The one rule on a cruise vacation is very simple: Anything is possible. From an endless array of dream-come-true destinations to the unforgettable adventure of the most innovative ships at sea, you're going to love every minute. We promise.
The world is waiting. Experience the vacation of a lifetime, only on Royal Caribbean International®.
Adventure Awaits
Sail with Rawhide Travel and Tours and explore 240 incredible destinations in 72 countries.
Caribbean
Where Everyone Feels Like A Kid. Even The Kids: Welcome to the world's ultimate outdoor playground. Gorgeous coral reefs, swimming with dolphins and our private islands are only the beginning. Bring your sense for adventure and get ready to have fun.
Bermuda
You'll Be Locals By The End Of Your Journey: Get up close and personal with the pink-sand beaches and pastel-painted houses of this enchanting island. Just 600 nautical miles off the coast, its charming culture and colorful cuisine make for the perfect getaway cruise.
Alaska
A Family Outing Of Glacial Proportions: Stunning wildlife. Awe-inspiring glaciers. Budding metropolises. Nothing compares to an expedition through the Northwest. It's easy to see why so many flock to this region every year.
Europe
The Destination That Takes Your Family Places: Unpack once and experience all the richness and beauty of Europe. From cites where the history books come to life before your eyes to the breathtaking fjords of the North, there's something for everyone.
Your Adventure Starts Here
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Every summer, Her Majesty throws open the doors of Buckingham Palace, her official London residence, to paying visitors while she takes a vacation in Scotland.
About 400,000 people are expected to tramp up the palace's balustraded staircases and opulent state rooms during its July 25 to September 27 opening.
They don't get to stay the night, of course, but they do get a fascinating look around one of the world's most recognizable landmarks.
And for a bit more cash, you can sample royal tea and cakes.
This year, for the first time since the palace opened to the public in 1993, visitors get to enter the palace's state rooms through the "Grand Entrance" used by heads of state and prime ministers invited by the Queen.
There's also a display detailing what goes on behind the scenes to create the pomp for official state visits, including dresses worn, menu ingredients and the porcelain guests get to use.
Make sure to keep an eye out for special items on display.
The State Rooms
There are 775 rooms in Buckingham Palace including the 19 State Rooms and 78 bathrooms. The State Rooms are a suite of lavishly decorated public rooms in Buckingham Palace where the monarch receives, rewards and entertains her subjects and visiting dignitaries. Several of these rooms were used for the Royal Wedding reception for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate Middleton). When you take a Summer Opening tour, it's the State Rooms that you'll see. These rooms are awash with sparkling candelabra, marble columns, sumptuous carpets, damask wallpaper, fine furniture, sculpture and works of art.
The Grand Staircase
Buckingham Palace's grand staircase is a highlight of the tour. The magnificent bronze staircase was designed by the architect John Nash as part of his commission to remodel the palace for King George IV from 1825 to 1830. The impressive double balustrade features an intricate pattern of acanthus, oak and laurel leaves and represents some of the world's finest bronze casting work. The stairs are lit by an etched glass dome in the ceiling.
Fine Art
Some big names are on show at the palace. On your tour, you'll come across paintings by Van Dyck, Rubens, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Poussin, Canaletto and Claude as well as sculpture by Canovaand Chantrey. The paintings in the State Rooms also include some wonderful portraits of past and present royals including Queen Victoria, George III and Queen Charlotte, William IV and his wife Queen Adelaide and, of course, the current Royal Family.
Audio Tour with Prince Charles
As part of your Buckingham Palace tour, you'll get a free audio guide to the palace. The tour is introduced by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales (Prince Charles) and takes you through all 19 State Rooms as well as the annual special exhibition. Audio guides are available in many different languages.
The Throne Room
Buckingham Palace's majestic Throne Room is a favorite with visitors. It contains the thrones that are used for investitures and ceremonial receptions such as at The Queen's Jubilees and has also doubled as a ballroom on occasion. You may recognize the Throne Room as the backdrop for some famous royal wedding photos including Princess Elizabeth (now The Queen) and The Duke of Edinburgh in 1947 and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011.
Every year, Buckingham Palace's summer opening features a special exhibition. This limited edition exhibition can only be seen during that year's summer opening. This year's special exhibition, A Royal Welcome, focuses on the magic and magnificence of an official visit to Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace Tour Tickets
The summer opening of Buckingham Palace is extremely popular so booking tickets in advance is recommended. Entry is timed.
