Friday, November 30, 2012

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.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Holiday at Christmas Island


Spend Christmas on Christmas Island just like the song says:
How'd ya like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island? 
How'd ya like to spend the holiday away across the sea? 
How'd ya like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island? 
How'd ya like to hang a stocking on a great big coconut tree?


Christmas Island is one of natures most impressive feats, an island full of natural wonders: from the unique annual red crab migration to rare and unusual birds and glorious deserted beaches where the only footprints in the sand are those made by nesting turtles.

With so many endemic species, the island is often referred to as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean. Yet it also displays a curious amalgam of cultures, history and industry, emerging as a place where all these elements create a truly unusual travel experience.

There are several beaches of which Lily Beach is just one:
Lily Beach is a keyhole beach with cuts into sheer cliff on either side. There are large trees providing shade and it has a large sandy bottomed rock pool, particularly suited to young children at low tide when it is calm, although big waves can crash through anytime and caution is required. When the seas are up Lily Beach is a spectacular place to watch the waves crashing into the cliffs. A boardwalk along the cliff edge between Lilly Beach and Ethel Beach provides a look at a variety of birds including Brown Boobys and Red Footed Boobys nesting on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. A few blow-holes will add interest to your walk.

There are many things to experience on the island.

Blowholes
Approximately 45 minutes drive from Settlement, located on the western side of the island. A spectacular display of nature - the Blowholes are a series of rock formations that hiss and spurt water when it is forced through from the ocean swell. There is a viewing platform for your safety, however we cannot guarantee that you will not get wet!

Martin Point
Approximately 30 minutes drive from Settlement, Martin Point is reached by a short walk from the carpark at the end of the track. A viewing platform on the edge of the Seacliff provides opportunity to photograph and view the extend on the western coast. A popular site to watch the sun set over the coast and waves breaking over the fringing reef and shore platforms. There is a shady gazebo with a picnic table on site. Robber Crabs are attracted by the smell of food and come out to investigate but don't worry they will not bite.


Red Crab Migration
At the beginning of the wet season (usually October / November), most adult Red Crabs suddenly begin a spectacular migration from the forest to the coast, to breed and release eggs into the sea. Breeding is usually synchronized island wide. 

There are many things to do. 


Bird Watching:
The island is large enough to have developed its own unique rain forest ecology. There are hundreds of species of birds with seven of the 13 land birds being endemic to the island, including the inquisitive Christmas Island Thrush, whose melodious evening song lends a wonderful musical quality to the tropical, palm-fringed sunsets.


Fishing
Within a few hundred feet of the boat launching facilities, it is possible to fish in 1500 feet of water for Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo and all the other exciting species that you usually find in tropical locations. The difference is that on Christmas Island the fish are BIG, very BIG!


Snorkeling
With the coral reefs surrounding the Island, snorkeling is a must on every visit to Christmas Island as the abundance of fish and coral to see is breathtaking, just a few feet from the shore. Popular and accessible Flying Fish Cove is great for snorkeling and swimming.


Scuba Diving
Christmas Island boasts some of the best scuba diving trips in Australia and has some of the longest drop-offs in the world. The island rises dramatically from the edge of the Java Trench, Indian Ocean’s deepest point. This contributes to the endless miles of spectacular drop-off diving with most walls being only 65 feet from the shoreline.


Nature Walks
With 63% of Christmas Island being National Park, a walk through the rain forest can be both enjoyable and can range from easy to difficult walks. Nature walks will help you discover first hand the Christmas Island endemic flora and fauna. For further information on Nature Walks, contact the Christmas Island Visitor Information Center or Parks Australia North.

Golf
Golf is one of the favorite pastimes of Islanders and the Golf Course is well worth a try for professional golfers or first timers. The 9-hole golf course is situated amongst palm trees and tropical rain forest with a magnificent view of the Indian Ocean. Green Fees of $10 per round are payable for non-members. Clubs are available for hire from the Christmas Island Visitor's Center and visitors are most welcome. Christmas Island Frigates nest inland from the course and land crabs can be a local hazard.


There seems to be something for everyone on Christmas Island.

