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What You Should Know About Wi-Fi

What is Wi-Fi?

Wireless LANs (local area networks), are also known as "Wi-Fi", or "hotspots". The technology is relatively simple and cheap to deploy, and is capable of transmitting data at far higher speeds than current wireless networks.

The momentum around Wi-Fi continues to grow, with a recent surge in operators deploying Wi-Fi networks. The challenge for cellular carriers moving to deploy Third Generation (3G) wireless networks that offer high-speed Internet services is that they usually make most of their money from heavily used parts of their networks -- usually in city centers, exactly where Wi-Fi providers are deploying their services.

Wi-Fi networks do not typically work when users are in motion (driving, for example). However, innovations in Wi- Fi technology also are occurring at an impressive pace. For example, new products have been developed for wireless billing and receipt printing by commercial businesses and retail outlets. These products will enable small businesses to easily and cost-effectively install hotspot access points for wireless connectivity and tie multiple Wi-Fi access points together into workable systems with authentication, billing, pre- and post-paid billing, and credit card management.

Wireless operators in the United States are recognizing the advantages of using public Wi-Fi access to complement their wireless data offerings and see hotspots as an immediate revenue generator for data service. For example, T-Mobile, a nationwide wireless operator in the United States, has been promoting Wi-Fi access through Starbucks. ATT provides Wi-Fi in McDonalds and various other locations. Verizon Wireless is converting payphones in New York City to wireless hotspots.

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Best Overall Family Cruise Experience: Disney Cruise Line

Family vacations can take one of two tacks: Either they are full-on disasters, or they go down as one of the “best vacations ever.” Cruise vacations are “best vacation ever” opportunities in the making.

Quite simply, our kids (and yes, your kids too) love to cruise. And why not? After all, where families are concerned, a cruise ship is little more than a floating, self-contained family resort, with all the features and activities that adults and kids could ever wish for.

The Disney entertainment empire knows how to treat people right, and a Disney cruise certainly meets the high expectations developed over many decades of theme parks and media entertainment.

For families with young kids, no other cruise line can touch Disney, which custom-designed its vessels, its onboard experience and even its shoreside programs to cater to that exact demographic. In true Disney fashion, everything is orchestrated to produce a specific sense of fantasy and wonder. Where Disney’s parks are centered around a fairytale castle, Disney cruises are centered around its ships —  Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Dream — which were designed to evoke the fairytale world of early 20th-century ocean liners, with their sharp bows, art deco and art nouveau interiors, and even multiple funnels, even though one of those funnels on every Disney ship is fake — but they sure do make a cool place to hide the teenagers’ clubs.

The heart of the Disney cruise experience is the kids’ and teens programs, which have no equal in the cruise business. Staffed by dozens of Disney-trained counselors, the programs cater to kids from age 3 months to 17 years, with supervised activities available from about 9am to midnight. Aboard each ship, about half a deck is devoted to play and learning areas for kids, including a nursery for babies and toddlers and the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab for kids 3 to 12, where kids can take part in princess- and pirate-themed activities, put on shows or listen to storytelling sessions, watch movies, work on art and animation, conduct fun science experiments, and just generally.

At night, moms and dads can check their kids into the children’s centers and nurseries until midnight, and enjoy a little downtime at the ships’ dedicated adults-only zones, which offer dancing, piano music, jazz, comedy, and other diversions in a range of lounges, from sports bars to chic cocktail clubs.

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The 'Great Airline Ticket Giveaway' That Just Won't Go Away

Here it comes again.

Reprint of Article by Bob Sullivan Redtape Chronicles MSNBC

The letter warned the recipient that she still hadn't responded to that great offer from "US Airlines" of two free airline tickets, and time was running out. Call the toll-free number now! it urged.

Fortunately, Red Tape reader Mary McNamara ignored it and passed it on to me. But somebody must be calling the enclosed toll free number, because the "great airline ticket giveaway" just won't go away. Complaints about it can be found across the web from a couple of days ago, and from at least two years ago.

Let's take care of the basics first. There is no airline called "US Airlines" -- you're thinking of U.S. Airways. That’s no accident; that’s a technique. A variation of the letter is from "American Airways," a bastardized version of American Airlines. Call the number, and you don't get two free airline tickets; you get invited to a 90-minute presentation where you will be encouraged to join a travel club.

In the words of travel expert and consumer advocate Chris Elliot: "I have yet to find a travel club that is legitimate."

I called the toll free number and was told I had to travel from Seattle to Portland to attend a meeting before I could receive my free tickets. But the operator, who identified himself as Josh, gave me the option of calling a friend or relative in the Chicago area and sending that person on my behalf to a meeting there. Thanks to their generous referral program, he said, I'd get free tickets just for talking a (soon to be former) friend into attending.

