In The News – A Tour by Gandalf?

Lost your travel guidebook? Can't be bothered to carry one around on your vacation? No need to fret, a popular celebrity could be at hand to show you around.

At least that's the aim of travel writers, Iain Manley and Lauren Edwards. The South African pair have built VoiceMap, a cellphone application that offers personalized audio tours of cities around the world.

In some cases, the guide could be a local journalist or knowledgeable resident. Gandalf himself, Sir Ian Mckellen, has even created a tour for London's theater district.

The app makes sense for many travelers, because if you have ever joined a group tour, you know the guide has been doing the same tour for decades and they are so tired of running through the same thing and They are probably not connected to the space they are in -- they may not even be from the area.

As such, VoiceMap aims to seek out the interesting perspectives that only a local can provide.

Since it launched out of Cape Town in 2014, the service has grown to include over 300 tours and is available in cities across South America, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.
There are so many stories you don't have access to unless you have an insider. The creators figured that with all the technology available to anyone with a smartphone, it just makes sense to open up a platform for people to be able to tell those stories.

Digitally-savvy travelers already use their smartphone to do most travel-related tasks, from booking flights and hotels to ordering taxis, so it made sense to target this demographic, explains VoiceMap's Manley.

And although the product is now global, its development has been very much a product of South Africa.

From Street To Theater

The next stage for VoiceMap is to increase the number of these partnerships in other major cities around the world.

If famous voices like McKellen can be secured to do similar tours in other locations, all the better, Manley and Edwards believe. It was a huge moment for Manley and Edwards, working with the Lord of the Rings actor.

The start up has also recently received funding to start doing tours indoors, too, including museums, galleries and shopping malls.

Well-visited places such as the British Museum, for example, could be viewed in numerous ways with different audio tours, said Manley. 

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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Off The Beaten Path – Sri Lanka

From relaxing on the golden beaches of Bentota and enjoying the clear waters of the Indian Ocean to climbing ancient Sigiriya, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. In addition to its well-known sights, Sri Lanka is home to a range of lesser-known stunning attractions including remarkable landscapes, rare wildlife and repositories of several thousand years of history. 

The Knuckles Range

Rising out of the island’s central highlands east of Kandy, the wild mountains of the Knuckles Range are Sri Lanka’s very own Shangri-La – remote, beautiful, and known only to a privileged few. Swathed in a dense tangle of dwarf cloudforest and often concealed behind veils of drifting cloud, the Knuckles’ jagged grey peaks can only be properly appreciated on foot, and the entire region remains little visited, despite being inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2010. Trekking also offers the chance to appreciate the range’s status as one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable biodiversity hotspots, with leopards lurking in the shadows (although they’re rarely seen) along with other rare creatures including purple-faced langur monkeys, giant squirrels and some superb endemic birdlife.

Boating With Dolphins
Hidden away on Sri Lanka’s northeast coast, the remote Kalpitiya Peninsula is one of the island’s true undiscovered – or, at least, only very slightly discovered – gems. The peninsula comprises a narrow sliver of land, with the waves of the Indian Ocean crashing against its eastern side and the tranquil waters of the Kalpitiya Lagoon on the other. The biggest draw here, are the vast pods of spinner dolphins regularly seen offshore. Dawn trips offer an unforgettable oceanic experience, as your boat bobs and ploughs through the waves and the waters around churn with literally hundreds of dolphins racing, cavorting and frolicking alongside – and occasionally shooting clean out of the ocean in acrobatic leaps and twirls.   

Exploring Ancient Ritigala

The great ancient Buddhist monuments of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla are high on most visitors’ wish-lists, but for somewhere equally magical but far less well-known, head to the thickly forested hill of Ritigala, deep in the heart of Sri Lanka’s northern plains. Ritigala’s remote location and dense forest have appealed to generations of religious ascetics, revolutionary activists and others seeking a place to hide from the world. Buddhist monks established a monastery here some 5000 years ago, and although most of its buildings have now been swallowed up by the surrounding jungle, substantial remains survive, including beautiful “meditation walkways” running through the trees and quaint little monastic residences dotting the forest floor, comprising a pair of tiny houses, connected by an even tinier bridge and surrounded by miniature moats. And you’ll almost certainly have the place to yourself – be very surprised if you see another tourist. 

