In the News: Airline Loses Your Bag, Now What?

There are things you can do to make the process smoother like following these steps that will help prevent your bag from getting lost, help get it back if it does go missing and even help you get some compensation if you never see it again.

Before You Fly

Do these things before you get on the plane:

Don't pack valuables: Some airlines state in the contract of carriage that they will not transport expensive or unique items. Besides, things have been known to go missing from checked-bags. If you must bring something irreplaceable or expensive, keep it on your person or in a carry-on bag.

Place a business card in your bag: Exterior tags can get damaged or torn off. Make it easy for the airline to reunite you with lost luggage.

Take a picture of your bag: So many bags look alike but a smartphone photo can jog your memory if you have to describe the bag once it's gone.

Make a report.

Do not leave the airport without making a report: Calling in a claim from home, even if it's the same day, is not good enough. The Department of Transportation has more tips.

Go to the baggage claim office: This is usually on the same floor as the carousel; that's where you'll fill out the missing baggage claim form. Get a copy before you leave.

If no one is in the office: Look for another airline employee and tell them your bag is gone. If it's late at night in a small airport and everyone's gone home, call the airline and make a verbal report, but be sure to jot down a note or two including the time of your call and the name of the person you spoke to.

Determine if your bag is truly lost.

There are different levels of compensation depending on whether your bag is lost or merely missing. Most bags are located within a day or so and many arrive on the very next flight. If your bag is truly lost, you may have to wait a week or more before the airline makes it official.

If you want to see how your airline stacks up against others regarding mishandled bags, the Department of Transportation publishes monthly statistics.

Which airline to contact.

If you flew non-stop and had a baggage problem, you know who to contact. But if you flew a connecting flight with multiple airlines or codeshare partners it can be confusing.

Doesn't matter. Lost bags are the responsibility of the airline that flies you to your ultimate destination, so direct all calls and email inquiries to the last carrier.

Your compensation.

If a bag is missing for a short period: The DOT says, "You are entitled to reasonable reimbursement for expenses you incur while waiting for the delayed bag, such as the purchase of toiletries and a change of underwear." Actual compensation varies by airline. I know of one carrier that paid for an inexpensive shirt and pair of pants when a bag went missing two days but don't go crazy. Find the compensation form you'll need to fill out on your airline's website by searching "lost bag" or give them a call. Save all receipts; you may need them later.

If a bag is lost: Get ready to negotiate. While it is true airlines are obligated to pay up to $3,330 per missing bag (for domestic flights), the key phrase is "up to."  As the Department of Transportation points out, "airlines don't automatically pay the full amount of every claim they receive. Like insurance companies, airlines consider the depreciated value of your possessions, not their original price or the replacement costs." One more thing: If a bag is lost, your bag fee will be refunded but you have to ask, and you may have to fill out a separate form for this. Contact the airline to learn more.

Don't exaggerate your claim: If anything seems fishy to the airline, it might try to deny the entire claim on the basis of fraud.

Be careful what you agree to: The DOT says an airline may offer you a cash settlement or vouchers for future tickets that appear to be worth more than the cash payout. If you want the tickets, grill the airline thoroughly about blackout dates and restrictions. Free tickets aren't much good if you can't use them.

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

Off the Beaten Path: Argentina

Argentina is a vast country but surprisingly easy to get around. The two best ways of traveling around this country are by plane and bus. We would recommend the latter for comfort, price and a way of seeing the countryside. The bus service in Argentina is exceptional.  Long distance buses are luxurious, with many having seats the size of first-class airline seats, offering free drinks and snacks. Also, the majority of long distance buses run during the night, which is ideal for a backpacker,  to save money on accommodation.

If you want to learn how a local Argentine lives their usual, daily lives, experience it first hand by heading a little further away from the metropolis and into the numerous, sprawling ranches owned by local farmer families. Backpackers and tourists who love a twist in their journey stay a day or two as guests of an estancia owner. This is total Argentine immersion, rural living. Walk on foot or on horseback with a gaucho amidst majestic scenery which paints a surreal picture of the countryside.