To save yourself the trouble of calling and listening to the pitch, someone recorded their call and posted it on YouTube.

Elliot, by the way, also received one of these free airline ticket letters recently, and wrote about it on his blog.

The free ticket letter offering has been around for at least two years, and inspired a lot of complaints in April 2011. It is such a nuisance that U.S. Airways had to post a "scam alert" on its website.

A representative to the airline told me that she's worked in the company's public relations department for seven years, and the free ticket letter "just kind of resurfaces from time to time." She reiterated, with a heavy sigh, that the airline was in no way affiliated with the offer.

Why would such an offer persist for years, despite all the warnings about it?

"People don't pay attention to details," said Elliot, also the author of the book, “Scammed.”  "US Airlines could exist, and the victims are quickly seduced by the offer. In other words, this thing is still around because it works."

When I asked "Josh" for more details, he said he was working for a company named Universal Travel Deals. The point of the 90-minute meeting -- he called it a "meet and greet" -- was to drum up business for local travel agencies, he said.

"Hopefully, to get people to book travel through them, rather than through those websites, like Travelocity or Expedia," Josh said.

There are also complaints about Universal Travel Deals in various consumer sites online. When I called the number for a firm named Universal Travel Deals in a Chicago suburb called Tinley Park, a woman who answered confirmed her company was managing free airline ticket offers. When I said I was a reporter, she took my name and number and said she'd have someone return my call. I’m still waiting.

Elliot said he's seen various telephone numbers come and go for the offer, which is a sign that something is wrong.

"The numbers have changed, which suggests to me that they may be moving from state to state," he said. "That's a common tactic to stay a step ahead of state regulators. My guess is this isn't a big enough fish for the Feds to get involved. Either that, or the FTC hasn't received enough complaints about it."

Do letter recipients ever end up with free airline ticket vouchers? That’s unclear, but this much is certain: nothing is really free in this world, and certainly not airline tickets. Letter recipients never get anything just by calling. They have to attend sales meetings, which, according to the few stories posted online by people who claim they’ve attended, exact their own costs.

If you receive an offer like this, please do three things.
1) Read it carefully. It's good practice to find the misleading elements, such as names like "US Airlines."
2) Throw it out and ignore it
3) Complain to your state attorney general and the Federal Trade Commission so someone actually takes a close look what's going on. (Here's a handy contact list for state attorneys general).

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Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Rocky slopes and canyons, cactus, grass, thorny shrubs, and the occasional tree, who could guess at the hidden treasures deep underground? Beneath this rugged land are more than 117 known caves - all formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone.

These are some of the rooms that can be toured.

Balloon Ballroom
Located in the ceiling above the main entrance hall, this small room was first accessed by tying a rope to a bunch of balloons and floating them up into the passage.

Bat Cave
A large, unadorned rocky passage connected to the main entrance corridor. The majority of the cave's bat population lives in this portion of the cave, which was mined for bat guano in the early 20th century.

Big Room or The Hall of the Giants
The largest chamber in Carlsbad Caverns, with a floor space of 357,469 square feet (33,210 m2).

Green Lake Room
The uppermost of the "Scenic Rooms", it is named for a deep, malachite-colored pool in the corner of the room. In the 1940s, when the military was testing the feasibility of Carlsbad Cavern as an emergency fallout shelter, the Green Lake was used to look for ripples caused by a nuclear bomb test many miles away. None appeared.

Guadalupe Room
Discovered by a park ranger in 1966, this is the second largest room in Carlsbad Caverns. It is known for its dense collection of "soda straw" stalactites.

King's Palace
The first of four chambers in a wing known as the "scenic rooms", it is named for a large castle-like formation in the center of the room.

Lake of the Clouds
The lowest known point in the cave. It is located in a side passage off the Left Hand Tunnel. It is named for its large lake containing globular, cloud-like rock formations that formed under water when the lake level was much higher.

Mystery Room
A large, sloping room located off the Queen's Chamber, named for an unexplained noise heard only here. A small vertical passage at the far end connects it to Lower Cave.

New Section
A section of fissures east of the White Giant formation and paralleling the Bat Cave. New discoveries are still being made in this section.

Queen's Chamber
Widely regarded as the most beautiful and scenic area of the cave. Jim White's lantern went out in this chamber while he was exploring, and he was in the dark for over half an hour.

Spirit World
Located in the ceiling of the Big Room at its highest point (an area known as the Top of the Cross), this area is filled with white stalagmites that resembled angels to the room's discoverers.

Underground Lunchroom
Located in the Big Room at the head of the Left Hand Tunnel. It contains a cafeteria that was built in the 1950s, and is where the elevators from the visitor center exit into the cave.

