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.

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

In the News: Hidden Hotel Fees and How to Avoid Them

Hotels have always offered their share of unreasonable fees -- such as exorbitant taxes and dollar-a-minute telephone charges -- but in recent years the industry has begun to add more. Ever been socked with a per-a-night "resort fee," or had the pleasure of paying simply for having a safe in your room, even if you never used it? These are just a few of the fees that hotels are tacking onto travelers' bills.

The Most Common Fees:

Airport shuttle: Before you assume that the shuttle from the airport to your hotel is free, be sure to ask; some hotels are starting to charge a fee for this usually complimentary service.

Bellhop/housekeeper gratuities: Sometimes called a service charge or service fee, this expense may be charged per day or per stay, and it covers gratuities for bellhops and housekeeping staff. Look out for this charge particularly if you're traveling with a convention or large group.

Bottled water and snacks: Think twice before touching that "complimentary" bottle of water that the hotel has left on your desk. It could cost you upwards of $5. Same for for fruit plates, cookies or other munchies. If in doubt, call down to the front desk before indulging.

Cancellation: Before assuming that you can cancel your reservation a day or two before you arrive, read your hotel's cancellation policy carefully. You may be penalized the price of a night's stay (or more).

Checking in and out: Have your travel plans changed? Some hotels will charge you a fee for checking in early or checking out late.

Energy surcharge: In an effort to pass rising energy costs on to consumers, many hotels now tack an energy surcharge of several dollars a day onto their guests' bills.

Groundskeeping fee: If your resort has acres of lush lawns, gardens or golf courses,  you could be footing the bill in the form of a groundskeeping surcharge.

In-room safe: Some hotels are charging guests  just for the privilege of having a safe in their room, even if it's never opened. The fee supposedly covers both the cost of the safe and insurance for its contents.

Internet: Most hotels, particularly those serving business travelers, offer high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi services. Costs vary widely; while many hotels offer complimentary Internet access, others charge per minute or per day, so be sure to ask before logging on. Also, note that some hotels charge for Wi-Fi by device, not by room.

Luggage holding: Need your hotel to store your bags for a few hours after you check out? At certain hotels, you'll have to pay a few bucks for the privilege.

Minibars: There are a number of different fees associated with minibars -- even if you never eat or drink any of the goodies inside. Picking up an item and putting it back can trigger the minibar's sensors, immediately adding the price of the item to your bill. On sensitive machines, even jostling minibar items as you add your own food to the fridge can incur a charge. And if you try to avoid the hassle entirely by calling ahead and asking the minibar to be emptied before your arrival, beware you could be charged a "restocking" fee.

Packages: Some hotels charge $1 to $25 to mail packages for their guests, with similar fees for receiving packages. These fees may vary based on the size or number of packages.

Resort fee: This ubiquitous surcharge runs anywhere from $10 to $60 per day and can cover a wide variety of services and amenities, such as a business center, a pool, a gym, daily newspaper delivery, housekeeping or "free" local calls. Even if you don't use any of these services, you'll still get stuck with the tab.

Taxes and other local charges: Taxes are no huge surprise to most travelers, but what about concessionary fees to pay for local building projects or tourism marketing efforts? Hotels often pass these mandatory charges straight from the local government to you.

Telephone: Before picking up the receiver, study your hotel's list of telephone charges carefully. Some hotels charge for local and toll-free calls, while others do not. You may occasionally be charged simply for dialing, even if your call is never connected.

Towels: An extra towel at the pool could cost you an extra dollar or two, particularly if you bring it back to your room with you.

Tips for Avoiding Hotel Fees:

 Do Your Research
Beyond taxes, it can be difficult to figure out which fees will be charged at a particular hotel or resort before you book. Most of the fees listed above aren't listed on hotel booking sites in your final breakdown of charges.

Ask Ahead of Time
Call the hotel and ask which fees will apply to your stay -- and whether any of them can be waived ahead of time. Keep in mind that fees can vary within the same chain, so it's best to dial the individual property directly instead of calling the 800 reservations number. Write down the names of any staff members you speak with and which fees they agree to waive.

Don't Tip Twice
Before you leave a tip for your housekeeper, make sure the hotel isn't already charging you a housekeeping gratuity fee. If it is, you can skip the additional tip or ask for the fee to be removed so that you can tip at your own discretion.

Stock Up
Bring your own snacks and bottled water to help yourself resist the lure of the minibar or the edible "gifts" the hotel leaves on your desk.