To book that once in a lifetime Holiday Vacations or help with any other travel needs, call Rawhide Travel and Tours at 602-843-5100 or 888-222-7594 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We will be happy to guide you through all your vacation planning.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100 
rawhidetravel.com

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Necker Island British Virgin Islands


If you have some extra money you don't know what to do with and want an unique vacation, this is for you.

Is a hotel room or villa not sufficient for you? Try renting Richard Branson's private island in the British Virgin Islands. Necker Island is 74 acres of paradise, providing you with a 10-bedroom Balinese mansion,  cottages, a large staff, and infinite ways in which to relax or get adventurous.

Accommodation on Necker Island includes nine bedrooms in the Great House and six individual Bali Houses dotted around the island. There is also a bunkroom in the Great House that sleeps up to six children. All rooms have private en-suite bathrooms. The total number of guests that be accommodated on Necker Island is 30 plus six children in the bunkroom.

Necker Island has always been a haven for some of the rarer species of plants and animals found in the Caribbean, and recent arrivals have cemented the island’s reputation as a place where nature’s diversity is truly celebrated.

The beautiful part of the Necker Island experience, aside from the scenery, is that you are in control. The chef is at your beck and call, fine-tuning his menu to your personal tastes, while the boat, two freshwater pools, two tennis courts, two Jacuzzis, calypso band, two beaches, and water sports equipment are available whenever you want them. Of course, heaven is expensive: rates start at $42,500 per night for up to 16 guests.

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

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Etiquette 101: Travelling With Young Children


Just because you have young children it does not mean that your days of enjoying travelling and holidays is long gone. Despite the extra baggage you may need to carry with you, stroller, changing bag, toys and endless snacks, travelling with children can be an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Involve Your Child In Your Travel Plans
Young children are easily overwhelmed by changes in their environment and to their daily routine, so involving them in the planning of your break or holiday will enable them to become used to the idea of new experiences, which in turn will encourage good behavior. Although children can become excited at the prospect of a journey helping them understand how you will be travelling and what will happen once you reach your destination will encourage them to stay a little more grounded.

Children often get over excited during flights because they quickly become confused by a new environment. Visiting an airport before your planned journey may help them feel more comfortable when you travel. Restrictions in your child’s movement, as they must remain seated during a flight, will also cause anxiety and potential tantrums, so planning distractions like toys, books or healthy snacks is a good idea.

Dress Code
So that children become used to travelling encourage them to take interest in their appearance, when you set out on your trip. When young children are not dressed in their usual everyday attire they will sense that they are experiencing something more special. Dressing your child in clothes that are comfortable, versatile and attractive will set an exciting tone to your journey.

Your fellow passengers will also respond in a positive way to children who are neatly dressed and well-behaved, so encourage your child to view your travel experience as an occasion. Point out, to your child, that it is important to respect other passengers. 

Keep Them Busy
Plane travel requires that you arrive at the airport hours before your departure time. Having to navigate check-in lines and security checks, with young children, requires that you anticipate your child’s needs correctly. Allow your child to move around the airport, with you, as much as possible, before and after check-in procedure. If your child usually sits in a stroller encourage them to walk and move around as much as possible. Your child will have to sit in their seat, throughout the duration of the flight, so free movement at all other times will help them overcome the restrictions.

Pack The Essentials
Although handy travel-sized snacks are readily available most of them are packed with a high sugar content. Instead of sweet confectionery snacks consider packing healthy options like carrot batons, raisins, bread sticks, rice cakes and other crunchy foods like cucumber. Grapes provide essential 5-a-day vitamins and are also a re-hydrating option. Packing these snacks in a cold bag will also ensure they remain fresh and appetizing.

When it comes to selecting games and toys, choose those that have little or no loose pieces that may easily get lost. Pick items that pack easily and don’t take up much valuable room in your travel bag. A reusable toy, like a wipe-clean board, will also provide entertainment on the return journey.

