In The News – Off The Map Travel

Wolf Experience

Have a howling good time on a trip to Narvik, Norway, where you will stay at the new Wolf Lodge and ride a gondola up a mountain to hunt for the Aurora borealis.

The four-day, three-night tour, organized by Off the Map Travel, includes a stay at a lodge in the wolf enclosure at Polar Park.

Guests are separated from the animals only by the lodge's wooden walls and oversized windows. The stay also includes a supervised, face-to-face wolf kiss (or not, if you aren't up for it.) with the park's socialized wolves. 

The northern lights experience takes guests by gondola to the top of Narvik Mountain where they can watch for the lights indoors in a lodge or from a viewing platform outside.
Dates: Tours are available November through March.

Price: From $3,150 per person, based on a group of four traveling together. Included are transfers, three nights' accommodation, including one night at the Wolf Lodge, a boat trip along the fjord to search for wildlife, and a guided aurora borealis hunt. Airfare is not included.

About The Company
Off the Map Travel specializes in the types of experiences that bring you closer to the natural world. On many occasions it is the natural environment that has drawn us to our destinations, such as an amazing glacier in Greenland; forest habitat in West Sweden or whale migratory route in Iceland. Conservation is an important part of this company. It is important that, while enjoying these amazing destinations on a luxury adventure holiday, we also help preserve them for future generations to come.

Both summer and winter luxury adventure holidays are offered, with a focus on destinations that deliver incredible luxury adventure experiences that are easily accessible and not offered by  other tour operators.

Conservation Efforts

Off the Map Travel has partnered with the WDC, Whale and Dolphin Conservation to bring you the most exciting holidays that are responsible and positively impact upon both people and the whales and dolphins we wish to protect. WDC is the leading global charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of whales and dolphins and they defend these remarkable creatures against the many threats they face through campaigns, lobbying, advising governments, conservation projects, field research and rescue.

Off the Map Travel contributes to the conservation, the safety and the freedom of whales and dolphins all across the world. They are the only tour operator that abides 100% by the recommendations set out by WDC regarding the no­swim policies and commercial whaling and every single one of the whale and dolphin watching holidays includes a donation to the WDC so that they can continue with their amazing work.

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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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Road # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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Off the Beaten Path – Thailand

It is remarkably easy to get “off the beaten track” in Thailand. The majority of the wonders to be seen in Thailand have become top tourist traps by default, so getting off the beaten path is an undertaking for a different kind of thrill: the experience of true Thai life, synced with the ebb and flow of the weather and the seasons. This makes exploring and experiencing the “unseen” Thailand a great opportunity to break from the hustle of 9-5 culture, and often to find more eco-friendly and fulfilling experiences.

Travel Without Translators
This seems pretty obvious, but what acts as a deterrent to most travelers is a fantastic guide to determining your level of adventure. Yes, it will mean you’ll need to learn a few key phrases, keep some key photos on your phone (you know, like a bathroom door), or perhaps have a pencil and paper handy for notes and drawings, but the only way to get properly remote and utterly off the beaten track is to cut yourself off from the world you are comfortable with.

This will not only help you accomplish your travel goals and facilitate that proper adventure, but it will also seriously help the local economy, which suffers in areas not immediately adjacent to key tourist destinations.

Go North(east)
Generally, the northern half of Thailand is the best place to leave the souvenir stalls behind and enter the true “land of smiles.” To start, here are some key regions to visit when planning your trip off the beaten path:

Isaan

This massive section of northeastern Thailand is home to a third of the native population, but only sees about 0.31% of the nation’s overall annual tourists. Sure, there are some key tourist hotspots in Isaan, but even those get routinely skipped over by the week- to week-and-a-half traveler starting in Bangkok.

Hit up the Mekong riverside in Sangkhom to do a little hammock lounging or you can go to Nakhon Phanom province to see the oldest temple in Thailand (That Phanom). Head to Loei province, at the northern tip of Isaan, to explore the peaceful river towns. Isaan has a great deal to offer, such as national parks, mountains and rivers. There are temples in this region, like the Wat Phu Tok mountain temple and Erawan shrine, ruins, and a near-endless sea of rice paddies.