When in Doubt, Ask
During your stay, don't take anything for granted. Before using the gym or taking an extra towel at the pool, ask if a fee applies.

Join a Loyalty Program
Some hotels offer special perks including waived fees  to members of their loyalty programs.

Use Your Cell Phone
Hotel telephone charges can be confusing and pricey, so avoid the hassle entirely by using your own cell phone.

Allow Plenty of Time at Check-Out
Many travelers are in such a hurry to leave their hotel that they sign and pay their bill without looking it over  and that's just what hotels are counting on. Allow yourself plenty of time to survey the charges and dispute any that seem unfair. You'll have a much better chance of getting them removed from your bill if you negotiate before you sign on the dotted line.

Know Your Rights
Federal law requires that all hotel fees be clearly disclosed. This usually happens in the fine print so read the terms and conditions of your reservations agreement carefully. If you discover fees at check-out that weren't disclosed to you in writing, point them out to the hotel staff and ask them to be removed.

Best way to avoid unexcepted hotel fees and extra charges is to have your travel agent handle your reservations. 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: Bolivia

City of Potosí
In the 16th century, this area was regarded as the world’s largest industrial complex. The extraction of silver ore relied on a series of hydraulic mills. The site consists of the industrial monuments of the Cerro Rico, where water is provided by an intricate system of aqueducts and artificial lakes; the colonial town with the Casa de la Moneda; the Church of San Lorenzo; several patrician houses; and the barrios mitayos, the areas where the workers lived.

Potosí is the one example of the best major silver mine in modern times. The city and the region conserve spectacular traces of this activity: the industrial infrastructure comprised 22 reservoirs, from which a forced flow of water produce the hydraulic power to activate the 140 mills to grind silver ore. The ground ore was then amalgamated with mercury in refractory earthen kilns called huayras or guayras. It was then moulded into bars and stamped with the mark of the Royal Mint. From the mine to the Royal Mint, the whole production chain is conserved, along with dams, aqueducts, milling centers and kilns. Production continued until the 18th century, slowing down only after the country's independence in 1825.

The site consists of the industrial monuments of the Cerro Rico, where water is provided by an intricate system of aqueducts and artificial lakes; the colonial town with the Casa de la Moneda; the Church of San Lorenzo; several patrician houses; and the barrios mitayos, the areas where the workers lived.

The Casa de la Moneda (House of the Mint), in the center of the city close to Republic Square, was constructed between 1753 and 1773. The first mint in Potosí was built during the second half of the 18th century to control minting activities right where the silver was extracted. The Museo de la Casa de la Moneda has exhibits on silver and gold coining as well as colonial paintings. 

The church of San Francisco was the first church built during the colonial period; it houses the patron of Potosí, El Senor de la Vera Cruz. The church of San Lorenzo was built in 1548; it is an outstanding example of dressed stone in the local Baroque style. Museo de San Francisco has samples of religious art which includes works by Perez de Holguín.

On December 11, 1987, the UNESCO declared the city of Potosí a "World Heritage Site" in recognition for its rich history and its wealth of colonial architecture.

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
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Culinary Travel: Bolivia

Cochabamba is one of Bolivia’s boom cities and has a distinct, almost Mediterranean, vitality that perhaps owes something to its clement climate. While much of the city’s population is typically poor, parts of town have a notably prosperous feel. The spacious new-town avenues have a wide choice of restaurants, eagerly grazed by the food-crazy cochabambinos, and the bar scene is lively, driven by students and young professionals. Despite this, Cochabamba remains a very affordable city, with prices far below those in Sucre or La Paz.

Picante de Pollo (Spicy chicken)

Instruction  
3 pounds chicken, divided into parts
¼ cup ají (or ground cayenne pepper)

2 cups of white onion, cut into small strips
1 cup tomato, peeled and finely chopped
½ cup fresh locoto or chili pepper, finely chopped
1 cup green peas, peeled
½ cup parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon crumbled oregano
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon salt
3 garlic cloves, peeled, chopped and roasted
3 cups broth or water
2 spoonfuls oil

Direction:
In a large casserole put the chicken pieces with all the other ingredients. Pour the broth or water until covering the ingredients completely. Set to cook over high heat until it boils, and later over low heat for at least an hour and a half or until the chicken is soft. Stir occasionally.

