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 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100 rawhidetravel.com
The Barbie Premium Experience, only on Royal Caribbean, brings aboard the fab-tastic style of the world's most famous doll! Girls age four to 11 set sail on a Barbie dream cruise complete with fun, fashion and runway moments. Make lifelong memories and take to the waves in true Barbie style!
This exclusive package will be available on Royal Caribbean sailings starting in January 2013 on select ships and rolling out to the remainder of the fleet by March 2013.
Available to book this Fall.
More Barbie Fun! As part of the award-winning Adventure Ocean® Youth Program, girls can enjoy complimentary Barbie features such as Barbie Movie Night, Barbie Story Time and other themed activities, plus Barbie movies on their stateroom TVs.
Included In Your Exclusive Premium Experience:
Barbie Stateroom Package
Complete room décor in signature pink with great take-home gifts!
Tiaras & Teacups Party
Enjoy Barbie treats while learning table etiquette.
Fashion Designer Workshop
Create your own unique designs for your Barbie doll.
Fashion Show
Walk the runway and unveil your original Barbie fashion creation.
Lifelong Memories
Meet new friends and bring home memories that will last a lifetime!
This would be the perfect way to celebrate that special girl's next birthday.
To plan your perfect cuise go to rawhidetravel.com and click on the Royal Caribbean Cruise button or just call Rawhide Travel and Tours at 602-843-5100. They can help you with every aspect of planning and booking that perfect cruise.
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
The 84-mile train ride from Fort William to Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands is only two hours long, yet staring at the majestic scenery in awe, you wish it would never end. In fact, the terrain is so breathtaking that the Hogwarts Express seen in many Harry Potter films took the same route. You'll be aboard The Jacobite, a steam train that leads you past Scotland's highest mountain and deepest loch before arriving at the country's most westerly train station. Once you arrive in Mallaig, you can walk around this fishing port known for its herring catch, before taking the return jaunt. Or, continue your travels by ferry to the Isle of Skye, to visit the 13th-century Dunvegan Castle. Just be on the lookout for Potter's arch-nemesis, Voldemort.
Away from the cameras, the historic steam train is called The Jacobite and runs from Fort William to Mallaig, essential destinations if you’re touring Scotland’s West Coast.
The route winds through Highlands valleys and beside lochs and glens. It begins in the Highlands capital, Fort William, under the shadow of Ben Nevis at the southern end of the Great Glen.
One of the main highlights of the journey is crossing the 21 arches of the Glenfinnan viaduct, memorably captured in the Harry Potter films and overlooking Loch Shiel. You can alight at Glenfinnan station to stretch your legs and visit the West Highland Railway Museum.
By request, the train can also stop at the quiet little village of Arisaig before reaching the end of the line at Mallaig, the ferry port for the Isle of Skye. Views from Mallaig stretch across the water to the islands, and the little harbor town is small enough to discover on foot during a Hogwarts Express stopover. Good British fish and chips is a specialty here.
You can ride a leg of the Hogwarts Express train from Mallaig to Fort William as part of a three- or five-day excursion from Edinburgh to Skye, the Cairngorms and Scotland’s West Coast.
Looking for that uniquely different family vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today (602) 843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Brazil is the largest and most populated of all the South American countries. But don’t attempt to speak Spanish if travelling in Brazil, this can be quite insulting as they are a Portuguese-speaking nation with a decidedly different colonial past to their neighbours! As with many countries that have many hundreds of miles of coastline Brazil is an immigration hotspot, with much of its cultural heritage owing to the immigration of different ethnic groups. Many Brazilians are descended from Africans or are of mixed African or European descent. Whilst the customs and traditions of Brazil may bear some similarities to other Latin American countries, there are a few key differentiating etiquette points that any traveller should be aware of.
Conversing
Brazilians tend to be very zesty and passionate individuals. To foreigners, their conversations may seem vivacious and quick, characterised by much interjection and interruption. If you are having a discussion or conversation with a Brazilian, you should expect much of the same. But don’t take the interruptions as rude and overbearing, it is actually a mark of enthusiasm an interest in what you are saying. In fact, not engaging with conversation through withdrawn body language or not feigning attentiveness could be considered as bad etiquette, as it might convey boredom or lack of interest. You should always try and appear alert and maintain eye contact when conversing.