The cave climate is cool and varies little from the annual 56°F (13°C) average temperature. A light jacket or sweater, and comfortable shoes with rubber soles for good traction are appropriate year-round.

The basic cavern entry is by way of two self-guided routes, the Big Room Route and the Natural Entrance Route. Tickets are sold at the visitor center each day, except December 25. Entrance fee tickets are good for three days but do not include guided or other special tours. Summer hours are in effect from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

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Let Us Help You Get Lost

Choosing the right vacation is an important decision. Choosing the right agent is an even bigger decision. Don't leave your vacation to chance. Insist on the best, Rawhide Travel and Tours.

Whether business or pleasure, Rawhide Travel and Tours delivers. Internet Travel sites list hotels and destinations, but offer little else. Our years of experience in the industry will help you design the perfect traveling experience. From romantic getaways to large events, our experienced agents will handle all the details. Traveling does not need to be stressful. You can count on us for great value and dependable service.

We arrange travel air, land and sea. We can arrange the perfect destination package including, resorts, conference rooms and meeting locations, special events, and attractions.

Call us and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100

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Some Additional Places Every Child Should See

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. has thousands of artifacts on display, including the Wright 1903 Flyer; the Spirit of St. Louis; the Apollo 11 command module Columbia; and a Lunar rock sample that visitors can touch.

 Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis is suspended from the ceiling in the National Air and Space Museum's Milestones of Flight gallery.

The Museum offers 22 exhibition galleries, the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater, flight simulators, a three-level Museum shop, and a food-court-style restaurant. Docent tours, daily free educational programs, and school group tours and activities are also available.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Montana
This area memorializes the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry and the Sioux and Cheyenne in one of the Indian's last armed efforts to preserve their way of life. Here on June 25 and 26 of 1876, 263 soldiers, including Lt. Col. George A. Custer and attached personnel of the U.S. Army, died fighting several thousand Lakota, and Cheyenne warriors.

 Your visit to the Custer National Cemetery at Little Bighorn Battlefield is like a trip through time. You will relieve the drama of America's coming of age as you pass along the graves of known and unknown veterans of our of our nation's war's, women and children from isolated frontier posts, Indians, scouts, and Medal of Honor recipients.

Gettysburg National Military Park Pennsylvania
The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee's second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Often referred to as the "High Water Mark of the Rebellion", Gettysburg was the war's bloodiest battle with 51,000 casualties. It was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln's immortal "Gettysburg Address".

Yellowstone National Park ID,MT,WY
It's wonderland. Old Faithful and the majority of the world's geysers are preserved here. They are the main reason the park was established in 1872 as America's first national park—an idea that spread worldwide. A mountain wildland, home to grizzly bears, wolves, and herds of bison and elk, the park is the core of one of the last, nearly intact, natural ecosystems in the Earth’s temperate zone.

Disney Parks
Visit one or both of the Disney Park. Disneyland was dedicated as a single park by Walt Disney on July 17, 1955. Disneyland Park opened to the public on July 18, 1955, in Anaheim, California. In 2001 the site expanded significantly and was renamed the Disneyland Resort with the opening of Disney California Adventure Park on February 8, 2001.

 The Walt Disney World Resort opened October 1, 1971 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, with the Magic Kingdom theme park and three resort hotels. The resort expanded with the opening of Epcot in 1982, Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney's Hollywood Studios) and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon in 1989, Disney's Blizzard Beach in 1995, Disney's Animal Kingdom in 1998.

What dreams are made of.

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Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park

Cars Land is a themed "land' at Disney California Adventure Park of the Disneyland Resort, inspired by the 2006 Disney·Pixar film, Cars. The 12-acre land was built as part of the $1.1 billion expansion plan for Disney California Adventure Park on the former Timon Parking Lot behind the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and "A Bug's Land." A major "E ticket" attraction, Radiator Springs Racers, features the third-generation Test Track technology, an attraction found at Epcot in Walt Disney World. The land debuted on June 15, 2012.  Aside from attractions, Cars Land also has dining and shopping venues as well. This land features points from both Cars and Cars 2.

The layout of Cars Land from the guest's perspective is one of looking down the main street of Radiator Springs, U.S.A., as seen in the original Cars film and before the time period in the Cars 2 film. The main street is Route 66 coming in from the Golden State area, across from the Golden Vine Winery and currently Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar. The other two entrances into the land is through a path in A Bug's Land in between the entrance of Heimlich's Chew Chew Train and Tuck and Roll's Drive 'Em Buggies and through a tunnel being constructed as a part of the rockwork making up Ornament Valley from the Pacific Wharf. The two other entrances are the same path crossing through the middle of Cars Land. The path's name is Cross Street. At the end of Route 66 is the courthouse/firehouse where the street splits. To the left of the split is still unknown, but it may be a backstage access gate. To the right of the split is the entrance to Radiator Springs Racers. In the distance, the Radiator Cap and Ornament Valley Range can be seen.