If while cooking the broth diminished much, add a little bit more of broth or water so that when serving there is enough liquid. In a deep plate serve one piece of spicy chicken with one boiled potato, cooked aside, chuño phuti and uncooked sauce on top. Finally, sprinkle the chopped parsley on top of the spicy chicken.

Note: This dish has variations as well, included a non-spicy one and another which is served with chuño (dried potatoes) in a peanut and cheese sauce. The one above is from Cochabamba.

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
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Great Places to Take your Grandchildren: Bearizona in Williams, Arizona

While you are in Williams, Arizona for your Grand Canyon expedition there is another wonderful place to visit. Bearizona is a drive-through wildlife park located just south of the intersection of I40 and US Hwy 64 in Williams.

Bearizona recommends that you set aside at least two hours for the complete adventure but we spent over three hours and could have spent more. 

We did the drive-through tour in our own vehicle and it was amazing. The drawback is that it is difficult to take good pictures through

rolled up windows. We recommend that you also take the bus tour. We had an amazing driver/guide who was very knowledgeable and fun (knew the names of the bear by sight). The bus doesn't have glass enclosed windows so you can get better pictures. We were told that they feed the animals from similar buses so the animal move in close to the bus. Our grandson had a wonderful time viewing all of the animal up close. 

A walk around Fort Bearizona gives you a view of some smaller animals and baby bears. There is a petting zoo so the kids can get a hands on experience.  Besides the baby bears you can watch the antics of the river otters. There are great picnic areas and also

snack shop. There are many photo opportunities including a bear character and carved wooden bears.

The bird show is a must see.  It is a free-flight program so the bird fly right over your head. During these shows, you get a close up view of hawks, owls, falcons and other raptors. At the conclusion of every show the handlers will have the birds throughout Fort Bearizona "on the fist" for visitors to get an up-close look and answer any lingering questions they might have. It is worth making a donation just to see the Raven at work taking the donation from your fingers and putting them in the containers.

We highly recommend Bearizona for a fun filled multi-generational vacation experience.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you plan the best multi-generational vacation ever! 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
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Experience Full Service

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

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

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

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

In the News: AAA Predicts Busy Labor Day Travel

More people will get away this Labor Day weekend than have in the past six years, with 34.7 million Americans expected to take to the road and skies, according to a forecast released Thursday from auto club AAA.

The number of Americans projected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday weekend is 1.3% higher than last year and comes even as disposable income is forecast to barely rise. But the auto club says Americans' desire for an end-of-the summer break is apparently outweighing concerns about going into debt to pay for it.

With almost 86% of Labor Day vacationers likely to head to their destinations by car, AAA says gas should continue to be more affordable than it has been in recent summers, freeing up more cash for other parts of vacation. Gas is currently averaging $3.44 a gallon vs. $3.59 on Labor Day 2013.

Among those flocking to airports, the lobbying group Airlines for America said today that it expects a 2 percent increase in air travelers, to 14 million over the six days around Labor Day, with the busiest day Friday, Aug. 29. AAA said airfares are 2 percent higher than in 2013, while rental vehicle rates have remained flat at $51 per day.

But travelers needing to stay in a hotel may see a far steeper jump in the cost of a room as compared to 2013. Hotels that have a two out of five diamond ranking from AAA are 9% more expensive, costing on average $125 per day. Three-diamond hotels are costing on average 6% more than they did in 2013.

AAA defined the Labor Day holiday weekend as extending from Thursday, Aug. 28 to Monday, Sept. 1.

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: Chile

Chile is a country of startling contrasts and extreme beauty, with attractions ranging from the towering volcanic peaks of the Andes to the ancient forests of the Lake District. There are a multitude of very good parks here, and plenty of opportunities for fine adventure travel. Chile is justly famous as the location of Torres del Paine, considered by many to be the finest nature travel destinations in all of South America.

Torres del Paine National Park
Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most spectacular national parks in the country. A world biosphere reserve, it has a huge variety of plant and animal species which, with its incredibly beautiful setting has made it an almost unequalled destination for hikers and backpackers, ecology-lovers and adventure sportsmen alike. 

Declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1978, the Torres del Paine national park is internationally recognized as one of the most beautiful, unique and uncontaminated places on the planet. It is a place of lakes, rivers, waterfalls, glaciers, forests and incredible wildlife, all of which make it an exciting destination for wildlife observers and adventure sportsmen alike.

