Rawhide Travel and Tours' "Locks of Fun" Panama Canal Super Cruise

Rawhide Travel and Tours 

presents 

"Locks of Fun" 

 Panama Canal Super Cruise

November 04-19, 2014

$3949 per person based on double occupancy

Gone down lately? If you haven't, you can come with us if you join our 16 day "Locks of Fun" Panama Canal Super Cruise down South America way, and rumba 'til the cows come home on Celebrity Cruise Lines awesome 91,000 ton luxury Superliner, the M/S Infinity stopping at six of the most sought after ports in the world not too mention "passing through" the legendary Panama Canal itself!

 Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA you'll first visit dazzling Cartagena, Colombia (South America) where the world's supply of stunning emeralds can be found! Don't miss the Gold Museum where Samuel Bolivar lived while enjoying Latin history, culture and world renowned shopping!

Next stop, Colon, Panama (Central America)! Colon’s greatest claim to fame, and the main reason visitors come here, is the Colón Free Zone, a massive shopping showroom where retailers, wholesalers and the general public shop. And don't forget to take a ride on the restored Panama Canal Railway.

Next, the Panama Canal (Central America), what this adventure-filled super cruise is centered around. Here, you'll see the Three Colossal Locks ("Locks of Fun") while transiting through one of the greatest engineering wonders of the modern world for twelve hours of non-stop heart-pounding excitement with "once in a lifetime" spectacular photo opportunities as you cross from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean!

Next stop, enchanting Puntarenas, Costa Rica (Central America) where you can climb a real volcano, see Two Oceans at the same time, savor blooming orchids, see wild jaguars and ocelots in rain forests that dot this small fascinating country.

Next port is the quaint town of Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala (Central America) where visiting the best preserved ruins in the world in the ancient city of Tikal is a must. But visiting La Antigua, Guatemala's colonial capital is also must! Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Continuing to the Mexican Riviera, our first stop will be at world famous Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! From Yelapa Bay, where Night of The Iguana was filmed, to the majestic Sierre Padre Mountains that surround this sizzling resort town, you'll discover everything from jungle tours to shopping, and from fabulous sights to exotic dining. This is one lush port you'll long remember.

Last stop, Cabo San Lucas!  Located on the tip of Baja California on the Sea of Cortez, it's a favorite for many celebrities. Here, turquoise and azure blue waters, rugged cliffs, quiet coves teeming with abundant marine life, desert vistas and mountains all come together with a wash of vibrant colors. Awesome. And, as if all of these sights and thrills weren't enough, you'll also be enjoying a Deluxe Balconied Stateroom on  this magnificent luxury cruise including All Meals, nightly "Las Vegas style" entertainment, round trip air from Phoenix (air is also available from 171 other U.S. cities but price may vary depending on your actual departure city other than Phoenix), all foreign and US. taxes, all security, government and airport fees, all fuel surcharges, all transfers, several gala parties and events during the cruise..even cancellation insurance and ship tips! Oops! forgot the kitchen sink! So what are you waiting for? Some people wait a lifetime for their ship to come in. You only have to wait until November 04, 2014. Eyes in the back of your head recommended for this adventure. Experience life without a ripcord and call Rawhide Travel and Tours today! Limited space. Happy "sailing" trails to you!

Looking for that perfect beach 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

In News: Airline Seats Get a Makeover

It's as fundamental to the flying experience as the pilot in the cockpit, and the engine and wings of the plane. You may dread the middle seat, or love to sit on the aisle, but regardless of your preference, you've got to have somewhere to sit if you're going to fly.

But increasingly, this most elemental of plane features is getting a makeover, with airlines slimming them down, eking out extra legroom, even turning them into beds to attract more fliers and stand out from their peers.

JetBlue's lie-flat seats will make their debut next year on non-stop flights between New York and Los Angeles, and New York and San Francisco.

United began featuring slimmer seats on its Airbus fleet in May, promising more legroom even as it squeezed on extra seats.

In September, Delta will begin receiving the first of dozens of Boeing jets with power outlets at seats throughout the plane.

"I would say that definitely it has become an increasingly important part of the travel experience," says Jami Counter, senior director of SeatGuru, a website that offers information and reviews of airline seats, services and amenities. "Obviously, you always needed a seat, but 15 years ago, an airline seat was an airline seat was an airline seat, at least in economy. There wasn't much differentiation."

Now, "what you've seen is a fairly rapid investment, focus on innovation," Counter continues. "You have seatback TVs. Power ports are becoming more ubiquitous, and you've gone to lighter-weight seats that allow airlines to put in additional rows of seats without impacting passenger comfort."

When JetBlue's lie-flat seats debut next year, the cross-country flights will also include suites that allow passengers to shut a door and recline in privacy. The airline is also enabling passengers to stay powered up throughout their time in the air, adding USB ports at all seats in its fleet next year.

"At JetBlue, we are always seeking new ways to enhance the travel experience," Kelly Roe, director of JetBlue's A321 Programs, said in an e-mail. "Seats are clearly an integral part of that experience. It's where a customer spends the most time with us."