Plan your next great vacation with Rawhide Travel and Tours. Call today (602) 843-5100 or visit us at rawhidetravel.com
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This city, full of colorful homes, canals and bridges, is one of Europe's most picturesque capitals. Must-sees on any visitor's itinerary include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the world's only floating flower market. But once you're done seeing the usual places, take a trip to the less than usual. If you thought that the fun little Katten Kabinet museum was on the road less traveled, then feast your eyes on these treasures we've uncovered.
The Amsterdam Dungeon
Okay, so not a real dungeon, but it is great fun and you do get to learn a bit of the gruesome history during the Spanish inquisition. The Amsterdam Dungeon, follows a similar format to the London , York , Berlin and Hamburg Dungeons which are owned and operated by UK-based Merlin Entertainments and attempts to show history through an interactive adventure. Live actors, a ride, shows and special effects simulate historical dark and bleak times.
Joods Historisch Museum
The Joods Historisch Museum or Jewish Historical Museum, part of the Jewish Cultural Quarter, is a museum in Amsterdam dedicated to Jewish history, culture and religion, in the Netherlands and worldwide. It is the only museum in the Netherlands dedicated to Jewish history. A seven-year renovation of the museum was recently completed in 2007.
The museum was recognized in 1989 when it received the Council of Europe Museum Prize, awarded for a combination of the presentation of the collection and the outward appearance of the buildings.
The Joods Historisch Museum opened its doors on 24 February 1932 and was initially housed at the Waag (Weighing House) on Nieuwmarkt square. Following the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in World War II, the museum was forced to close and much of the collection was lost. The museum reopened its doors in 1955. In 1987, it moved to a new location, occupying four former synagogues on Jonas Daniël Meijerplein square, across the road from the Snoge or Portuguese Synagogue (for which joint tickets are sold).
Museums Of Bags And Purses
The Museum of Bags and Purses, located in Amsterdam, is a museum devoted to historic handbags, purses and suitcases. The museum's collection includes 4,000 items dating back to the 16th century. One of only three museums across the globe specializing in the field, and its collection is the world's largest. While the majority of visitors to the museum are women, the most valuable item on exhibit is a sixteenth-century men's goat-skin belt pouch with iron clasps.
Other places to consider are the many parks, churches and monuments scattered throughout the city.
Plan your next great vacation with Rawhide Travel and Tours. Call today (602) 843-5100 or visit us at rawhidetravel.com
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While you're in Amsterdam visiting the Katten Kabinet, stop by a cafe or bar to try the famous Dutch meatballs. Bitterballen are deep-fried snacks that are ubiquitous in cafes and bars all over the Netherlands. These savory orbs are battered in a crunchy breadcrumb coating and filled with a gooey mixture of chopped beef, beef broth, flour, butter, herbs and spices. They are typically served with mustard for dipping.
If you've never tasted bitterballen before, order them at a cafe as the perfect accompaniment to a round of beers. But be careful when you bite through the crunchy crust, the meaty ragout filling is often burning hot!
You can sample bitterballen at almost any bruincafe in Amsterdam, those at Grandcafe Luxembourg are said to be the best. If you are vegetarian, be sure to get the veggie bitterballen at places like Hoftuin. Until your trip to Amsterdam, here is a recipe for the savory little snacks.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup beef broth
1 beef top sirloin steak (3/4 pound), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1-1/3 cups dry bread crumbs
2 eggs
1 teaspoon milk
1 teaspoon canola oil
Oil for deep-fat frying
Stone-ground mustard, optional
Directions
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add broth; bring to a boil. Cook and stir for 1 minute or until thickened. Carefully add meat and parsley; cook and stir for 2-5 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Stir in the salt, nutmeg and pepper. Transfer to a bowl; refrigerate for 3-4 hours or until chilled.
Place bread crumbs in a small shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and oil. Drop meat mixture by tablespoonfuls into bread crumbs; shape into balls.
Dip meatballs in egg mixture, then coat again with crumbs. In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°.
Fry meatballs, a few at a time, for 2-4 minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with mustard if desired. Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.
Time: Preparation: 30 minutes + chilling
Cooking: 5 minutes batch
Makes: 30 servings
Nutritional Facts
1 meatball (calculated without mustard) equals 72 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 22 mg cholesterol, 88 mg sodium, 4 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 4 g protein.