The Road To Jaffna

Divided from the rest of the country for over two decades during the country’s tragic civil war, the north remains Sri Lanka’s final frontier, and the ultimate destination for those wishing to get firmly off the tourist track. The long journey up the old A9 highway to Jaffna is unquestionably the country’s most absorbing road trip, taking you from the Buddhist south into the Hindu heartlands of the Tamil north. Every mile of highway was once bitterly fought over, and although massive road improvements mean that the journey is now easier than ever, there’s still a looming sense of history as you head into the war-torn former territories of the Tamil Tigers, past the overblown war monuments of Kilinochchi and Elephant Pass before arriving finally at far-flung Jaffna, with its colorful temples, time-warped colonial architecture, and a great many bicycles. 

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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Culinary Travel – Pepper Beef Curry Recipe

Pepper Beef Curry (kuruma iraichchi)

Sri Lanka, the beautiful spice island once known as Ceylon, is a rich melting pot of cuisines. It seems every nationality that has visited and traded over the years has left its mark – the Dutch, Portuguese, English, Arabs, Malays, Moors and Indians.

Though famous for producing another pantry staple, black tea, Sri Lanka is also a key producer of high quality pepper. It is an essential ingredient in Sri Lankan cuisine, used in the spice blends of curries, such as this one, added to pickles and relishes, and even cracked over fresh tropical fruit with salt, sugar and chilli.

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon black peppercorns 
2 Teaspoon coriander seeds 
2 Teaspoon cumin seeds 
1 Teaspoon fennel seeds 
2 Tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee 
3 pound boneless beef shin, cut into 5 cm pieces 
2 onions, finely chopped 
5 garlic cloves, finely chopped 
1 Tablespoon finely grated ginger 
10 curry leaves (see Note)  
2 long red chillies, chopped 
3 inch piece pandanus leaf (see Note) 
1 lemongrass stalk, white part only, finely chopped 
½ Teaspoon ground turmeric 
2 cups coconut milk 
2 Tablespoon lime juice 
½ cup coconut cream 

steamed rice, lime wedges and coriander (optional), to serve 

Directions

Toast peppercorns, coriander, cumin and fennel seeds in a small frying pan for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Grind in a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to a fine powder and set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add beef and cook, turning occasionally, for 8 minutes or until golden. Remove beef from pan and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium, then add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, onion, garlic, ginger, curry leaves, chilli, pandanus leaf and lemongrass to pan, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes or until onion starts to soften. Add spice mix and turmeric, and stir to combine. Return beef to pan with coconut milk, 2 cups of water and lime juice and bring to a simmer. 

Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid and cook for 2 hours or until meat is very tender and sauce is slightly reduced. Remove lid and cook for a further 30 minutes or until sauce has thickened. Stir through most of the coconut cream and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over remaining coconut cream and serve with rice, lime wedges and coriander, if desired.

Note
Curry leaves and pandanus leaves are available from Asian food shops and select greengrocers. 

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Travel Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka may be a tiny island nation south of India, but it has outstanding potential for great adventures. This is a rugged land of rainforest with diverse wildlife and endless beaches. It’s famed for its ancient Buddhist ruins, including the 5th-century citadel Sigiriya, with its palace and frescoes, and the sacred city of Anuradhapura. Its flavorful cuisine reflects its history as a maritime hub and cultural melting pot.

Ancient History
With a history expanding over 3,000 years, Sri Lanka holds some of world’s ancient cities including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Digamadulla; their once glorious townships, palaces, temples, monasteries, hospitals and theaters intricately carved and modeled out of stone lay abandoned and forgotten with time amidst the soaring jungles. 