You should also be mindful about what topics of light conversation are or are not appropriate. Deeply personal questions about married life, job and financial status and criticism of politics should be avoided. Perhaps better subject matter includes any of Brazil’s scenic landscapes and landmarks, beach culture, dance, opera or current economic developments.
Greetings in Brazil
Brazilians love to dance, and the fiery, passionate and sensual way that they do so gives a good insight into the way in which Brazilians tend to interact with each other. Close personal space, with a degree of touching of the arms, back and hands whilst in conversation are not uncommon. As a foreigner you should be prepared for this close proximity in personal space. It would be bad etiquette to shuffle away or seem offended by the close contact.
Greeting customs in Brazil also incorporate a lot of personal contact. Women will generally greet other women by kissing once on each cheek, right to left. Brazilian men will also kiss women on the cheeks when greeting them, but handshaking is reserved for between two men.
Saving Face
Brazilians are very group-orientated and sociable people, and for this reason they retain a similar ethos to the Chinese with regards to ‘saving face’. Whilst Brazilians are seen as quite freely passionate and spirited people, you should be mindful that they are also respectful and dignified. Publicly demeaning or disrespecting a Brazilian is seen as very bad etiquette. Any grievances you have should be discussed in private in a respectful manner.
Possibly one of the most obscene gestures that you can give a Brazilian is the ‘OK’ sign, whereby you create an ‘o’ shape between your thumb and index finger. Whilst commonly used in many other countries, in Brazil this gesture actually means something entirely different, and is actually regarded as utterly gratuitous and explicit. Unless you want to appear extremely rude and ignorant, avoid it at all costs!
Call us and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America's most visited national park.
Whether you delight in the challenge of a strenuous hike to the crest of a mountain or prefer to sit quietly and watch the sun set, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a myriad of activities for you to enjoy. The hardest part may be choosing which auto tour, trail, waterfall, overlook, or historic area to explore!
The park has one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Nearly 80 historic structures-homes, barns, churches, schools, and grist mills-have been preserved in the park.
Great Smoky Mountains National park is known as the "wildflower national park." You can find blooming plants year-round here, but spring and summer are renown for spectacular displays of wildflowers along roads and trails.
Every year over 200,000 visitors hike well-worn trails to view Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, Rainbow, and other popular waterfalls in the park. Large waterfalls attract the crowds, but smaller cascades and falls can be found on nearly every river and stream in the park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the few places remaining in the eastern United States where black bears can live in wild, natural surroundings. For many, this famous Smokies' resident is a symbol of wilderness.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
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.
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
The Parking Spot is the leading near-airport parking company in the United States. The first Parking Spot location was acquired in December of 1998 at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental airport. Since then, The Parking Spot has grown to 37 locations at 24 airports.
The company was started by Martin H. Nesbitt. As air travel continued to grow in the 1990s, Marty saw an unmet need for more and better airport parking. On-airport parking was scarce, with high rates charged for limited space and service. Remote parking was less expensive, but also inconvenient. Remote airport parkers faced long walks to bus stops, long waits and many stops on the way to the airport terminal. Marty recognized an opportunity to give airport parkers better service at a fair price, creating value for guests and the company.
Marty brought the business idea to real estate financier Penny Pritzker. They agreed that a focus on hospitality would differentiate The Parking Spot from other airport parking options. On December 9, 2011, The Parking Spot was acquired by Green Courte Partners, LLC. GCP is a Chicago-based private equity real estate investment firm. GCP is focused primarily on the ownership and operation of land-lease communities, retail and mixed-use properties, and parking assets.
Amenities
The Parking Spot delivers amenities that make near-airport parking more enjoyable:
Friendly shuttles every 5-7 minutes
Luggage assistance available
Earn free parking with The Spot Club
Covered, open-air and valet parking available (select locations)
Always open
Well lit, fully-fenced
Fast and easy check-in & check-out
Reservations available
Complimentary USA Today until 9am, Monday-Friday
Complimentary chilled water
Go to Rawhide Travel and Tours website http://rawhidetravel.com, click on the spotted shuttle and pick up your 25% coupon for parking.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Arkansas The Natural State is blessed with an abundance of geological wonders. Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public, stands out as a unique geological "gem" for you to explore and enjoy.
