Adults Only - Islands Resorts

There are so many adults only island resorts it was hard to choose which ones to place in this blog. Here are some things that you might need to consider before you go.

Remember, the terms "adults only" and "couples only" aren't interchangeable. If you want to avoid all those "swinging singles," make sure you book a couples-only hotel. 

Timid types should be aware that many adult resorts have nude beaches and, in some cases, entire sections of the hotel.

Age policies vary. At some resorts, the minimum age may be 16, at others 18 and some accept children 10 and older. In some cases an adults only resort simply means NO Children for those that don’t want the noise that comes from many children while on a vacation.

Caribbean
Excellence Punta Cana
The lapping ocean waves and the rhythms of merengue are Punta Cana’s soundtrack. Its laid-back island culture welcomes you and invites you to experiences its riches.

Take a walk on the wild side. Punta Cana is a noted outpost for soft adventure activities like cave exploring, zip-lining , whale watching, catamaran rides . Its wildlife preserves and ecological parks are exceptional.Swim with dolphins and sea lions. Speedboat over to Isla Saona with a stop at a sand bar for a quick swim in starfish-filled waters.

History reigns here, too, in the form of 15th century villages, basilicas and colonial-era ruins. The capital of Santo Domingo is a showcase of colonial architecture including the first cathedral in the Americas, Cathedral of Santa María la Menor. Take a romantic stroll through the Colonial Quarters and enjoy the grace of the oldest city in The New World.

Royalton Cayo Santa Maria
This luxury, adults only resort is a cut above many Cayo Santa Maria resorts with its All-In Luxury concept, regal furnishings, and rustic Caribbean flair. 

All Royalton Resorts & Hotels are dedicated to providing guests with an unforgettable vacation experience that will enlighten, enhance and awaken the senses. Royalton Cayo Santa Maria unites its top quality product, outstanding hospitality services, as well as luxury amenities with the spirit and soul of the Cuban community. The first Royalton hotel built in the Caribbean, Royalton Cayo Santa Maria quickly became one of the best all inclusive resorts in the region.  

The Royalton Cayo Santa Maria welcomes you with a romantic atmosphere to enrich and awaken all of your senses, rejuvenate your body, mind and soul and indulge in luxuries that will change you and your loved one forever. Royalton Cayo Santa Maria is an adult's only resort catering to an 18 and older crowd. It is peaceful and rich in activities to share with your significant other or a group of friends.

Fiji
Royal Davui Island Resort         
Barefoot Fijian luxury at its finest. This resort is an exclusive adults-only sanctuary situated in Fiji’s spectacular Beqa Lagoon offering a level of Fijian luxury, elegance and privacy not found in today’s larger resorts. At Royal Davui Island Resort Fiji, they say that the shell symbolizes an invitation for the guests to come to their island paradise. Just a few guests can be accommodated at Royal Davui, so be prepared for an exclusive and exceptional experience from the moment of your arrival. The world-renowned warmth and hospitality of the Fijian people awaits you at Davui. This premier Fiji resort is an adults only escape, offering an ideal tropical island escape, vacation, honeymoon or wedding.

 Lomani Island – Fiji Resort
 “Lomani” is the Fijian word for love, and you will be sure to fall in love with this idyllic Fiji Resort Island paradise. Lomani island resort is an adults only boutique Fiji resort located in the beautiful Mamanuca group of islands.

Hidden amongst the swaying palms and tropical gardens of Malolo lailai island, Lomani island resort fronts miles of white sand beaches and pristine lagoons. The crystal clear waters that lap onto the shores of Lomani’s beach provide a haven for tropical marine life and vibrant corals.

The island was once home to a copra plantation and thus boasts thousands of towering coconut palms, interspersed with frangipani, hibiscus and bougainvillea flowers.

Lomani Fiji Resort offers a tranquil and romantic atmosphere that is ideal for those seeking total relaxation. With only 24 rooms in the resort, you will feel well and truly like an honored guest. 

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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Is Your Travel Summer Over?

You just have this weekend and the three day weekend of Labor Day left. Give us a call to help you with reservations to cram in one more holiday before you feel that your summer has past you by.

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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In the News - Great Bear Rainforest, Canada

Richer in terrestrial and aquatic life than any other region on Earth, Canada’s remote Great Bear Rainforest is a magical, and threatened, land.