The North

Northern Thailand is something of a hub for backpackers and visitors taking a long holiday. As the nexus between Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, Northern Thailand is a cultural blend of the three.

Backpackers gravitate to the North to lose themselves in the legendary trekking, so it’s a perfect place to get outdoors and carve your own path. The remote Nan province in particular, right at the Laos border, is a great place to explore between its three major towns and six national parks.

Follow The Coast
Thailand has 2,000 miles of coastline and 85-degree summer days. This becomes incredibly evident when traveling to any of the many heavily populated beaches. Follow the coast away from the crowds and you’ll discover the beaches that don’t make the “Top 10” lists, but wind up more beautiful in their isolation.

Explore The Islands
Thailand has a ton of islands, way more than we can list here. For example, the island group in Phang Nga Bay comprises 67. Some islands are big enough to house full resorts, while others (many of which are privately owned and readily and cheaply available for rent) are much smaller and have accommodations for only a few, but are as off-the-beaten-track as they are ideal getaways for a peaceful and remote stay.

Want some peace? Try spending a stint at a wat and explore the Buddhist culture of the country.'

Slow down. Stay awhile

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 Road # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
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Culinary Travel: Raw Pad Thai

Craving Thai Food, but need a Raw, Vegetarian alternative? This pad thai recipe is almost easier than calling for take-out. It'll make your head spin it's so fast and delicious. This colorful raw pad Thai uses zucchini strips as noodles and is coated in an almond butter-based sauce.

Ingredients

2 zucchini, ends trimmed 

2 carrots

1 head red cabbage, thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1/2 cup bean sprouts

3/4 cup raw almond butter

2 oranges, juiced

2 tablespoons raw honey

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root

1 tablespoon Nama Shoyu (raw soy sauce)

1 tablespoon unpasteurized miso

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Directions

Slice zucchini lengthwise with a vegetable peeler to create long thin 'noodles'. Place on individual plates.

Slice carrots into long strips with vegetable peeler similar to the zucchini.

Combine carrots, cabbage, red bell pepper, and bean sprouts in a large bowl.

Whisk together almond butter, orange juice, honey, ginger, Nama Shoyu, miso, garlic, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.

Pour half of sauce into cabbage mixture and toss to coat.

Top zucchini 'noodles' with cabbage mixture. Pour remaining sauce over each portion.

Preparation Time - 30 minutes

Ready In - 30 minutes

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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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc

6008 West Bell Road # F105

Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793

(602) 843-5100

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Travel Thailand

Thailand is a country on Southeast Asia’s Indochina peninsula known for tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha. Thailand is the travel hub of Southeast Asia. Most people coming into the region fly into Bangkok and make that their base for doing the circuit around Southeast Asia. With many travelers from around the world flying into the country each year, Thailand is Asia’s primary travel destination and offers a host of places to visit. Yet despite this vast influx of visitors, Thailand’s cultural integrity remains largely undamaged, maintaining a rich heritage. Thailand speaks for itself. It’s so well known around the world that when you hear the name, you already think about beaches, beauty, jungles, and food.  

With its lush jungles, famed beaches, world-class diving, amazing food, and cheap prices, Thailand attracts visitors from all walks of life. Finding inexpensive accommodations is definitely doable. Travel through Thailand is easy. The country is a well-worn destination on the backpacking trail and everything is convenient and easy. 

In Bangkok, the capital, a teeming metropolis rises next to quiet canal and riverside communities. Commercial hubs such as Chinatown consist of labyrinthine alleys crammed with shophouses, markets and diners. Though the high-rises and neon lights occupy the foreground of the tourist picture, the typical Thai community is still the farming village, and you need not venture far to encounter a more traditional scene of fishing communities, rubber plantations and Buddhist temples. 