Here you can experience a one-of-a-kind adventure hunting for real diamonds. You'll search over a 37 1/2-acre plowed field, the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater that 100 million years ago brought to the surface the diamonds and some of the semi-precious stones lucky visitors find here today.
Diamonds come in all colors of the rainbow. The three colors unearthed here are white, brown and yellow, in that order. Crater of Diamonds State Park is a rockhound's delight since, along with diamonds, more than 40 types of rocks and minerals can found here, too. These rocks and minerals include lamproite, amethyst, banded agate, jasper, peridot, garnet, quartz, calcite, barite, and hematite.
In 1906, John Huddleston, the local farmer who owned this property then, found the first diamonds near Murfreesboro, Arkansas, and started the diamond mining rush. According to the history of Crater of Diamonds State Park, after a series of ill-fated diamond mining ventures, followed by tourist attractions, the diamond mine site became an Arkansas state park in 1972.
Within the park boundary, many remnants of old mining ventures remain, including the Mine Shaft Building, the Guard House, mining plant foundations, old mining equipment and smaller artifacts. Nowhere else is North American diamond mining history as evident or as well preserved as here.
Along with the diamond search area, the park has hundreds of acres of natural forest featuring a diversity of flora and fauna and offering visitors interesting things to do. Arkansas's natural and cultural diversity evident here in the park's geology, history, plants and animals makes Crater of Diamonds State Park a unique Arkansas attraction. It is a one-of-a-kind experience in the world. You are invited to experience this unique attraction and enjoy the thrill of digging for diamonds in the rough. The park staff will identify your finds for you. And unlike other diamond-bearing sites, our park policy is "finders, keepers." Any diamonds, semi-precious stones, rocks, or minerals you unearth are yours to keep, regardless of their value.
There are many great places to stay in the area whether you want a typical motel, cabin or a camp site.
Looking for that uniquely different family vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today (602) 843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
New Zealand is a liberal and progressive country,very forward-thinking. New Zealand women got the vote nearly thirty years before their counterparts in Britain. Most New Zealanders are descended from the British and English is the mother tongue. However, they are not particularly fond of being mistaken for Australians, since they have their own distinct customs and culture.
When Out and About
There is great scope here for the outdoor life, you are never very far from a spotless beach in New Zealand, and there is a lively café culture, and great sports facilities. It’s important to note that there is a “zero tolerance” attitude to rubbish, so be sure not to drop litter! New Zealand prides itself on its “100% pure” reputation and there has been a long marketing campaign, the slogan for which is “Keep New Zealand beautiful”.
When Shopping
Shops and cafes tend to be individual, since the country is not particularly reliant on chain stores. New Zealanders pride themselves on their friendly and responsive customer service. At the checkout or counter, you will find a hello, smiles, eye contact, and an offer to pack your bag for you. The expression “Kiwi host” derives from the national attitude of being proud to offer hospitality, and to be as helpful as possible.
Shopping areas are small and centralised, and people tend to walk or drive to the shops, rather than use public transport. And because there are fewer public services, for example, trains, it is unusual to see queues in New Zealand.
When Eating
New Zealanders appreciate fine, healthy food, and the choice is plentiful. They are knowledgeable about wine. If invited to a meal in a restaurant, it is common to split the bill, whoever has extended the invitation. Tipping is extremely rare.
Hospitality
It is very common, when invited to a home, to take a dish. This custom is known as “Ladies bring a plate”. The dish may be specified, or you may be invited to a “Pot luck dinner”, where everyone takes something, but no dish is specified, resulting in a spontaneous mixture on the table. Even if not contributing a dish, some bread and a bottle of wine, is the very least to bring.When offered food, it may be considered impolite to refuse. Having a “taster” of whatever the host offers, will be appreciated.
Family life is very important in New Zealand. There is a drinking culture, but this tends to be one or two drinks after work and then heading for home.
Manners
Pushing past people is considered extremely impolite. It is not enough to say “excuse me” as you pass, but more acceptable to wait until these two little words are acknowledged, and the other person has the opportunity to step aside.