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 

Monday, November 26, 2012

Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park Vermont


Walk through one of Vermont's most beautiful landscapes, under the shade of sugar maples and 400-year-old hemlocks, across covered bridges and alongside rambling stone walls. This is a landscape of loss, recovery, and conservation. This is a story of stewardship, of people taking care of places, sharing an enduring connection to land and a sense of hope for the future.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park offers a self-guided walking tour through the historic streets of Woodstock, Vermont to explore the Civil War Home Front. Learn about the experiences of civilians and local soldiers swept up in the maelstrom of civil war and better understand the indelible mark the war left on this small community and on the nation. This free iPhone app provides a GPS-enabled, guided walking tour of the historical sites surrounding the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and Woodstock, Vermont.

In a partnership with the Ottauquechee Health Center and other local organizations, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock, Vermont, welcomed nearly 200 hikers to its first annual Peak to Peak celebration, Saturday October 13, 2012. The partnership with the Health Center promoted outdoor exercise and healthy eating, fulfilling Action #6 of NPS Director Jon Jarvis's call to action: "Take a Hike and Call Me in the Morning!" explained assistant superintendent Christina Marts.

Enthusiastic hikers joined in ranger-led walks on Mount Peg (1080 ft) and Mount Tom (1,250 ft) and the eponymous peak-to-peak hike including both Peg and Tom!

With their spectacular views of the Ottauquechee River, the twin peaks are favorite places for hiking, picnicking and dog-walking, and also provide important foci for interpreting the conservation stewardship history of the area.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP offers day hikers nearly 20 miles of carriage roads and trails. Located about a mile from the park, hikers can easily access one of the nation's premier foot trails, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which extends over 2000 miles from Maine to Georgia.

No matter what time of year you visit you will have a memorable experience - but it is a good idea to plan ahead. The Mansion and gardens are open for guided tours from Memorial Day weekend (late May) to October 31. It is always wise to make tour reservations in advance to make sure you get the tour time that works best for you.

In the winter the carriage roads and trails are used for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

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

Friday, November 23, 2012

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.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Cook Islands


The 15 islands of the Cooks lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii.

A mix of coral atolls and volcanic islands, good few of the nine Southern islands could be listed as “must see before I die”. An idyllic climate, stunning scenery, warm-hearted people and a desirable way of life where “hurry” has not been coined, make them irresistible. Bush clad volcanic peaks descend to glistening white sands and the inevitable palm-fringed blue lagoons. Rarotonga, the capital and Aitutaki, breathtakingly beautiful dominate the call of the conch. 

Rarotonga 
Dominated by a once almighty volcanic pyramid, now worn down by time and streams to sawtooth peaks and razorback ridges, the lush green carpeted Rarotonga, is the capital, and the hub of the Cook Islands. 

It is also the youngest island of the group, so unlike its equally enchanting sisters which have been eroded and submerged by age, Rarotonga stands brilliantly upright against the sun. Its vistas are strewn and spiked with jutting pinnacles that fall to terraces and flats planted with bananas, coconuts, paw paw and pineapples that shift into a swampy plateau marked by the inimitable taro patch. 

Aitutaki 
The view from here reveals a spectacular array of technicolor fish which can be seen close up by taking a Bishop’s Cruise (an experience in itself – the Aitutakians aptitude for song and dance and storytelling comes to the fore with a captive audience of sightseers.) Get your passport stamped on One Foot Island – step onto the first landing for the flying boats that flew the original Coral Route, go snorkeling in the clearest waters ever seen or simply spend a few hours slipping from sand to sea. 


Six of these beautiful Cook Islands lie to the north. Described as “the stuff that dreams are made of”, their remote appeal pulls at the hearts of explorers, adventurers, authors and artists. Each island is unique. Discover the largest atoll, Penrhyn , the intriguing island of Suwarrow with a population of two, Pukapuka with its own language and Manihiki with its treasure trove of black pearls. The palm-fringed pearly white sands framing turquoise lagoons will prove irresistible.

Pukapuka
Pukapuka is a fisherman’s paradise. The indigo waters outside the reef are rich with fish – yellow fin tuna and mahi mahi can be caught in their numbers on a daily run; catching flying fish at night is a thrilling experience for all. Fast little boats literally fly over the water chasing them and scooping them up in nets. Barbecued over hot stones or marinated in coconut cream is a delicacy gourmands dream about. 

