Rainbow Bridge National Monument Utah

Rainbow Bridge is the world's largest known natural bridge. The span has undoubtedly inspired people throughout time, from the neighboring American Indian tribes who consider Rainbow Bridge sacred, to the 300,000 people from around the world who visit it each year.

Though its "discovery" by the outside world was only a hundred years ago, American Indians have known about Rainbow Bridge for centuries. It is also quite likely that prospectors, ranchers, and others happened across the bridge in their wanderings.

Although Rainbow Bridge is immediately adjacent to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, it is a separate unit of the National Park System. Rainbow Bridge was declared a National Monument in 1910 and, as such, the range of permitted activities is smaller than for the recreation area. Visitors may take the trail from the courtesy dock to the viewing area for the bridge. We ask that visitors respect the religious significance of Rainbow Bridge to neighboring tribes and consider viewing Rainbow Bridge from the viewing area rather than walking up to or under the bridge. Traditional water-based recreation activities such as swimming, fishing, water skiing, etc. are not allowed anywhere within the monument. People may backpack to Rainbow Bridge on the Navajo Mountain trail with the appropriate permit available from the Navajo Nation in Window Rock, AZ.

Rainbow Bridge National Monument can be reached by way of two hiking trails whose trailheads are located in the vicinity of Navajo Mountain. The two trails are located on Navajo Tribal Lands and terminate at Rainbow Bridge National Monument. The trails traverse rough canyon country and are not recommended for the beginning, casual or careless hiker. In summer, the trails are hot and dry; in winter, elevations make them subject to severe cold and high winds. Portions of both trails are subject to flash flooding during thunderstorms. Neither trail is maintained. Be prepared! Search, rescue and evacuation can be time-consuming and expensive. Neither the National Park Service nor the Navajo Nation is responsible for search and rescue operations that may need to be carried out on this trail system..

Although Rainbow Bridge itself has not changed in the past 100 years, the way we visit has changed dramatically. In the early days of the National Monument, a visit to Rainbow Bridge involved a substantial hike from Navajo Mountain. When Lake Powell was built in 1963, it created a new way to visit the bridge - by boat. Today, over 90,000 people visit Ranbow Bridge National Monument annually.

Trips to Rainbow Bridge may be made across Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area using private, rental, or tour boats. From Wahweap, Antelope Point, and Dangling Rope, travel north. From Bullfrog and Halls Crossing, travel south. Proceed to the mouth of Forbidding Canyon (buoy 49), where a floating sign on the right marks the canyon entrance. Follow the canyon about 2 miles to another sign that points the way left through a narrow passage. Proceed with caution! Beyond the wakeless buoys, go slowly so that no wakes, or waves, are made. A courtesy dock is available for short-term docking while people make the 2 mile walk to the bridge.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.

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

Ocean’s 13 Caribbean Super Cruise

All Aboard!
This is Last Call for This Great Cruise


“Ocean’s 13 Caribbean Super Cruise and San Juan Sleepover”

October 3-12, 2013

Only $2499 per person (based on double occupancy)

Think you've seen the Caribbean before? Unless you've been with Rawhide Travel and Tours, better think again! If you're looking for that "different vacation" mixed with warm turquoise lagoons, exotic tropical scenery, breathtaking beauty along with relaxation and luxury, then this is your ticket to see and experience some of the most sought after destinations in the Caribbean! 

Join us as we discover the grandeur of the sizzling Caribbean on Royal Caribbean's 90,000 ton superstar - the M/S Jewel of the Seas! This spectacular "floating resort" has the entire cruise industry talking. Sailing from San Juan, you'll first visit Saint Thomas in the Virgin Islands, the Duty Free Shopping Capitol Of The Caribbean! 

Here you'll experience magnificent sun drenched beaches with emerald colored lagoons, secluded coves, pristine coral reefs, untouched rain forests and spectacular world renowned shopping! 

Next, Saint Kitts, located in the West Indies, a tropical paradise set amidst unspoiled secluded white sand beaches, aqua lagoons and intoxicating natural beauty making it one of the most seductive spots in the entire Caribbean with its British influence. 

Next stop - Aruba! If the palm fringed white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons don't get your heart pounding, the dazzling casinos and magnificent architecture will. This "Dutch paradise" is located in the Netherland Antilles, and its brightly painted buildings are as neat and trim as any on the canals of Amsterdam. Last stop  - Curacao! This yummy exotic destination, also located in the Netherland Antilles, leaves nothing to the imagination.

 It's truly a "secluded slice of paradise" with its exquisite and vibrant colored colonial buildings. From national parks to water sports, and from old pirate forts to the underwater sea life, this is one tropical paradise you'll never forget. 