It's hard to summarize the diversity of travel to Thailand, from gilded temples and palaces, to the two coastlines, on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. In the mountainous interior, hill tribes live as they have for millennia. 

Things Not to Miss in Thailand
You may not be able to cover the whole country in one vacation, but here are activities you absolutely can't miss when you travel to Thailand:

Explore Bangkok – The heart of Thailand is a must-see. Explore temples, palaces, amazing markets, shops, and of course, amazing Thai food. 

Find adventure around Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai is an old city ringed with temples and surrounded by jungles. It’s a good launching pad for jungle treks into the area; there is a nearby elephant sanctuary, and the Chiang Mai night market is a place for some of the best handicrafts and deals in the country.

Visit the national parks - Both Khao Sok National Park and Khao Yai National Park are an excellent place to hike, swim, and find wild elephants. You’ll find caves, jungles, rivers, lakes, and tall limestone kyrsts here. It’s not a common stop but if you are in Thailand for a while, you should make the effort to go.

Hop around the ancient capitals – Between Chiang Mai and Bangkok are Thailand’s three ancient capitals – Sukhothai, Lopburi, and Ayutthaya. Visiting them on your way north is a unique way to head from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. You’ll get to learn about ancient Thailand and see rural life at its best.  

When to Go to Thailand
When you plan to visit Thailand, remember that there are three seasons: summer, winter, and the wet season. The rainy season runs from May until November in most of the country, meaning Thailand travel during that time will bring rainy days. In the South, however, the monsoon rains fall from April to October along the Andaman Sea coastline, and from September to December along the Gulf of Thailand coast.

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 Road # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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Culinary Travel: Chevre and Walnut Tartlets

French Food at Home invites you to share in a lifestyle that brings the magic of contemporary French food home. Petite pastry tarts topped with goat cheese and fig start off dinner beautifully.

Ingredients

1 cup ruby port
1 cup sugar
12 small figs
1 sheet puff pastry or frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 (4-ounce) log fresh chevre ( goat cheese)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon chopped freshrosemary
Freshly ground black pepper
4 tablespoons chopped toastedwalnuts, optional
Rocket greens ( arugula), optional

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit 

In a saucepan large enough to hold the figs in one layer, heat the port and dissolve the sugar. Set in the figs, cover with a round of parchment, and simmer 10 minutes. Remove the figs, and boil the port down to sauce consistency. Set aside. 

Cut 4 (4-inch) rounds from the pastry. Lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lay a second baking sheet on top, and bake until lightly golden, 15 to 20 minutes. 

In a mixing bowl, cream the chevre with a spoon, and stir through the cream until smooth. Stir through the rosemary, and season with pepper. 

When the pastry is golden, remove the top baking sheet. Spread the rounds with the cheese mixture. Halve the figs and arrange over the cheese, then scatter over the nuts, if using. Bake until the cheese is hot, about 5 minutes. Serve with rocket green, if using, and with a swirl of port syrup on the side.

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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Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
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Prior Planning Prevents Poor Pricing When Traveling

Spring break season is here, in fact some schools have already had theirs, and Summer is just around the corner. You start to think, this is the perfect time for a vacation and then you see the prices. Whether it is a cruise, a plane ticket, or a hotel room, if you think you can book something at the last minute for a decent price, you might want to rethink it. 

Airfare

There’s actually a scientific answer to that magic number of days before a flight when tickets are at their cheapest.

The answer? Fifty-four days before takeoff is, on average, when domestic airline tickets are at their absolute lowest price. And if you don’t hit 54 days on the head, you should usually book between 112 to 21 days before your trip for the lowest possible prices. In this window, ticket prices typically hover near the lowest price they’ll ever reach.

The researchers found that, on average, a ticket cost about $200 more when booked within 7 days of departure, compared to tickets booked in the “prime window.” Those who bought tickets between 7 and 13 days before departure paid about $75 more.