In the eyes of a tourist, Patagonia is the place of the massive river of ice- Perito Moreno Glacier. But on the side of a Paleontologist, the rocky,Three Towers Patagonia wild, and exotic badlands of Patagonia hides the remnants of dinosaurs. In fact, it was in this place where the fossil of the greatest meat-eating reptile, the Giganotosaurus, was dug up in July 1993 by Rubén Darío Carolini. The giant reptile was even larger than the T-Rex and weighed 9,500 kg when it roamed the Earth. Argentine Patagonia not only offers an opportunity to capture photos of a very diverse ecosystem, but also enchants the kids at heart who love dinosaurs.

Known best for its wine, Mendoza is a bustling city to the east of Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere. Although it draws its share of adventure travelers, lured by the climbing, skiing, hiking and rafting opportunities within an easy drive of downtown, the area’s more than 1,000 vineyards bring oenophiles in even greater numbers. But also nature rules in this city that serves as a starting point for all kinds of adventure activities and high country sports, such as mountaineering, climbing and ski, as well as river rafting, which is practiced in the Mendoza River, with some very difficult stretches highly praised by the best sportsmen in the world. 

If you want to see subtropical wildlife without the crowds, Esteros del Ibera is the place to go. No single subtropical wetland can surpass this sea of aquatic grasslands, floating islands, and gallery forests with wildlife so tame that photographers feel like they're shooting in a taxidermist's shop. Because of its remote location in the province of Corrientes, the handful of visitors who view its caimans, monkeys, otters, capybaras, marsh deer, and some 300 species of birds comprise only a small fraction of the numbers who swarm the Pantanal. It's also affordable, with rustically stylish accommodations in the village of Colonia Pellegrini, one and a half hours from the city of Mercedes and reasonably priced guides. This makes a good combination with the more conventional destination of Cataratas del Iguazu, but true wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty to keep themselves occupied for several days at Ibera.

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

Culinary Travel: Argentina

Tucumán is Argentina’s smallest province, located in the Northeast of the country, bordering with the provinces of Salta (North), Santiago del Estero (East and South), and Catamarca (West and South). Many visitors plan a visit to Tucuman as a peaceful stop before heading to the wine countries of Salta.

The trick to making these beef empanadas is to cut the beef into very small pieces (carne cortada a cuchillo). The Tucumán region of Argentina is famous for these artisan handmade empanadas filled with seasoned, finely chopped beef and onions. Optional ingredients include raisins, olives, and hardboiled eggs, although raisins and olives are not traditional. You can make these in one day, but the filling tastes best if allowed to rest in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. The dough can be made ahead as well. If you have left over pot roast, it works very well in this recipe.

Beef Empanadas - Empanadas Tucumanas
Prep Time: 14 hours

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 14 hours, 25 minutes

Ingredients:
1 pound beef steak
1/2 cup beef fat, lard, or vegetable oil
1 cup chopped white onion
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
1/4-1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 green onions, white and green parts sliced crosswise into thin rings
1 cup raisins, soaked in hot water for 5 minutes and drained (optional)
1/2 cup chopped green olives (optional)
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 - 3/4 cup water
4 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup lard or vegetable shortening

Directions:

For the Filling:
Finely chop the beef into 1 cm. square pieces.

Cook the garlic and the white onions in the beef fat or oil until tender.

Add the paprika, cumin, salt, and chili pepper, and stir well.

Add the beef and cook until just browned. Add 1/2 to 1 cup water and simmer for 5-10 minutes more, allowing water to boil off. The filling should be juicy but not watery, and the meat should be tender.

Stir in the green onions and sauté 1 minute more. Stir in optional raisins, green olives and hard boiled eggs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Chill beef mixture for 2 to 24 hours.

Make the dough:
Sift the salt with the flour into a bowl.

Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the lard or shortening into the flour until well blended. Slowly stir in the water a little at a time, reserving some.

Turn the dough out onto a flat surface and knead, adding more water if necessary until the dough comes together into smooth clump. If you add too much water and the dough is too sticky, you can knead in some more flour.

Knead the dough for 5 to 10 minutes, until it is smooth and stretchy. The dough should not be sticky at all. Cover dough with a dish towel and let dough relax at room temperature for 30 minutes. You can wrap the dough in plastic warp and keep in the refrigerator overnight.