Of all the ancient cities of Lanka, the most famed and exquisite is the Kingdom of Anuradhapura. Sri Lanka’s third and longest serving capital and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world is also one of the most sacred cities of World Buddhists. It was the capital of Sri Lanka from the Fourth Century BC up to the turn of the eleventh Century and was one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia.

Sigiriya, a fifth century AD fortress and a water garden displays some of the most futuristic elements of landscaping and some of the oldest murals recorded in the country.

Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient kingdom of the country boasts of Irrigation systems that are far superior to those of the same era and they still provide irrigation water to the farmers in and around Polonnaruwa. Digamadulla, the Eastern kingdom of Sri Lanka was the agricultural and spiritual capital of the country during the Anuradhapura Kingdom.

Sri Lanka’s last kingdom the Kingdom of Kandy is a testament to the Sri Lankan’s ability to pick up and rise from ashes. After being burned and ravaged more than thrice by the invading Portuguese the Kandyan Kingdom still holds beautifully carved and built houses, palaces and temple preserved for nearly 500 years.

What To Do
With varying climates and Geography packed into a small island Sri Lanka offers a range of adventures from the top of the mountains to the depths of the oceans. 

Other than taking a dip in the oceans or snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing are the most popular beach sports in the country. Filled with coral gardens, a multitude of exotic fishes and ancient wrecks, Sri Lanka offers one of the best diving experiences in the world. Although comparatively new to the country, surfing too has made its mark in the Southern and Eastern coasts of the island for the last twenty-five years. The sea around Sri Lanka is also one of the most challenging marine game fishing locations while white water rafting, Kayaking and canoeing are some of the relatively new water sports practiced in the country.

With many roads winding through expanding mountains, lush green forests, paddy fields, parks and sleepy villages, Sri Lanka also offers many opportunities for hikers and trekkers. Trail blazing through the tracks and paths on horse or elephant back too is a novel experience introduced recently.

Experience the thrills of crumbling rocks beneath the feet, head spinning heights and the earth expanding beneath when conquering many mountains of Sri Lanka or take over waterfall climbing with exciting climbs like the rock face of Bambarakanda waterfall, the tallest in the country.

With many adventures packed within few miles of each other Sri Lanka is an adventure waiting to happen. 

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Get Your First Class Travel Agency To Plan Your Trip Just For You

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

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

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In The News – Travel Using Your Tax Refund

The average tax refund will likely amount to about $3,000 this year, according to IRS data.

And what will we do with this thrilling windfall? ... Only about 11 percent of Americans plan to spend their refunds on travel, according to a recent survey from the National Retail Federation. More than half will squirrel it into savings or debt payments, creating a culture that almost makes you feel guilty if you “blow the money” on a trip.

Granted, there are many instances in which saving your refund is crucial. But if you’re on the fence between spending and saving, then travel could be the MOST practical thing you do all year. 

Hear Us Out:
Scientifically, experiences make us happier than items. So plan an experience the whole family can enjoy. Data shows that even just planning a trip can increase feelings of happiness.

Studies have shown that happiness from recent purchases like TVs, purses or cars fade quickly, whereas travel becomes a lasting part of our identities, a special experience we carry with us forever. Experiences — like travel! — connect us to others and become a part of who we are, not just part of our homes or closets. 

And simply planning a trip is the most powerful mood-booster.  

A 2010 study showed that the highest spike in happiness came during the planning phase of a trip, as opposed to when subjects actually took their vacations. Planning a vacation boosted happiness for eight weeks, researchers found... so get crackin’ on yours now!

Not to mention the lessons learned... for free.

Hit The Road!

A trip teaches lessons that college never will. Take it from me, I learned more about history, geography and even science on road trips than I ever did in school. So consider your vacation a performance enhancer for when you come back to the office. 