Parque Nacional La Campana
Northwest of Santiago and east of the beach resort Viqa del Mar, Parque Nacional La Campana is the country's most overlooked park. But as one of its most spectacular places, you'll be glad the crowds don't know about it. The park's network of hiking trails cross ridges and scale summits with spectacular views from the Pacific Ocean to the Andean summit of Aconcagua (across the border in Argentina). It's also the last protected area of the endangered Chilean palm, which produces fruits known as coquitos (little coconuts) as well as a sweet molasses.

La Campana is open all year. Because of the maritime influence and the relatively high altitudes (up to 7,000 feet), it can be surprisingly cool, even in summer. Camping is possible, both in organized campgrounds and along the trail.

Also part of Chile are two notable Pacific possessions-the Juan Fernandez Islands and the famous Easter Island, both of which are administered as national parks. The Juan Fernandez islands are located about 404 miles off the Chilean coast, while Easter Island is situated 2,000 miles distant.

The Juan Fernandez Islands 
Most people have never heard of the 18th-century Scottish sea dog named Alexander Selkirk or the Juan Fernández Islands, 404 miles off the Chilean mainland. Yet they are part of our popular mythology.

The inhabitants of the Juan Fernández Islands today certainly aren’t shy about this unique claim to fame. Selkirk’s island was renamed Isla Robinson Crusoe in the mid-1970s, while another, which the Scotsman never visited, was renamed Isla Alejandro Selkirk. Hotel and street names in the islands’ only township refer insistently to the shipwrecked hero.

The town of San Juan Bautista, where almost all of the archipelago’s 600 inhabitants live, is located roughly where the shipwrecked sailor Alexander Selkirk spent his enforced leisure time. Set beneath forest-covered fists of stone with their peaks continually lost in gray mist, it has only a few unpaved streets, a small museum-library, a handful of restaurants and bars, and a soccer field. With motor vehicles few and far between on the island, the only noise is the never-ending howl of the wind.

Easter Island {Rapa Nui)
Easter Island is one of the most isolated islands on Earth. Early settlers called the island "Te Pito O Te Henua" (Navel of The World). Officially a territory of Chile, it lies far off in the Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway to Tahiti. It is most famous for its enigmatic giant stone statues, built centuries ago, which reflect the history of the dramatic rise and fall of the most isolated Polynesian culture.

Not surprisingly, the well-publicized moai have overshadowed the island's other assets. But Rapa Nui is much more than a mind-boggling open-air museum.  It usually comes as a surprise to many travelers to discover that Rapa Nui is also a superb playground for action-seekers. Scuba-diving enthusiasts swear that the waters here are the most crystal clear of the world, while surfies rave about the powerful waves of the Pacific. If hiking or horseback riding are more to your liking, there's no better way to discover the ancient sites than on foot or on horseback - the perfect combination of nature and culture. And if all you want to do is lie back and relax, a handful of sandy beaches awaits you.

So many things in such a tiny, raw patch of land. Rapa Nui is a magical place that never fails to make visitors' jaws drop in awe.

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

Culinary Travel: Chile

Chile is a country of startling contrasts and extreme beauty, with attractions ranging from the towering volcanic peaks of the Andes to the ancient forests of the Lake District. There are a multitude of very good parks here, and plenty of opportunities for fine adventure travel. Chile is justly famous as the location of Torres del Paine, considered by many to be the finest nature travel destinations in all of South America.

Cazuela is the ultimate Chilean comfort food. The dish has its origins in the indigenous Mapuche soup known as “corri,” originally made with potatoes, pumpkin, corn or cornmeal, green beans, red peppers, quinoa, chili, wild herbs, and animals ranging from wild game to chickens. The Spanish conquerors arriving in Chile in the mid-1500s coined these soups “cazuelas” after the large vessels used for their preparation. The Spanish incorporated peninsular ingredients like domesticated chickens and beef, rice, carrots, onions, garlic, oregano, thyme, and parsley to these hearty stews.