Keep in mind we talking on average and domestic flights. Your flight’s “best price” window depends a lot on the specific trip you’re taking.

If you’re going somewhere incredibly popular at an incredibly popular time — like spring break in Florida, for example — you should book well before the “prime booking window” even begins. When there’s constant, strong demand for a flight, airlines have no incentive to lower ticket prices as time goes on. The same principle holds true for flights to hard-to-reach airports in small cities: There’s little airline competition there, so ticket prices don’t drop nearly as much over their lifespan.

Cruises
If you book your cruise 6 to 12 months or more in advance, which is a good idea for popular regions like Alas­ka in summer, early-bird rates are what you're likely to pay. Cruise lines reward those who plan ahead with their best prices up ­front. Fares gen­er­al­ly rise as a sailing date draws near­er, though rates may decline again based on last-minute avail­abil­ity. Booking early of­ten rep­re­sent savings in the range of 25% to 50%. You get first dibs on itineraries, dates, and cabins You can also book your air and hotel early to as­sure 
avail­abil­ity (and po­ten­tial­ly low­er air­fares).

Waiting For Last-Minute Deals
It's im­por­tant to keep in mind that in a healthy economy there are fewer last-minute deals. Cruise lines know if they reduce ev­ery­thing at the last minute no one will pay higher early-bird prices so they limit their re­duc­tions, even if it means sailing with a few empty cabins. You sac­ri­fice a lot of choice in terms of ship, itinerary, and cabin types. Getting a decent last-minute air­fare may be tough if you have to fly to your port. Last-minute cruise fares are com­plete­ly non­re­fund­able, and the full fare is due im­me­di­ate­ly up­on booking.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

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

Start Planning Your Summer Vacation With Us

Have you planned your summer vacation yet? We can help you avoid many travel pitfalls... Give us a call to help you with reservations to add more to your holiday before you feel that your summer want to do more this year.

For the spontaneous (or procrastinating) traveler, Rawhide Travel and Tours is serving up the hottest deals on last-minute weekend getaways. Skip the heat this weekend (or next weekend) with last minute travel to much cooler climes. 

We can help with air, hotels and the right rental car or even a last minute weekend cruise.

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

How often have you said you need to see and experience the River Walk in San Antonio Texas? Yes, it is too far to drive for just a weekend... but we can see if your airline seat is still open. The Clydesdales may be gone but SeaWorld is still worth a fun weekend. So what is holding you back?

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

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6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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In the News – Future Flight Tech

Last week's Singapore Airshow injects hope for an aviation world that we can actually look forward to. The biggest air show in Asia this year put emphasis on emerging technologies, with forums and a whole exhibition zone dedicated to the topic. This might just be what we can look forward to over the next few years.

3D Printed Planes?

More than 1,000 pieces of this plane is made by 3D printer. Airbus's development of the A350 struggled to keep pace with deadlines in its early days. To fix the problem, it turned to 3D printing. More than 1,000 parts of the A350 are now made by 3D printing -- more than on any other commercial aircraft. That's a trend that's going to keep on growing, according to industry experts. It will start with the spare parts on an airplane that require replacement from time to time, like handles. In addition to non-critical plane parts, tools used in aviation manufacturing can also be printed. By 3D printing, it significantly reduces the complexity to make some of the parts and save cost, time and weight. Don't expect a whole plane to be 3D printed anytime soon, though.

Multi-tasking Inflight Entertainment

Now attention spans can be stretched in the air as well as at home. Seatback screen or tablet? How about both? It will be like when you're at home, you'll turn on the TV, at the same time work on your laptop and play with your smartphone. Thales' new inflight entertainment system AVANT accommodates the habit. The gadget is controlled by an Avii, a smartphone-like remote with intuitive navigation, which will mainly be adopted in premium cabins. It acts as a second screen, allowing users to do things like browse the ratings of other movies while watching one on the main monitor. Personal smartphones can be synced with the system. Movies can be browsed and bookmarked ahead of boarding, while an unfinished movie can be saved and effortlessly picked up from the same place on the next flight, preserving every vital movie-watching second.