And there are ways to plan a trip for cheap.

No matter how small your refund may be, you can almost certainly finagle a trip to fit in its price range. Practice traveling during shoulder season, using masterful flight booking sites and staying somewhere off the beaten path to get the fullest experience on the fewest dollars. 

Happy tax season and Bon voyage, tax season travelers! 

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

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Off the Beaten Path – Philippines

The Philippines is home to some of the most amazing sights and sounds, not to mention the warmest and friendliest people that you might meet on your travels. You will undoubtedly fall in love with the beaches, mountains, and more importantly, the people. Well, it’s pretty hard not to. With crystal clear waters, many pristine white sand beaches, amazing sunsets, stunning mountains and caves, the Philippines has it all. Most backpackers tend to stick to the usual places like Boracay, Cebu, Sagada, and Palawan. Although visiting these places mentioned above are still an awesome experience, perhaps try exploring these off the beaten path destinations in the Philippines to get a feel of what the country and its best kept secrets are truly like.

Gigantes Island, Iloilo
While slowly gaining in popularity, this amazing group of islands is the last frontier of untouched beauty where you can do absolutely nothing apart from lazing around a secluded beach as you feast on fresh seafood. Located off of Estancia, Iloilo, this pristine paradise is a haven compared to the more crowded and over developed tourist spot like Boracay. 

Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte
Calaguas is a hidden gem that is slowly being discovered-which is why it is best to visit it now! Picture perfect is an understatement as all you can see is a long stretch of white sand beach and crystal clear turquoise waters. This place is accessible by an 8 hour bus ride plus a 2 hour boat trip from the mainland. Flying to Naga, Camarines Sur is also an option. Here you can go snorkeling, island hopping, relaxing and swimming. Currently, there are no accommodations or establishments on the island so make sure to bring a tent and food for your trip. There are also other activities in nearby islands like caving and exploring waterfalls.

Hinatuan Enchanted River, Mindanao
The Enchanted River in Surigao Del Sur was given its name due to the fact that no one knows where the water from this river comes from. The water in the river is so clear that the riverbed is outlined in colors of turquoise and aquamarine. The middle portion of the river is very deep and is fabled to have spirits living beneath. Enjoy the fresh water from the river as you go swim and cool off on a hot day. Every day at 12pm, a caretaker from the local village comes and asks everyone to get out of the water. When he rings a bell, dozens of large fish come up to the surface to feed.

Siquijor
Originally called “Isla del Fuego” or Island of Fire because of the eerie and mysterious swarms of fireflies that would come out at night. This enchanting island is rumored to have mystical healers and shamans. But no need to fret – the only mystery here is why not many travelers come for a visit. Pay a visit to the ancient Balete tree, check out the Cambugahay and Lugnason Waterfalls, and go beach hopping in their many hidden coves of unspoilt white sand beaches. Siquijor is also home to many old churches like the St. Francis of Assisi Church and the San Isidro Labrador Convent, which are some of the oldest and largest churches in the country.

At the end of the day, with over 7,107 islands to choose from, you won’t run out of choices as there is still so much of the Philippines to see and explore. 

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

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Culinary Travel - Philippines Adobo Chicken with Ginger Recipe

This is considered the Philippine national dish. The combination of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger and peppercorns is delicious and actually preserves the chicken! Great for picnics. My mother taught me how to cook this, using her variation from the original recipe. A delicious, cheap and easy dish! Serve it hot with hot steamed Jasmine rice.

Ingredients

1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1/2 cup soy sauce
3/4 cup distilled white vinegar
1 bulb garlic, peeled and crushed
2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh ginger root
2 bay leaves
1/2 tablespoon black peppercorns

Directions

Combine the chicken, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, bay leaves and peppercorns in a Dutch oven. 

Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, reduce heat to a simmer.

Cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes, basting the chicken occasionally. After 30 minutes, remove lid and cook until liquid has reduced to half.