Cazuela de Ave (Chilean Chicken Stew)
Serves 6

Ingredients
1 whole free-range chicken (4 1/2 pounds) , cut into 8 pieces

6 cloves garlic, smashed and divided

3 tablespoons long-grain rice

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 leeks, chopped coarsely (substitute 1 large onion)

6 carrots, peeled and coarsely chopped

6 large potatoes, peeled

2 teaspoons sea salt

6-8 whole black peppercorns

bouquet garni: A few springs of fresh oregano and parsley, tied together with kitchen string

1 cup green beans, sliced finely

6 pieces of corn-on-the-cob, about 6.5cm/2.5 inches long

6 medium chunks fresh pumpkin 

For garnish: ½ cup fresh cilantro and parsley, finely chopped

Directions
Clean chicken of any excess fat and skin. Many Chilean cooks still leave all the skin on. I find this excessive since the stock becomes greasy and needs to be degreased before serving. Trim down the skin to afford flavor, not too much fat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and rub with 3 cloves of garlic. Place in a large stock pot and cover with 3 quarts (3 liters) of water along with the garlic used for rubbing. Simmer for 40 minutes until the skin is soft. Remove the chicken and strain the broth through a cheesecloth. Reserve stock and chicken pieces separately.

Wash the rice under running water until it runs clear. This process means the starches in the rice so they won’t cloud the stock. In a stock pot, heat the olive oil. When hot, add the leek (or onion), carrots, and remaining garlic to brown for five minutes. Add the potatoes, pumpkin if using, washed rice, salt, pepper, and bouquet garni. Return the stock to the pot and bring to a simmer for 25 minutes until the potato and pumpkin can be pierced with knife. At that time, add the green beans and corn along with the reserved chicken pieces. Cook for 10 minutes longer so that the flavors meld. Remove the bouquet from the stock and taste for salt.

To serve, place a piece of chicken, a whole potato, piece of pumpkin, one corn-on-the-cob, a couple carrots, rice, leeks (onions), and green beans in a deep bowl. Ladle broth over the vegetables to partially submerge them. Sprinkle with cilantro and parsley. 

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
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Great Places to Take your Grandchildren: The Grand Canyon

After our incredible train trip to the Grand Canyon we had 3 hours and forty-five minutes to see some of the Canyon before the return train trip departed at 3:30.

We think the best way to do that is to take one of the bus tours. We took the Grand Tour. It started with a buffet lunch at the Maswik Cafeteria then on to the scenic overlooks. Our guide/driver was very nice. He went out of his way to make in it extra fun for our grandson (such as taking a picture (with our grandson's camera) of our grandson behind the steering wheel of the bus).  You can no longer get to the scenic overlooks by car so you have to walk, bike or take a bus tour. Our bus tour took us to three overlooks where we could get out of the bus and walk around and take pictures. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

If you have a bit more time and you want to see more of the Canyon you can book a package plan that includes one night’s accommodation at Maswik Lodge in the Grand Canyon. Maswik Lodge is located in a wooded area near the rim. If you're not up to walking, you can catch a free shuttle directly in front of the lodge that will take you right to the rim. The Maswik Lodge has a cafeteria, sports bar, and gift shop.

There are other tours available that offer different perspectives of the Canyon. You can take a helicopter tour  over the canyon  or a inner-canyon coach tour that takes you down into the canyon. If you are interested in either of these tours Rawhide Travel and Tours can make the arrangements for you. 

With its ever-changing and dramatic scenery of enormous proportions, the Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. Its pine and fir forests, painted deserts, sandstone canyons, mesas and plateaus, volcanic and geologic features, the Colorado River, perennial streams, and waterfalls breathtakingly combine to form one of Earth’s greatest landmarks. The only one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World to be located in North America, more than 4,000,000 people visit the canyon each year, making it the most visited national park in the United States.

The Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel has many package that vary in number of night stays and classes of service. To learn more about the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel and book your vacation getaway call Rawhide Travel and Tours at (602) 843-5100. Check out 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

In the News: Robot Butlers Roll Into Action at Starwood Hotels

Starwood Hotels' Aloft brand is rolling out their robot butlers.

Its name: A.L.O. pronounced "el-oh", the hotels' first Botlr (short for robotic butler). Standing just under 3 feet tall, A.L.O. comes dressed in a vinyl-collared butler uniform and will soon be on call all day and night to fulfill requests from guests.

Forget your toothpaste? Need more towels? How about a late-night chocolate bar? All guests of the hotel have to do is call the front desk, where staff will load up the Botlr with requested items, punch in the guest's room number and send it off to make the delivery. The bot can navigate hallways and even call for the elevator using Wi-Fi. 

At the Aloft hotel in Cupertino, California, A.L.O is being fine-tuned for the Aug. 20 official launch of this pilot program. If successful, the Botlrs will appear in nearly 100 properties. Brian McGuinness, senior vice president for the Aloft brand, said he could see having one or two Botlrs in each Aloft hotel. 