New or improved seating is also a way for airlines to make more money, whether they're putting lie-flat seats in premium cabins, charging for extra legroom in coach, or squeezing in a few more seats to allow more passengers on board.

United Airlines began featuring new, slimmer seats on some of its Airbus jets in the spring, and will ultimately offer them on all 152 of its Airbus planes.

The economy-class seats, which are not as thick or wide as the traditional airline perches, offer passengers 1.2 more inches of space at knee level, and allow the airline to squeeze six additional seats on board. The slimmer seats also have head rests that move in multiple directions, a bottom cushion with extra padding and seat-back pockets that are higher than the standard pouch.

"It does provide us the ability to have more revenue," Martin Hand, United's senior vice president of customer experience, said of the slimmer design, allowing the airline to install additional seats. "The profits of this industry can be slim, so we felt this was a good item where we could improve the overall customer experience, improve the economics, and continue the investment we're doing" overall in the airline.

Counter says that the so-called "slim-line" seats, such as those being added by United, enable airlines to squeeze one or two more rows into a narrow body jet, and possibly as many as four additional rows in a wide-body plane. Those extra seats, Counter says, can be "the difference between several hundred dollars of profit, and not being profitable" on a given flight.

Counter also expects airlines to get more creative configuring cabins.

"Instead of forward-facing seats," he says, for instance, "some seats may be more angled to allow for more effective leg room without taking up more space in the cabin."

John Zazverskey, a regional sales director for a connectivity products manufacturer who travels 47 weeks of the year, says his in-flight perch is critical.

But some passengers feel U.S. airlines have a ways to go to catch up with their international peers when it comes to seating.

With most U.S. carriers having added lie-flat seats to their premium cabins for many long-distance flights, Counter of SeatGuru can see airlines shifting much of their focus to economy. And improving the seat offerings will be a key part of any upgrades.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours 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

Unusual Places: The Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium (Atlanta, Georgia) houses 120,000 animals, representing 500 species, in 8.5 million gallons of marine and fresh water. Businessman Bernard Marcus credits his 60th birthday dinner, held at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, with inspiring him to build a great aquarium for Atlanta; his subsequent $250 million donation provided the bulk of the money needed to build and stock the new facility.

The Aquarium is in downtown Atlanta on land donated by The Coca-Cola Company, just north of Centennial Olympic Park and near the Georgia Dome, the Georgia World Congress Center, Philips Arena, and CNN Center. Its blue metal-and-glass exterior is meant to evoke a giant ark breaking through a wave. The world’s largest since its opening in November 2005, the Aquarium encompasses 550,000 square feet of covered space; its tanks hold 8,000,000 gallons of fresh and salt water. The 16,400 square feet Oceans Ballroom accommodates 1100 seated guests and features two 10 by 28 feet windows into whale shark and beluga whale exhibits.

After 27 months of construction the Aquarium opened on November 21, 2005, with 60 animal habitats. Though the non-profit Aquarium's admission charges are among the highest in the United States, attendance has far exceeded expectations, with one million visitors in the first hundred days, three million by August 2006, five million by May 2007, and ten million by June 2009. The Aquarium is part of the Smithsonian Affiliations program.

The Georgia Aquarium contains between 100,000 and 120,000 fish and other sea creatures, representing more than five hundred species.

The Aquarium is the only institution outside of Asia housing whale sharks, which are kept in a 6.3-million-gallon tank, the Aquarium as a whole was designed around the whale shark exhibit. Their importation from Taiwan (by air, truck, and boat) had never been attempted previously.

When Georgia exhibited great hammerhead sharks, it was one of only two aquaria in the United States with this species.

A manta ray, Nandi, which had been accidentally caught in nets protecting the South African coast from sharks, joined the Ocean Voyager exhibit in 2008 as the first manta ray on display in the country; the Aquarium is one of only four sites in the world displaying one. A second manta ray, Tallulah, was added in September 2009, joined in 2010 by a 8-foot female named Billi and later by a 9 feet, 265 pounds male.

The aquarium's animals are displayed in six different galleries: Georgia Explorer, Tropical Diver, Ocean Voyager, Cold Water Quest, River Scout, and Dolphin Tales. Each corresponds to a specific environment. To the left as one enters the aquarium is the Georgia Explorer exhibit, geared especially towards children. It features a number of touch tanks with rays and sharks as well as exhibits featuring sea turtles and the wildlife of Gray's Reef – a National Marine Sanctuary off the Georgia Coast. The "Dolphin Tales" exhibit opened to the public on April 2, 2011.

Frogs - A Chorus of Colors opened at the Aquarium on Jan. 12, 2012. This fascinating exhibition introduces visitors to the amazing and colorful world of anurans - the frogs.

Georgia Aquarium is open 365 days a year. Hours of operation vary so check before you visit. Georgia Aquarium is part of the Luckie Marietta District, a vibrant and walkable neighborhood of restaurants, hotels and businesses.