Manihiki
Manihiki, a necklace of islands set in the vast blue Pacific and around 1299km from Rarotonga, is the epicentre of the Cook Islands’ pearl industry. It’s also one of the most remote inhabited places on earth

Discover all fifteen beautiful Cook Islands. Breathe in the fresh pure air. Wade into the cool, calm, blue lagoons. Let the untouched charm of these beautiful Cook Islands capture your spirit and hold your heart. 

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

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Holiday Travel Tips: How to Navigate Airports with Children


Flying with children is tough enough, but during the winter holidays, crowded airports and delayed flights can conspire to make a parent’s job even harder. Here are some tips that will help smooth your journey.

Find a Play Zone
Even if your airport doesn’t have a year-round playground, airports sometimes set up seasonal activities or art exhibits during the holidays. Once you have cleared security, ask at an information desk about play areas and special services available for the holiday rush. Once you've found one, you'll leave one parent in the play zone with the children while the other runs reconnaissance gathering snacks, bottled water, and whatever else you want for your flight.

Allow extra time
Crowded freeways, full parking lots, and long security lines can feel like they’re conspiring to make you miss your flight. Your children are so frazzled by the time they get to the airport that they melt down long before you make it to your gate (especially if this is their first flight), and the bustling food court makes it tricky to get them the snack they so desperately need. Allow yourself an hour longer than you'd normally need, and your children might even get a chance to run off some energy before your flight boards.

Find the Family Lane
If your airport has more than one security checkpoint, ask which one has a “family lane.” Family lanes generally skip past the longest part of the security line, and TSA agents sometimes have stickers to give children after they pass through the metal detector. Keep in mind that children aged 12 and under do not need to remove their shoes at the security checkpoint, and that children too young to hold still never need to go through a backscatter X-ray.

Send Gifts Ahead
If you are packing gifts for your children or other family members, that extra bulk in your luggage can really wear you out. Instead, consider ordering gifts online and having them sent directly to your destination (most hotels will hold packages for your arrival). Barring that, look for easily packable gifts. Just remember to allow extra space in your luggage to bring home gifts you receive.

Pack Extra Activities and Charge Your Batteries
Flight delays may mean that your children exhaust their busy bag activities before your travel is completed. To avoid a mid-flight meltdown, bring along more than you think you'll need, and then study up finger rhymes, hand-clapping games and card games. (This same advice holds for baby food and diapers, neither of which can be easily replenished in an airport shop). If you are relying on electronics to keep the children entertained, be sure your batteries are fully charged before you leave home. Don't forget to put any chargers in your carry-on bag for a quick top-up at the airport.

Stay Healthy
Mix a crowded airport full of people just at the beginning of flu season with a run-down family and you have a sure recipe for sickness on the flight home. Take the time to wash hands, keep children well hydrated, eat healthy snacks, and get enough rest so that you don’t get sick too. The fees for changing your flight due to illness can be shocking, and no parent wants to be in the position of dragging a sick child on an airplane.

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 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site New Hampshire


Discover the home, studios and gardens of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of America’s greatest sculptors. See over 100 of his artworks in the galleries and on the grounds, from heroic public monuments to expressive portrait reliefs, and the gold coins which changed the look of American coinage. Enjoy summer concerts, explore nature trails, or indulge your hidden talents during a sculpture class.

Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site in Cornish, New Hampshire, preserves the home, gardens, and studios of Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848–1907), one of America's foremost sculptors. This was his summer residence from 1885 to 1897, his permanent home from 1900 until his death in 1907, and the center of the Cornish Art Colony. There are two hiking trails that explore the park's natural areas. Original sculptures are on exhibit.

The National Historic Site was authorized by Congress on August 31, 1964, and established on May 30, 1977. Besides the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, this is the only National Park Service site in New Hampshire. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1962 and administratively listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966.

Over 100 acres of the park is forested. Several nature trails wind through this woodland area. Interpretive wayside panels about the area's natural history, are located along the trails.