According to a study done at the University of Oxford, 47 percent of U.S. employment is at risk of being replaced by computerization, but Starwood says these robots are not intended to replace any employees. Rather, they are there to free them up from small tasks, leaving them more time to deal with customers face to face.

That's something the American Hotel and Lodging Association's President and CEO Katherine Lugar likes. 

The Botlr was designed and built by Sunnyvale, California, start-up Savioke, which in April announced a seed round of funding of $2 million from investors, including Google Ventures. 

Starwood Hotels, which is funding the pilot, has an exclusive deal with Savioke through the end of the year. The robots' cost was not made available, but Cousins said they will become more affordable as certain supply costs come down. The business model will involve leasing the robots and charging a service fee.

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
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Off the Beaten Path: Brazil

Brazil boasts many instantly recognizable sights: the beaches of Rio, the dense jungle of the Amazon, the mighty Iguazu Falls and of course the Christ Redeemer statue, recently listed as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. There is however much more to this vast land of natural and cultural contrasts. Most of Brazil remains relatively untouched by international tourism, and a visit to some of the lesser known places can be a hugely rewarding part of a Brazil adventure.

Itaimbezinho Canyon
The biggest canyon in Brazil lurks near the border of the southern states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, inside the Parque Nacional dos Aparados da Serra. Nearly six miles long and a mile deep, the Itaimbezinho can be either spectacularly beautiful or treacherously deadly. Or both.
Most days, you walk along the lush banks of the Rio do Boi, marvelling at the countless waterfalls that plunge down from on high. Occasionally, however, an unexpected rain turns the gurgling Rio do Boi into a snarling torrent that chews its way through the canyon bottom, spitting out the corpse of anyone unlucky enough to have been caught in the chasm. Avoiding these days is a matter of timing. Hiking in the dry season (July-October) is generally safe, though it’s wise to keep an ear to the latest forecast. Even during the wet season the trip’s still possible, though the prudent may want to stick to the Cotovelo Trail, which follows along the canyon’s edge. It, too, is beautiful and spectacular, with the only real danger being a trip too close to the edge.

Chapada dos Veadeiros
This national park is around 3.5 hours from Brasilia and is the geographical centre of Brazil. It is an area of fascinating rock formations carved over the years by the fast flowing rivers. Chapada dos Veadeiros is also a magnet for mystics who are attracted by what they claim are special powers within the crystal soil (there are also many rumored UFO appearances here). The gems can be found in much of the soil here and occasionally as you walk there will be a glint of light from a precious stone or crystal.

The best way to explore the park is on foot and there are many walks of differing lengths and levels of difficulty. You can enjoy day long walks among spectacular scenery far away from any town. 

Chapada dos Veadeiros is known for its pristine water courses and its waterfalls. Also present are armadillos, giant anteaters, and wolves.But the chief attractions for rapellers are the waterfalls. Located in the eastern part of the park, the Cachoeira da Agua Fria is particularly popular. From the top, the views are stunning in all directions. Set your anchors, toss over the rope, and go for it. As you glide, jerk, or slowly creep your way down, you’ll have only the rush of water and the sparkle of countless quartz crystals for company.

Chapada Diamantina
This beautiful remote spot is around 6 hours by local bus from Salvador. Chapada Diamantina offers kayaking, horseback riding and excellent walking. Turquoise waters can be found weaving their way through pitch black caves which can be explored by snorkeling with a torch light. Stalagmites and stalagtites of enormous size can be found in hidden caves giving a cathedral like impression; venture further into the caves (with guide) by torch light and hear just the sound of water droplets and silence!

Chapada Diamantina is best explored from the small town of Lencois. Lencois is a tiny town built either side of a stepped waterfall that is wide enough to require a bridge and steep enough for the water to rush by in the wet season. The Hotel Canto das Aguas is built immediately alongside a stretch of the waterfall. Stay in a waterside room, and you’ll have the rushing water as a lullaby to send you to sleep each night. The town is very friendly and the local people still remain fascinated with visitors, enjoying the chance to talk and exchange stories.