Singapore Airlines has just signed up to the system and the carrier's new A350XWBs will be installed with AVANT in 2018. The deal also includes a new touch-screen system in economy class cabin -- the world's lightest seatback monitor -- and Ka-band -- currently the fastest inflight Internet.

Eye Control

Watch out for eye-tracking technology. The next-gen inflight entertainment system is targeted at business or first class passengers whose seat monitors may not be at arm's length. Instead, monitors will be controlled by eye movements. As a passenger looks away -- say when the flight attendant comes to pour a glass of champagne, the screen will automatically stop the movie. It resumes when you the passenger sits back and stares at the screen again. We can expect to see the technology in five to seven years.

Morphing Apps

An all-in-one app for everything flying related. Turns out we've been carrying excess digital baggage. Developers are now working on adaptable apps that change according a user's location and need. Unlike most current airport apps based around static layout maps, the all-in-one version would use Bluetooth beacons to filter information before sending it to users at the right time. It could transform check-in processes and be used to track luggage. If your baggage is lost, your app will be able to tell -- and you don't have to wait to find out at the baggage carousel. Miami International airport recently became the first to install beacons feeding data including walk-to-gate times, details of nearby food outlets and updates on baggage collection.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:

Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc

6008 West Bell Road # F105

Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793

(602) 843-5100

rawhidetravel.com

Culinary Travel – Mexican Tamale Pie Recipe

Arizona Mexican Tamale Pie. While you are visiting the Valley of the Sun you need to treat yourself and your family to some authentic Mexican food and this is a great sample. Dinner and Dessert

Ingredients

3/4 pound ground beef or turkey
1 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons cumin
1 can (15 ounce size) black beans
1 can chipotle chiles en adobo
1 can (8 ounce size) stewed tomatoes
2 teaspoons adobo sauce (from chiles)
4 ounces Cheddar cheese (grated)
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 box cornbread mix (prepared into cornbread batter, set aside)

Directions

Brown and sauté meat, onions, pepper and garlic on the stove in a large pot. Add cumin. Add beans, tomatoes and chiles, and adobo sauce. Saute for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add cilantro. Pour into a glass baking (quart and a half approximately at least) pan. Pour the cornbread batter over the meat mixture. Bake for 20-22 minutes at 325 degrees F.

Arizona Biltmore Pate Choux

Ingredients

16 ounces water
10 ounces bread flour
7 eggs
8 ounces corn oil
1 splash vanilla extract

Directions

Heat water and oil to a rapid boil. Add flour. Mix well and cook 3-5 minutes. 
Place mixture in mixer with paddle and mix on low speed. Slowly add eggs and vanilla and mix until smooth and cohesive (about 2 minutes). 

Pipe out into desired shapes. Bake at 400 to 425 degrees F until golden brown, dry and firm (about 20-30 minutes). 

Fill with pastry cream, whipped cream, mousse, or whatever your choice.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Road # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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AZ Spring Training – You're Out

You're Out on the town, that is. After the game it might be quite natural to feel a bit peckish, here are some great places where you can feed your hungry team.

Hungry History
 Local restaurants have turned old houses into new ventures, creating intimate dining settings that are as warm and welcoming as your family’s home.

Built in a 75-year-old adobe house, Old Town Tortilla Factory offers guests a historically Southwestern experience. Diners can enjoy one of the eatery’s famous margaritas inside the cozy restaurant or outdoors on the patio. The restaurant’s 1,200-foot flagstone patio is surrounded by lush, 100-year-old pecan trees and serves as a prime spot to enjoy Scottsdale’s bustling arts community. 

Visitors will feel right at home at Arcadia Farms. Nestled in the Scottsdale’s downtown arts district, the restaurant is situated in an old cottage home and serves organic food inspired by the wine country. 