Shape the empanandas:
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Roll out half the dough very thin, to 1/4" thick. Cut the dough into 4-5 inch rounds, using a large cookie cutter, bowl, or coffee can. Knead the scraps into a ball and let the dough rest, covered, while you roll out the other half of dough. You should end up with 20 to 24 rounds, depending on the size.

Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the middle of a dough round. Brush edges of circle with water. Fold the round in half over the filling, and press down hard along the edges to seal.

Starting at one end of the pressed-down edge, fold the edge towards the middle and press down. Move your fingers over 1/2 inch and fold the edge into the middle again. Continue around the sealed edge of the empanada, folding the edge over itself, to make a twisted rope effect.

Bake the empanadas for 10 minutes, then turn the temperature down to 400 degrees and bake for 10-15 minutes more. The empanadas should be golden brown.

Store baked empanadas in the refrigerator or freezer and reheat in the microwave. Unbaked empanadas can also be frozen.

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

Great Places to Take the Grandchildren: Grand Canyon Railway's Polar Express

This is our first blog  in a series about the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel. We decided to start it off by featuring the Polar Express since it fills up quickly. 

This  is a very special chance for you and your family to experience the magic of The Polar Express™, the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. Make this a family holiday tradition. The Polar Express is great for every age group, young or old. Where Christmas is concerned we are all young at heart.

Grand Canyon Railway’s The Polar Express is a magical, nighttime train adventure to the “North Pole.” During the holiday season The Polar Express departs the Williams Depot in Williams, AZ on select dates and times, and takes you and your family on a journey through the moonlit wilderness.



Much like in the book and movie, guests can expect a lively bunch of elves and other characters to provide constant entertainment. Photo-ops are plentiful as you are encouraged to sing, dance and act out old fashioned holiday songs, and read along to The Polar Express story. Fill up on cookies and hot chocolate provided by Santa’s chefs just before you arrive at the North Pole.

Upon arrival to Santa’s Village, the train will fill with anticipation as Santa makes his way through the cars, visiting every boy, girl, mom and dad, grandma and grandpa leaving them with a special gift. Santa will visit each car as the train returns to the Williams Depot.

Make your family's holiday reservations by calling Rawhide Travel and Tours today (because space is limited to those who truly believe in the spirit of Christmas) 602-843-5100.  Ask about all the Grand Canyon Railway packages that include food and lodging. Remember, when you stop believing, you stop receiving!

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

Update: Rawhide Travel and Tours Holiday Tree

The Little Tree and his friend Minnie are ready for their vacation in Hawaii. Their dilemma is what island or islands to visit, that is why they are having Rawhide Travel and Tours help them plan their trip.

Known as the “Valley Isle,” Maui is dotted with quaint towns, artist communities and local favorites that have been around for generations. Head to Wailuku for pastries from a “mom and pop” bakery, or head to Lahaina for a taste of Maui’s famed farm to table cuisine. From shimmering beaches and sacred Iao Valley to migrating humpback whales and sunset on Haleakala, it’s not surprising Maui was voted the “Best Island” by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler for 19 years.

On the island of Oahu, learn to ride the waves in Waikiki where surfing was born or catch a big-wave surf meet on Oahu’s famed North Shore. Between sunrise and sunset, you’ll have hours to explore the hottest farm to table restaurants, browse the latest designer and local fashions, check out the urban art scene in Chinatown or stroll into Hawaii’s history at Iolani Palace. When the sun goes down, the “Heartbeat of Hawaii” awakens to a new beat, and it’s time to put on your dancing shoes.

Think big. Hawaii Island is the youngest and largest island in the Hawaiian chain, but it’s remarkable for more than just its size. Picture yourself visiting Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, or talk story with a cultural demonstrator at Puuhonua o Honaunau, a historic park that was once a place of refuge. Whether you’re walking on a black sand beach, snorkeling with manta rays, horseback riding in Waimea or sailing along the Kona Coast, Hawaii, the Big Island is your island for adventure.