Attractions

Radiator Springs Racers - Guests board their ride vehicle and are taken on an idyllic drive through Ornament Valley Range. The vehicle enters the dark ride portion of the attraction as guests nearly run into several Audio-animatronic characters. As the vehicle swerves out of the way, it encounters the Sheriff who appears as if he is going to issue a speeding ticket, but instead is impressed with the driving skills and invites the car to the town's big race. Before the race can begin, though, Mater has to take the vehicle for a round of tractor tipping. Suddenly, Frank the Tractor wakes up and chases the trespassers off of his farm. On the way back into town, the vehicle is prepared for the race. At this point, the vehicle will either turn into Luigi's Casa Della Tires for a tire change or into Ramone's House of Body Art for a quick paint refresh. From there, the two vehicles sit idle to one another at the starting point. After Luigi's word, the race begins through the remaining out-door portion of the attraction reaching the ride's top speed of 40 mph. The race finishes after the vehicles drop a sloped bank where guests have their on-ride photo taken.

Mater's Junkyard Jamboree - an attraction in the style of a whip ride and the Mad Tea Party, at Disneyland, without spinning out of control. The attraction is themed to Mater's Junkyard and also the fields with baby tractors from the first film. Mater is the Master of Ceremonies of the Jamboree. The vehicles are tractors with pull cars attached to them that move around with the music.

Luigi's Flying Tires - an updated version of the original Disneyland attraction, Flying Saucers. This effect is completed by large fan like blowers shooting up, like a giant airhockey table. Guests queue in the Casa Della Tires shop. A play area featuring a tire jungle gym, slide and kid-sized cars is located next to the attraction.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you plan your Disney Adventure (602) 843-5100 .


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Hotel Tips & Safety Advice

If you plan to stay at a specific hotel for an extended duration, negotiate the best rate possible with the hotel sales staff. You can usually get better rates than regular "corporate" rates.

If you will be working in your hotel room, ask for a room away from the hotel pool area; otherwise, you will end up dealing with all the pool noise.

If you have a confirmed reservation but the hotel has overbooked, you should ask for a free long distance telephone call to notify your office or family, free transportation to a nearby comparable hotel, and the first night at that nearby comparable hotel. You could also ask for free upgrade certificates or free weekend vouchers.

Some basic safety measures taken in your hotel room can greatly increase the likelihood that your next trip will be without incident. Read carefully the following and make a note of these tips before your next trip.

• Locate all the fire exits, elevators and public phones.

• Always keep the door closed and locked when you're in the room.

• Never open your door without first knowing who is behind the door.

• Call the front desk to verify unexpected deliveries, room service, or room repairs.
• Place all your valuables in the hotel safe and get a written receipt for what you store. Be sure to confirm that the hotel's insurance will cover your items if stolen.

• Leave the television or radio on when you go out of the room.
• Do not place the "require maid service" sign on your door. It may signal that you are out of the room.

• If you lose or misplace your key, notify the front desk immediately.

• Avoid riding alone in elevators with strangers. Ask the hotel desk for an escort or ride when there are more people in the elevator.
• Be sure that your room has a deadbolt, a chain, and a regular door lock. Make sure you use all of them before going to sleep.

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Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Mesa Verde National Park is in Southwestern Colorado. The Mesa Verde Headquarters is a one-hour drive from Cortez, Colorado.

On June 29, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt established Mesa Verde National Park, the first national park consciously designed to "preserve the works of man.” Decades later, Mesa Verde remains one of the most spectacular parks anywhere in the world. With over 52,000 acres, it preserves more than 4,500 archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings, and over 3 million objects in the park’s research collection. Mesa Verde has international status as both a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve.

Recently, Mesa Verde National Park received two Save America's Treasures grants: a $356,350 grant to preserve the archaeological collection and a $1.5 million grant to conserve park cliff dwellings.

Mesa Verde, Spanish for green table, offers a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home for over 700 years, from A.D. 600 to 1300. Today the park protects nearly 5,000 known archeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. These sites are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States.

Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling at Mesa Verde National Park. It has 150 rooms, plus an additional 75 open areas.  Twenty-one of the rooms are kivas, and 25 to 30 rooms have residential features.  The number of Ancestral Puebloans living in Cliff Palace at any one time was 100 to 120.

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Plan Your Next Vacation With Rawhide Travel and Tours

Rawhide Travel and Tours with combined total of “68 years of travel experience" provides amazing deals for your dream vacation with experienced, friendly travel experts.