Situated on Canada’s British Columbia coast between Vancouver Island and the Alaska Panhandle, the Great Bear Rainforest is the largest tract of temperate rainforest left on Earth. The 27,027 square mile territory, roughly the size of Ireland, contains some of the richest terrestrial and aquatic life on the planet, including killer whales, mountain goat, coastal wolves and sea otters.

An Uncertain Future
In 2006, a landmark agreement was passed to protect up to a third of the rainforest from logging. But the region is still threatened by those who log in unprotected areas, trophy hunt bears and over-fish the salmon and Pacific herring. Plans have also been drafted to allow supertankers carrying fossil fuels to transit Great Bear Waters – a move that opponents say will further disturb marine life and raise the specter of an ecological disaster. 

An Ancient Human Habitat
The Great Bear Rainforest has long been home to First Nation groups, with archeological evidence dating human settlement back to the end of the last Ice Age, more than 10,000 years ago. Today, the territories of 27 First Nations fall within the boundary of Great Bear Rainforest. As a marker of their history, rock art and petroglyphs are not uncommon. 

Community Revival
As the logging and fishing industries decline, a new trend towards sustainable industries can be seen, with hiking, whale watching, bear viewing and photography excursions drawing travelers to the region. 

Spirit Bear Lodge, a bear viewing operation in the Swindle Island town of Klemtu, is an ecotourism success story. Owned and operated by the Kitasoo-Xai’xais First Nation, the lodge is tied to a community-driven wildlife research project that monitors salmon numbers and bear distribution in the territory. 

Tree Kingdom 
A few of Great Bear’s forests contain as much as four times the biomass of their tropical counterparts, including the Amazon. The area is home to some of the oldest and largest tree species found anywhere, including western red cedar, Sitka spruce, western hemlock and Douglas fir, some are more than 1,000 years old. Large conifers uphold the ecosystem by capturing rain, providing a home for animals, preventing soil erosion and creating stable conditions for salmon eggs to hatch. 

Wildlife

Both grizzly and black bears live in many of the region’s river systems and estuaries, including a rare variety of black bear known as the Kermode or “Spirit Bear” – so named because of a recessive gene that gives it a white or off-white coat. The sea abutting the rainforest has a enormous amount of terrestrial species in it. The shallows of the Pacific contain a plethora of life, including dozens of fish species, marine mammals like sea otters and sea lions, and plants and kelps so numerous and thick they could comprise their own forests. Low tide often reveals a cacophony of clams, mussels, barnacles, sea stars and anemones. Let’s not forget that some of the largest mammals on Earth – humpback, fin, grey and blue whales – travel through the waters of Great Bear. 

Following the advent of whaling, the animals suffered a sharp decline and were almost hunted to extinction. But thanks to international whaling bans that began in the latter part of the 20th Century, these creatures have made a comeback. 

"Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia" by Wrin at en.wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wells_Gray_Provincial_Park,_British_Columbia.jpg#/media/File:Wells_Gray_Provincial_Park,_British_Columbia.jpg

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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Off the Beaten Path - Gopher Hole Museum - Alberta, Canada

Planning a vacation to beautiful Alberta?  Where else can you take a bunch of dead animals, stuff them, dress them up like the local town folk and call it a museum. Well, you are starting at the right place! In Torrington they did just that. Every year since 1996 when they set up permanent residence at 208 1 Street South, thousands of tourists have stopped by Torrington annually to marvel at this little oddball museum filled with Stuffed Gophers.  

The museum is filled with stuffed gophers posed and dressed in little “Dioramas”.  Torrington seems to have a love-hate relationship with gophers. These little critters destroy the local crops but because of the museum they bring in the tourist dollar from all around to a town that would literally see almost no tourists. The museum itself is about the size of a large trailer and has around 40 different exhibits of stuffed gophers. The taxidermy is done quite nicely as well as the paint job for the sets. There is a fat book of newspaper clippings of the museum and a guest book with people from literally all over the world. The gift shop is quite lackluster but the idea of the museum makes some of the souvenirs interesting. Entrance to the museum is $2 for adults. The town fire hydrants are painted as gophers and there is also a 12 foot high statue of a gopher named Clem T. GoFur.