Unwind and let the oxygen-rich air of Kauai’s Wailua River invigorate your spirit as you kayak to a cascading waterfall. Or breathe deeply at the edge of the time-swept Waimea Canyon as it speaks to you without words. On Kauai, native fishponds amaze with 1,000-year old forward thinking, while legends of the Napali Coast transport you back in time. From the small towns of Hanapepe and Old Koloa Town to sunny Poipu Beach, this is truly “Hawaii’s Island of Discovery.”

So many great place and many things to do, it is so hard to decide. But we know that the experienced travel agents at Rawhide Travel and Tours will help them make the most of their vacation time.

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

In the News: Glitch Crashes U.S. Passport, Visa Operations

The State Department's global database for issuing travel documents has crashed, resulting in major delays for potentially millions of people around the world waiting for U.S. passports and visas, officials said Wednesday. 

Unspecified glitches in the department's Consular Consolidated Database have resulted in "significant performance issues, including outages" in the processing of applications for passports, visas and reports of Americans born abroad. The outage started on Saturday. 

 It is reported that the problem is worldwide and not specific to any particular country, citizenship document, or visa category. Harf said the problems with the database have resulted in an "extensive backlog" of applications, which has, in turn, hampered efforts to get the system fully back on line.

 It was not immediately clear how many people are affected, but two U.S. officials familiar with the situation said some 50,000 applicants were hit in one country alone. 

The database is the State Department's system of record and is used to approve, record and print visas and other documents to ensure that national security checks are conducted on applicants.

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

Off the Beaten Path: Jamaica

Miles of untouched coastline, cascading waterfalls and natural mineral baths make Jamaica the magical place it is.

Those looking for a less isolated experience should consider exploring southwestern Jamaica, just a 90-minute drive from Montego Bay. Jamaica's southwestern coast lacks an international airport making the region less accessible to mass tourism.

Major southwestern coast sights include a safari excursion on the Black River, where crocodiles can be observed; a tour of the historic Appleton Rum Estate (including a tasting) and kicking back at YS Falls, where visitors can hurl themselves over a waterfall pool via a Tarzan swing. Be sure to make time for a visit to Treasure Beach, site of Lovers Leap, a 1,600-foot sea cliff where two star-crossed Jamaican slaves leapt to their deaths rather than be separated.

One of Jamaica's most iconic off-the-beaten path destinations is the Pelican Bar. To get there, travelers will have to take a short boat ride to a ramshackle bar out on the sea, perched on stilts sunk into a sandbar. The owner will set up visitors with a frosty Red Stripe and some fresh-caught seafood.

Visit the legendary distillery nestled in the picturesque Nassau Valley on Jamaica’s Southcoast. The Appleton Estate Rum Tour will take you on a journey through time to learn about the history of rum and to give you an inside look at how the finest rum in the world is made. Take in the beauty, character and colour of the Estate’s grounds which offer plenty of unique photo opportunities.

YS Falls boasting a magnificent 7 tiered cascading waterfall, an expansive wading pool fed by underground springs, exciting canopy rides which carreen you down the alley high above the falls. river tube rides and spectactular views, adventure waits for you in the Jungle.

Treasure Beach is the generic name given to four Jamaican coves and their associated settlements: Billy's Bay, Frenchman's Bay, Calabash Bay and Great Pedro Bay. Located east of Treasure Beach, Lovers Leap is a sheer 1700-foot cliff overhanging the sea. It was here that two slave lovers leaped to their deaths rather than be separated.

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

Culinary Travel: Jamaica

Paradise in Jamaica can be whatever you want it to be, lose yourself in the adventure and take it all in. Get back to nature in the magic of rainforests, which seem to be as alive as any of the tropical animals that live there. Take your loved ones to hike the Blue Mountains and look at the world through new eyes. Meet friendly people, try the food and watch the sunset over the Caribbean Sea to the sound of slow reggae rhythms and good times.
  
Jamaica's Red Stripe is famous around the world for it great taste. Now you can have that taste in chicken.  

Red Stripe Chicken
Serving size 4-6

Ingredients:
•¼ cup vegetable oil 
•3 pounds  chicken 
•2 cups canned coconut milk/cream 
•1 cup Red Stripe beer  
•1 Large onion (chopped) 
•1 large green bell pepper 
•Salt and pepper .