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

Travel Tips: 10 Mistakes to Avoid

Letting Your Mail Pile Up
If you'll be away for three or more days, it's a good idea to have the post office hold your mail. The last thing you want is a big pile of mail sitting on your doorstep or spilling out of your mailbox while you're on vacation. Thieves often sift through mail hunting for credit card statements, bank records or other financial data to steal.

Overspending on Credit Cards
It's easy to lose track of your spending when you're constantly whipping out a credit card to pay for a summer trip. To avoid maxing out your credit cards, which lowers your credit score and can blow your budget, establish a spending limit for your trip and stick to it. You might also consider an all-inclusive vacation or a cruise, where the price of most of your trip is built into the upfront cost you pay.

Losing Track of Your Wallet
While on vacation, you're eager to hit the beach, get on the golf course or make it downstairs in time for that 7:30 a.m. tour. So you rush out of your hotel room and beat a path to your first activity of the day. What you don't realize is that you carelessly left your credit card or wallet sitting out on the table or the bathroom countertop. That's a big mistake, because your private financial data or other sensitive information, such as that contained in your driver's license, could now easily be stolen.

Not Securing Your Electronics
Just as you should protect your wallet and credit card during a trip, so too should you secure other sensitive items, such as the laptop computer, tablet or smartphone you may have with you. Many computers contain a ton of personal information, including financial data or info about your online credit and banking accounts. Before you venture out each day, put computers and electronics into the safe in your hotel room. If there isn't one, be sure to at least put password protection on your laptop, cellphone and other devices to keep prying eyes away and reduce the temptation for theft.

Logging-in to a Public Computer
Maybe you haven't brought a laptop along with you on vacation because you plan on using a computer at an Internet cafe or hotel business center. Unfortunately, whenever you use a PC that's not yours — during the summer or any other time — your identity is at risk. That's because those computers could contain spyware that records every keystroke, user name, password and website you visit. So if possible, avoid business center or Internet cafe PCs. If you must use them, always log out afterward, delete your search history and shut down the browser before leaving.

Using the Wrong Credit Card
If your travels take you to foreign lands, don't spoil the trip by racking up unnecessary debt in the form of fees. Many credit cards charge high foreign transaction fees, exchange fees and other surcharges. Before an international trip, find out whether your cards charge extra fees when you use them out of the country.

Not Checking Your Statements
After you've taken a trip, be sure to carefully review your credit card and bank statements for unexplained charges or suspicious activity for several months after your return. In many cases, when you pay restaurant or hotel bills with credit cards, workers can easily copy your account numbers without your knowledge. In such instances, you will still have your cards, and you may not immediately realize that a security breach has occurred. Thieves who steal credit card numbers may also not charge items right away.

Missing a Payment
No matter how busy you get, you still have to pay those credit card bills on time. If leisure or business travel has you away from home, it's easy to miss a payment or forget about a bill that's due. But any credit card payment that's 30 days or more late can hurt your credit score. So if you know you'll be away, or if you're just super busy, set up email reminders and online bill payments to make sure certain bills don't get past you. Switching to online statements has another bonus, too: It cuts down on the time, effort and cost of monitoring your credit card statements. According to the 2010 Identity Fraud Survey Report from Javelin Strategy & Research, people who used electronic statements needed less time to detect fraud and they paid lower consumer costs ($116 vs. $274) than consumers monitoring paper statements.

Exceeding Your Credit Limit
With or without travel plans, summer can bring special plans or events that cause you to spend on big-ticket items, such as your daughter's wedding or new patio furniture. What you don't want to do, though, is exceed your credit limit. That looks bad on your credit report, and it could cause creditors to slash your credit limits. Furthermore, the more credit card debt you charge, the lower your credit score will be.

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

Russell Cave National Monument Alabama

Russell Cave is an archaeological site with one of the most complete records of prehistoric cultures in the Southeast. Thousands of years ago a portion of Russell Cave's entrance collapsed, creating a shelter that, for more than 10,000 years, was home to prehistoric peoples. Today it provides clues to the daily lifeways of early North American inhabitants dating from 10,000 B.C. to 1650 A.D.

Each year thousands of visitors discover the cultural and natural significance of Russell Cave. Some visitors spend their time exploring the great mysteries of the prehistoric Native Americans, while other visitors explore the 115 species of birds that live on Montague Mountain.Although Russell Cave is only 314 acres, its small size harbors big themes yet to mine.

The wildflower meadow is one of the most picturesque locations within the park. Many visitors are drawn to the vibrant perennials, such as black-eyed susans and purple cone flowers, which dance with the seasonal winds.

The North Alabama Birding Trail makes a winding 1.2 mile circuit through the colorful forest of Montague Mountain, which connects a separate 1.5 mile nature trail. While hiking, observe one of the 115 species of birds that call Russell Cave their home or listen for a red fox forging in the brush.