Chewing gum is considered a little “trashy”, and certainly the streets are so immaculate, that dropping gum onto them would definitely be frowned upon and the culprit is quite likely to be fined.
It is the custom to shake hands upon being introduced, and maintain eye contact. However, it should be noted that within the Polynesian cultures, which includes the Maori, prolonged eye contact may be considered a bit too personal.
The Maori make up about ten percent of the population, and their word for non-Maoris is “Pakeha” which generally means “stranger”. “Hongi” is the Maori custom for rubbing noses, a sign of greeting and affection. Good relations maintain with the Maori. They have always been more integrated into society than, say, the Aboriginal Australian, and have never been marginalised or “re-homed” in reservations.
It is acceptable for dinner party conversation to extend beyond “small talk” and New Zealanders love to discuss politics and current affairs. Environmental issues are a huge issue, and New Zealanders are proud that they have made their islands a “nuclear-free zone”.
Call us and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Throughout history, Natchez has always been a place of opportunity and is evident throughout Natchez National Historical Park. From the magnificent antebellum estate of John McMurran, to the downtown home of African American barber and diarist William Johnson, to the French Fort Rosalie, this diverse Mississippi River town has lent itself to opportunity.
From the cypress swamp and pillared portico of the Melrose mansion to the stately downtown home of William Johnson, Natchez National Historical Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the antebellum South. The park is open year-round.
The park consists of three distinct parts. Fort Rosalie is the site of a fortification from the 18th century, built by the French, and later controlled by the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States. The William Johnson House is the home of William Johnson, a free African American barber and resident of Natchez whose diary has been published. Melrose is the estate of John T. McMurran, a lawyer and state senator who was a planter in Natchez from 1830 until the Civil War.
The fort is not open to the public. The other two units of the park include displays related to life in antebellum Natchez.
The collection at Melrose's two-story Greek Revival main house and its slave quarters includes painted floor cloths, mahogany punkah, a set of Rococo Revival parlor furniture, a set of Gothic Revival dining room chairs, and bookcases with books dating to the 18th century. These were collected from Natchez families including the McMurran family. The collection in the Johnson house includes furnishings from his life and family. Archaeological objects found in the park are also on display.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
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.
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
SuperShuttle is the nation's leading shared-ride airport shuttle service, providing door-to-door ground transportation to more than 8 million passengers per year. Their friendly drivers, comfortable vans and reasonable rates take the hassle out of getting to and from 39 airports in the U.S., France and Sweden!
The blue and yellow vans take you to the airport from your home, office or hotel and bring you back after you land. They are able to keep prices low in exchange for some of your time and a shared ride with other passengers. SuperShuttle offers you a solution that is more convenient than lugging bags through public transit, or driving and parking at the airport, with prices that are generally more economical than a limo, private sedan, or taxi.
Our state-of-the-art automated dispatch system strategically routes you with others traveling to the same geographic area. This system is unique to SuperShuttle and gets you to your destination as promptly and economically as possible.
To arrange a pickup from your home, office or hotel to any of the airports they serve, simply visit their reservations page or give them a call. A SuperShuttle van will pick you up during the pre-arranged 15-minute pick-up window, bring you to the airport, and drop you off right outside your airline terminal. They schedule their pickups carefully to ensure you will make your flight in plenty of time.
They encourage you to make a reservation from the airport. While reservations are not required, they have found that their passengers prefer to make reservations in advance to avoid the time and hassle of paying in the airport or on-board the van.
To save on your next Super Suttle trip go to rawhidetravel.com click on the SuperShuttle and use the discount code provide.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Autumn comes early to The Home Ranch and brings a sublime, golden season to the Elk River Valley. It is a slower-paced time of year, when kids have all returned to school, and the atmosphere at the ranch beckons to adult travelers who have time to savor the season, sans kiddos.
The days are crisp, clear, and golden; the aspen groves shimmer with inner light, and the fly fishing is exceptional. It is a prime time for deep relaxation, serious leisure, long gourmet dinners, and crackling fires.
