it is a variant on this taboo. – From the Lonely planet China travel guide

3. Shaking hands was introduced to Fiji in the 19th century by way of Tonga, and quickly became the established custom. An affectionate handshake can be very long, and may even last throughout an entire conversation. – From the Lonely Planet South Pacific Phrasebook

4. In Nepal, it’s bad manners to step over someone’s outstretched legs, so avoid doing that, and move your own legs when someone wants to pass. Also do not step over or sit on a monk’s cushions in or near a temple, even if no one is sitting on them.  Always walk around stupas and chortens (Tibetan-style stupas) in a clockwise direction. – From the Lonely Planet Nepal travel guide

5. In Japanese baths, called onsen, always wash first before entering the water. The water is considered fouled if someone does not do this, kind of like the American equivalent of peeing in a pool. Also, use a wash cloth to cover your private bits and pieces.  – From the Lonely Planet Japan travel guide.

Seven Tips for First Time Cruisers

Sail with your Age Group: And here is a quick rule of thumb on finding your own kind; If it's cold, they're old. Alaskan cruises typically have an older crowd and in general, the longer cruises have older passengers. Any cruise that is longer than seven days will typically have an older crowd. Younger passengers usually can't afford longer cruises nor do they have vacation time to take them. Three and four day cruises are party cruises and typically have a younger crowd, especially in the Caribbean. Two day cruises to nowhere are especially popular with the party crowd. If you are looking for an older, more relaxed crowd, look for longer voyages, especially in colder climates. If you want to party with a younger crowd, look for shorter voyages in warmer climates. 

Dining Matters. If you have assigned seating in the dining rooms, then the secret about the people you sit with is that they are likely very similar to you. The Maître D intentionally seats similar people together; couples with couples, singles with singles, seniors with seniors. Realize that these people may become your new best friends on the cruise.

Set Your Watch. Remember to set your watch to "ship time," which may or may not change when you cross time zones.

Don't be Late. The ship will only wait about fifteen minutes after its scheduled sailing time. Each cruise line has a port agent that can help if you do miss the ship. Most people fly to the next port to meet the ship there, but you'll pay for all extra expenses.

Bring Ear Plugs. They make sleeping on the airplane easier. They also allow you to sleep through all the noise that happens in the corridors and from the neighboring cabins.

Captain's Word is Law. Remember that the captain has the authority to kick you off the ship if he thinks you're endangering his crew or the other passengers.

Chatting Up Crewmembers. To strike up conversation with a crewmember, don't ask lame questions. Crewmembers get these questions everyday and they get sick of hearing it. The crew do live on the ship. Contracts are typically six months followed by six weeks of vacation and they can get off in port. Remember that the first question or comment that comes to mind is usually one that countless others have already asked or said. So go deeper.

Booking your cruise through a travel agent will insure a smotth and enjoyable cruise.

Three Reason Why You Should Eat Local Food While Traveling

1. Local Food Tastes Better
Local food is fresher than food trucked in from other countries. The worst fresh mango in Belize is going to be better than the best grocery store mango in the U.S. most of the time. Even if it’s a food that you may not normally eat  it’s probably going to be better tasting than the hamburger from the McDonald’s up the road.

2. Local Food is Cheaper
Because locals need to be able to afford the food, regional specialties will also be affordable for the tourist. Also, when the food doesn’t have to be transported from a far away place, it will cost less.

3. Local Food Improves Your Travel Experience
Have you ever eaten head cheese? Ordering it in a small town in the Czech Republic, thinking it is some sort of cheese and not coagulated meat parts can make for an unforgettable travel experience.

Sampling local dishes will give you insight into the culture and history of the area. Do they eat a lot of seafood? Spices? Beef? Even if you don’t read  the guidebook, you can learn a lot just by trying local foods.

Traveling experiences should always build great memories.

Tips to Help You Pack for a Trip

1. Security and Keeping Details Safe
Scan your passport, passport photos and paper tickets in. Store this (in both an email or thumb drive) in your web based email account. You can also store the details of your emergency 'lost card' telephone numbers in your web based email account so you know who to contact if your credit card or ATM card is lost or stolen. This way, even if you lose everything, you have immediate access your all important information. You can even email the details page of your passport to the embassy or consulate when applying for a new one.Also consider writing your home and destination address (and mobile number ) on a self-adhesive sticky label to stick INSIDE your luggage in a visible place. If your luggage is lost and the baggage label has come off, at least the airline can still figure out whose luggage it is.

2. Split up your valuables
Split up your bank cards, cash, travellers' cheques and credit cards as much as possible in different pockets, your bags and wallet when packing. In case you do get robbed, at least you won't be strapped for cash.