Remove chicken from the pot to a serving plate. Strain the liquid from the pot to remove all the food particles, and set aside. Serve chicken hot over steamed rice and drizzle with reserved sauce.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Ready In 1 hour

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Travel the Philippines

The Philippines is a Southeast Asian country in the Western Pacific, comprising more than 7,000 islands. 

Manila

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a densely populated bayside city on the island of Luzon, which mixes Spanish colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers. Intramuros, a walled city in colonial times, is the heart of Old Manila. It’s home to the baroque 16th-century San Agustin Church as well as Fort Santiago, a storied citadel and military prison.

Manila’s moniker, the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, couldn’t be more apt – its cantankerous shell reveals its jewel only to those resolute enough to pry. No stranger to hardship, the city has endured every disaster both human and nature could throw at it, and yet today the chaotic metropolis thrives as a true Asian megacity. As well as outstanding sightseeing, visitors who put in the effort will discover its creative soul – from edgy galleries to a lively indie music scene. Combine this with a penchant for speakeasy bars, artisan markets and single-origin coffees, it's clear to see Manila's not only one of Asia's most underrated cities, but one of its coolest.

Cebu

Cebu is a province of the Philippines, in the country’s Central Visayas region, comprising Cebu Island and 150-plus smaller surrounding islands and islets. Its prosperous port capital, Cebu City, retains landmarks from its 16th-century Spanish colonial past, including the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño church and triangular Fort San Pedro. It’s also a gateway to the region’s renowned dive sites and beach resorts.

Cebu City is like an entrée-sized Manila; it’s energetic, exciting and fast-paced, or loud, dirty and ruthless, depending on your perspective. On the surface, it does its worst to attract tourists, with its honking jeepneys spluttering exhaust fumes, shopping-mall culture and lack of world-class sights. Yet give it a chance and you'll find plenty to do here. Cebu has a rich history that's well documented in several good little museums. The upscale Lahug district comes alive by night with bars and clubs to suit every taste. And just over the bridge is Mactan Island, one of the few places in the world where you can experience world-class diving within minutes of a major international airport.

Bohol

A province of the Philippines, in the country’s Central Visayas region, comprising Bohol Island and 70-plus smaller surrounding islands. It’s known for its coral reefs, scuba diving, diverse wildlife and unusual land formations. Just a quick ferry journey from Cebu, Bohol offers independent travelers a wealth of options both on and off the beaten track. The island province is promoted almost exclusively through images of cute bug-eyed tarsiers and the majestic Chocolate Hills, and while both are fantastic highlights, in reality it’s the diving on Panglao Island that brings in the crowds. Add a jungle interior, an adventure sport paradise, rice terraces and pristine white beaches, and you get a more rounded picture of what Bohol really is about.

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

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Do You Know Why We Get You Lost?

Whether business or pleasure, Rawhide Travel and Tours delivers. Internet Travel sites list hotels and destinations, but offer little else. 

Our years of experience in the industry will help you design the perfect traveling experience. From romantic getaways to large events, our experienced agents will handle all the details. Traveling does not need to be stressful. You can count on us for great value and dependable service.

We arrange travel air, land and sea. We can arrange the perfect destination package including, resorts, conference rooms and meeting locations, special events, and attractions.

We can help you get l;ost from your everyday life and build your travel memories.

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 – Booking your Summer Trip or Vacation

Travelers almost always want to know – am I booking at the right time, or will I save money by booking later. One of the travel planning and booking sites, announced its “Best Time to Book” report, revealing the least expensive times to book hotels for summer travel in popular destinations around the globe.  

The research showed that the best time periods to book can vary depending on the region or city where the traveler is looking to visit for summer and that for most destinations, the hotel rates change gradually over time, without dramatic increases or decreases in price.  For example, the least expensive time to book U.S. hotels is within two months of the summer trip, but U.S. hotel prices for summer remain fairly consistent throughout the year.  By comparison, for European hotels, the best time to book for summer is between three to five months out, when travelers can save 23 percent compared to the most expensive booking period.