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 

Friday, November 16, 2012

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.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Holidays At: North Pole, Alaska


Welcome to North Pole, Alaska – where the spirit of Christmas lives year ‘round!

North Pole is a growing community that captures the imaginations of visitors to their great state.  Driving through North Pole in any season you will notice Christmas decorations, street names, and light poles that reflect their motto.  When you visit North Pole, be sure to drive down Santa Claus Lane with their new round-a-bouts and giant candy can light poles.

No visit to North Pole would be complete without a stop at the Santa Claus House.  This world famous attraction houses unique gifts sure to please family and friends back home. The Santa Claus House, the “official” home of Santa Claus greets all visitors who pass through the city on the Richardson Highway. Live reindeer, a variety of photo opportunities, and Santa Claus himself are available for photographs year round. 

While the real North Pole has no terra firma many travelers discovered this town as an ideal way to finally visit the home of Santa Claus. This revelation made this small town in Alaska a must visit during the holidays causing the town to create more and more Santa Claus themed attractions. Many elaborate ideas have been brought up from some of the country's largest amusement park companies however nothing ever came to fruition.

Prior to Christmas each year, the USPS post office in North Pole receives hundreds of thousands of letters to Santa Claus, and thousands more from people wanting the town's postmark on their Christmas greeting cards to their families. It advertises the ZIP code 99705 as the ZIP code of Santa.

Each year the North Pole community starts the holiday season with a Winter Festival including fireworks, a candle lighting ceremony, Christmas in Ice ribbon-cutting ceremony, and a community tree lighting event the first weekend in December.

They also have a variety of wonderful restaurants sure to satisfy any palate. 

And remember, Santa knows who’s been naughty or nice!

To book that once in a lifetime Holiday Vacations or help with any other travel needs, call Rawhide Travel and Tours at 602-843-5100 or 888-222-7594 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We will be happy to guide you through all your vacation planning.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100 
rawhidetravel.com

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Lismore, New South Wales


Dotted throughout the rolling green hills of the Rainbow Region are tiny, postcard-perfect villages just waiting to be discovered.

A day trip through the hills is delightful or you can base yourself in a tranquil B&B and spend a few days meandering through the lush hinterland. These villages have a timeless serenity that is deeply relaxing.

Each village has its own character, with antique and curio shops, galleries, tea houses and cafes.

National Parks 
At the heart of a region renowned for its physical beauty, Lismore is on the doorstep of some of Australia's most significant World Heritage-listed reserves, spectacular National Parks and State Forests.

These natural treasures include Mt Warning National Park surrounding the caldera of the ancient volcano, the Border Ranges and Nightcap National Parks and the last eleven remnants of "The Big Scrub", the vast rainforest which once blanketed much of the region.

The rainforests around Lismore are some of the region's most popular attractions. Visitors can experience, first hand, Mother Nature's wonders at the many idyllic camping and picnic spots scattered throughout the National Parks and reserves.

A network of bushwalking trails throughout the parks offer everything from gentle ten minute strolls to two-day hiking adventures.

Shopping
With the largest retail shopping precinct in the Northern Rivers, Lismore is a shoppers' paradise.

The centre of town, known by locals as "The Block", has everything from chic boutique fashion and designer homewares to organic produce and rare books.

There are quirky speciality stores, sidewalk cafés and arcades full of surprises.

Lismore's diversity is reflected in a dazzling array of shopping choices. The wide streets of the shopping precinct are lined with beautiful heritage buildings and the Wilsons River meandering through the central business district enhances the relaxed country atmosphere.

Dining
One of the benefits of Lismore’s multicultural lifestyle is the vast selection of foods in the city and surrounding villages; restaurants range from vegetarian/vegan to steakhouse, Indian to Thai and al fresco to al-la-carte. There are also heaps of cafés to choose from and several popular nightspots offering the chance to mix dining with live entertainment. 

Our new Café and Culture Trail will guide you through Lismore’s cultural development and tempt your taste buds with a journey through our regional cuisine selections. Start your sampling at the Lismore Visitor Information Centre with their extensive range and local products.