Torrington is located about an hour north of Calgary. It is 30 km east of Highway 2 on Highway 27. The museum is quite easy to find in Torrington because of all the signs. 

While you're in Torrington visiting the gophers, you may wish to stick around for a few days. The surrounding area provides other opportunities for adventure and entertainment. Beyond the gophers, you might also enjoy Banff National Park and Jasper National Park…the Rocky Mountains to the west are breathtaking! Meanwhile, Calgary is a world-class city and home of the world-famous Calgary Stampede. Further north, the capital city Edmonton is surely worth a visit as is the giant Ukrainian Easter Egg (Pysanka) in Vegreville! There is no shortage of great attractions in this beautiful and fascinating province of Canada.

Check it out. I think that most people miss it! Don't be one of these!

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Culinary Travel: Butter Tarts - Alberta Canada

Butter tarts are a Canadian tradition. Waaaay back in the 1970s (such a long time ago), a national contest was held in Canada and it was concluded that these butter tarts, originating from Wilkie's Bakery in Orillia, Ontario, were the best. Add a sprinkle of toasted walnuts when you add the raisins, if you wish, or use only walnuts if you don't like raisins.

Ingredients

Pie pastry (enough to fill 16 muffin cups, your own or from a mix)
1⁄2 cup raisins
1⁄4 cup soft butter
1⁄4 cup packed brown sugar
1 pinch salt
1⁄2 cup corn syrup
1 egg, lightly beaten
1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

Prepare muffin pans by rolling out pie dough and cutting 4-inch (approximately) circles; fit dough circles into muffin cups; set aside in fridge until ready to fill.

In a small bowl, place raisins and cover with hot tap water; let stand on the counter for 30 minutes.

In a large bowl, using a wooden spoon, mix together the soft butter, brown sugar, salt and corn syrup; stir well until sugar is dissolved and butter is creamed.

Add egg and vanilla and mix well.

Drain the raisins.

Retrieve tart shells and divide raisins equally into all shells; then divide butter mixture into all tarts.

Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes; filling will be lightly browned but still bubbling.

Canadians fall into two camps about butter tarts and are quite loyal to their favorite type: runny or firm. I like them runny, the type that dribbles when you bite into one; if you like firm, bake them for the full 20 minutes, even adding another minute or two if you wish.

Let cooked butter tarts cool in pans for 10 minutes after removing from oven; then remove and place on racks until completely cool.

Serves 16 

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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Water Park Fun – In The Americas

Its summer, its hot and the kids are still out of school (in some areas), time for a family trip to the water park. But why go to just any water park, when we can finish the list of the world’s best water parks from within our own backyard. Here is the story of just a few water parks you can visit.

World Waterpark (Alberta, Canada)
Located inside West Edmonton mall, this is the world's second-largest indoor water park and has the world's largest indoor wave pool, with 2.7 million gallons of water. Attractions include a looping water slide and Blue Thunder, a bungee jump tower suspended over the wave pool.

World Waterpark has opened a new upgraded private rental space for guests, a beachfront patio. There are three whole-day rental spaces available and each area will include: Two soft-seating couches, One table with four chairs, Four lockable cubby-holes and a washroom key, and six complimentary towels.

World Waterpark is the ideal place for adventure seekers to learn to surf and for surfers to hone their skills. West Edmonton Mall offers surf lessons at World Waterpark to guests ages 10 and up and a surf club for those who want to improve their surfing skills and fitness and surf year-round in a safe, controlled environment.

Schlitterbahn Resort (New Braunfels Texas)
Voted World's Best Waterpark! by Amusement Today Come explore over seventy acres of shared family fun, thrilling adventure, and relaxation! Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels is nestled along the beautiful banks of the Comal River and features world-famous attractions, epic river adventures, kid’s water playgrounds, and beautiful spots to relax and share a picnic – there is truly something for everyone!

Stay the night at Schlitterbahn Resort New Braunfels! Find the perfect River Bend Cabin, Treehaus Suite, Schlitterstein Studio Loft, vacation home or hotel room just steps away from all the fun at Schlitterbahn Waterpark.