Plan your next great vacation with Rawhide Travel and Tours. Call today (602) 843-5100 or visit us at rawhidetravel.com
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School maybe out, but learning doesn't stop. Neither does the fun with these museums. Work with Rawhide Travel and Tours to extend your family fun this summer. Take the family to the educational experiences served with a side of "whoa that's weird!"
Cancun Underwater Museum, Cancun, Mexico
There are interactive museums, and then there’s Cancun Underwater Museum — an art exhibit that you’ll have to strap on scuba gear to appreciate. If you and your littles aren't up for diving, consider the shallow areas that allow for snorkeling or perhaps a viewing from a glass bottom boat. Fun fact: Each of the life-size sculptures is made of pH-neutral clay to promote marine growth, which means that one day there’ll be an ecosystem of creatures enjoying the art as much as you are.
International UFO Museum and Research Center, Roswell, New Mexico
Not a typical museum, but perhaps fun. Visit and learn about the events surrounding the extraterrestrial crash in July 1947, and the attempts by the government to cover it all up. Believer or skeptic, this is the perfect place to start your research.
Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Who says museums have to be about dead animals in dusty display cases? The Butterfly Park in Kuala Lumpur is one of the largest of its kind, clocking in at 80,000 square feet of landscaped garden and over 5,000 live butterflies. What better way to learn about living creatures than to see them in action?
The Museum of Jurassic Technology, Culver City, California
The Museum of Jurassic Technology is a cabinet of curiosities that asks patrons to determine what’s true and what’s not. Of course they don’t provide answers, so reality within its walls is whatever you make it. Take a break in the tearoom and discuss hat you've seen. From supersonic bats, to dogs in space, to statues small enough to sit in the eye of a needle, you’ll have plenty to sit and talk about.
Katten Kabinet, Amsterdam, Netherlands
OK, so maybe our feline friends aren’t what most people think of when they’re planning a trip to Amsterdam, but what a delightful theme to explore with your children.
Founded in 1990 by William Meijer in memory of his cat Tom, the Katten Kabinet is a shrine to our four-legged buddies in painted and sculpted form.
With five cats in residence, you’re bound to have a purrfect afternoon.
Museum of Bad Art, Somerville Massachusetts
Why see classic works of art when you could see…bad art? Admittedly, the premise of the Somerville, Mass., museum seems a bit off, but the chance to teach kids about art appreciation is at hand. Dissect exactly what makes these works so horrendous. From clueless renderings of famous pieces, to awkward sculptures, to whatever that image is, it’s all about misguided passion.
Museum of Mathematics, New York, New York
Math is everywhere, and this museum is a wonderful place for children to see it. Even if you regularly have stress dreams about high school algebra class, you’ll find something to like about New York’s Museum of Mathematics. Ride a functional bike with square wheels, work through a few brainteasers, and gape at the fractal tree. This is math in motion. Best of all, you don’t have to be Isaac Newton to appreciate it all — each of the exhibits come with simple and advanced explanations.
Musical Instruments Museum, Phoenix, Arizona
This is a museum that should not be missed! MIM displays more than 6,000 instruments collected from around 200 of the world’s countries and territories. Most displays are enhanced by audio and video technologies that allow guests to see the instruments, hear their sounds, and observe them being played in their original contexts, performances that are often as spectacular as the instruments themselves. All guests are invited to play instruments from around the world in the Experience Gallery. They can also see instruments from music icons such as John Lennon, Taylor Swift, Elvis Presley, Carlos Santana, and many more in the Artist Gallery.
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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6008 West Bell Rd # F105
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Rawhide Travel and Tours with combined total of more than “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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You've got to hand it to Japan. For a country that's already brought us the strangest fetishes (eyeball licking), the worryingly edible odd flavored snack foods (garlic and anchovy Doritos) and some of the most confusing inventions of all time (seriously, look up face slimmer), it still has plenty of interesting surprises left to wow the world.
For instance, how about a hotel manned by a robot dinosaur.
The aptly named Henn na or "Weird Hotel" is located in Japan's Sasebo, Nagasaki. This week it has opened its doors to the public, and everything, from check-in to check-out, is handled entirely by a robot staff. On arrival, guests are greeted by either a Japanese-speaking female humanoid that some say is a bit creepy or, inexplicably, an English-speaking Velociraptor in a bowtie.