Method:
Cut the chicken into serving pieces 
De-deseed green bell pepper and chop up onion 
Heat vegetable oil in Dutch pot 
Brown the chicken in oil (both sides) 
Remove the chicken 
Pour off some of the oil. 
Leave 2 table spoon of oil in the pot 
Return the chicken to the pot 
Add the coconut milk and red strip beer 
Once the pot is boiling reduce to heat to a simmer 
Cook for 30 minutes 
Add  onion, bell pepper 
Add salt and pepper to taste 
Let simmer for 15-20 minutes as the liquid reduces and thickens. 
If the liquid evaporates before the chicken is done replenish more Red Stripe beer. 
Serve while hot 

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

Great Places to Take the Grandchildren: Williams, Arizona

Williams, Arizona is a destination known for things to do for visitors of all ages. From cruising Route 66, planning a visit to the Grand Canyon, riding the rails, getting up close to the wildlife at a drive-thru wildlife park, hitting the trail with some outdoor recreation, or shopping for that perfect souvenir, this is the place to do it.

Attractions in Williams come in all different forms. Whether you are looking for a leisurely ride to the Grand Canyon in style, a chance to enjoy nature up close and personal at a wildlife park, or just enjoy what Route 66 has to offer, you’ll find it in Williams.

Route 66 conjures up thoughts of rich history, soda fountains, neon lights, classic cars, and fun! Only in Williams, Arizona will you find a stretch of Route 66 with shopping, dining, lodging, and cowboy action- fun for the whole family.

Route 66 is an experience, a feeling, a perception, a taste of sight & sound, and a mystery that can only be resolved by driving the pavement itself. The “super-highway”, as it was thought of in 1926, represented unprecedented freedom to travel across the American West. The original paved highway was a narrow two-lane road (slightly wider than one lane of a modern highway) that spanned over 2,300 miles from Chicago, Illinois to Long Beach, California.

We will covering some of the attractions found around Williams in depth so stay tuned. One of the attractions we will be covering is the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel. We would like to give a little piece of advice about two events, since they are a limited time events and are very popular, now would be the time to make your reservations. The Pumpkin Patch Train runs weekends in October and the Polar Express runs selected dates in November and December.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today to book that special holiday time for you, your children and your grandchildren. 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

Let Us Help You Get Lost

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

Off the Beaten Path: Earnslaw Burn, New Zealand

Glenorchy (about 25 miles from Queenstown) is one of the most alluring destinations in New Zealand, famous for its stunning alpine scenery and its spirit of adventure. It is also one of the most popular visitor destinations in the country, but up in the valleys and mountains there is space and solitude for every traveller.

When you're visiting Queenstown, why not detour off the beaten track for a few hours and follow in the footsteps of dwarves and hobbits and take the track to Earnslaw Burn glacier. One of the most magical locations in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.  Earnslaw Burn is a glacier that has created a number of cascading waterfalls  that tumble down huge rock faces and the hike offers spectacular views at the head of the valley over the glacier and beyond. You can follow Bilbo's tracks when he and his company of dwarves continue their quest after leaving Rivendell.

Diamond Creek, 20 minutes one way
From Glenorchy on the Routeburn Road you can follow Diamond Creek up to Reid Lake. This track is sometimes boggy as it is one of Glenorchy's wet lands allowing great viewing of birdlife and magnificent mountain views of Paradise and the Dart Valley. 

Double Barrel Creek, 30 minutes one way
This easy short walk from the Routeburn Shelter will take you through a tall red beach forest overlooking Sugarloaf Pass, the cirqued rock face of Momus, and Bridal Veil Falls cascading from the hanging valley. 

Routeburn Day Walk
From the Routeburn Shelter Hut, take this popular day walk up to Routeburn Flats Hut, or if you feel you would like more of a challenge then the extra 3 km onwards to the Routeburn Falls waterfall is well worth a visit. The Routeburn Track is listed as one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and is rich in native flora and bird life. 

Horse Riding
Glenorchy is known for its horses and some of the most scenic riding in the world. Two commercial companies operating in the area offer great riding opportunities for everyone from the complete beginner to the experienced. Two hour, all day or multi day treks will take you riding through open flat land, river crossings and untouched beech forests, while taking in the mountain vista.