Services offered include booking domestic and international air travel, hotel and resort reservations, car rental and cruises for individuals, corporate, group and incentive travel. Also tour packages of every type from a weekend getaway, to San Diego or Disneyland to involved and detailed vacations worldwide.

Plan your next great vacation with Rawhide Travel and Tours. Call today (602) 843-5100 or email us at flythis@rawhidetravel.com.

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10 Places Every Child Should See Part II

Hoover Dam
Nevada
An engineering wonder about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, this dam supplies 20 million residents of California, Nevada, and Arizona with water and provides hydroelectricity to 1.3 million customers. No written description truly captures the visceral effect of peering out over the parapet at the top of the dam and looking down at the Colorado River, racing along 700 feet below. More than 1,200 feet wide at the top, this all-concrete wonder was the largest dam in the world when it was completed in 1936 (it was one of many public works projects intended to help lift the country out of the Great Depression). A bypass bridge opened in 2010 and provides fabulous photo opportunities for pedestrians. Experts lead walking tours that will thrill future engineers. One tip: Avoid visiting in the summer when temperatures can hit 110 degrees. 866/730-9097, usbr.gov.Tour Adults, $11, Kids 4-16, $9.


Birmingham, Alabama
Our nation's civil rights history is chronicled at this Birmingham museum, which places the '50s and '60s in a context that today's children can understand. There are compelling artifacts on display to illustrate segregation such as a set of "colored" and "white" drinking fountains. The exhibits don't gloss over the tragedies of the civil rights' era, and include the story of four young girls killed in a bombing at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, right across the street from the museum. The galleries do include hopeful notes, including a video recording of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. Adults, $12; kids, grades 4-12, $3.

Carlsbad Caverns
New Mexico
At sunset, spectators gather at an amphitheater in this national park in southeastern New Mexico to wait for bats to fly. Predictably, a swirling dark cloud of the flying mammals funnels out the cavern and swoops above, where it splinters apart into groups heading to the nearby Pecos and Black River valleys. This rare natural show makes Carlsbad Caverns stand out from other national parks, especially to impress kids. Cave expeditions are also a draw, with rangers leading tours lasting from between an hour and a half and five and half hours. Some of the caves are huge, such as the well-named Big Room, which could fit 6.3 football fields. Adventurous kids will enjoy crawling through passageways or making rope-assisted descents through curtains of stalagmites, mentally soaking up all the educational lessons about geology explained by the rangers along the way. 575/785-2232, nps.gov/cave. Book ahead for guided tours. Entry fee: Adults, $6; kids under 15, free.

Mount Rushmore
South Dakota
Even the most jaded teen will be wowed by the colossal busts of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln at this national park in the Black Hills of Keystone. The visitors' center has exhibits on the 14-year journey to complete the monument, which was finished in 1941 after 400 workers dynamite-blasted the granite peaks to carve the faces. There is also info on how the four great leaders depicted guided our nation through tricky times. Stay for sunset to sing the National Anthem at the lighting ceremony, and challenge your kids to count the number of different state license plates in the parking lot. While you are in the area, make time to see the Crazy Horse Memorial, another enormous cliff carving in the making about a half an hour southwest of Mount Rushmore. 13000 Highway 244, 605/574-2523, nps.gov/moru. Free; parking permit, $11.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York, New York
Where else in the U.S. can you see an ancient Egyptian temple, a Ming Dynasty garden, and one of the world's largest collections of Vermeers all under one roof? The Met covers a 14-acre space in Central Park, yet this cavernous space is only large enough to show a sliver of its full collection of art and artifacts. The museum itself is constantly evolving, and the third and final phase of a decade-long refurbishment of the American Wing re-opened in January 2012. Children can easily learn about our nation's history from early colonial times through the Civil War and into the modern era via iconic paintings, including Emanuel Leutze's famed depiction of General George Washington crossing a near-frozen Delaware River during the Revolutionary War. 1000 Fifth Ave., 212/535-7710, metmuseum.org. Adults, suggested donation of $25.

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Family Vacations: Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Atlantis is not only one of the world’s best-known hotels, but also one of it’s most family-friendly. The property is like one giant theme park for kids and adults alike, encompassing a water park, dolphin cay, marine habitat, and more. A Kids Club also offers morning and evening fun with activities like cooking classes, theater performances, circus games, sleepless slumber parties, and much more. The on-site Imagination Station allows the young ones to get creative with activities like Lego building or playing in a life-size dollhouse. Rooms dedicated to games, computers, and arts and craft are also on hand.