Unfortunately, the two robot receptionists aren't quite sophisticated enough to hold a conversation, so guests are required to tap in their information via a touch-screen panel and then have their photo taken for use as a facial recognition room key. After all, It would be hard for robots to find keys if people lose them. Luggage is handled by an automated bell hop, which guides itself to the correct room.
Once there, guests might be surprised to find there are no light switches, they instead have to speak to the hotel's tulip-shaped concierge robot Tuly in order to switch the lights on or off, as well as to ask for the time or the weather forecast.
A giant robotic arm, the kind you would usually find in manufacturing plants, handles the remaining luggage. Guests put their luggage through a window into a box, after which the robot arm grabs it and places it into a stack in a room. It's arguably a bit extravagant for what could just as easily be handled through a coin-operated locker, but Hideo Sawada, who runs the hotel as part of an amusement park, argues that it's as much about innovation as it is about gimmickry.
A room in the Henn na Hotel starts at $73 (¥9,000), a bargain compared to other hotels in Japan that can easily cost three times as much. Naturally, not having to pay staff saves on costs, although the hotel still uses human staff to man the security team and ensure no one runs off with a robot.
Sawada hopes to expand his robot hotel concept by opening another in Japan soon, and he later has ambitions of opening abroad (after all robots don't demand to be paid $15 an hour). He's also working on adding more robots to the existing hotel, including a "block-shaped" one to deliver room service and drones to fly in small jars filled with snacks.
Nagasaki’s Henn-na Hotel will feature ten robotic, but startlingly human-like, members of staff. Now scientists are working on them being able to sweat and have goose-bumps.
Thank you Japan.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
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It's both unfortunate – and important – that the name Nagasaki is synonymous with the dropping of the atomic bomb. Unquestionably, this history overshadows everything else, yet today Nagasaki is a vibrant, charming and totally unique gem that begs to be explored far beyond the bomb museums, monuments and memorials. Not that the WWII history can be overlooked or denied: it's as much a part of the city's fabric as the hilly landscape and cobblestones. A visit to the scenes of atomic devastation can be part of the experience, but you'll find that this welcoming, peaceful city boasts a colorful trading history, alluring churches, shrines, temples and an East-meets-West culinary scene, set within a gracious harbor. A few days will let you scratch the surface, so plan for a week or more if you have the extra time and visit these hidden gems.
Nabekanmuriyama Park
A park in Nagasaki, Glover Gardens is the foremost tourist attraction, located on the Minamiyamate hillside overlooking Nagasaki harbor. However, attached to Glover Gardens is the pathway up to the mountain observatory, and though it's views are said to be stunning the hike seems to be too daunting for the majority of travelers.
Coming out of the top of Glover Garden, follow the signs to the "mountain observatory". If you can handle 100s of stairs, the climb itself is marvelous taking you through the outskirt hills of town, then through a forest with some temples and finally to the Observatory. It's wonderful, you get a great 360 view of Nagasaki, the harbor, and Mt. Inasa.
At night it is quite a different sight, especially if there are fireworks shows, but a lot of the trail is pitch dark, so be sure to have a light source at hand. Also, if walking is an issue, the views near the lifts that take you up from ground level are almost as amazing as those at the top.
26 Martyrs Museum
The Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument were built on Nishizaka Hill in June 1962 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the canonization of the Christians executed on the site on February 5, 1597. The 26 people, a mixture of native Japanese Christians and European priests (20 Japanese, four Spaniards, one Mexican and one Indian) had been arrested in Kyoto and Osaka on the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the national ruler, for preaching Christianity.
The main theme inherent in both the museum and monument is "The Way to Nagasaki" – symbolizing not only the physical trek to Nagasaki but also the Christian spirit of the martyrs. The museum's collection includes important historical articles from both Japan and Europe (such as original letters from the Jesuit priest St Francis Xavier) as well as modern artistic works on the early Christian period in Japan. The displays are arranged chronologically into three periods: the early Christian propagation, the martyrdoms, and the persistence of Christianity underground during the persecution.
The main monument with and extensive bronze depicting the Twenty-Six Martyrs, was designed by Japanese sculptor, Yasutake Funakoshi. The work took Funakoshi four years to complete.