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 

Culinary Travel: New Zealand

Located in the South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand might look small on a world map, but it’s as diverse as several continents rolled into one. New Zealand is jam-packed with things to do. The hardest part of planning your holiday will be deciding which to do first.

The pavlova was named after the Russian Ballet dancer Anna Pavlova when she visited Australia and New Zealand in the 1920s. Both New Zealanders and Australians like to claim it as their own.

Chocolate Pavlova with Raspberries

Serving size: Serves 8

Cooking time: More than 1 hour

Ingredients
6 egg whites
1½ cups caster sugar
¼ cup  cocoa powder sifted
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
2 oz dark chocolate, chopped finely (Lindt) 
2 cups mascarpone 
¼ cup  milk
approximately 1 cup fresh raspberries (or strawberries)
dark chocolate curls, extra

Method
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large oven tray with non-stick baking paper; mark a 8 inch circle on baking paper. Grease and dust with cornflour, shake away excess.

Beat egg whites in a large bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, gradually add sugar, beat until dissolved between additions.

When sugar is dissolved, gently fold in sifted cocoa, vinegar and chopped chocolate.

Spoon mixture onto prepared tray inside circle, smooth the sides and top of pavlova.

Place pavlova in oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 250 degreees F. Bake for about 1¼ to 1½ hours or until dry to touch. Turn oven off and cool pavlova in the oven with the door ajar.

Just before serving, place pavlova onto serving plate. Place mascarpone in a bowl, gently whisk in enough milk to form a soft consistency. (Mascarpone varies in texture so add gradually and only if needed.) Spoon mascarpone mixture on top of pavlova and sprinkle with berries. Decorate with extra chocolate, if desired.

Not suitable to freeze or microwave.

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 Celebrates Ron Oster’s Birthday With A Party

Our loyal readers will remember that last Monday, July 7th we featured Ron Oster’s actual birthdate. This Monday we want to recap the celebration of Ron’s big day on Saturday July 12th. What a great party, Saturday evening. 

First, a big thank you to Diana Duncan and Debbie Jakubowski who are the heroes that made the birthday party possible.  In addition to their regular Rawhide Travel and Tours duties they found the time to put together the location, decorations, the menu and all the guests that made it such a memorable evening for Ron. Thanks to Diana and Debbie everything was perfect.

The evening was highlighted with a wonderful dinner shared with friends. Some fun stories about Ron's private pilot flying days, the havoc caused to three southern California airports, other pilots and the airplane were shared for the first time with many of us. Ask Ron to share the story with you if you missed it.

In addition to his own flying we were treated to tales of Ron’s tour of duty in Germany from 1962 to 1965. 

Ron also spoke of his days in the radio 
broadcasting business where he spent years as a well known D.J. in California.

Many of the gifts were running related, paying homage to Ron’s running passion. Ron shared the opening with the birthday party crowd.

A great gift to all of the rest of us is that Ron’s has spent years helping many people with their own travel plans and leading numerous groups on trips around the world.

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

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
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In the News: Ride the World’s Tallest Waterslide

Get ready to ride. Verrückt, the world's tallest water slide, is finally opening today at Schlitterbahn Kansas City Waterpark. The 17-story, 168-foot-tall ride in Kansas City, Kansas, was originally scheduled to open May 23 but the date was pushed back three times for more testing and then to fix problems with the conveyor belt.

Verrückt, which takes its name from the German word for "insane," was certified as the world's tallest water slide in April by Guinness World Records. Riders must climb 264 steps to reach the top of the attraction, which sends them plummeting on three-person rafts more than 60 mph down a steep ramp and back up a 55-foot hill. Kansas City Mayor Mark Holland, one of the first to take a test run down the slide on Wednesday, called it "terrifying and terrific."

 It takes 264 steps to get to the top of the world’s tallest water slide, but coming down is a much quicker and much more exciting adventure: about 18 seconds.

Riders sit in a three-person raft and are secured with a seat belt. The chute drops 168 feet, 7 inches, a bit more than Niagara Falls, and the raft hits speeds of 60 to 70 mph.