Water slowly dissolved the limestone, which formed a cavern within the earth's crust. When the roof became too expansive to support itself, it collapsed to create a crater or sinkhole. It was through this process that daylight first entered Russell Cave.

Russell Cave National Monument is the oldest rock shelter used regularly for a home in the Eastern United States. It was inhabited during all Prehistoric time periods: Paleo, Archaic, Woodland and Mississippian. Virtually every culture for over 10,000 years is represented by artifacts found here.

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

Plan Your Next Vacation With Rawhide Travel and Tours

Rawhide Travel and Tours with combined total of “75 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

In News: Airport Libraries To The Rescue

It's appropriate that a book celebrating the 75th anniversary of Nashville International Airport includes a page -- and a charming photo -- documenting the library branch that opened on-site in 1962.

Staffed by a librarian who received an extra $4 in her paycheck to cover airport parking, the Nashville Public Library reading room was the first time a public library was ever established in a municipal airport.

In addition to books, the library offered reproductions of well-known artwork for check-out. "I guess (it was) for that big dinner for the boss," said Elizabeth Odle, photo archivist for the special collections division.

There's no word on the longevity of the "Booketerias" the Nashville library opened in the aisles of local supermarkets in the mid-1950s, but they were likely gone by 1969, when the airport library branch was shuttered.

Today, just a few airport terminals have anything resembling a traditional library. But airports are finding other ways to offer travelers plenty of reading material for free.

As celebrated in a recent issue of Library Journal, many U.S. airports are partnering with local libraries to expand reading opportunities for passengers who often have plenty of time on their hands while waiting for a flight. Many of these partnerships take advantage of complimentary airport Wi-Fi and the fact that so many people now travel with an e-reader, tablet, smartphone or other mobile device.

In 2011, Florida's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and the Broward County Libraries Division joined forces to create the first airport program offering free e-book downloads to passengers. Screens found in all airport baggage claim areas now display QR codes that can be easily scanned to give travelers access to an e-library of more than 15,000 free titles.

No library card is needed and so far almost 1,000 people have used the FLL QR code to check out free books. "Readers can choose from nonfiction, fiction, children's titles, classics and more -- free," said Catherine McElrath, a publication specialist with the library, and "the book titles never expire."

Library-sponsored airport e-book download programs are also underway in Kansas, where the Kansas State Library has brought its Books on the Fly campaign to Manhattan Regional Airport and in Pennsylvania, where the Free Library of Philadelphia has set up a special free Wi-Fi spot in the Terminal D/E connector to lead passengers to a splash page that provides access to free e-books, author events podcasts, historic city photos and other resources.

In March 2012, Michigan's Traverse Area District Library brought its Books on the Go program to the Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City. Signage with QR codes and instructions are posted in the airport's baggage claim and terminal areas with links to a collection of literary classics that can be downloaded for free. No library card is needed and airport director Kevin Klein reports that library e-book usage has increased 211% per month since the partnership started.

Of course, with thousands of titles available for free download, it can be difficult to settle on what to read. To help out, Harrisburg International Airport in Pennsylvania searched the more than 42,000 free e-book titles on Project Gutenberg and hand-picked 15 for the airport's e-book library. Suggested downloads include From Sea to Sea by Rudyard Kipling, Robinson Crusoe by Daniel DeFoe, The Aeroplane Speaks by H. Barber, and Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne.

And this summer passengers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) may download free e-books or take home free paper books and magazines from Quick Reads Shelves set-up beside rocking chairs, thanks to the King County Library System's (KCLS) award-winning Take Time to READ program.

County librarians take turns going to the airport to help travelers choose reading materials or sign up for a library card. The librarians also re-stock the shelves with books that are all new and all donated from sources that include the library's foundation, a local newspaper book reviewer and area booksellers.

This is the second summer the free book program has been offered at SEA and this year books are leaving the airport with travelers at the rate of 15,000 a month, according to Julie Brand, the KCLS community relations and marketing director. "Not many people have left their books behind, but we have had some people who have gone out of their way to send back the books they take off the shelves," said Brand, "Although that is not necessary."

After spending a long time on a security line at SEA last Friday, Kari Kenall of Olympia, Wash., was delighted to find a rocking chair and books that she could read to her two children, ages 5 1/2 and 16 months. As they headed to the gate for their flight to Minneapolis, Kenall put the books back on the shelf. "I didn't know they were free," she said, "But we have some books in our luggage so we'll leave these here for the next people to use."

Since December 2000, passengers have been invited able to pull up a chair in the San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Library, which is inside the aviation museum in the international terminal at San Francisco International Airport. The collection includes 8,000 aviation-related books as well as periodicals, photographs, technical drawings, oral histories, and archival materials. Most books are kept in locked glass-fronted cabinets, but research requests are honored and browsing tables with some books and periodicals are laid out in the public reading room.

Checkouts are also not permitted at the 24-hour, self-service reference library that opened in 2010 at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, but a librarian is on duty about an hour a day to re-shelve books and help passengers choose something to read during a layover.