Paradise Island’s Aquaventure Water Park, is a one of a kind 141-acre waterscape available to every guest of the Atlantis Resort. This non-stop aquatic thrill ride features over twenty million gallons of water, incredible Atlantean-themed towers, thrilling high-speed water slides, a mile-long river ride with rolling rapids and wave surges, 20 swimming areas, a spectacular kids water-play fort and 11 unique and refreshing swimming pools, connected by a lush, tropical environment that is both immersive and interconnected. For vacationers young and older; the water park offers an extreme level of excitement and delivers an “aqua” adventure unlike any other.

For guests of Atlantis Paradise Island Dolphin Cay offers an intimate and one of a kind resort experience. Dolphin Cay is an extraordinary environment; its 14-acres and 6.6 million gallons of crystal clear seawater, it’s one of the largest and most sophisticated marine habitats and dolphin rescue-rehabilitation facilities anywhere in the world. And it’s a place where swimming with dolphins has been redefined. Vacationers have the opportunity to share in the playful shallow water antics of truly charismatic creatures or experience the speed and agility of the ocean’s most remarkable inhabitant’s first-hand in deeper water, where the dolphins of Paradise Island invite guests to share in their fun.

Before getting their first look at Paradise Island, vacationers, may not realize the unique opportunity they’ll have to explore a truly extraordinary collection of marine habitats and aquarium exhibits; lagoons, caves, coral formations and breathtaking underwater ruins designed to showcase exotic marine life ranging from dolphins and sea lions to sharks, rays, barracuda, to piranha, eels and even endangered alligator gar. Atlantis Resort host the largest such exhibit in the Caribbean and one of the largest in the world; encompassing 14 lagoons, eight million gallons of salt water and more than 50,000 aquatic animals representing over 250 marine species.

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Flying with Pets

Check with the Airline
Be sure to check with your specific airline to make sure that they allow pets on their flights. Most major airlines should.

Minimum Requirements
Most airlines require pets to be at least eight weeks old to fly. They also have a limit of one kennel per passenger. You are allowed to carry two animals in the same kennel if they are of the same species and of compatible size, weigh less than 20 lb. each, AND are between eight weeks and six months old. Otherwise, you will need another passenger. The kennel must be made of solid wood, metal, hard plastic, or similar material. It must also have ventilation on at least two sides and have enough room for your pet to stand up and walk around. (You can imagine how restless your pet can get on a long flight). You are also required to mark "Live Animal" in letters at least one inch tall, and your name, address, and phone number should be visible on the kennel.

Health Certificate
Make sure you have a health certificate for your pet supplied by a state-licensed veterinary clinic. Most airlines require it. If your pet is in good health and has proper vaccinations (you need to show proof of vaccination), you should be able to get a certificate on the same day as the exam.

Cost of Pet Tickets
There is generally no charge for a service animal (e.g. seeing-eye dogs or search dogs). Otherwise, you can expect between $40 and $60 one way and each segment within the continental United States. Generally, your pet will ride in the cargo hold. However, if your pet kennel is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, the airline may allow you to keep the pet in the cabin.

Get to the Airport Early
Airlines generally take pets on first come, first served basis. They also have the discretion to accept your pet, so be nice to them.

Claiming Your Pet After the Flight
Take your paid receipt and some form of identification to the baggage claim attendant.

Feeding Instructions
It is a good idea to feed and water your pet at least four hours before the flight. Be sure to include feeding and watering instructions for the next 24-hour period. Sometimes you will need to supply appropriate food and liquid for your pet.

Special Restrictions of Hawaii and Overseas
Hawaii has strict procedures when bringing pets onto any of the islands. Dogs and cats must have a recent (no more than 10 days old) health certificate verifying that they are healthy and have no disease. All pets must be quarantined in Hawaii for 120 days, for a fee. Birds, on the other hand, do not need to be quarantined but do need to have a valid health certificate and a permit from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (P.O. Box 2520, Honolulu, HI, 96804). The permit needs to be cleared in advance by the Federal Veterinary Office. There is no charge for the permit. For complete information, call 1-800-483-7171 for the recorded information or 1-808-836-3228 for the quarantine office.

Foreign countries have strict regulations for bringing pets to their land. For details, contact consulate of the country that you plan to visit.

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Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

The colorful Little Missouri Badlands provide the scenic backdrop to Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  The park memorializes the 26th President of the United States for his enduring contributions to the conservation of our nation's natural resources.

When Theodore Roosevelt came to Dakota Territory to hunt bison in 1883, he was a skinny, young, spectacled dude from New York. He could not have imagined how his adventure in this remote and unfamiliar place would forever alter the course of the nation. The rugged landscape and strenuous life that Theodore Roosevelt  experienced would help shape a conservation policy that we still benefit from today.