To ride requires meeting a lot of prerequisites: Riders must be at least 54 inches tall and 14 years old. Then there’s a weigh-in: The combined weight of riders per raft must be between 400 and 550 pounds. To make sure, riders only get the go-ahead after standing together on a scale at the bottom of the tower and again at the top.

Rides on Verrückt are scheduled to start at noon each day beginning Thursday, July 10th. Verruckt is the tallest water slide in the world and dominates the skyline at our Kansas City Schlitterbahn. Adventure seekers will be able to share this experience as they strap into a 3 person raft that will slide down a jaw dropping 168 foot 7 inch structure, only to be blasted back up a second massive hill and then sent down yet another gut wrenching 50 foot drop for the ultimate in water slide thrills!

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 

Off the Beaten Path: Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania is a truly unique and beautiful Australian experience. It  is known as the natural state with pristine wilderness areas to explore, overland tracks to hike and some of best fresh produce in Australia to enjoy along the way.

Hobart, Australia’s second oldest city, retains so much of its historical and heritage buildings and atmosphere and has the stunning backdrop of Mt Wellington.

The Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula is Australia’s most intact and evocative convict site and one of Australia's great tourist destinations. The Site has more than 30 buildings, ruins and restored period homes, dating from the prison’s establishment in 1830 until its closure in 1877. During this time around 12,500 convicts served sentences and for many it was a living hell. Today, the site sits in 98 acres of landscaped grounds and you'll need plenty of time to fully experience all that it has to offer.

Cataract Gorge Reserve, known locally as the Gorge, is a unique natural formation within a two-minute drive of central Launceston - a rare natural phenomenon in any city. In an easy 15 minutes, you can walk from central Launceston along the banks of the Tamar River into the Gorge and from here follow a pathway originally built in the 1890s along the cliff face looking down onto the South Esk River. The First Basin on the southern side has a cafe and a swimming pool surrounded by bushland knows to locals as Launceston’s beach. In contrast, the shady northern side, named the Cliff Grounds, is a Victorian garden created with ferns and exotic plants. The beautiful Kings Bridge over the Gorge was floated into place in 1867. With a kiosk, restaurant and swimming pool, rolling lawns and a rotunda, a footbridge and chairlift across the river, peacocks, and wallabies at dusk, this may be Australia's most alluring urban reserve.

Mount Wellington is a wilderness experience just a 20-minute drive from Hobart and is much loved by locals. The 13 mile drive to the summit passes through temperate rainforest to sub-alpine flora and glacial rock formations, ending in panoramic views of Hobart, Bruny Island, South Arm and the Tasman Peninsula. No other city in Australia has a vista like this one. The interpretation centre at the top protects you from the blustering winds while an open viewing platform on the western side of the car park looks out to the southern World Heritage Area beyond. There are bushwalking trails suited to all fitness levels and barbecue and picnic facilities are provided. Mountain activities also include trail biking and abseiling.

Tasmania is a natural haven for Australian wildlife. Bennetts wallabies, seals, penguins and wedge-tailed eagles can be found without venturing too far from the state’s capital, Hobart, and encounters with friendly wildlife are an almost inevitable feature of travels around the state. 

About the size of a small dog, the Tasmanian devil is the world’s largest surviving carnivorous marsupial and is found only in Tasmania. The discordant snarls, screeches and growls they make are believed to have contributed to the naming of the devil and they are often heard fighting over food and during mating.

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

Culinary Travel: Australia

Sydney offers plenty of historical and contemporary Australian flavor. The marvelous Sydney Opera House looks like a great origami sailboat, floating peacefully in a harbor.

Lovely, laid-back Melbourne has something for everyone: family fare, local and international art, haute boutiques, multicultural dining, Australian and Aboriginal history, spectator sports, and pulsing, swanky nightlife.

Australia’s third-largest city, Brisbane is the hub of Queensland culture, offering a peek at the past and a glimpse into the future.

The humble meat pie is as Australian as it gets. While Americans love hamburgers, Australians love their meat pies and sausage rolls more. The original settlers in Australia preferred low-cost, plentiful mutton as the meat for their pies. Beef is now the meat of choice in pies with a variety of styles.