Sofukuji Temple
Sōfuku-ji is an Ōbaku Zen temple that was built by the Chinese monk Chaonian in 1629 as the family temple of the Chinese from Fujian Province who settled in Nagasaki.
Two of its buildings have been designated as national treasures. The red entrance gate and other structures in the precincts are rare examples of the architecture of South China during the Ming dynasty. The goddess of the sea, Maso, is enshrined in the Masodo, along with other life-sized statues in the main hall. In the temple grounds is a large cauldron made by the resident priest Qianhai to cook gruel for people who were starving during the famine of 1681. The Chinese Bon Festival is held here from July 26 to 28 (by lunar calendar), with Chinese coming from all over Japan to participate in the ritual for the dead.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
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Nagasaki Prefecture is famous for its Champon noodle dish. Champon is typically made by frying pork, seafood and vegetables with lard; a soup made with chicken and pig bones is added. Ramen noodles made especially for champon are added and then boiled. Unlike other ramen dishes, only one pan is needed as the noodles are boiled in the soup. However, in Hirado there are many different types of Champon such as those with stock made from flying fish or with regional ingredients as special toppings. There is even a Dutch Champon, prepared with cheese, milk, butter and potatoes, a special Hirado Champon variety celebrating the historic relations with the Netherlands. Depending on the season and the situation, the ingredients differ. Hence the taste and style may depend on the location and time of year.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons sesame oil
4 ounces thinly sliced cooked pork, cut into bite-size pieces
3 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
4 ounces squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
4 ounces scallops, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
4 ounces small shrimp, peeled
1 small carrot, peeled and sliced into 2 inch long pieces
½ onion, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
4 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced
4 ounces cabbage, cut into bite-size pieces
½ cup sake
2 quarts ramen soup base, hot
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons mirin
2 cups milk
4 spring onions, trimmed and sliced on an angle into 1-inch pieces
4 packages fresh-frozen ramen noodles
1 tablespoon ground sesame
To Prepare The Champon Soup
Heat the sesame oil in a saucepan over high heat.
Add the pork and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.
Add the squid, scallops, and shrimp, and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds more.
Add the carrot and onion, and cook and stir for 1 minute. Add the shiitake mushrooms and napa cabbage, cooking and stirring for 1 minute.
Add the sake and cook for 30 seconds.
Add the ramen soup, salt, soy sauce, and mirin. Cook for 2 minutes.
Add the milk and spring onions. Cook for 1 minute. Turn off the heat.
To Prepare The Ramen
Fill a large stockpot with water and place over high heat. Ready 4 large bowls on a work surface.
When the water boils, add the noodles. Stir the noodles for about 10 seconds, so they separate and cook evenly.
Cook for about 2 minutes, until the noodles are cooked through.
Drain the noodles into a colander and divide them among the 4 bowls.
Pour a quarter of the Champon soup into each bowl, over the ramen.
Make sure the pork, seafood, and vegetables are divided evenly.
Garnish with ground sesame and serve piping hot.
Serves 4
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
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The number of children on board cruises is growing steadily, and more than 2 million kids younger than 15 sailed on cruise lines in 2013, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. Yet, despite the great strides made by cruise lines in accommodating children on board, choosing the best cruise for your family is still complicated. Once it was a struggle to find ships that were kid-friendly, the challenge now is wading through the bevy of activities, kids clubs, and child-themes many of the newer ships offer to determine which cruise ships are best for your youngsters.
Here's a list of 3 cruise lines we've compiled, but we will conclude with this caveat: You know your family's tastes and preferences better than we ever could. By no means are these the only ships to consider.