The library's collection of books, video and audio files celebrate and reflect Dutch culture and "Yes, sometimes people steal a book," said airport librarian Jeanine Deckers, "But we have approximately 300,000 visitors each year and only about 5 to 10 missing books each year, so that's not too much."

Some books removed from the Schiphol Library show up a few weeks or months later and passengers sometimes leave extra books behind. But because the library focuses entirely on Dutch art and culture, "I can't accept the Dan Browns and Stephen Kings; we put those in a special book-swap corner," said Deckers.

A dedicated 24/7 book swap area was established at Finland's Helsinki Airport in 2012 for passengers to pick up a book, drop one off or just spend time sitting and reading.

"Book Swap gives a peaceful moment and there is the idea of recycling and spreading joy, since quite often people either throw away or leave the book in the seat pocket," said Johanna Metsälä, customer experience manager for the Finavia Corporation, which manages the Helsinki Airport.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours 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

Enota Mountain Retreat, Georgia

Enota is the perfect mountain escape to spend time with your friends and family.  Enota is a non-profit conservation facility committed to preserving our beautiful land with a number of accommodations including vacation rental cabins, full hook-up RV camping sites, pop-up and tent camping sites and a Retreat Center for conferences, groups, events and seminars.  Enota is rated to be in the top 100 camping destinations in the country.

Enota located at the highest private elevation in Georgia in a lush valley among the highest mountains in North Georgia, in the shadow of Brasstown Bald whose elevation is 4780'!   Enota is centrally located between White, Union &  Towns  counties and the towns of Helen, Blairsville, Hiawassee & Young Harris.

All the delicate beauty of nature has been preserved with four breathtaking waterfalls, five bubbling streams, and two trout ponds.  We are surrounded on all sides by the mountains of the Chattahoochee National Forest.  

Drop by the beautiful old restored Lodge and share the warmth from the huge stone fireplace, shop in Enota's fair-trade gift shop and stop by our restaurant for home-cooked meals.  Enjoy the quiet nature of Enota's sixty acres by relaxing in near the cool refreshing flow of gentle waters and soothing ponds.  Get to know new friends or spend quiet moments with loved ones.

Enota's entire property is certified organic with a 10 acre bio-dynamic garden and farm.  In our commitment to sustainability, we raise chickens from which we get our own eggs. We have cows and goats which we milk daily.  We also have miniature horses, a couple of cows, goats, rabbits and ducks.  Enota offer animal feeding and farm tours daily.

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 

Money-Saving Tips for Travellers

Check that the airport is where the airline says it is
Low-cost airlines are notorious for bending the rules of geography when it comes to locating airports. For example, Oslo-Torp airport, used by RyanAir and WizzAir, is 75 miles and nearly two hours’ drive away from the Norwegian capital. And unless you’re planning on walking, you’re looking at a hefty cab or train fare, so consider booking a slightly more expensive flight with a different airline.

Travel, but don’t roam
While many phones will sense when you’re abroad and turn off your data usage, some will continue to send and receive emails, tweets and other information in the background, at a hefty cost. Search your phone’s settings and make sure roaming is switched off to avoid racking up a huge bill, or call your service provider and make sure international data usage is blocked.

Shop local for souvenirs
While most gift shops will happily sell you a pretty-looking box of local what ever, the stuff sold in the supermarket across the road will be much, much cheaper – and probably better, too.

Make the most of your hand luggage
Unlike with checked baggage, there are no airline-imposed restrictions of the weight of your carry-on bag. If you’re at risk of incurring an excess baggage fee, then, it makes sense to cram as much as possible into your hand luggage – try lining your bag with shoes and other scale-tipping items to avoid a sting at the check-in desk.

Never, ever buy currency at the airport
Okay, so you’ve had 200 other things to think about, but still – there is absolutely no excuse for waiting until you get to the departure lounge to exchange your money, since the terrible exchange rate will never be worth the convenience. For the best deal, think ahead and order online from your bank or Post Office and pick up your money before you fly.

Get the right credit card
Most standard credit and debit cards will charge you a fee of around 2-3% every time you make a purchase or withdraw cash overseas. Cards aimed at travellers don’t, meaning the price on the sticker is always what you pay. Better still, should you find yourself stuck for cash you’ll always get a true exchange rate when using a cash machine (though some ATMs will still charge a fee to foreign cards).

Invest in sturdy luggage
It should go without saying that cheap bags are a false economy – when it comes to luggage, you really do get what you pay for. A hard shell case (with clasps, not zips as these can split) is the best way to go for checked baggage, and keep the warranty card somewhere safe, as it’ll make things easier should you need to replace a wheel or a sticking handle.

Never pay for wifi 
Where there are cafes, bars and restaurants, there’s free wifi – you’ve just got to know where to look. Download an app called Wi-Fi Finder (free on iPhone, iPad and Android) and it’ll point you in the direction of the nearest gratis hotspot, with the offline mode (which you’ll need to activate before you travel) meaning you won’t be stung with data roaming charges when using the app.