Tucked away in a shady corner of downtown Scottsdale, The House Brasserie is a nod to days gone by. The original home structure was built in 1938 and many of the original trees still shade The House’s quaint patio.

Sweet Tooth
Got a taste for something sweet? We’ve got you covered with the best places in Scottsdale for dessert.

Super Chunk Sweets & Treats: Duck fat toffee, homemade licorice and chocolate bacon caramel corn? As if all that doesn’t sound delightful enough, the masterminds behind Super Chunk Sweets & Treats have even more unique and tasty indulgences for you to try. They describe their offerings as “small-batch, handcrafted confections with a slant towards traditional American flavors using unique ingredients and creative techniques.” Simply stated, it’s a must-try!

Sprinkles Cupcakes: Fuel up on delicious designer cupcakes at Sprinkles Cupcakes, conveniently located across the street from Scottsdale Fashion Square. Staple flavors like cinnamon sugar and red velvet are punctuated by special (seasonal) appearances from Irish chocolate, pumpkin and lemon. It doesn’t hurt that Sprinkles has some of the cutest souvenirs, too – for people and pups! 

Café & Ice Cream Parlor at The Phoenician: As if The Phoenician’s J&G Steakhouse, Il Terrazzo and Relish Burger Bistro weren’t enough of a foodie draw, the Café & Ice Cream Parlor has upped the ante. Nosh on freshly baked pastries, homemade ice cream, and frozen yogurt. The best part: you can dine in or take your sweet treats on the road.

Happy Hour
When it comes to bargain bites, Scottsdale’s restaurants serve up a robust menu of happy hour specials that are sure to please.

Citizen Public House
During “CPH Social” you’ll enjoy discounts on specialty cocktails, glass wines and draught beer, as well as a menu of innovative bar snacks that changes weekly. (Daily, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.)

Roaring Fork
$5 drinks and discounts on appetizers, including house-made guac, pork wings and kettles of green chile pork. (Tueday.-Saturday., 4 p.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday.-Monday., all night)

Wildfish Seafood Grille
Select martinis, margaritas, mojitos and wines by the glass are only $5 (all other drinks are $2 off) and you’ll savor $1 Louisiana Oysters and discounted pricing on other tasty morsels like the Spicy Shrimp & Pork Potstickers for $8 and Tartare of Pacific Ahi for $12. (4 p.m.-7 p.m. nightly; all night Sunday. and Monday.)

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill
Nicely priced appetizers from $5-$7, all of which are excellent pairings for Z’s famous margaritas (all $5) or a cold one ($3.50 domestic, $4.50 import). (Monday.-Friday., 3:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.; Saturday.-Sunday. 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Daily, 9 p.m.- Close)

ZuZu
Cool Redux Happy Hour at ZuZu is a throwback to simpler times, both in environment and cost. Enjoy $6 wine by the glass and signature cocktails like the Bramble or ZuZu Senorita, as well as $4 select beers. You’ll also love $6 bites such as Crisp Basil Risotto, Green Chili Pork and Portobello Fries. (Monday.-Friday., 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.)

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

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

Talk With Experts Before You Make Your Travel Plans

Rawhide Travel and Tours with combined total of “75 years of travel experience" provides amazing deals for your business travel or once in a lifetime 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 special holiday vacations worldwide.

Plan your next great vacation using our experience... 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 Road # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

In The News – The Airport That Snow Won't Close

It snows a lot in Anchorage, Alaska, but the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport prides itself on something airports that see far less snow can't boast: It's never closed down by winter weather. Anchorage is a top airport when it comes to snow and ice control. On average, more than 6 feet of snow falls annually in Anchorage, a number roughly equivalent to the most snow ever recorded in a year in New York. Even the mildest of Anchorage winters, like this year and the 2013-2014 year, still sees more than 2 feet of snow. Anchorage plan for snow every day, it is not an emergency; it's just part of everyday life.

One year on St. Patrick's Day, the airport had 27 inches of snowfall in 24 hours. Even through that event they were able to continue operations. They did have some delays, but the airport continued to function and never closed any of their three runways during that event.