Aquatica (Orlando, Florida)
Aquatica features two enormous wave pools and a sandy beach covered with soft, white sand and South Seas-inspired gardens. But best of all might be the Dolphin Plunge water slide that takes passengers on a white-knuckle ride through a dolphin-filled aquarium. This is the most popular ride in the park and with just one look You will easily see why. Two side-by-side enclosed tube slides send you racing through an underwater world that is home to a playful pod of beautiful black-and-white Commerson's Dolphins. Known for their playful nature and electrifying speed, you may well see them racing right alongside you as you zoom by. It's a ride unlike any other in the world. Brave the watery free-fall on the all-new drop slide, Ihu's Breakaway Falls - the tallest, steepest and only multi-drop tower of its kind in Orlando. Face your fear and each other. You never know who's going to breakaway first, all you know is it's going to be one wild ride.

Beach Park (Fortaleza, Brazil)
Beach Park's most famous ride is Insano, which ranks as the world's tallest (135 feet) and fastest (65 mph) water slide. Equally hair raising is Kalafrio, a giant half-pipe slide. Younger visitors can check out an enormous big top-themed play area or the Aqua Show, with water cannons, synchronized water jets and eight water slides just for kids. 

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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We Can Help You Get Lost

Rawhide Travel and Tours would like to remind people that we can book 11 months ahead, because special dates, like spring break, and especially holidays, can get booked up very quickly.  

We have clients that come in and think that 2 months in advance is “really early”.. and they may pay higher rates for air, cruises, hotels, and even car rentals. Just saying... plan ahead as much as you can.

Whether business or pleasure, Rawhide Travel and Tours delivers. Internet Travel sites list hotels and destinations, but offer little or nothing in the way of advice. Our many 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 create the perfect destination package including, resorts, conference rooms and meeting locations, special events, and attractions.

Rawhide Travel and Tours hopes you have a Great Day!

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


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In the News - The Small Capital, Reykjavik

With just 200,000 residents, Reykjavík ranks as one of Europe’s smallest capital cities. But when Iceland’s total population only hovers around 300,000, it makes sense that the capital is known as the “big city” and offers all the cultural perks of a much larger place.

From live music almost every night to cozy cafes, colorful houses and friendly cats roaming the street, Reykjavík has all the charms of a small town in a fun capital city. The city has a surprisingly lively nightlife for its size; it’s always buzzing during weekday happy hour and can go on until the early morning on weekends. According to some, the city has a laid-back hipster vibe, thanks to its independent, hard-working, friendly residents.

The spectacular scenery surrounding the city, entrances locals as much as visitors. It has even served as a filming location for many scenes in the popular Game of Thrones television show.  If you are in Reykjavik, which is by the oceans, you can see distant landscapes easily from the downtown center and there are very few skyscrapers to block the views. 

According to locals, downtown is where all the action is and you have to visit it to really appreciate and enjoy the city.  That said, the popular downtown areas are becoming increasingly expensive. For less pricey options, Seltjarnarnes, a peninsula 3 miles to the west has plenty of walking trails along the coast, or Laugardalur, the hot spring valley 3 miles to the east, is known for having the city’s largest outdoor geothermal pool.

Vesturbær (West Side) is home to the University of Iceland and is another affordable location that’s close to downtown. For expats looking for peace and quiet,  Garðabær and Kópavogur are good places with each suburb about 6 miles and 2 miles south of the city center respectively.

Where Can You Travel?
While travelers flock to Iceland for its scenery and geothermic wonders, residents also appreciate the country’s beauty and love how easy it is to get out of the city. Þingvellir National Park, located just 31 miles west of Reykjavík’s center, has fishing, hiking and scuba diving, as well as a historic monument commemorating the Iceland’s first parliament, assembled in 930 AD. Here you can see the beautiful two-cascade Gullfoss waterfalls, In the geothermal area around the Geysir hot springs, you can see the Strokkur hot spring spout every six to eight minutes.

Since Reykjavik is the only large city in the sparsely populated island-country, anyone looking for another big city experience can hop over to Europe on numerous short flights. Tickets aren’t exactly cheap, however; European flights costs at least 66,300 Icelandic krona.

How Much Does It Cost?

The small capital does come with big city prices. Residents say it’s comparable to other European cities, while cost-of-living  ranks Reykjavík as the 35th most expensive city in the world. 