Amazon River Steamer
If Mark Twain were still around he’d feel right at home on an all-wood triple-decker Amazon riverboat. For everyone else, it’s a sight to behold. Livestock and freight, loggers, ranchers, tourists, and Indians: Since the forest is too dense to walk or drive through, riverboats carry everyone. As on the ole Miss, voyagers pass the time talking, eating, drinking, singing, and gambling; in dull moments you can watch the world’s last great wilderness drift past. For accommodation there’s your own personal hammock, bought on the dock before departure and strung from a post or beam on the passenger deck. Journeys between Belem at the mouth of the river and Manaus in the heart of the forest take somewhere between four and seven days, depending on where and how often you pull in, and whether you’re heading upstream or down. Punctuality’s not a riverboat’s strong suit. Neither, it must be said, is luxury. An Amazon riverboat is pure frontier transportation; bring a hammock, water, some extra food for snacking and, and most important of all, some toilet paper.

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

Culinary Travel: Brazil

Brazil is famous for beautiful beaches like Ipanema & Buzios. To experience the real warmth of Brazil, get to a small town & hang with the locals. There are hundreds to choose from.  Rio das Ostras, in the state of Rio de Janeiro is a tiny town with about 17 miles of gorgeous golden sand beaches. The vibe is so casual and laid back that anyone will feel welcome. There are casual, open sidewalk cafes along the beach in the centro. Carnival here is a special experience, as festivals are in all small towns.

Every Brazilian cook has their own way of preparing feijoada (fay-JWA-da). Basically, it's black beans with cured pork. It is traditionally served over rice with fresh orange slices. The dish is so integrated into Brazilian culture that Saturday is known as the day of feijoada. It is not just a meal but also an event to share with family and friends.

Feijoada, Brazilian Black Bean Stew

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 5 hours Yield: Serves 10 to 12.


Ingredients
1 pound  dry black beans
4 Tbsp olive oil
1 pound pork shoulder, cut into chunks
2 large onions, sliced
1 head of garlic, peeled and chopped
1 pound carne seca or corned beef, cut into chunks
1/2 pound  fresh sausages, such as chorizo or Italian sausage
1 pound smoked sausage, such as linguica or kielbasa
1 smoked ham hock or shank
3-4 bay leaves
Water
1 14.5 ounce can  of crushed tomatoes
Salt

Directions
Pour boiling water over the black beans and let them sit while you prepare the rest of the stew.

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and brown the pork shoulder. When it has browned, remove the meat from the pot, set aside and add the onions to the pot. Brown them, stirring occasionally, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Sprinkle a little salt over the onions and add the garlic. Stir well and sauté 2 more minutes.

Add back the pork shoulder, and the other meats and add enough water to cover. Add the bay leaves, cover and bring to a simmer. Cook gently for 1 hour. Drain the black beans from their soaking liquid and add them to the stew. Simmer gently, covered, until the beans are tender, about an hour and a half.

 Add the tomatoes, stir well and taste for salt, adding if it's needed. Simmer this, uncovered, until the meat begins to fall off the ham hock, which will probably take 2-3 hours.

Serve with white rice and hot sauce. A classic side dish would be sautéed collard greens.

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 your Grandchildren: The Grand Canyon Railway

Grand Canyon Railway provides a historic and fun journey to the canyon with the help of authentic western characters who bring the Old West to life. 

In my opinion, if you want to visit the Grand Canyon, this is only way to go. It is a very relaxing and enjoyable way to get to the Grand Canyon but more than that it is a wonderful experience for all ages. We traveled with our ten year grandson, who has always loved trains. He was very impressed with every aspect of the trip. We noticed a lot of other grandparents traveling with their grandchildren in tow. 

After a nice breakfast at the Grand Depot Cafe, we watched a comical wild west shootout just next to the depot and hotel.  We were introduced to characters that we met later during the train robbery.

The train departs from the depot in Williams at 9:30 AM and the 65 mile trip takes two hours and fifteen minutes. The journey to the Grand Canyon features a variety of different landscapes;  from the Ponderosa pine forest surrounding Williams, to a gentle drop in elevation down to the wide-open prairie before climbing back up to the Pinion pine forests as the Train approaches Grand Canyon National Park.  As we traveled we were told to keep our eyes out for elk, mountain lions, mule deer, squirrels, prairie dogs and even skunks.  We were lucky enough to see a condor while we were in the Grand Canyon and a herd of elk just outside of Williams.

We were in a first class car with facing seats and large picture windows. The PSA (hostess) in our car was very accommodating, knowledgeable as well as entertaining. Some of the jokes were well worn but over all in great fun.

There were local entertainers who came by to entertain us on both legs of the journey. They were very good and interacted with the passengers. The train was robbed on our way back.  The reaction of the children to the desperadoes was great to watch. All in all good fun.