In addition there are organic produce and farmers markets, where you can purchase fresh fruit and vegetables direct from the source.

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

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Etiquette 101: Airport


The convenience of air travel means that many of us frequently have to spend time in the confines of an airport. Doing so requires that you have to adhere to specific rules and guidelines, and accept that your failure to do so could land you in a great deal of trouble.

Being Security Conscious
Airport security is now more strict than it has ever been, and understanding the reasons for this will enable you to accept that these rules have been set in place for your safety, and the safety of your fellow travelers. While you are in the airport terminal you will have to go through a series of security procedures before you can board your flight. Although answering security-related questions may seem unnerving, failure to give the correct information may result in delays passing through security, which is not acceptable behavior.

You are only allowed to carry liquids, creams and lotions in 3 oz bottles so accepting that you may have to throw away over-sized unopened bottles of your favorite products will mean that you pass through the security check area more speedily.


Going Through Security Check
Nobody enjoys the process, but it is for our safety…we all have to do it. Patience is a virtue and it is appreciated during this process. People travel with computers, liquids, shoes and this time of year coats…allow the people in front of you the space and time to properly get through security.

You may be asked to remove particular garments before going through the security check machine. Doing so without questioning will speed the whole process along more smoothly. If you are wearing jewelry, and you set off the alarm, you may be asked to remove the items before walking through the security check machine again. If you have body piercings, and body jewelry which may be more difficult to remove, you should mention this to the member of staff who greets you before the security check. 

Being Polite
Airport and airline staff aim to make your travel experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, so being polite and courteous in return should require the minimum of effort. Remembering that any delays to your flight, or travel plans, are not caused by airport or airline crew will help you appreciate that the staff are doing their best to provide a good level of service. If you exhibit aggressive or threatening behavior however, you could be denied from boarding your flight.


Board with Patience
The plane is not going to leave without you (if you are standing there waiting to board). It’s inappropriate to roll over toes or cut people off in effort to get to your seat first.

Help Someone Out
If you see someone struggling to hoist their luggage into the overhead compartment, provide a helping hand. Some bags are heavy, some people are too short and many are just not strong enough…be kind and help.

Enhance Relationships
If you are traveling alone and someone wants your seat to sit with their spouse or child, let them. Most of the time you end up in a better seating situation (karma).


Baggage Claim
Although you are entitled to carry just one item of hand luggage aboard your flight, duty-free shopping may entice you to buy a few treats before you get to your destination. Stowing your purchases, while you prepare for take off, may require that you hand purchases to a member of airline staff, if there is insufficient storage space in the overhead locker above your seat. If this is necessary accepting that you cannot hang on to your bags, because they could potentially pose an emergency evacuation problem, will help airline crew help you to travel in comfort. Becoming angry and aggressive, on the other hand, will do you no favors.

Deplane with Courtesy
Everyone is going to get off the plane, do it with courtesy. Allow the row in front of you to deplane first. Plowing past them is not only frustrating but rude. If they decline to deplane after you offered that is okay.

What to Do if you Miss your Flight
If you have a connecting flight and you have just disembarked a plane that was delayed, you could easily find yourself missing your next flight through no fault of your own. Understandably this will leave you feeling angry and frustrated, but staying calm will enable you to sort out the problem. You will be entitled to board an alternative flight, when one is available, if you are not to blame for the missed flight. However, if you miss a flight because you failed to allow sufficient time for checking in or travelling to the airport you will be entirely responsible for finding, and paying for, an alternative flight.

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 

Monday, November 12, 2012

Roosevelt Campobello International Park ME

Roosevelt Cottage
For many years, Franklin D. Roosevelt summered on Campobello Island. As an adult, he shared with his family the same active pursuits he enjoyed on the island as child. Although he visited less frequently after contracting polio, Campobello remained important to FDR. Today Roosevelt Campobello International Park serves as a memorial to FDR and a symbol of cooperation between the U.S. and Canada.

Although Roosevelt Campobello International Park is located on Canada's Campobello Island, the park is owned, funded, staffed, and administered by both Canada and the United States. 