The survey analyzed hotel booking and interest in nine popular regions around the world for the summer months of June, July and August. The best time to book was defined as periods when hotel prices were less than the average for the destination.  Below is the breakdown of potential savings for some of the area included in the study.

Best Time to Book Hotels for Summer in World Regions

U.S. hotel rates consistent but travelers can save by booking inside 2 months – U.S. hotel pricing remains fairly steady throughout the year, but those booking within 2 months of their summer trip can save 7% on their hotel.   

Plan for longer lead times when booking summer hotels in Europe – Travelers looking to visit Europe during the summer months should book their hotel rooms between 3-5 months out to save 23% percent.

Asia value to be had booking inside 3 months – Booking a hotel within three months of a summer trip is the best time in Asia, when travelers can save 23% versus peak pricing. 

Within 4 months best for the Caribbean – Booking within 4 months is the sweet spot for Caribbean hotels for summer when travelers can save 7% compared to the peak pricing periods.

Modest savings in Central America within 3 months – Booking a hotel within three months of a summer trip is the most cost-effective approach for Central America, when travelers can save 7% compared to peak price weeks.

Inside 4 months ideal for South America – Travelers planning a South American trip can find 20% savings by booking within four months of the trip.  For those willing to wait, they can save an additional 2-4% booking within the final few weeks before the travel date.

Within 4 months best for Middle East – For those planning a Middle East trip, inside 4 months is the optimal booking period when travelers can save 24%. Prices increase slightly during weeks 3-4 before dropping again for last minute deals within a couple of weeks of the travel date.

Wide booking window for African hotels – Travelers booking a hotel for summer in Africa can save 21% when booking within 5 months of the trip. Hotel rates rise slightly between 3-5 weeks out, before dropping in the final two weeks before the travel date.

South Pacific savings inside 5 months – For summer trips to the South Pacific, travelers can save 19% or more per night by booking within 5 months of their travel date.

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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Off The Beaten Path – Cambodia

Like all countries, Cambodia is diverse and rich in culture. Newly opened to the tourism scene (within the past 20 years), it is fast becoming one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia.

The ancient temples of Angkor Wat, the major cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and Cambodia’s gorgeous beaches are all must-see places when planning a vacation there, but other places continue to be overlooked by the average traveler.

Beng Mealea

There are hundreds of temples in the Angkor Wat temple complex just outside Siem Reap. They are all magnificently beautiful and each of them is worth exploring. But unfortunately, as with so many popular world monument sites, they are also crowded with tourists.  As Cambodia becomes more developed and open to tourism, the crowds flocking to these monuments are only going to increase over time, making Angkor Wat a beautiful but crowded adventure.

If you stay within the main complex, however, you will be missing one important temple
that will take you away from all the crowds and allow you to explore in peace. Beng Mealea, otherwise known as the Jungle Temple, is at an isolated location about an hour’s drive outside Siem Reap. A Hindu temple built around the end of the 12th century, this location is largely un-restored and left alone amidst the enclosing jungle. It is in fact one of the larger temples of the Khmer empire.

Beng Mealea, due to its location and condition, attracts very few people. The massive stones lying in ruins, the trees and brush climbing up the thick walls, and the intricate Hindu carvings are yours to see and appreciate in peace.

Kep’s Art Deco Retreats
Kep is a small seaside town on the southern coast of Cambodia. A former retreat for French colonialists, the city’s hillsides were once covered in art deco mansions busy with rich and colorful parties.

When Cambodia gained its independence in 1952, these homes were abandoned and eventually ransacked, when the communist Khmer Rouge regime took over. The architectural beauties that had known so much life and wealth were left empty and decayed.

The houses make for beautiful scenery. Most tourists come to Kep and spend their time on the water- the city is known for its beaches and crab market. Nearly a dozen or more houses dot the landscape and few people venture up to see them.