Follow the eight week rule
Economists have calculated that the best time to book your flight is exactly eight weeks in advance. Any later and prices will creep up, any earlier and there’s the risk of unforeseen circumstances changing travel plans and you being left with a useless ticket. Set a reminder on your calendar to make sure you get the best fare.

Book in the afternoon
While most travellers are aware that flight prices change throughout the week, they’ll sometimes also fluctuate throughout the day. Studies have shown that, on the whole, prices are higher in the morning, since this is when business travellers are more likely to book.

Always get a multi-day travel pass
If you’re visiting a new city for more than a couple of days, it almost always makes financial sense to pick up a multi-day, city-wide public transport pass at the airport. Study your options well, though, since some passes will also include entry to museums and other attractions. They’ll be a touch more expensive, of course, but if you were planning on visiting them anyway.

Fill up at lunch-time
If you’ve got an appetite for fine food, consider eating out for lunch instead of dinner. Not only will you have less trouble finding a table, you’ll also benefit from great value mid-day menus, often offering the same stuff the restaurant serves up in the evening at a much lower price.

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 

George Washington Carver National Monument Missouri

The young child known as the "Plant Doctor" tended his secret garden while observing the day-to-day operations of a 19th century farm. Nature and nurture ultimately influenced George on his quest for education to becoming a renowned agricultural scientist, educator, and humanitarian.

George Washington Carver had a timeless message for humanity. Yet he became famous not for his great wisdom, nor for his brilliance as an educator, but for transforming peanuts into products such as ink, paper, soap, glue, dyes,massage oil, milk, cosmetics, and more. It is not so much his specific achievements as the humane philosophy behind them that define the man. "It is not the style of clothes one wears, neither the kind of automobile one drives, nor the amount of money one has in the bank, that counts. These mean nothing. It is simply service that measures success;'

Be sure to plan at least one hour for an easy hike. For many visitors walking the 3/4-mile Carver Nature Trail is a tranquil experience. One can clearly capture the same enthusiasm young George showed for all of nature.

George Washington Carver's favorite pastime was art. He painted landscapes and flowering plants. Students of all ages are invited to a Natural Dyes program at the park.

Many activities offered at the park are related to George Washington Carver's work and interests. He had a "Secret Garden," a rock collection, and wood carvings.

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

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

In the News: New Zealand's Cardboard Cathedral

New Zealand's city of Christchurch has formally marked the completion of its new cardboard cathedral with a dedication service.

The structure, which uses thick cardboard tubes, temporarily replaces the one damaged by the 2011 earthquake until a permanent one can be built.

Church officials say the completion marks a milestone in the city's recovery efforts.

The 22 February quake left 185 people dead and many buildings badly damaged.

The 6.3-magnitude earthquake badly damaged the old Christchurch cathedral, which was built in the late 19th century. Church officials said in March that it was beyond repair and had to come down.

Japanese architect Shigeru Ban designed the cardboard cathedral. The triangular A-frame design includes stained glass windows, can seat 700 people and is built to last for half a century.

The building is meant to be waterproof, although last month some of the cardboard tubing became soggy and had to be replaced after a heavy downpour.

"The old cathedral symbolised the city in many ways and we think this cathedral is a symbol that Christchurch is regrouping and rebuilding," acting dean Lynda Patterson told Agence-France Presse.

"The community has a cathedral again. It's a place where people can come for quiet contemplation in the city centre and somewhere we can hold concerts and art exhibitions."

The cost of the new cathedral has reportedly been estimated at around NZ$5 million ($4.1 million).

Ban is known for his reinforced paper and cardboard structures and designed a similar "paper church" after the 1995 Kobe earthquake in Japan.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours 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

Unusual Places: Goblin Valley State Park, Utah

Journey to this strange and colorful valley, which is unlike any other in Utah. The landscape, covered with sandstone goblins and formations, is often compared to Mars. Explore the geology, and camp among the nooks and gnomes.

Cowboys searching for cattle first discovered secluded Goblin Valley. Then in the late 1920s, Arthur Chaffin, owner/operator of the Hite ferry, and two companions were searching for an alternative route between Green River and Cainsville. They came to a vantage point about a mile west of Goblin Valley and were awed by what they saw, five buttes and a valley of strange-shaped rock formations surrounded by a wall of eroded cliffs.

In 1949, Chaffin returned to the area he called Mushroom Valley. He spent several days exploring the mysterious valley and photographing its scores of intricately eroded creatures. The area was acquired by the state of Utah and in 1964 was officially designated a state park.

Goblin Valley State Park is a showcase of geologic history. Exposed cliffs reveal parallel layers of rock bared by erosion. Because of the uneven hardness of sandstone, some patches resist erosion much better than others. The softer material is removed by wind and water, leaving thousands of unique, geologic goblins. Water erosion and the smoothing action of windblown dust work together to shape the goblins.

Bedrock is exposed because of the thin soil and lack of vegetation. When rain does fall, there are few plant roots and little soil to capture and hold the water, which quickly disappears, in muddy streams without penetrating the bedrock.