Housing is becoming increasingly costly, especially close to downtown, with an 915 square foot apartment renting for 213,600 Iceland krona ($1,609 U.S. currency) per month. Luxury goods like big screen TVs and clothes are particularly expensive, costing 30% to 60% more than in London due to hefty import taxes. In turn, many residents shop for their clothes and electronics abroad.

For residents living in a geological hotspot, does have its advantages, however. Since nearly all of Iceland’s energy is produced by renewable hydroelectric and geothermal power sources, energy and utility bills can be almost 60% cheaper than in other cities.

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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Off the Beaten Path - Innsbruck, Austria

While you're in Innsbruck, after you're done splashing around at area 47, It will be time to check out the local scene. As always, when you want a break from the teeming masses, there's the neat little places that just aren't as popular.

Hall In Tirol
Not actually in Innsbruck, but if you have some spare time and happen to love medieval towns, then I would suggest taking a 6 mile drive to Hall In Tirol. There is public transport available in case you do not have a car. The historic center is wonderful and just left how it was. Most of the buildings are from the 15th century. There are many wonderful and eye catching churches, well worth going inside for a look. Throw in a Castle, a Mint Museum and Mining Museum, plus lots of fabulous sights in the historic center and I think you will be charmed by this little town. lots of things to explore and learn.

Cable Car Ride To Seegrube
This is a chance to visit the top of a mountain from within the city of Innsbruck. 

From the city center of Innsbruck to nearly the mountain top takes approximately 20 minutes, and the views are fantastic! The cable car has two stops one to the 6,250 foot high Seegrube and the other to the highest viewpoint, the 7,400 foot high Hafelekar.  Weather can be a bit dodgey and sometimes the higher elevation viewpoint is closed.

\The views obviously vary depending on elevation, but they are always breathtaking. From the highest point, you'll definitely feel as though you are standing on top of the world! you will be overlooking the entire central Inn Valley, the Stubai and Zillertal Alps and the Wipptal to the nearby Italian border.

Choose your cable car day wisely though, as the days can go from sunny and nice to wet and the mountain consumed by clouds. So I recommend to go when the opportunity arises, even if it is not in your days plan. It is sure to be an unforgettable experience!

Schloss Ambras

Ambras is a renaissance castle, built by archduke Ferdinand II in the 16th century on the remains of a Medieval fortress and it is definitely worth a visit. It is divided into lower and upper castle. Ambras Castle has a very large room called Spanish Hall; a paintings gallery, a collections of armours and weapons and a room with many exotic things. There is a inexpensive restaurant in one of the buildings of this castle. It is not expensive. This castle is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. December to March; daily. From 2 to 5 p. m. It is closed in November. The grounds are quite big and in excellent condition. There is a pond with ducks and black swans, a children's playground, bakkhus cave, fountains waterfalls, bridges and more.

Once a year there's a renaissance festival, which is extremely popular and highly recommended. 

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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Culinary Travel: Austrian Apricot Dumplings: Wachauer Marillenknodel

When in Austria, do as the Austrians. Or at the very least eat like the Austrians. This week’s world travel recipe is the delightful Austrian apricot dumpling. I highly suggest making two batches. You're going to have to share.

Ingredients

Dumplings:
1/2 pound fresh curd cheese, such as topfen, quark, or pot cheese
1 large egg
1 tablespoon sugar
Pinch salt
11/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon melted butter
12 whole fresh apricots
12 sugar cubes

Coating:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup fresh bread crumbs, dried out
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Sauce:
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 lemon, juiced
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting, if desired

Directions

Place the cheese in some cheesecloth or several layers of paper towels and let it drain for 5 to 10 minutes, pressing gently, to remove excess moisture.

With a mixer, beat the cheese until smooth. Add the egg and continue to beat until incorporated. Sprinkle in the sugar and salt, and then gradually add the flour; continue to mix until a dough begins to form. Add the melted butter and mix just until the dough holds together when patted with your hands, it will look pretty wet. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for several hours or up to overnight, the dough will stiffen as it chills.