You cannot only see the homes but explore them as well. The blackened, empty shells sitting alone on the hillside are rather post-apocalyptic feeling, yet that also makes them ripe for your imagination. 

Bamboo Island (Koh Russei)

Bamboo Island, AKA Koh Russei, is located just off the southern coast of Cambodia in the Bay of Thailand, near Ream National Park. While this used to be the site of a small bungalow resort, that business has since been abandoned, leaving the island largely unpopulated and undisturbed. For some reason this island does not attract the same number of tourists as places like Rabbit Island- although it is just as accessible. You can either commission a personal guide to take you there or you can often arrange a boat ride from your hotel in nearby Sihanoukville.

Smooth white sands, calm, clear blue waves, and stretching horizons may all sound cliché, but this place has them all. You could spend hours just floating in the soothing waters and staring out into the endlessly stretching waves. It is on this island where you can get a true taste of Cambodia’s majestic beauty and feel the pulses of its peaceful rhythm.

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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Culinary Travel: – Cambodia Beef Lok Lak

Similar to Vietnamese Shaking Beef, In Cambodia it might come with chips (fries) and a fried egg or rice-I liked the rice option. You eat it by wrapping portions of the meat and salad ingredients in a lettuce leaf, then dipping that in the dipping sauce. Sometimes the meat is sliced, sometimes it's cubed. Semi ripe tomatoes are preferred to ripe ones, but use what you have!

Ingredients

1 pound beef steaks, sliced (best you can afford)
1⁄4 cup light soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon tomato sauce(ketchup)
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon fish sauce
2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

To serve
2 small tomatoes, sliced
1 cucumber, peeled and finely sliced
1⁄2 small red onion, finely sliced
lettuce, iceberg or romaine leaf
Dipping sauce
juice of a lime

Directions

In a large bowl, mix beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, tomato sauce sugar, fish sauce and ground black pepper and garlic. Marinate at least 20 minutes or up to one hour.

Make dipping sauce, combine ingredients in a small bowl-set aside.

Decorate two dinner plates with sliced tomatoes, cucumber and onion. Set aside.
Place the lettuce leaves on a separate platter.

Heat oil in a wok over a high heat and stir-fry beef until cooked. Divide between the two dinner plates.

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

Travel Cambodia

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation whose landscape spans low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, mountains and Gulf of Thailand coastline. It's busy capital, Phnom Penh, is home to the art deco Central Market, glittering Royal Palace and the National Museum's historical and archaeological exhibits. Other remarkable features of this country are the ruins of Angkor Wat, Ream National Park, Siem Reap and much more.

Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, is the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is massive, art deco Central Market.

Siem Reap
The resort town of Siem Reap, in northwestern Cambodia, is gateway to the ruins of Angkor, the seat of the Khmer kingdom from the 9th-15th centuries. Angkor’s vast complex of intricate stone buildings includes preserved Angkor Wat, the main temple, which is pictured on Cambodia’s flag. Giant, mysterious faces are carved into the Bayon temple at Angkor Thom.

Angkor
Angkor, in Cambodia’s northern province of Siem Reap, is one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia. It extends over approximately 400 square kilometers and consists of scores of temples, hydraulic structures (basins, dykes, reservoirs, canals) as well as communication routes. For several centuries Angkor, was the center of the Khmer Kingdom. With impressive monuments, several different ancient urban plans and large water reservoirs, the site is a unique concentration of features testifying to an exceptional civilization. Temples such as Angkor Wat, the Bayon, Preah Khan and Ta Prohm, exemplars of Khmer architecture, are closely linked to their geographical context as well as being imbued with symbolic significance. The architecture and layout of the successive capitals bear witness to a high level of social order and ranking within the Khmer Empire. Angkor is therefore a major site exemplifying cultural, religious and symbolic values, as well as containing high architectural, archaeological and artistic significance.