Cannonball concretions can be found along the North Unit Scenic Drive. They were formed by the selective precipitation of mineral-rich groundwater and are nearly spherical because the sandstone in which sand grains were cemented together was of uniform permeability.

A wide diversity of animals make their home in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. An abundance of native grasses provide sustenance for grazing animals both large and small while the tapestry of different habitats attracts a great number of birds. Large grazing animals including bison, feral horses, elk, white-tail and mule deer, pronghorn, and small grazers such as prairie dogs share the range in the park. Bison freely roam the North and South Units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

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Experience Full Service

Need to travel on business or leisure, Rawhide Travel and Tours will make it happen. We will arrange your flights, rail, hotel and car rentals. Let us assist you in planning your upcoming business trip. We're also available to help you plan that exciting vacation.

Want a small hotel or a luxury resort? Let Rawhide Travel and Tours customize the perfect spot just for you! We have many choices.  Let Us Help You Get Lost.

Call us at (602) 843-5100. Check out our website: rawhidetravel.com or email us at flythis@rawhidetravel.com.

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10 Places Every Child Should See Part I

 What makes a monument worthy of inclusion? It needed to be fun, educational, and especially magical through the eyes of a child. It needed to inspire adults to tap back into that childlike sense of wonder. And it needed to have universal appeal.

Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco, California
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of those quintessential American icons, equal parts eye candy and engineering lesson. The suspension bridge connects San Francisco and Marin County in a mechanical feat that was unprecedented in the 1930s. Take a walk along the pedestrian path for astonishing views of Angel Island, Alcatraz, Treasure Island, and San Francisco. If the 220-foot height of the bridge is unsettling for the little ones, opt instead to view the landmark from a distance. It might be hard to find an empty spot, though. The famed bridge is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2012 Free.

Arches National Park
Utah
This national park is especially convenient for families whose kids may be too young for a strenuous hike. It only takes a couple hours to drive past many of the park's 2,000 brawny, pink sandstone arches. And you'll still have time to reach Moab, less than 20 miles away, for lunch. The park's real time to shine, literally, is at sunset, when Delicate Arch reflects the sunlight in blazing reds that contrast sharply with the snow-topped La Sal Mountains in the backdrop. Park entrance fee is $10 per vehicle; bike or foot entrance is $5.

 The Field Museum
Chicago, Illinois
Across its nine acres of floor space, the Field showcases giant robot wolf spiders, 23 Egyptian mummies, and the biggest Tyrannosaurus rex fossil ever dug up, in one of the broadest arrays of natural wonders under one roof. The collection of dioramas hold a dizzying array of species, from African lions and giraffes to Arctic penguins and polar bears, and it's a favorite childhood fantasy to slip inside one of the magical timeless worlds. Kids 12 and under can dress up like animals, dig up dinosaur bones, and explore a pueblo home at the Crown Family PlayLab. Friday nights from mid-January to mid-June, the museum hosts sleepovers, where children 6 to 12 and their parents can sleep right next to the dinosaurs  Adults from $15; kids 3-11, from $10.

SeaWorld San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas
There is combination of roller coasters and flume rides with beluga whales, sharks, stingrays, sea lions, and a host of other aquatic animals gave it an edge. There are many hands-on programs, putting visitors up close and personal with some of the park's inhabitants (including a behind-the-scenes tour with the penguins). In May 2012, the new water park Aquatica opened with a set of educational thrill rides; expect rafts sailing through grottos with stingrays and a "zero gravity" area that simulates weightlessness. Other new attractions include Sesame Street Bay of Play, a three-acre space with educational activities for young children, and the animal encounter show "One Ocean" in which orcas and trainers illustrate educational lessons about the fragility of the environment.  Adults, from $59.99; Kids 3-9, from $49.99.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii
Watching an actual volcano in action is a far cry from the baking soda science experiments kids do at school. At this Hawaiian park, visitors watch, at a safe distance, as hot lava spills into the Pacific, where it bursts into particles later pulverized by the waves into black sand. The park is home to two of the world's most active volcanoes, and rangers will bring you down into the lava tubes (subterranean caverns formed by hardened molten rock) and maybe even play you a tune on a ohe hano ihu, aka the Hawaiian nose flute.  Park entrance fee is $10 per vehicle; bike or foot entrance starts at $5.

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Family Vacations: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Hawaii

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa is a family paradise with a touch of magic, where everyone can enjoy amazing adventures, both together and on their own.

Adults, teens and kids each have their own special places here. And there's plenty of family fun, too. Spend the day at the greatest pools in all of Hawaii. Stroll down to the secluded cove for a day at the beach. Or do some exploring with guided excursions and activities. Then, enjoy an evening of incredible dining and spectacular entertainment.