We had approximately three and half hours to explore the Grand Canyon.  There are several ways to spend the time you have and we are going to cover them in our next weeks blog.

By traveling aboard Grand Canyon Railway you are not only part of history in the making, you are also doing your part to help preserve the pristine, incredible beauty of Grand Canyon National Park.

The Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel has many package that vary in number of night stays and classes of service. To learn more about the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel and book your vacation getaway call Rawhide Travel and Tours at (602) 843-5100. Check out 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 the News: What to Do When Bad Weather Affects Your Travel

With announce like this one: due to Hurricane Iselle, flights to and from Hawaii may experience disruptions, travels are wondering what is going to happen to their long planned vacations.  

Bad weather can wreak havoc on your travel plans.  It's hard to avoid total panic. But it doesn't have to be that way when your flight is grounded.

Here are some important things you need to know on your rights when bad weather strikes.

Airlines consider bad weather situations, including snow storms, hurricanes, fog conditions, etc. to be "force majeure" events or "acts of God," and are not the fault of the airlines. Therefore, when it comes to your rights when there's a cancellation, the one basic thing you are entitled to is a refund, nothing else (though airlines might offer some perks at its discretion).

And there are other potential problems. Even with a flight refund, travelers may not be fully reimbursed in these situations since they might have missed a cruise departure or tour (which may or may not be fully refundable), or they might need to pay for extended hotel nights and other travel expenses out of pocket.

Travelers might have to wait quite a while, depending on the severity of the storm, before being able to return home or reach their intended destination. It can take several days for all passengers to be rerouted. And although airlines often add more flights, it still takes time to relocate planes and flight crews.

Airlines have learned from the past and now preemptively cancel flights before storms hit. In theory, with the advance warning, fewer passengers will find themselves stuck at the airport than in the past. Though it might seem counterintuitive, you'll have better access to resources in the comfort of your home or hotel room than at the airport.

Airlines have historically waived change fees so that customers can rebook without penalty. Normally, you would have to pay a hefty fee (up to $150 for domestic and $250 for international flights) to alter your ticket. However, date restrictions will often apply, and every airline's waiver policy is slightly different in each circumstance.

While weather can disrupt your travel plans, here are some essential tips to minimize stress and allow you to take matters into your own hands:

Reconfirm Your Flight: Just because skies are clear at your departure airport doesn't mean your flight will be spared from cancellation. Because flights connect in many different cities, a storm in one location could cause a ripple effect throughout the system, affecting flights all over the U.S. and beyond. It's always best to reconfirm your flight before heading to the airport.

Sign up for Alerts: Most airlines offer alerts via email or text message, which can keep you informed of any changes to your itinerary. However, if a big storm is in the forecast, it's always a good idea to be proactive and contact your airline directly rather than waiting for it to contact you.

Pack Smartly: If do head to the airport, keep essential items including medications, cell phones and chargers, a change of clothes, and toiletries in your carry-on. You might not be able to access your checked baggage if you are stranded at the airport. It's also a good idea to pack some food, since options might be limited.

Try All Rebooking Avenues: If you need to rebook, there are a few things you can do: Wait in the customer service line (if at the airport), stay on the phone until you get through to an airline representative, get online and visit your airline's website, or use social media (some airlines will respond to direct messages on Twitter). You may want to try multiple options simultaneously. Note: Always program the phone numbers of all your travel providers into your cell phone before you depart for the airport.

Contact Your Travel Agent: Since wait times can be extensive, try contacting third-party providers, such as the travel agency you used to book your reservation.

Contact All Other Travel Providers: People often focus so much on their canceled flight that they forget their hotel, car, and other reservations will also be affected. Reach out to other travel providers as soon as possible. Many will bend policies in worst-case scenarios, allowing you to rebook or get a full or partial refund.

Get a Cash Refund: If your flight is canceled and you decide not to rebook within the waiver time frame, try to get a cash refund, as credits and vouchers for a later date might be hard to use due to hefty restrictions. If you purchased trip cancellation insurance (TCI), check your policy to see what kind of reimbursement you can get.

Look for a Hotel: If you wind up stranded, get online and look for hotels with last-minute availability. 

Be Polite and Ask for Help: While you're not entitled to receive things like food vouchers and other perks, it doesn't hurt to ask. Just remember to be polite and don't make any demands. Airline agents will likely be stressed as well, and they will be more like to help you if you treat them with respect.

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