Since its inception in 1980, this Colorado dude ranch known as The Home Ranch has been distinguished by the beauty of its setting, its singular charm and style, its gifted and hospitable staff, and its amazing food. The quality of the guest experience, its memorable and challenging activities in both winter and summer, is now legendary. Since 1987, membership in the famed Relais & Chateaux small hotel association has extended its reach and reputation, and The Home Ranch is now one of the best dude ranches and beloved guest ranches in the world.They invite you to come and experience the warmth of our Western Hospitality and the stunning beauty of the Elk River Valley.
Treasured by horseback riding enthusiasts for our excellent horses, supportive wranglers, breathtaking scenery, and genuine hospitality, the luxury dude ranch welcomes everyone who wants an opportunity to learn to ride, or improve their riding skills, amid the timeless beauty of the Elk River Valley.
The Colorado dude ranch is known as one of the premier destinations in the west for summer horseback riding vacations, Colorado cross country skiing in the winter, and Colorado Fly Fishing throughout the year, but they offer their guests a wide variety of adventures in addition to the big three. Each season at The Home ranch offers distinctive opportunities for mild or wild adventures.
Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today (602) 843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com .
The Memorial is a tribute of remembrance and honor to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon, as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993.
The Memorial’s twin reflecting pools are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest manmade waterfalls in the North America. The pools sit within the footprints where the Twin Towers once stood. Architect Michael Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker created the Memorial design selected from a global design competition that included more than 5,200 entries from 63 nations.
The names of every person who died in the 2001 and 1993 attacks are inscribed into bronze panels edging the Memorial pools, a powerful reminder of the largest loss of life resulting from a foreign attack on American soil and the greatest single loss of rescue personnel in American history.
The 9/11 Memorial Museum will include a memorial exhibition dedicated to commemorating the unique life of each victim. The Museum is now projected to open at the end of 2013.
We at Rawhide Travel and Tours would like to take a moment today to honor those who died in 9/11, their families, and the heroes who helped in rescue and relief. Never forget!
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
In Jean Lafitte's day, silver and gold filled a pirate's treasure chest, but today's treasures are people, places, and memories. Discover the rich cultural mix of New Orleans. Learn Cajun traditions from the people who live them. Stroll along a bayou and watch an alligator bask on the bank. Walk in the footsteps of the men who fought at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.
The six sites of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve offer something for everyone, from history to culture to outdoor adventure.
•The Barataria Preserve outside Marrero offers a taste of Louisiana's wild wetlands. The preserve's 23,000 acres include bayous, swamps, marshes, forests, alligators, nutrias, and over 300 species of birds. Boardwalk and dirt trails wind through the preserve; check out the trail map, enjoy a self-guided tour, or explore with a cell phone tour. Waterways can be explored by canoe or kayak.
•Just downriver from New Orleans in Chalmette is the site of the January 8, 1815, Battle of New Orleans: Chalmette Battlefield. Many people believe that this last great battle of the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain was unnecessary, since the treaty ending the war was signed in late 1814, but the war was not over.
•Shortly after the French founded New Orleans in 1718, engineers drew up a formal city plan for Nouvelle Orleans---the area that we now call the French Quarter. The city expanded beyond those original boundaries to become an important American port. People arrived from all over the world, joining the early inhabitants of the area to create a distinct culture rich in food, music, and tradition.
•The Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette tells stories of the origins, migration, settlement, and contemporary culture of the Acadians (Cajuns) and other area groups. Ranger programs, films, exhibits, and events share a variety of local traditions including music, story-telling, dance, and food, and explore the mysteries of the Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana's wildest place.
•Waltz on in to the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice. Discover the life of Louisiana's prairie Cajuns through ranger programs, exhibits, artifacts, and films. Kids can explore the center and earn a badge with the Junior Ranger program.
•The lives of the Acadians (Cajuns) and others whose travels brought them to Louisiana's bayous are featured at the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodaux. Recreation, clothing, home furnishings, religion, cuisine, and fishing are explored through exhibits, artifacts, videos, and films.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
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 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100 rawhidetravel.com
 |
| photo by ForestWander |
Fall is a great time of year for photographers no matter what your skill level is. Mother Nature does most of the work. You really can’t go wrong if you point a camera at a tree in full color. But there are some things that you can do that can take a picture from okay to great. This is a list of some things to think about when photographing fall colors.