Using a knife, make a slit down the seam of the apricot and carefully pull out the pit, keeping the fruit in tact. Stick a sugar cube inside the apricot where the pit was and squeeze the apricot back together to close it up tightly. The sugar cube melts inside the apricot when you cook it.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Lightly flour a rolling pin and work surface. Roll the dough out into a thin circle and cut out 12 circles with a 4-inch ring cutter. Place an apricot in the center of the dough and carefully bring the edges together to completely enclose the fruit and form a dumpling; make sure there are not any tears or holes in the dough. Working in batches, gently lower the dumplings into the simmering water; they should not be touching or crowded. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes; the dumplings will sink to the bottom of the pot and then rise to the surface. Carefully remove the dumplings from the water with a strainer.

In a large nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon, cook and stir for a couple of minutes until the bread crumbs are toasty and golden. Lay the bread crumbs out on a sheet pan or plate and roll the apricot dumplings in the browned crumbs to coat evenly.

In a small bowl, mix the sour cream, brown sugar, and lemon juice together. Serve the apricot dumplings with the sweet-sour cream sauce on the side and a dusting of confectioners' sugar if desired. 

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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Last Minute Travel: Water Parks - Europe

Continuing from previous weeks, we are looking at more great water parks from around the world. This week we take a look at just a few of the waterparks located in Europe. Remember that most parks close in September, so pack your suit soon and get ready for some wet and wild fun.

Area 47 (Innsbruck, Austria)

A charming Alpine lake is the beautiful setting for this outdoor water park, which is open from April to the end of September. Many previous visitors recommend this park to families with older children or to young adults. There are water rides, a challenging diving tower and a hydro-speed slide. There is a great many water slides and an extraordinary water cannon that fires you several meters across the pool. This park is really well designed and well run, but there is not much at the park for very small children. 

Siam Park (Tenerife, Spain)

Siam Park is a Thai-themed water park on the island of Tenerife. The park's most popular ride is the 91-foot-high Tower of Power, on which riders plunge down a vertical drop before shooting through an aquarium filled with stingrays and sharks. If that's a bit too much for you, drift along the lazy river or attend surf lessons in the park's wave pool for slightly more sedate activities. There is something for everyone no matter how young, old, brave or timid.  This park also offers fast passes to bypass the long lines on their more popular attractions. Whilst fast passes obviously add to the cost they can be a very good idea.

Tropical Islands (Krausnick, Germany)

Here is a water park that is housed inside the largest free-standing hall in the world. The structure was originally built as a hangar for dirigibles, making it a unique locale as well as huge.  Tropical Islands can accommodate 6,000 visitors a day and has one of the world's largest indoor pools, measuring 656 feet in length.

Away from the water, there's a rainforest with 50,000 plants, a hotel and a nightclub. It's even possible to go for a balloon ride, all without having to step outside. 

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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Rawhide Travel Helps You Cruise America's Heartland

More than just the Country Music Capital of the World, Nashville, TN is a city that typifies the American Heartland. We offer two intriguing cruises, Nashville to St. Louis and Memphis to Nashville that journey along the Cumberland and Mississippi Rivers, showing off the rustic beauty of lands virtually untouched since the early days of American history. These cruises offer the distinct sounds of Nashville, St. Louis and Memphis, three of the country's most important music centers. Is it time for you to cruise America's Heartland rivers? River cruises are a very special kind of adventure.

Personal Service is a hallmark of distinction for American Cruise Lines. Each member of their staff is ready to create an exceptional cruise experience for you. Their guiding principle is simple; if it’s important to you, it’s important to them. An all-American crew will get to know you by name and quickly learn your preferences. They may even surprise you with your favorite snack when you return to the ship after a day of exploring the local culture. Their culinary team is ready to serve you the finest local cuisine plus your personal menu favorites, while meeting all dietary requirements.

Let them help you celebrate a special event in unforgettable style. Or, invite your friends to join you for dinner aboard the ship when they dock near them.

Cumberland River Cruise
The American heartland is a storied region steeped in history and culture. Relax on a first-class paddlewheeler as you pass rolling farmlands and tree-lined riverbanks as the leaves begin to change in September. Enjoy guided shore excursions including a tour of the River Heritage Museum in Paducah, KY and a walking tour of Chester, IL, situated atop the bluffs of the Mississippi River Valley offering unparalleled views.