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

Rainbow Reef
The only private snorkeling lagoon on Oʻahu, Rainbow Reef offers an up-close look at aquatic life. Snorkel among Angel Fish, Butterfly Fish and Tangs. Or, stay dry and behold the beautiful aquaculture through glass. Snorkel equipment is included in the entrance fee.

Waikolohe Pool
This 8,200-square-foot, zero-entry pool offers refreshing fun—and exciting activities for every age and interest! Plunge down Volcanic Vertical, the tunnel body slide. Party poolside with some favorite Disney Characters at a signature celebration. Or enjoy one of our teens-only, tweens-only or all-ages themed parties!

Aunty's Beach House
Designed for ages 3 to 12, but welcoming Guests of all ages.  Aunty's Beach House is a kids club where younger Guests explore Hawaiian culture, art and music that capture the essence of Hawaii.

Kids can delight in games and amenities, meet some Disney Characters and discover magical Disney touches at every turn. Meanwhile, parents can reconnect or enjoy uplifting downtime and rest assured knowing their children are having fun while supervised by childcare professionals, our Disney Youth Counselors.

Perfectly positioned on the pristine beaches of Ko Olina, Aulani offers you seaside splendor and so much more. Relax on white sands, delight in gentle ocean breezes and play in peaceful ocean waters. Enhance your beach experience at Makiki Joe's, offering everything from exhilarating excursions to convenient equipment rentals. Beach chairs are complimentary, but you may also rent umbrellas, kayaks, snorkels and other equipment.

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Traveling with Children

 Traveling with children can be fun and exciting for all involved. However, it's important to remember children have special needs, and traveling can sometimes be particularly difficult for young ones. Here are a few tips for providing a pleasant experience for all:

•Take several toys and games with you. The rule of the thumb is a toy for each hour of the journey. New toys are preferable to old ones because they hold a child's attention longer than a more familiar one. Make a game out of it and give the child a new toy every day with the promise of another one to come tomorrow.

•Always carry snacks and drinks with you. Non-perishable items like cookies, cheese, and hard fruit are good. Delayed flights and unfamiliar airline food can leave your child hungry and cranky.

•Carry a change of clothes for the baby and yourself. Messy spills and leaks will be less of a problem if you have an extra set of clothes with you.

•Try to make long trips at night. There is a greater chance that your child will sleep through the trip and wake rested and refreshed at your destination.

•Check for an extra seat before you leave. Usually airlines will accommodate your request for an extra seat for your child if there is one available.

•Bring a car seat with you. This not only a safer seating arrangement for your child, but also helps to provide a familiar environment and minimizes the strain of carrying the child on your lap for the entire trip.

•Order special kids' meals when you book your ticket. These meals are packaged especially for kids to hold their attention and are typically of a better quality than usual airline food.

•Carry chewable Dramamine tablets. They will help your child to overcome motion sickness.

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Glacier National Park, Montana

Experience Glacier's pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker's paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. Relive the days of old through historic chalets, lodges, transportation, and stories of Native Americans. Explore Glacier National Park and discover what awaits you.

Glacier National Park is located in Montana, bordering the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. The park encompasses over 1,000,000 acres and includes parts of two mountain ranges, over 130 named lakes, more than 1,000 different species of plants and hundreds of species of animals. This vast pristine ecosystem is the centerpiece of what has been referred to as the "Crown of the Continent Ecosystem", a region of protected land encompassing 16,000 square miles.

Glacier is distant from major cities, and the closest airport is at Kalispell, Montana, southwest of the park. Amtrak trains stop at East and West Glacier. A fleet of restored 1930s White Motor Company coaches, called Red jammers, offer tours on all the main roads in the park. The drivers of the buses are called "Jammers", due to the gear-jamming that formerly occurred during the vehicles' operation. The tour buses were rebuilt in 2001. The buses were rebuilt by Ford Motor Company. The bodies were removed from their original chassis and built on modern Ford E-Series van chassis.[78] They were also converted to run on propane, to lessen their environmental impact.

One of the most amazing highlights of Glacier National Park is a drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This engineering marvel spans 50 miles through the park's wild interior, winding around mountainsides and treating visitors to some of the best sights in northwest Montana.

If current trends continue, some scientists have predicted that by the year 2020, there will be no more glaciers in Glacier National Park due to global climate change.

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
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One Stop Travel Solutions

Are you looking for a family vacations,  honeymoon, adventure travel, historical and cultural excursions, relaxing beach vacations—even business travel?

Whatever destination you’re seeking, Rawhide Travel has the education, first-hand travel experience and travel industry relationships to help make your dream vacation a reality.

Call today (602) 843-5100 and talk to Bonnie, Diana or Ron.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Road
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100