Visitor Center
The visitor center offers exhibits about FDR and the video "Outer Island/Beloved Island," produced by the Roosevelt Campobello International Commission. A small bookstore features a limited selection of memorabilia.

Roosevelt Cottage
Guides are stationed throughout the Roosevelt Cottage to answer questions and provide interpretation of the home and artifacts as you tour the house at your own speed.

The following rooms are on display:
•President Roosevelt's office from his 1933 visit and his bedroom
•Mrs. Roosevelt's writing room
•Living room, dining room, and kitchen
•Laundry
•Nursery and family bedrooms


Four additional "cottages" dating from the same period are also part of the park. Of these, the Hubbard Cottage is available for public viewing when it is not in use in the park's conference program. You can also explore the extensive gardens, picnic areas, and ocean views.

Other Activities
There are 8.4 miles of driving roads located in the park's 2,800 acres, and eight miles of walking trails. You can wander the trails individually for a short hike or combine them for longer hikes. Visit bogs, forests, shoreline, beaches, and more.

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

Friday, November 9, 2012

Let Us Help You Get Lost


 Andros Island
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

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Holidays At: Napapiiri, Lapland, Finland


The town doesn’t let the natural presence of reindeer, snow, and a location straddling the Arctic Circle go to waste. Napapiiri, in Lapland, Finland, a place with conditions prime for holiday revelers and where Christmas fantasies abound. The region boasts two major St. Nick-themed parks: The Santa Claus Village, a popular amusement park which draws families from all over Europe and Santa Park, which is geared more toward children, but features impressive ice sculptures and quaint shops.

While there’s truth to the notion that there’s no place like home for the holidays, there are places to visit at Christmastime, like Napapiiri, that offer a yuletide experience to rival any.

Santa Claus Village
You can meet Santa Claus and cross the magical Arctic Circle every day at the Santa Claus Village in Lapland. Send friends and relatives greetings from the Santa Claus Main Post Office with the unique Arctic Circle postmark, shop in the numerous gift stores and workshops and enjoy lifetime experiences with many different programs!

Santa Claus spends his time at the Santa Claus Village every day of the year to take care of his mission in life; to enhance the well being of children and the kindness of grown-ups, as well as spreading the message love and goodwill of Christmas Spirit throughout the globe. Rovaniemi is The Official Home of Santa Claus.


Santa Claus Main Post Office
Welcome to the colorful Christmas world of beautiful cards, stamps and unique gifts. Sit by the fireplace and write to your friends all over the world. The cheerful Postal Elves will post your greetings for you, whether it’s Christmas or the middle of summer

To book that once in a lifetime Holiday Vacations or help with any other travel needs, call Rawhide Travel and Tours at 602-843-5100 or 888-222-7594 or visit their website rawhidetravel.com. They will be happy to guide you through all your vacation planning.




Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100 
rawhidetravel.com

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Great Vacation Destinations: Portofino, Italy



One of the most popular resort towns on the Italian Riviera, little Portofino has just over 500 permanent residents. But that all changes on summer days when the sun is shining and the yachting set drops anchor in the harbor to wander about. Boutiques, art galleries, cafes and restaurants line the tiny streets. Diving, hiking and beach-going are popular local pastimes, and there are even some historic sights like the Church of St. Martin (Divo Martino) and the Castello Brown hilltop fortress.

Portofino is a picturesque, half-moon shaped seaside village with pastel houses lining the shore of the harbor. Portofino has shops, restaurants, cafes, and luxury hotels. Portofino's crystalline green waters reveal a myriad display of aquatic life.


Portofino sits on a peninsula in the Tigullio Golf east of Genoa in the northern Italian region of Liguria. Portofino is part of the Italian Riviera. Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli, seaside towns also worth visiting, are the nearest towns. Camogli is a lovely fishing village with pastel houses and a pebbly beach while Santa Margherita is a larger resort town. 


Frequent ferries go to Portofino from Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, and Camogli. You can also go by boat from Genoa or other riviera towns to the south. The closest train stations are Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli. A bus leaves for Portofino just outside the Santa Margherita station. Portofino is car-free but you can drive the narrow, windy road close to the village where there is a small parking lot. In summer, it's usually very crowded, and driving and parking can be difficult. 