Royal Caribbean International
Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas are two of Royal Caribbean's largest and they are ideal for families with kids of all ages. Oasis and Allure have an impressive display of family-friendly activities and entertainment -- four fantastic pools, 10 hot tubs, a 3D theater, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rink, two FlowRider surf simulators and a zip line -- and an array of family cabins to accommodate groups of varying sizes. And did we mention the ships' indoor promenades, which feature all manner of parades and special events? A sizeable amount of real estate is dedicated to the kids clubs, and the counselors are some of the friendliest and most engaging in the business. Parents and grandparents can enjoy adults-only Solariums and a plethora of dining and evening entertainment options. With nursery care, after-hours fun in the kids clubs and in-cabin baby-sitting, adults can enjoy grown up time in the evenings while kids play or sleep.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising and casual atmosphere make it a great choice for families with kids of any age, particularly those who don't want to be beholden to strict dining times and venues. Norwegian's newest ships, along with Norwegian Epic, offer all the mega-ship bells and whistles families have come to expect. Norwegian's Splash Academy features separate activities for kids ages 3 to 5, 6 to 9 and 10 to 12. Children can do arts and crafts, sing karaoke and play video games. Epic's facility has a jungle gym, plenty of room to roam and a cool interactive light-up dance floor. The two-story Splash Academy, found on both Breakaway and Getaway, is the line's largest children's space at sea, home to high-tech games, a circus school and a small cinema. Lower-level activities are divided for age groups 3 to 5 and 6 to 9, while kids 10 to 12 occupy the upper level of the club. Entourage is a space for teens 13 to 17, and it has air hockey, video games, plush couches and flat-screen TVs. Entourage turns into a teens-only nightclub at night. Both ships have small nursery play areas for babies 6 months to 2 years, where parents can come and interact with their children. Late-night group baby-sitting is available for a fee.
Disney Cruise Line
Who better to host family fun than the folks at Disney. Their ships are ideal for families with kids ages 4 to 11, as Disney has the best facilities, dining schemes and programs for this age group. Disney Cruise Line has also done a lot more to accommodate tweens and teens -- but its ships still hold the most appeal for the younger set. The Oceaneer Club offers several themed play areas, including Andy's Room (from "Toy Story"). On Fantasy and Dream, you'll find the Laugh Floor (from "Monsters, Inc."), while on Magic you'll encounter Marvel's Avengers Academy, a S.H.I.E.L.D. command post, where kids can interact with the Avengers through a virtual game The Oceaneer Lab has an Animator's Studio and a mini sound studio. Cool additions to both spaces are Magic Play floors, which allow kids to use their feet to play interactive games. There is a for-fee nursery available to care for little ones, ages 3 months to 3 years. If you're up for a swim, Mickey's Pool, for the youngest cruisers, is on one side of the ship, and an adults-only pool is located on the other, with Donald's Pool in the center for families or general use.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
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This month our little holiday tree is planning his summer vacation and is try to pick from the many exciting experiences Disney resorts offer.
Part of what makes the 60th Anniversary Disneyland adventure so magical is the fact that children and adults alike can enjoy a day full of fun intertwined with fantasy. The excitement of exhilarating rides, life size characters, special 60th Anniversary shows, and delicious treats will bring a smile to everyone's face. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make each magical day at Disney Resorts possible. Here are a few fun facts.
Walt Disney once said, "I love the nostalgic myself. I hope we never lose some of the things of the past." So he created Main Street, U.S.A. to make sure we could always embrace those wonderful feelings of days gone by. From the decor in the old-time specialty shops to the music in Central Plaza to the taste of the ice cream sundaes, Main Street is pure Americana.
Walt's Disneyland opening-day dedication speech ("To all who come to this happy place, welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here, age relives fond memories of the past, and here, youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.") If you've ever sat around waiting for a train at New Orleans Station at Disneyland, you may have noticed ticking sounds coming from the telegraph office. You are actually hearing the first few lines of Walt Disney's speech from opening day at Disneyland in 1955 being ticked out on the telegraph.
Disneyland's Magic Kingdom is 100 acres - 7 acres smaller than Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Disneyland has just 85 acres of entertainment area. The original size of the area purchased by Walt was 165 acres and when Disneyland opened it was only 55 acres of entertainment area.
It's Not a Small World, After All... Covering 40 square miles, Walt Disney World
Resort is about the size of San Francisco or two Manhattan islands. Of the more than 25,000 acres, less than 35 percent has been developed with a quarter designated as a wilderness preserve.
A Cast of Thousands... around 62,000 to be more precise. That’s how many people it
takes to create the magic at the Vacation Kingdom. Not surprisingly, Walt Disney World Resort is the largest single-site employer in the United States
Smile!... With millions of visitors annually, it’s no wonder the Disney parks are among the
most photographed places in the United States. On any given day, Disney’s PhotoPass
photographers take between 100,000 and 200,000 photos of guests at Walt Disney World Resort. The PhotoPass service allows guests to view, share and order their Disney photos online and create Disney products such as PhotoBooks and mugs.
Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.
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6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
There are few places in the world that offer the breathtaking landscapes, endless activities and awe-inspiring architecture of the U.S. national parks. From whitewater rafting through the Grand Canyon to exploring the elegant monuments on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to scaling Yosemite's Half Dome, there's always an adventure to be had in the national parks. Whether you've been there before or are going for the first time, keep these insider tips in mind to ensure you get the most out of your visit.
Plan Ahead
With more than 280 million people visiting the national parks and monuments each year, most during the spring and summer, it's bound to get a little crowded. To ensure you've got a place to stay after a busy day of hiking and time to see all of the sights, give yourself at least six months to begin planning. Most in-park hotels and campsites sell out quickly, so the more time you have to plan, the better chance you have to book a room or campsite for a decent price. In addition, remember that many trails and roads aren't open year-round, so planning ahead is a must.
Pack Smart
No matter the season, think layers. Some parks can change up to 25 degrees in just a few hours, so it's key to come prepared. Raincoats, sturdy hiking shoes, thick socks and hats are advised for most of the parks, especially those with rugged mountain trails, lush forests and rocky coasts. Check the National Park Service's website to look at the individual trip planning guides for each park -- they'll detail seasonal temperatures and help you pack accordingly.
Visit Off-season
If you can swing it, opt for an off-season visit. Without the crowds of the high season, you've got a better chance to enjoy some of the most popular landmarks, such as Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, in peace. In many of the parks, autumn brings an added splendor with stunning arrays of brightly colored leaves and winter offers extra outdoor adventure, with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Rentals
If you can, skip the car and enter the park via foot, bike or boat. These options bring a much lower sticker price (up to a 50 percent discount) and allow for a more unique adventure. You can even explore the trails, canals, caves and monuments up close.
Stick To The Trails
There's a reason all of the trails in the parks are clearly marked, and it's not just to prevent you from getting lost. Staying on the trail ensures your safety and the safety of the unique wildlife that call that park home. In addition, straying far from the trails can also destroy the fragile landscape.
Don't Approach Or Feed Wildlife
Despite warnings from park rangers and ample signs, many tourists forget this critical rule when they spot a bison, bear or bald eagle. It's important to remember that these animals are wild and could view you trying to pet or feed them as a threat. Even those gentle looking dear or Elk pose a serious threat when approached by people. Avoid accidents by also securing your campsite and making sure it's free of leftover food.
A Smartphone isn't Smart
While many of the parks have modern conveniences like well-stocked grocery stores, gas stations and lodges, they often lack cell phone service. No matter the carrier, signals in most parks will be seriously spotty. Avoid pricey roaming charges by turning your phone off when you have no bars. Since service is so hit or miss, ensure you have maps and directions in case you get turned around.
Look Into Annual Passes
If you're planning to visit more than one park (which you should!), look into getting an annual pass from the Park Service. For just $80, you'll gain access to all 2,000-plus federal recreation sites, national parks and monuments for an entire year.
Take (and keep) the Map
Since many parks don't have solid cell phone coverage, take advantage of the free map the park rangers hand you when you enter the park. These will not only help you navigate around the tricky roads and trails, but will also give you insight as to where visitors centers, gas stations and other park amenities are located. Most importantly, many maps will show you where the big sights are and how long it can take to get there from the park's entrances.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
Grand Teton National Park may share a border with Yellowstone, but the two parks might as well be worlds apart. Yellowstone is known for its geothermal activity, where as Grand Teton is more peaceful. At Grand Teton Park you can sit back and enjoy the rugged mountains, beautiful valleys, and all the wonders of the wilderness that the park offers. And don't forget to bring your camera!
A Famous Barn
The park is home to one of the most photographed barns in America, the T.A. Moulton Barn. You've probably seen a picture of it before, the weathered wood, grassy valley, and blue mountains in the background make it insanely photogenic. Even though many have seen it and snapped its picture, few know the history behind it. It's located at the Western end of Grand Teton's very own ghost town, Mormon Row Historic District, where many Mormons settled as they moved to form communities outside of their home base at Salt Lake City. Thomas Alma Moulton and his sons built the barn as part of a larger farm between 1912 and 1945. It's now the only building on the Moulton family homestead, and was one of the last parcels of land sold to the NPS for Grand Teton. It's not hard to see why the family wanted to hang on to it for as long as possible, it really is a gorgeous view!