The park is inhabited, and many villages, some of whom the ancestors are dating back to the Angkor period are scattered throughout the park. The population practices agriculture and more specifically rice cultivation.

Ream National Park
Just east of Sihanoukville, Ream National Park offers trekking opportunities in primary forest, invigorating boat trips through coastal mangroves and long stretches of unspoilt beach. This is an easy escape for those looking to flee the crowds of Sihanoukville.

The park is home to breeding populations of several regionally and globally endangered birds of prey, including the Brahminy kite, grey-headed fish eagle and white-bellied sea eagle: look for them soaring over Prek Toeuk Sap Estuary. Endangered birds that feed on the mudflats include the lesser adjutant, milky stork and painted stork. 

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

We Can Help You Live Your Dream Vacation

Whether business or pleasure, Rawhide Travel and Tours delivers. Internet Travel sites list hotels and destinations, but offer little else. Our years of experience in the industry will help you design the perfect traveling experience. From romantic getaways to large events, our experienced agents will handle all the details. Traveling does not need to be stressful. You can count on us for great value and dependable service.

We arrange travel air, land and sea. We can arrange the perfect destination package including, resorts, conference rooms and meeting locations, special events, and attractions.

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


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

In the News – Gascony, France

For centuries Bordeaux has dominated France's wine scene, producing expensive and highly coveted vintages. But Bordeaux better watch out for the lesser-known region of Gascony. Situated in southwest France at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains, just east of the French Basque coast and on the Spanish border, Gascony is a classic French destination. It's a hilly stretch of countryside dotted with dense forest, sunflower fields and medieval chateau.

And, of course, vineyards.

The remarkable wines these vineyards are now producing have, in recent years, helped Gascony step into the spotlight. There are rich, bold reds that could stand up to any glass of Bordeaux, as well as crisp, floral whites that are refreshing and easy to drink. They're better value too.

Unorthodox Techniques
Tariquet, established in 1972, spearheaded the transformation of the wine business in Gascony from a flailing industry into the pioneering wine region it is today.

The result: the arrival of fresh, vibrant wines to southwestern France -- a region historically prized for its aged, "old world" wines. Now, Gascony has about 1,200 wineries and produces more than 100 million bottles per year. There's a mix of dry, aromatic whites made from native grapes like petit manseng and ugni blanc, and velvety reds made from tannat and cabernet franc.

Tuscany of France
Like its wines, food and Armagnacs, there's nothing subtle about Gascony's dramatic landscape, which lies between the mountains and the ocean.

Unlike Bordeaux, Gascony has more than just vineyards. They have a real countryside: hills, sunflower fields, cornfields, forests, lakes, and changing colors throughout the seasons. Like Italy's Tuscany, the region is scattered with charming villages.

Fources is home to the only round square in France.

Lavardens is a medieval hamlet with a beautiful 12th-century castle.
Montreal-du-Gers is an ancient fortified village on the banks of the river Auzoue.

On the outskirts of each village, among the vineyards, are numerous beautiful gites: country cottages, often part of a farm or estate, that are often rented out for tourism.

In the absence of major hotel chains, gites are the best option for accommodation in the region, offering not just affordable lodging but immersion into Gascon culture.

Casual Swigs

For a more typical hotel experience, family-owned estates like La Belle vie de Chateau offer spacious rooms with amenities such as deep-soaking marble tubs.

Unlike Bordeaux or Champagne, there are no major chain hotels, celebrity chef restaurants or Louis Vuitton-owned wineries in Gascony. Instead, there are duck farm gites and family-run chateau, roadside foie gras, obscure wines and artisanal brandies. Instead of well-trodden wine trails, there are hand-painted signposts along rugged country roads. Instead of formal group tastings, there are casual swigs of Armagnac with winemakers.

Compared with Bordeaux, Gascony barely feels like a tourist destination at all.
Which is part of its appeal. 

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