Castello Brown:
Castello Brown sits on a hill above the village. You can reach the castle by a path near the Botanic Garden. The castle is open from 10AM until 7PM in summer and until 5PM in winter. The castle has a nice garden and affords great views of Portofino and the sea. The medieval castle became the residence of Yeats Brown, British consul to Genoa, in 1870. Inside are furnishings and pictures belonging to the Browns as well as photos of many famous visitors to Portofino.

San Giorgio Church and Lighthouse:

In a panoramic position on the way to the castle, you can visit San Giorgio Church, rebuilt after the last war. Another scenic pathway takes you clear out to the lighthouse, faro, on Punta del Capo.

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

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Etiquette 101: Spain


The country of Spain is both a culturally and geographically rich and varied place. It has a relatively long history of being a favorite holiday destination due in part to its colorful culture, excellent weather and climate, distinctive cuisine and many miles of fantastic coastline. 

Regional Differences
It is fair to say that there is less of a ‘generic’ Spanish identity; moreover there are a collection of regional identities that fall under the cultural umbrella of Spanish life. Each region has many unique distinctions between their own traditions, language and customs. 

The different characteristics of each region of Spain should be a major consideration, as the Spanish people are very proud of their heritage, be it on a community, town, regional or country level. 

Although Spanish is spoken by just under three quarters of the country, a significant population of regional languages are also spoken. The Spanish Basque country, Euskadi, is one such region. The regions of Catalonia and the Balearic islands, Galicia and Valencia also have their own languages, Catalan, Galician and Valencian respectively. As a holidaymaker you should always make sure that you not only learn Spanish (also known as Castilian), but are also aware of the various proper regional linguistic variations. This will no doubt help endear you to locals and help to promote you as a well-informed and respectful visitor. 

Dress, Appearance and Pride
Although fairly emotive people, Spaniards are actually quite conservative and modest in the way in which they choose to dress. The importance of one’s appearance is important to the Spanish. Although they value education, achievement, social and financial status, they regard flaunting and showing off as quite vulgar behavior. Spaniards tend to opt for understated pride where there is more of a quiet recognition of respect and achievement. 

And so this applies to the mode of dress, Spaniards will dress well for even fairly casual engagements and social occasions. To appear well groomed and elegant is to have respect for oneself, and as a visitor it would be polite and good etiquette to subscribe to this same viewpoint. Remember that you will be judged first and foremost on your appearance. 


Family and Society
Spain was once known as being a patriarchal and family orientated society, where machismo behavior was once commonplace. Both of these aspects of society are now not so widespread, and equality is much more apparent than it once was. However there are still some societal situations where machismo may become more apparent,  particularly with regard to ‘saving face’ where men are concerned. 

Saving face basically describes the pursuit of retaining honour, respect and dignity in everyday situations. Losing face can be damaging to both your public and family image. Therefore you should avoid any public confrontation with a Spaniard, as this would be construed as disrespectful and very bad manners. You could also been seen as ‘losing face’ yourself. Saving face may also be a consideration when a Spaniard doesn’t fully understand something, they will not want to publicly admit this and so will carry on regardless. The best indication that something is not understood is body language, rather than what is being said.


Meetings and Introductions
Interpersonal relationships are very important to Spaniards, and there is a strong emphasis on respect for elders. So when meeting or introducing yourself for the first time to a Spaniard, you should make sure that you follow the proper meeting etiquette.

Handshakes can be offered to all present, including any children. Make sure that you greet the oldest people present first. However if you are familiar with your Spanish counterparts you can expect a kiss on both cheeks, left to right, or hugging from a woman and a short embrace or pat on the back or arms between men. You may find that once a firm friendship has been established, Spaniards are much less reserved and more engaging. Personal space is also much closer in Spain than many countries, people will often stand close together when chatting or in serious discussion. 

Although you may often refer to your Spanish counterparts as Senor or Senora, you will also hear the formal titles of Don and Dona being used. In some Latin American countries these terms are reserved for nobility but this is not always the case in Spain.

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