Find a Beach
Grand Teton certainly isn't wanting for breathtaking lakes: there's Jackson Lake, String Lake, and Jenny Lake, but if you head a little ways off the beaten path, you'll find that Leigh Lake is undoubtedly one of the prettiest. And of course it has a beach! Instead of panoramic ocean views and rolling waves, you'll have to settle for the surrounding mountain scenery and crystal clear lake waters. It's a decent length hike, but it's level and relatively easy. Could there be a better reward for a brisk hike than enjoying a picnic and a swim on the sandy shore.
Grizzly Bears
Grand Teton is home to some pretty incredible wildlife: wolves, elk, moose, big horn sheep, coyotes, and more have called the park home for centuries, but it's only recently that the park's population of grizzly bears has begun to boom. There are only about 1,500 grizzlies in the continental US right now, and 600 of them live in the Yellowstone-Teton area. If you're looking to see them in the wild, they can be best seen in June and July at Willow Flats. Just in case you have an encounter with one, brush up on your bear safety. Don't make eye contact, act aggressively, or run; instead, back away slowly. And remember to bring bear spray and bear-proof containers for food.
Jackson Hole
Unlike some National Parks, Grand Teton is located pretty close to town: Jackson, in the stunning Jackson Hole valley. With the National Parks in the area, Jackson has taken on a Gatlinburg-esque resort feel, and it works out perfectly for visitors who want to enjoy the beauty of nature without sacrificing the excitement of a city: you've got great dining and nightlife options, like Snake River Brewing, world-class accommodations like The Antler Inn and Amangani, and plenty to do; they even have a Ripley's Believe It Or Not. Of course, said city is still a city in Wyoming, the Antler Arches of Jackson and awesome National Museum of Wildlife Art won't let you forget that anytime soon.
Hot Air Balloons
Mountaineering is one of the most popular activities in the park, but climbing isn't the only way to get a picture-perfect view of the park. If "physical activity" isn't your cup of tea (or even if it is) then consider a hot air balloon tour of Grand Teton National Park from the Wyoming Balloon Company. You'll see a totally different side of the park from way up high. The pilots are extremely professional and offer all kinds of extra info on the balloon, the wildlife and the park itself!
Dude Ranches
Grand Teton National Park used to be filled with dude ranches, but today Triangle X Ranch is the only remaining ranch inside the park. They offer accommodations in comfortable rustic cabins, meals are included in your stay, and they plan excursions for their guests, fly fishing trips, horseback riding lessons and tours, river floats, and much more. There are
countless other dude ranches nearby as well, like the remote but exciting Goosewing Ranch and the breathtaking Flat Creek Ranch.
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
The buffalo is the symbol on the Wyoming flag, so what better recipe than a tasty bison burger. Bison meat is leaner than beef, though grain-finishing does increase the fat content somewhat. And like all meat, it’s rich in protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and other nutrients.
Cowboy Bison Burgers with Whiskey-Glazed and Charred Onions
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large yellow onion, sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup whiskey
1 1/2 pounds ground bison
1 white onion
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus additional for grill
4 sesame seed or poppy seed rolls, split
4 lettuce leaves
Directions:
1. Preheat the grill with a medium-high heat.
2. Heat the butter in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Stir in the yellow onion, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally until softened and golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in the sugar, then pull the pan off the heat and carefully add the whiskey. Ignite the whiskey with a gas flame or a long kitchen match and cook until the flames die down. Continue to cook until the onions are glazed, about 2 minutes. Let cool, then season with salt to taste.
3. Break the bison up in a large bowl and season with 11/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper, then divide and form into 4 (4-inch) patties.
4. Slice the white onion crosswise into 4 (1/3-inch-thick) slices. Skewer each onion slice to hold together, then rub with 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Grill onions, turning once, until softened, about 8 minutes.
5. Brush the grill grate with oil. Grill the burgers, turning once, until grill marks appear, 6 to 8 minutes total for medium rare. Set aside to rest while you toast the buns.
6. Brush the cut-sides of the rolls with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and grill cut-side down until grill marks appear, 1 to 2 minutes.
7. Put a burger on the bottom portion of buns and top with lettuce leaves, whiskey-glazed onions, grilled onions, and bun tops. Serve.
Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes
Inactive Preparation: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Enjoy!
Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