Add Water
Whether it is a creek, stream, river, pond, or lake, water helps to take a fall foliage picture from good to really interesting. Better yet, if you can find a place where trees in full color go all the way up to the shore you can have a truly great picture. Here’s a hint – think Maine. Maine’s rocky coast has ample opportunity to find fall foliage juxtaposed with a rocky shore line for that perfect breathtaking picture.
Look for a Fence or a Wall
An old wooden fence, bonus points for a high degree of disrepair, can be the perfect prop for a great fall foliage picture. Perhaps, even better, a classic New England rock wall to set up your picture. Again, bonus points if the rock wall is falling apart.
Find a Covered Bridge
With a covered bridge it’s hard to go wrong. You have a beautiful and iconic New England structure and most likely a water element (the bridge has to go over something). Find a old grist mill, similar to a covered bridge, you get an interesting antique man-made object and, typically, water.
Find a church
No picture is more iconic of fall in New England than a classic New England church surrounded by leaves in full color. It’s almost impossible to miss with such subject matter. The good news is that churches are not very hard to find.
Look for other “attention-grabbing” man-made objects, such as an old horse-drawn wagons, wagon wheels, old barns or almost any man-made object that has an antique flair to it can help to make a fall foliage picture.
Look for animalsAnimals can also be the perfect foil for a fall foliage picture. Horses or cows in a field against a backdrop of trees in full color can make for a great picture. Extra bonus points if you do it on a frosty morning where you can see the steam of their breath. Of course the definitive, which requires much more luck, is if you can get a picture of wildlife and trees in full color. Deer or a moose would do perfectly.
Looking for the perfect location to take those fall foliage pictures? Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Kennedy Space Center has launched tours to three rarely seen areas of the center: the Launch Control Center (LCC), the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and the Space Shuttle Launch Pad. These tours mark the first time in over 30 years visitors can access the LCC and VAB, and the first time ever they can get up-close to the Shuttle launch pad.
“These are live, operating facilities that are currently going through a little bit of a lull as we gear up for the Space Launch System, and we’ll be testing that launch system in the next couple of years,” said Stine (director of sales). “We don’t know how long we’ll have them for, at least through the end of the year and early next year, but we can be requested to vacate the area by NASA at any time.”
Until the launch of the SLS, Kennedy Space Center is still host to rocket launches throughout the year, including SpaceX’s recent successful private mission to the International Space Station.
New Tours and Attractions
The “KSC Up-Close: Launch Control Center (LCC) Tour” takes visitors inside Firing Room 4, the room from which all space shuttle launches since 2006 were controlled. Guests can see the main countdown clock, video monitors and “bubble room” through which the launch director and management team oversaw the launch.
“With so much on the line, the people who worked in this room were under tremendous pressure not only in daily operations but particularly as the countdown proceeded,” said Bob Sieck, former launch director, Kennedy Space Center, in a statement. “They had to handle the tension and their emotions as the tests became faster, the astronauts took their place in the shuttle, and thousands of people and news media gathered outside to watch the launch.”
The LCC tour is led by a trained space expert, and it also includes a drive-by of Launch Pad 39 and a visit to the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
Also led by a trained space expert, the “Kennedy Space Center Up-Close Tour” takes visitors into the interior of the 525-foot-tall VAB, where the Space Shuttle and Apollo rockets were assembled. The VAB is one of the largest buildings in the world. Guests will also get a chance to see the 6 million pound crawler-transporters, which moved the space shuttle from the VAB to its launch pad, before finishing up in the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
Visitors on the “KSC Up-Close: Launch Pad Tour” will be guided a quarter-mile inside the perimeter security fence to Launch Pad 39-A, which hosted a majority of Space Shuttle launches and all six Apollo missions that landed on the Moon. Near the pad, visitors can exit the tour bus for photos and experience close views of the 350-foot-high service structure and other launch pad systems. Then they will drive by Launch Pad 39-B, which launched the Saturn 1B/Skylab missions and many Space Shuttle missions, the VAB, the mobile launch platform and one of the crawler transporters that was used to move the Apollo rockets and shuttles to the pads, before ending the tour at the Apollo/Saturn V Center.