3. Small Bottles
Use small bottles to pack toiletries and other small items. There are several sturdy and nearly waterproof ones, with see through ones being preferable (easier for security purposes post August 2006). You can also use small bottles to repack shampoo or lotions so that you don't have to always carry a big bottle with you. This is especially useful if you normally take these items in your carry-on luggage, which as of early 2007 is much more restricted than before.

4. Plastic Bags
It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around certain items, especially toiletries. Not only does it counter any leaking, the bags can also come in useful to keep dirty clothes in, as garbage bags or even as a makeshift umbrella. Ziplock or other airtight plastic bags are the best.

5. Pack in Plastic
Pack everything in clear plasticresealable bags, divided into items e.g. underwear, t-shirts, shorts etc. before packing in your suitcase or backpack. One plastic bag for each type of clothing. This is extremely useful in various ways. When you unpack your bag you just take out a series of bags and you can see immediately what you want. So an overnight stay somewhere just means taking 1 item out of a bag - no rummaging!! In addition, if you have to unpack at customs etc, instead of having to disgorge all your clothing etc out in front of everybody, you can calmly take maybe 5/6 bags out, the contents of which can be clearly seen by the officials. To repack then is also very easy. 

6. Clothes
Pack only what you know you will use and if you are travelling for more than three weeks, plan to wash on the road. You can cut back on the number of clothes items by packing multi-purpose clothing, for example items that can both be worn during the day and as sleepwear.

7. Split up clothes when travelling with others
When you are flying somewhere and especially if you have a few stopovers, divide the clothes between different suitcases/backpacks/bags etc. If one persons luggage doesn't arrive at the destination, they'll still have clean clothes available. Airlines generally don't compensate lost luggage for the first 24-48 hours so this will save you money if it happens.

8. Separate Beach Bag
When packing to head to the beach consider pre-packing whatever you might need at the beach into a beachbag inside your backpack or suitcase. Especially if travelling with kids, this will be a timesaver!

9. Suitcase lovers
For those using suitcases without a divider. A piece of cardboard makes an excellent divider and helps keep your clothes organized and neat as you are able to lay them out flat on the cardboard. It also makes airport inspections a lot less of a hassle as you can lift out your divider with clothes on top easily.

10. Gifts
While it is a good idea to take some small gifts with you while travelling, pre-wrapping them can be a waste of time if you are flying and your bags are opened.

11. Flashlights
When packing a flashlight (or any other item with batteries), turn the batteries around so that if the item is accidentally turned on, you won't drain the batteries. Don't forget to turn the batteries back around before using the flashlight.

12. Diaper Bag
If you are travelling with babies, then the diaper bag is an excellent place to hide your valuables. This most likely will not be the first thing to be stolen. It's also a great to use as a waste bag especially at places that do not allow you to flush toilet paper.

13. Shoes
If you want to make sure everything else in your bags stays clean and odor free, place the shoes inside old socks and then inside airtight plastic resealable bags.

14. Roll Technique
Somehow it seems that bags will hold more if the clothes are rolled rather than folded. If you roll in tissue paper, the clothes will also get less wrinkled.

15. Travelling to warm destinations
If you appreciate cold drinks think of using a six-pack cooler as a toiletry bag. Once you arrive at your destination and unload your toiletries your 'toiletry bag' guarantees cheap cold drinks on the beach, no matter how remote.

16. Local Tourism Offices
The best source of information is usually local. Check out Tourism Offices to find unbiased feedback on the best accommodation to suit your needs. Excercise caution in countries where you feel the information might not be so unbiased!

17. Carry-On
Keep any medication and important papers in your carry-on bag. On long flights with multiple stopovers (especially if flying via London, LA or other major airports), packing a fresh change of clothes is a good idea as bags tend to get delayed or lost on long haul, multiple stop flights. You don't want to end up stuck without medication, clothes or your important papers even if it is just for a few days.

18. Minimize on toiletries
Take only half a tube of toothpaste rolled up tight, store shampoo in small containers, only take half a roll of toilet paper (for emergencies only) and
crush it so the middle is folded.

19. Planning on carrying a lot of luggage?
While carrying a lot of luggage is not recommendable, sometimes it is necessary in the case of relocations and so on. If you have the possibility, fly via the US as airlines will allow you 64kg (two 32kg bags) instead of the 20kg in the rest of the world. Even if it is just a stopover in the US, you will be allowed to carry the extra weight. Check with your local travel agent for the details.

20. Packing List
Ready to start packing? Packing Lists are a must to keep you organized and efficient while packing for any trip.

Welcome to Rawhide Travel's New Blog

In future blogs we will be covering money saving travel tips, great travel deals, how to have the vacation that you always dreamed of with no hassles and much more.