Ports of Call - Nashville, TN - Clarksville TN - Dover, TN - Lake Barkley, KY - Paducah, KY - Cape Girardeau, MO - Chester, IL - St. Louis, MO  

Memphis to Nashville Cruise

A journey from Memphis to Nashville not only retraces the voyages of intrepid pioneers of American history but also features two cities known for great contributions to our nation's music heritage. From the rhythm and blues of Memphis to the bluegrass country style of Nashville, this river cruise traverses the Mississippi and Cumberland Rivers offering amazing scenery and lively entertainment. Explore the fascinating history of Cape Girardeau and its significance in the American Civil War and learn about the art of wine making during a visit to Clarksville. 

Ports of Call - Memphis, TN - Cape Girardeau, MO - Paducah, KY - Dover, TN - Clarksville, TN - Nashville, TN

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

In the News - Exploring The City Where Algebra Got Its Name

A Walk Back Through Time

With a history stretching back more than 2,000 years, the Uzbekistani city of Khiva is a World Heritage Site packed full of exquisite architecture from the times of the Silk Road. These wonders of Architecture include the remains of palaces, mosques and mausoleums. Surrounded by the Kyzylkum and Karakum deserts, the bustling oasis was the last stop for caravans on their way to Iran, carrying everything from paper, porcelain and spices to slaves, horses and fruit. Not only is history on display all around, but modern buildings have been harmoniously integrated, creating an urban composition that showcases Islamic architecture at its finest. 

Unique within Uzbekistan, Khiva is a complete fortified oasis in the desert. The inner city, known as the Itchan Kala, is protected by 33 ft high mud-brick walls, and this is where the most important monuments can be found. 

Unfinished Business
One of Khiva's most iconic buildings is the short and sweet Kalta Minor minaret, which is covered in glazed, patterned tiles and whose beauty hits you as soon as you enter through the West Gate. According to legend, it was built by Mohammed Amin Khan, the illustrious ruler of Khiva, who wanted to build a minaret so high he could see the city of Bukhara 249 miles to the southeast. Work started on the tower in 1851 but came to an abrupt halt after his death in 1855, leaving the 46 foot-wide and 85 foot-high tower as is. 

Mathematical inspiration
Central Asia was a world center of learning for centuries, and Khiva was no exception. Abū ‘Abdallāh Muḥammad ibn Mūsā Al-Khwārizm, a Persian scholar born around 780, is sometimes called the “grandfather of computer science” and is credited with popularizing the use of the decimal point. In fact, the word “algebra” comes from his algebraic mathematical treatise, called Hisab al-Jabr w'al-muqabala (The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing). His legacy can be seen in the statue erected outside the West Gate. 

Intricate Tile Work
Intricate tile work can be found on the spectacularly ornate Summer Mosque located inside the Kuhna Ark, the fortress residence of Khiva's rulers. The mosque is completely covered in locally made tiles believed to date back to 1838. Exquisite tile work can be found in many of the buildings around Khiva. It’s worth exploring the nooks and crannies of the city to see what hidden treasures you might discover.

Modern Life
Obviously this city isn't all stuck in the past, modern life and culture is buzzing. Many of Itchan Kala's prominent buildings have street sellers outside touting their wares. 

Stopping for a cup of tea is a wonderful way to absorb the history and beauty of the city. Tea is a huge part of Uzbekistani culture, and tea houses, known as chaikhanas, are to Uzbekistan like pubs are to Britain – numerous and popular. Being given tea (either green or black) is also a sign of hospitality; typically it is drunk without milk and sugar, and meals usually start and end with a cup. As you are strolling through the Itchan Kala, it will be hard to miss the Islām Khwaja madrasah and minaret. At 148 feet tall, it is the tallest structure in Khiva. 

Life Outside The Walls
Despite the beauty within the walls, it’s worth stepping outside to where the majority of the population lives. Get a taste of local life in the bustling market – the perfect place to meander and take in the sights and sounds of the city. 

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

Off the Beaten Path - Dubai

There are lots of things to do in Dubai and its surrounding areas that you might not have heard of - here we have five of the secret, little known or slightly obscure places that you might want to make a trip to. It can be hard keeping yourself, your friends and your children entertained all weekend so there are some great places for an afternoon or day trip to keep everyone happy and also present some great photo opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Lisaili Camel Market
There is a Camel Market in a town called Lisaili that features stalls with handicrafts and trinkets as well as regular camel sales. It is next to the Dubai Racing and Camel Club on the Dubai Al Ain Road. Stop by Bab Al Shams resort- which you could visit for a refreshing juice or afternoon tea. Make sure you check it out and buy some of the camel blankets- they are amazing and look great used as throws.