Australian Meat Pies

Filling – Ingredients
2 lbs chuck or round steak
2 bacon slices  chopped
1  large onion, peeled and finely chopped
13 fl. oz water
½  teaspoon black pepper
½  teaspoon salt
¼  teaspoon thyme
2  tablespoons flour

Filling – Directions
Remove any fat and cube the chuck into about 1 cm (½ inch) pieces.

Fry the bacon and onion over a low heat and add the chuck when the onions are slightly soft.

Season with salt, pepper and thyme, add the water, cover and simmer for about 1 hour.

In a bowl, slowly add a little water to the flour and stir until it forms a smooth, runny mixture.

Slowly stir the flour-water mixture into the meat mixture until it thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Pastry:   Ingredients
2 cups flour
pinch salt
2 ounces margarine or butter
5 fluid ounces cold water
1 package commercial puff pastry

Pastry – Directions
In a mixing bowl, add salt to the flour and then cut in the margarine until mixed with the dough.

Add water and lemon juice to the dough.

Remove the dough and gently knead on a lightly-floured surface.

Let the dough rest for about 20 minutes and then roll it out.

The Pie – Directions
Line the small pie dishes with the pastry and fill with the cooled meat mixture.

Moisten the rim of the pies with milk or beaten egg so the tops will stick to it.
Place a layer of commercial puff pastry on top of each pie to form a lid and trim away the excess.

Press the edges together with a fork to seal.

Make a hole in the centre of each pie to allow the steam to escape and glaze the tops with beaten egg or milk.

Meat PieBake pies at 375° F for 15 - 20 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve hot with tomato sauce on top.

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

Happy Birthday Ron!

Guess what today is? It's Ron's Birthday!

We Would All Like to Wish Ron a Very Happy Birthday!

Ron is the original and current owner of Rawhide Travel and Tours. He opened Rawhide Travel and Tours on March 03, 1980.

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

Fourth of July Fireworks

Fourth of July Fireworks should be larger than life.  Here are five of the best fireworks shows around the country

Macy's Firework Spectacular - New York, NY
New York City's fireworks have returned once again to the East River and the city is celebrating big time with the Macy's 38th annual display that promises to brighten up the Big Apple with plenty of evening sky sparklers.  The 26-minute show, which sets off approximately 75,000 pounds of fireworks, begins between 9 p.m. and 9:20. 23rd-59th Street along the West Side highway will be closed to traffic beginning at 4 p.m., so head over and nab a seat early – they fill up fast.

A Capitol Fourth - Washington, D.C.
Leading the way in true patriotic tradition, the nation's capital will host a fireworks extravaganza to properly honor Independence Day on the national Mall. The 20-minute show on the National Mall shoots 66,000 pounds of fireworks for its 500,000 visitors. The fireworks begin after 9 p.m., following a parade, and are set to a soundtrack by The National Symphony Orchestra. To sit on the Mall, be prepared to go through a security checkpoint where all bags and coolers are examined. It's worth it, though – the base of the Lincoln Memorial is a beautiful place to watch the show.

Lights on the Lake - Lake Tahoe, CA
Lake Tahoe receives around 100,000 visitors every year for its 23-minute show of 5,000 fireworks, which are shot from a barge in the middle of the lake. Watch the show, which starts at 9:45 p.m., from the shore, from docks, or even from a paddleboat on the lake.

Fisherman's Wharf Fireworks Extravaganza - San Francisco, CA
The 21-minute show expects a good 600,000 attendees every year, so make sure to get there on time – it starts at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks are launched from the foot of the Municipal Pier and off barges just north of Pier 39. When the show is over, go dancing – live entertainment is offered in the Pier 39 Entrance Plaza. Also, say hi to the sea lions.

Kaboom Town! - Addison, TX
Addison's 30-minute show is a three-decade old tradition that attracts a good 500,000 viewers. The fireworks can be seen from anywhere in Addison, including the city's 170 restaurants, which broadcast the show. The show itself takes place in Addison Circle Park and begins with an air show by the Addison Airport. Parking spaces, however, may be impossible to find – the best way to go is to park in a nearby town and walk.

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