Anchorage International Airport is the second busiest cargo airport in the United States and the fifth busiest in the world, according to the airport. This is largely because it's within 9.5 hours flying time of 90% of the industrialized world. More than 2 million people -- about 40,000 passenger flights -- also travel through the airport each year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Managers say the 110 men and women who work in the airfield maintenance department are the key to keeping the 33 million square feet of airfield pavement clear from snow and ice. 

'Throw the snow as far as you can'

They also have some help from some high-tech equipment. All 80 pieces are painted yellow and kept clean and shiny in a huge building at the airport. Their pickup trucks have digital readouts that show conditions on the tarmac by using sensors built into the pavement. They also have dual-engined, million-dollar snowplows that push snow out of the way and then sweep the runway clean.

There are three primary runways, all in excess of 10,000 feet long. And the maintenance teams can get a runway cleaned in 18 to 22 minutes. Once a runway is done they move on to the next and keep that rotation going until the snowfall ceases.

\Snow removed from the runways is piled to the side, but in other areas such as the ramps and plane parking spots, it has to be trucked away and piled in what is called a "snow storage area."

Often the mountains of snow don't melt until August.

After the runway is cleared, sand and several chemical mixtures are spread onto the tarmac to keep it from icing over. The mixtures are specially formulated so they won't cause problems with the aircraft or any corrosion, which is what salt would do.

Anchorage must plan ahead because the chemicals are brought in by barge from the continental United States. Getting a new shipment takes about a month.

There aren't too many other options in Alaska for aircraft of this size. So it's critical for them to be a viable option for carriers coming through. losing to a snow or ice event isn't an option for these hard working men and women.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:

Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc

6008 West Bell Road # F105

Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793

(602) 843-5100

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Off The Beaten Path – Phoenix, AZ

As a native Arizonan I could sing the praises of many of the states amazing sights. However, having lived in Phoenix, AZ for the majority of my life I'm almost ashamed to say that I have never been to any of these off the Beaten Path places.

Cottonwood 
Just a little over an hour drive from Phoenix, this area immediately makes you feel like you are transported into another time after you reach the Old Town of this city...

Just follow the road out of Cottonwood and then you turn right when you see the Tuzigoot sign, and then there it is ----a stone structure looming on a hill in the horizon. This is the ultimate Sinaguan ruin left by a people that mysteriously disappeared from this area in the 1400s. Why? Famine, weather, boredom?

Once there, you go to the museum for $5 tickets for those 15 and up. 

In the Sinagua Museum, you find a room showing how these ancient people led their daily lives. These included grinding corn, cooking, weaving cloth, drying skins and making baskets. You will also notice the presence of the colorful Macaw bird – this meant that there was probably trading with Mexico and also some pottery trading from the north. Their pottery is notably undecorated and you will see several storage containers. 

And then you go up the trails going up to the structure. The trail is  a mile long, wheelchair friendly and kids will love following it!

The views around this 42 acre monument are spectacular, so get your cameras ready for the ultimate Sinaguan experience...

Taliesin West

Frank Lloyd Wright's Desert Masterpiece. It was designed to be, and still is, a living working educational facility. Taliesin West is a national historic landmark nestled in the desert foothills of the McDowell Mountains outside of Scottsdale, AZ. Wright’s beloved winter home and the bustling headquarters of the Taliesin Fellowship, Taliesin West was established in 1937 and diligently handcrafted over many years into a utopian world unto itself. It was built and maintained almost entirely by Wright and his apprentices, making it among the most personal of the architect’s creations.

Mystery Castle
Adjacent to South Mountain Park, Mystery Castle is a native stone castle that features 18 rooms, 13 fireplaces, parapets, many charming nooks and crannies, and is furnished with Southwestern antiques.