In July of next year, the Kennedy Space Center will unveil the new home of Atlantis, the last space shuttle to be assembled in the VAB.
“Atlantis will be presented in a way that none of the other orbiters are going to be presented, as if it were orbiting the Earth,” said Stine. The exhibit will allow guests to get up close with the shuttle in a series of inter-active exhibits that also tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle program.
In addition to the new and upcoming tours and attractions, the Kennedy Space Center also features the opportunity to view live space launches, or the full schedule, click on “Events” at kennedyspacecenter.com.
Visitors can also see the Rocket Garden, which boasts seven rockets from the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs, as well as models of the Apollo 11 gantry arm and the Apollo capsule. The Astronaut Encounter program, held daily at the Astronaut Encounter Theater, is a half-hour question and answer session and picture-taking opportunity with an astronaut. Similarly, the “Lunch With an Astronaut” program allows visitors to dine with an astronaut and have their picture taken. In the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, the world’s largest collection of astronaut memorabilia commemorates the heroes of the space program. The newest addition to this area, Science On a Sphere, has animated images of the atmosphere, oceans and planets of the solar system. Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted combines live theater, interactive experiences and multimedia presentations to explore the future of space travel.
Looking for that uniquely different family vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today (602) 843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
India can seem a realm of utter chaos, a walk to the market is no walk in the park. But whether you're visiting a sari shop or a family home for dinner, there are dozens of rules you might want to follow to avoid the forgiving laughter with which most Westerners are greeted. In a heterogeneous culture, basic rules make sense of the contradictions, especially in the sanctum of the family home.
The Table:
The rules of eating in India depend on whether you're in the north or the south (the traditional meal below is an example of one you might have in the north). One thing remains the same wherever you are: Wash before every meal. Even small street stands usually set aside a bowl of water for this (but bring wipes, since they won't have soap).
How to Eat (The North)
Rice
You can use your right hand, but if you find that too difficult, use a fork and a spoon or a fork and a knife, which is "the old British way." Do not use the whole hand to mash the rice and sauces together (although in the south this is acceptable). Use your left hand only to hold your drink or to pass food.
Chapati
Use ONLY your right hand to handle the chapati. To tear off a piece, use the last three fingers to hold down the larger portion while, with your thumb and forefinger, you turn up the edge and tear by pressing the forefinger down and the thumb up and inward.
Maacher Jhol (fish curry)
You're going to want to alternate bites of fish and rice. Remove the bones from the fish as best you can with your right hand. If you get any in your mouth, try to remove them several at a time instead of one after another.
Rogan Josh (lamb curry)
Tear the meat from the bone with your hand, but use AS FEW FINGERS AS POSSIBLE. "In the north, you tend to use just the final digits of your hand," says Jaffrey. Then, with your thumb and forefinger, fold a small piece of chapati over a piece of meat to create a little sandwich.
Water or Lassi
This is generally all you'll get, beverage-wise. Alcohol is not drunk with a traditional meal, but feel free to bring beer or whiskey to dinner if you know the family drinks.
How to Eat (The South)
In traditional households throughout the south, it's common to sit on a very low stool with the food on the floor before you. You must bend over deeply to eat, and the doubled-up posture is thought to help you get fuller faster. There's a general order to eating in the south: The meal begins with a bit of sweetness, proceeds through the rice dishes, and concludes with the more savory ones. Note, too, that meat will not always be served in the south (It is estimated that 30 percent of southerners are vegetarians). And no matter where you are in India, don't ask for beef (which is not eaten by Hindus) or pork (which is not eaten by Muslims) if they are not on the menu.
Rice and Ghee
Lighter food comes first, so for the first course you'll be pouring purified butter over your rice and eating clumps of it mixed with vegetables or dal with your fingers.
Dal
This usually comes either in little tin cups or, if it has a denser consistency, in little dollops on a banana leaf. It's your job to mash it all together, moving your fingers inward and outward to mix the rice in. Once you've achieved a claylike consistency, start rolling it back and forth with your fingers to form a ball. If it stays together, just pop it into your mouth. If it's soupy, use your hand as a scooper, pushing the mixture into your mouth with your thumb.