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

Travel Tips: Flying with Pets

To help ensure the safety and comfort of your pet while flying, it's important to follow some basic tips and guidelines. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the pet policies of the airline you are flying and take note of the following in regards to their pet policies:

Does the airline allow you to take your cat or small dog in the cabin with you? If that option isn't available to you, does the airline have any restrictions on transporting your pet below the cabin?

Does the airline have any special pet health and immunization requirements?

What are the airlines specifications and requirements for pet carriers?

Not all pets are suited for air travel. Things to consider include your pet's temperament, any physical impairments, or if your pet suffers from an illness.  Before you begin your trip, be sure that your pet is "up" for the journey. This means a visit to the vet for a medical checkup and to ensure that your pet is up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations. Be sure to tell your vet about your plans to travel by air. Your vet can recommend to you whether your pet is suitable for this method of travel. Once you've got the green light, here are some tips that will help make you and your pet's air travel happy and safe.

Health Certificate:  During your pre-trip vet appointment, ask your vet to issue a health certificate for your pet.  This typically needs to be dated within ten days of departure.  Carry this with you while traveling with your pet, as it may be required at different points throughout your travel.

Non-Peak Flights:  Consider booking a non-peak flight, which typically means less passengers and more cabin room. This will help ease potential stress for your pet.

Direct Flights:  Use direct flights.  Changing planes with your pet may cause undue stress on your pet, particularly if layover time is not adequate for a pet walk and bathroom break.

Flights & Extreme Temps:  If traveling during the summer or winter months, choose flights that will accommodate the temperature extremes, particularly if your pet is traveling below the cabin.

Be Early:  Have everything packed early and leave early to allow plenty of time to deal with normal air travel as well as your pet's needs. Keep yourself calm before the flight as pets sense your stress and anxiety.

Select the Right Carrier:  Carriers are available in both hard-sided and soft-sided.  Soft-sided carriers are more suitable for carry-on and tend to fit better under the seat.  Follow the manufacturer's recommendations as far as the appropriate size carrier for your pet.  The proper size carrier should allow your pet to be able to lie down comfortably, stand up and turn around.  Ensure for proper ventilation and comfort.  Triple check that your pet is secure in the carrier and they can't escape.  Find airline approved pet carriers at the TWP Store.

Travel Label:  Affix a travel label to the carrier with your name, the name of your final destination or contact person, home and final destination addresses, as well as your home, cell, and final destination phone numbers.

Proper Collar & ID:  Fit your pet with a collar that can't get caught in carrier doors. Affix two pieces of identification on the collar - a permanent ID with your name and home address and telephone number and a temporary travel ID with the address and telephone number where you or a contact person can be reached.

Feeding:  Do not feed your pet for four to six hours prior to air travel. Small amounts of water can be given before the trip.  If possible, secure a collapsible travel bowl to the inside of the carrier and place a few ice cubes in it.

Photo:  Bring along a current photo of your pet. This will make it easier for others to help you find your pet should your pet get separated from you.

No Tranquilizers: Do not give your pet tranquilizers unless your veterinarian prescribes them. Make sure your veterinarian understands that the prescription is for air travel.

Leash:  Carry a leash with you so that you may walk your pet before check-in and after arrival. Do not place the leash inside the carrier or attach it to the outside of the kennel.

Upon Arrival:  When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your pet. If anything seems wrong, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately.  Get the results of the examination in writing, including the date and time.

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

Poverty Point National Monument Louisiana

The time was eight centuries after Egyptian laborers dragged huge stones across the desert to build the Great Pyramids, and before the great Mayan pyramids were constructed. The place was a site in what is now northeastern Louisiana. The people were a highly civilized group who left behind one of the most important archaeological sites in North America.

The Poverty Point inhabitants, like the ancient Mayans, set for themselves an enormous task as they built a complex array of earthen mounds and ridges overlooking the Mississippi River flood plain. This accomplishment is particularly impressive for a pre-agricultural society. The central construction consists of six rows of concentric ridges, which at one time were five feet high. The five aisles and six sections of ridges form a partial octagon. The diameter of the outermost ridges measures three-quarters of a mile. It is thought that these ridges served as foundations for dwellings although little evidence of structures has been found. However, features and midden deposits uncovered during excavations support this theory.

Poverty Point's inhabitants imported certain essential supplies from great distances. Projectile points and other stone tools found at Poverty Point were made from raw materials which originated in the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains and in the Ohio and Tennessee River valleys. Soapstone for vessels came from the Appalachian foothills of northern Alabama and Georgia. Other materials came from distant places in the eastern United States. The extensive trade network attests to the complex and sophisticated society that built the Poverty Point earthworks.

It has been estimated that it took at least five million hours of labor to build the massive earthworks. Considering that the laborers carried this dirt to the site in baskets of about a 50-pound capacity, it is obvious that this was a great communal engineering feat. Dated between 1650 and 700 B.C., this site of more than 400 acres is unique among archaeological sites on this continent. 