Dubai Creek
The Dubai Creek area really is a wonderful place to visit and many residents who live in the "New Dubai" area have never been. There are 2 sides you can visit- the Bur Dubai side and the Deira side- you can cross the creek by Abra for 2 Dhs which is great fun too!

On the Bur Dubai side, park near the British Embassy and you can wander along the creek past the tourist dhows and abras for private hire- it's about 150 Dhs for a one hour trip- and a lovely way to see the creek. Walk past the Ruler's Court and you will see a Hindu Temple just before the old restored walkways and windtowers of the Bastakiya area. There are lots of market stalls selling fabrics and trinkets and you can really imagine what Dubai was like in the old days- get ready to haggle! It's a great place to take photos too.

Take an abra across to the Deira side and you can visit the gold souk and the spice souk as well as a wander to Naif souk if you're feeling up to it. Otherwise you can stroll back up the side of the creek and see the wooden old dhows being laden with produce to be taken to Iran. It's a great day out and you will see a whole different side of Dubai.

Wadi Bih

Wadi Bih (pronounce waddy bee) is a canyon like gorge in Ras Al Khaimha that is popular with off roaders, bikers, climbers and campers. It really is an area of outstanding natural beauty. You almost feel like you are on the surface of Mars being surrounded by the red rugged rocks and mountains! The roads are passable by most cars- they are quite shaley and rocky and hard bedded dust for the most part- 4x4s don't seem to have any trouble but it is advisable to go in convoy in case of getting bogged down or a flat tire scenario. Don't go if rain is expected do to sudden flooding.

Al Sahra Desert Resort
Fancy some camel cuddling??!! Then check out Al Sahra Desert Resort. There you can experience a true Arabian pastime. The Camel Cuddling activity is an ideal way to interact with these gentle desert creatures, enjoy getting up close and personal and learn more about this fascinating and friendly animal. The experience includes Meet the Herd, learn their language, wash them, feed them and of course cuddle with them if you like. The unique Camel Cuddling experience lasts for approximately 2 hours and also includes refreshing assorted Arabian juices and a photographer that will capture the perfect moment you can save as a souvenir. 

Dragon Mart
Ahhhh... the wonder that is Dragon Mart! It's the biggest Chinese market outside of China, it has over 4,000 stalls and shops and is a giant warehouse in the shape of a dragon. They sell everything you could possibly think of, it's so big the staff use push bikes to get around! Go there to find major bargains on clothing, electric products, furniture, machinery and a lot more! You can barter on some things, others are fixed prices, remember to wear comfortable shoes- you will walk for miles!

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

Culinary Travel: Falafel or Ta'meya

While you are running around at the water parks, you are bound to get hungry. Here is a recipe for you to try. Falafel is a popular Arabic food in Dubai. Falafel or Tameya as called by Egyptians is a fried ball or patty made from spiced fava beans and/or chickpeas. It is usually served as a starter as well as a main course dish. Falafil is also used in popular Falafel sandwiches which are basically Arabic Flat bread filled with salad & falafel.

Ingredients

1 cup dried (Chic Peas) Garbanzo Beans, soaked in water whole overnight
1 cup dried shelled fava beans, soaked overnight and drained
1/2 cup peeled and finely chopped yellow onions
3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
1 cup water
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup garbanzo flour
1/4 cup fine bulgar (Whole wheat soaked and cooked and broken).
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
1/4 Tablespoon salt
2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoon ground coriander
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Oil for deep-frying

Directions

Grind Garbanzo Beans (Chic peas) and fava beans with the fine blade on your meat grinder. Add in all the remaining ingredients and let the mixture stand for 1 hour. Form into little patties 1/3 inch thick and 1-1/2 inches round. Or, you can form them into balls the size of walnuts. Deep-fry in 375° oil until toasty brown and crunchy on the outside, about 4 minutes.

Fill pita bread with Falafel, sliced tomatoes, sliced onion, lettuce and yogurt.
Makes about 24 patties, enough for 6 sandwiches.

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