Vegetables and Curries
You'll be mixing these with the rice and eating them much as you ate the dal. Drop the vegetables into the ice first.
Dhosa, Puri, Fried Foods, Pickles, and Chutneys
Eat these with your right hand, using a piece of chapati to scoop up some of the chutneys and pickles.
Pappadam and Yogurt
You'll eat these last. Crush and sprinkle the pappadam onto your rice-curry mixture and eat with your hand.
When You're Done
In some areas, if you fold the banana leaf toward you when you've finished eating, this indicates that you liked the meal, whereas if you fold it away from you, it means you're dissatisfied. If you don't want any more food, simply cover your plate and say "bas."
Simple Rules for Being in the Street
There's nothing like a walk down a busy, bazaar-filled Indian street to give you a real sense of the country in all its glorious diversity. Here's how to maximize your experience and ensure a warm reception
Dress Modestly
Keep your shoulders covered at all times. This especially applies to women, who should also wear below-the-knee skirts except when going to a private home or a bar and taking a car the entire way.
Wear Sandals
Sneakers mark you as a tourist, and sandals are easy to take off, which you'll have to do to enter a religious institution or a home. Minders will watch your shoes, but don't wear any you can't bear to lose.
Haggle Within Reason
It's expected, particularly at outdoor markets. Start by declaring that you'll pay half the price, but don't go overboard; if the difference is 50 cents, cough it up. Walking away is not an insulting tactic.
Negotiate Prices First
This especially goes for cabs and rickshaws. Sometimes it helps to make it a show of writing down the price in a notebook, so the driver will know you have a record of the promised fee.
Eat Their Snacks
Very often, you'll be offered a biscuit and a cup of tea upon entering a shop. At least take a bite or a sip. If you're afraid of the water, just make a sipping motion.
Text, Don't Call
Most small businesses run on cell phones. Text first, you may shock a business by calling.
Eat the Street Food
Don't let it scare you. Be sure that the food is freshly made, though a large crowd ensures high turnover and beware of water-based dishes in monsoon season.
Greet Elders with "Namaste"
If it's someone worthy of respect, say "Namaste," bringing your hands together as if praying and quickly bowing your head with shoulders slightly hunched.
Keep Your Body Language Open
Too often, tourists wear a guarded expression, thinking this protects them, it doesn't. Instead, have a sense of humor, smile and say hello, and keep calm.
Call us and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. It also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans, and is celebrated with parties, parades and athletic events.
In 1882, Matthew Maguire, a machinist, first proposed the holiday while serving as secretary of the CLU (Central Labor Union) of New York. Others argue that it was first proposed by Peter J. McGuire of the American Federation of Labor in May 1882, after witnessing the annual labor festival held in Toronto, Canada.
Oregon was the first state to make it a holiday in 1887. By the time it became a federal holiday in 1894, thirty states officially celebrated Labor Day.filed with Reyes, leader of the labor movement. Fearing further conflict, the United States Congress unanimously voted to approve rush legislation that made Labor Day a national holiday; Cleveland signed it into law a mere six days after the end of the strike. The September date originally chosen by the CLU of New York and observed by many of the nation's trade unions for the past several years was selected rather than the more widespread International Workers' Day because Cleveland was concerned that observance of the latter would be associated with the nascent Communist, Syndicalist and Anarchist movements that, though distinct from one another, had rallied to commemorate the Haymarket Affair in International Workers' Day. All U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the territories have made it a statutory holiday.
The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday: A street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and spirit of corps of the trade and labor organizations", followed by a festival for the workers and their families. This became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the civil significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.
The holiday is often regarded as a day of rest and parties. Speeches or political demonstrations are more low-key than May 1 Labor Day celebrations in most countries, although events held by labor organizations often feature political themes and appearances by candidates for office, especially in election years. Forms of celebration include picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, water sports, and public art events. Families with school-age children take it as the last chance to travel before the end of summer recess. Similarly, some teenagers and young adults view it as the last weekend for parties before returning to school, although school starting times now vary.
Call us at (602) 843-5100. Check out our website: rawhidetravel.com or email us at flythis@rawhidetravel.com.
From the Folks at
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