The Mystery Castle was built by the semi-reclusive Boyce Luther Gulley, who, having contracted tuberculosis, abandoned his wife & daughter in Washington state, reappearing in Phoenix in the 1930s. He settled on the side of South Mountain, near the site of what was then the town dump. From there he salvaged building materials, to build the castle he had always promised his young daughter. He ended up living a lot longer than he thought he would, so, room by room, the castle got larger & larger. Upon his death, Gulley's wife and daughter finally found out what had become of him and came to Phoenix. They discovered what he'd been up to in the years since their parting, liked it, and moved in. Mary Lou Gulley still lives in the castle to this day, giving tours of "Daddy Gulley's" castle. Be sure to take a guided tour and find out all the neat history about this castle made by hand out of recycled junk. Great to add into your drive up South Mountain.

Closed from July through September. 

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

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

Culinary Travel – Arizona Sopapillas

This is a flat bread that is easy to prepare, and is usually served with something sweet to put on top, like honey or cinnamon sugar. I prefer it with honey, this was one of my favorite treats growing up in Arizona. For a bit of variety Sopapillas can sometimes be served with guacamole or bean dips in place of traditional tortillas.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons shortening
3/4 cup water
2 cups vegetable oil for frying

Directions

In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Using hands, mix in water to make a smooth dough. Knead lightly on a floured surface. Cut dough into 12 pieces, and shape into round balls. Cover, and set aside.

Heat oil in deep-fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into thin circles. Cut each circle into triangles. Fry in hot oil, until golden brown, turning when dough puffs. Remove, and drain well on paper towels.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 7 minutes
Ready In: 22 minutes

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

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

AZ Spring Training – Step Into History

Since the earliest days of spring training baseball in Arizona, downtown Scottsdale has been a sought-after destination for Major League players and fans. You can literally walk in the footprints of Hall of Famers like Willie Mays, Ted Williams, Ernie Banks and Dizzy Dean by stopping at some of their favorite Scottsdale hangouts along the Cactus League Legacy Trail. The Legacy Trail is a self-guided tour of various hitching posts and watering holes that share a lengthy association with spring training baseball here in town. From the Buckhorn Baths to Ernie Banks and Buster Posey, Arizona’s Cactus League has a history steeped in sun, fun, phenoms and Hall of Famers. That colorful past comes to life this spring in a series of exhibits collectively called the Cactus League Legacy Trail. Twelve memorabilia collections at venues in Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, and Goodyear make up the trail, a must-do journey for even casual baseball fans.

Collectively, these exhibits tell the story of the Cactus League from its barn-storming beginnings to the state-of-the-art complexes of today. They also present the remarkable stories, photos and memorabilia of the ballplayers who through the years created “America’s Pastime.”

Here are just a few of The Legacy Trail exhibits:

Coach House Tavern
This rustic landmark remains almost unchanged from the 1950s when cowboys tied up at the hitching post and the Boston Red Sox were Scottsdale’s spring training home team. For more information, visit: www.coachhousescottsdale.com

Italian Grotto
Another player’s favorite located just a short walk from Scottsdale Stadium, the Italian Grotto’s memorabilia collection reflects Scottsdale’s deep ties to the Cactus League. For more information, visit: italiangrotto.restaurantengine.com/.

The Sugar Bowl
Rookie ballplayers have been stopping by the Sugar Bowl for a “double frosted” ice cream treat since the 1950s. 

Bil Keane immortalized the Sugar Bowl in his “Family Circus” cartoons – many of which adorn the restaurant’s walls. For more information, visit: www.SugarBowlScottsdale.com

Scottsdale Stadium

The spring home of the San Francisco Giants is the Cactus League’s only stadium located in a downtown setting. It’s also home to the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame and the Scottsdale Sports Hall of Fame. Scottsdale Stadium’s intimate confines, historic feel and park-like setting make it one of America’s five iconic sports venues, according to San Francisco Chronicle columnist Gwenn Knapp. The stadium is open to the public daily and tours are available by advance appointment, except during spring training. For more information, visit: www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/stadium.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com

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