In 1962, Poverty Point was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The site also became a Smithsonian Affiliate in 2010. An interpretive museum, special events, programs and guided tours, highlight activities at the park. Tram tours are given daily at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., from March 1 through October 31.

This site, which contains some of the largest prehistoric earth works in North America, is managed by the state of Louisiana. These state park facilities are open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily; the site is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

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' "Locks of Fun" Panama Canal Super Cruise

Rawhide Travel and Tours 

presents 

"Locks of Fun" 

 Panama Canal Super Cruise

November 04-19, 2014

$3949 per person based on double occupancy

Gone down lately? If you haven't, you can come with us if you join our 16 day "Locks of Fun" Panama Canal Super Cruise down South America way, and rumba 'til the cows come home on Celebrity Cruise Lines awesome 91,000 ton luxury Superliner, the M/S Infinity stopping at six of the most sought after ports in the world not too mention "passing through" the legendary Panama Canal itself!

 Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA you'll first visit dazzling Cartagena, Columbia (South America) where the world's supply of stunning emeralds can be found! Don't miss the Gold Museum where Samuel Bolivar lived while enjoying Latin history, culture and world renowned shopping!

Next stop, Colon, Panama (Central America)! Colon’s greatest claim to fame, and the main reason visitors come here, is the Colón Free Zone, a massive shopping showroom where retailers, wholesalers and the general public shop. And don't forget to take a ride on the restored Panama Canal Railway.

Next, the Panama Canal (Central America), what this adventure-filled super cruise is centered around. Here, you'll see the Three Colossal Locks ("Locks of Fun") while transiting through one of the greatest engineering wonders of the modern world for twelve hours of non-stop heart-pounding excitement with "once in a lifetime" spectacular photo opportunities as you cross from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean!

Next stop, enchanting Puntarenas, Costa Rica (Central America) where you can climb a real volcano, see Two Oceans at the same time, savor blooming orchids, see wild jaguars and ocelots in rain forests that dot this small fascinating country.

Next port is the quaint town of Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala (Central America) where visiting the best preserved ruins in the world in the ancient city of Tikal is a must. But visiting La Antigua, Guatemala's colonial capital is also must! Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Continuing to the Mexican Riviera, our first stop will be at world famous Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! From Yelapa Bay, where Night of The Iguana was filmed, to the majestic Sierre Padre Mountains that surround this sizzling resort town, you'll discover everything from jungle tours to shopping, and from fabulous sights to exotic dining. This is one lush port you'll long remember.

Last stop, Cabo San Lucas!  Located on the tip of Baja California on the Sea of Cortez, it's a favorite for many celebrities. Here, turquoise and azure blue waters, rugged cliffs, quiet coves teeming with abundant marine life, desert vistas and mountains all come together with a wash of vibrant colors. Awesome. And, as if all of these sights and thrills weren't enough, you'll also be enjoying a Deluxe Balconied Stateroom on  this magnificent luxury cruise including All Meals, nightly "Las Vegas style" entertainment, round trip air from Phoenix (air is also available from 171 other U.S. cities but price may vary depending on your actual departure city other than Phoenix), all foreign and US. taxes, all security, government and airport fees, all fuel surcharges, all transfers, several gala parties and events during the cruise..even cancellation insurance and ship tips! Oops! forgot the kitchen sink! So what are you waiting for? Some people wait a lifetime for their ship to come in. You only have to wait until November 04, 2014. Eyes in the back of your head recommended for this adventure. Experience life without a ripcord and call Rawhide Travel and Tours today! Limited space. Happy "sailing" trails to you!

Looking for that perfect beach 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

In the News:'Love Boat' Makes Final Voyage

Was your interest in cruises sparked by the 1970's tv series Love Boat?

One of the most famous cruise ships of the modern era, the former Pacific Princess, has made a final voyage to a scrapyard in Turkey.

The 42-year-old vessel, recognizable to millions of Americans as the "Love Boat" of 1970s television, will be dismantled for its metal and parts.

Small by today's standards, the 19,903-ton, 600-passenger ship has been setting at a dock in Genoa, Italy for several years. The vessel last sailed for Spanish-based Quail Cruises after changing hands a couple times since sailing for Princess Cruises from 1975 until 2002.

Built in 1971 for Flagship Cruises as the Sea Venture, the ship was renamed Pacific Princess in 1975 after joining the Princess fleet. It gained worldwide fame over the subsequent decade as the backdrop for ABC's The Love Boat television series, which aired from 1977 to 1986.

Cruise industry executives often credit the top-rated show for igniting a multi-year boom in cruise bookings. Starring Gavin MacLeod as Captain Stubing and Fred Grandy as Gopher, the hour-long comedy depicted fictional passengers and crew involved in adventures and romances at sea.

A new Pacific Princess joined the Princess fleet in 2002 and continues to sail for the line. The original Pacific Princess' name was changed to Pacific after it left the Princess fleet.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours 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