And, as if this magnificent luxury cruise weren't enough, the price includes everything but the kitchen sink! A spacious category El Balconied Stateroom including seven meals per day, nightly "Las Vegas style" entertainment, round trip air from Phoenix to San Juan (air also available from 171 other U.S. cities including Honolulu, Anchorage and 18 Canadian towns but air price may vary depending on your actual departure city other than Phoenix), all foreign and U.S. taxes, all security, government and airport fees, all port taxes, all transfers, resort overnight stay in San Juan including all hotel taxes and services fees, several gala parties during the cruise, even cancellation insurance and ship tips! 

So what are you waiting for? Some people wait a lifetime for their ship to come in , you only have to wait until October 03, 2013.  

WARNING: This cruise may cause thrill-related injuries. Eyes in the back of your head recommended. Experience life without a ripcord and call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100! Limited space. 

Happy "Caribbean sailing" trails to you......

To find out more about this once in a lifetime Cruise or help with any other travel needs, call Rawhide Travel and Tours at 602-843-5100 or 888-222-7594 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We will be happy to guide you through all your vacation planning.

Presented By:

Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc

6008 West Bell Rd # F105

Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793

(602) 843-5100 

rawhidetravel.com

In the News: The Norwegian Breakaway

Norwegian Cruise Line christened its new ship, The Norwegian Breakaway, May 8, 2013. The art on the exterior hull showing a New York City skyline and Statue of Liberty was designed by artist Peter Max. The ship will homeport from New York

May 8th's launch of the Norwegian Breakaway, the newest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet and the latest mega ship to enter the market, is a "game changer" for the industry, said Kevin Sheehan, the line's CEO and president. 

"This is a ship," he said, "that will change this industry forever more."

He cited the Waterfront, a quarter-mile stretch of restaurants, gelato stands and shops; the five water slides in the ship's water park, the most of any line; and the three theatrical shows, including the Broadway hit, "Rock of Ages."

But the Breakaway is more than a game-changer for the industry: It's a game-changer for NCL. With the first ship in the line's new class of ships debuting, the cruise line feels it's positioned to compete with premium and luxury cruise lines. 

"With the beautiful ships we have, with freestyle proposition, we always had the opportunity to be at the top of the premium category, Sheehan said. "We're on our journey. With this ship, we have the leader in the premium category, and soon Getaway following behind." 

Getaway will be the second ship in the class, debuting in Miami in January 2014.

A luxury, all-suite area known as Haven is at the top of the ship. It has its own pool, concierge service, butlers and lots of luxury and hand-holding for the highest-paying cruisers. It's how NCL caters to the luxury customer without losing amenities of a mega ship.

The Breakaway, at its core, is a true mega-ship. It's the largest ship ever to homeport in New York City. It's got a 23,000-square-foot spa and fitness center. It has 28 dining options. It has more than 2,000 staterooms and carries more that 4,000 passengers. 

After Getaway debuts next year, the cruise line will move on to another ship class: Breakaway Plus. Sheehan said there are two ships planned for the Breakaway Plus class, and they'll be even bigger than Breakaway and Getaway. 

Breakaway will sail seven-day itineraries round-trip from the Big Apple to Bermuda and the Bahamas.

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 Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com 

Unusual Places: Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

One of the first locations in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Plitvice Lakes, located in Plitvice Lakes National Park, is a remarkable and unique sight to see. Ever year, over 1.2 million tourists from all over the world travel to Croatia to see its cascading lakes. What makes these cascades so amazing is that they are all interconnected and follow the same flow. Sixteen of these lakes can be seen from above. The lakes are also well known for their gorgeous colors, ranging from deep blues to vivid greens.

The national park is world famous for its lakes arranged in cascades. These lakes are a result of the confluence of several small rivers and subterranean karst rivers. The lakes are all interconnected and follow the water flow. They are separated by natural dams of travertine, which is deposited by the action of moss, algae, and bacteria.

Animal life flourishes in the unspoiled conditions. The stars of the park are bears and wolves, but there are also deer, boar, rabbits, foxes and badgers. There are over 120 different species of bird such as hawks, owls, cuckoos, thrushes, starlings, kingfishers, wild ducks and herons. You might also occasionally see black storks and ospreys. Flocks of butterflies flutter throughout the park.

Special attractions at Plitvice include the Veliki Splat, a 100 foot waterfall surrounded by nearby boulders to which tourists have access. There is also a large waterfall complex that can be access via a cave in the surrounding rock face.

The main attraction is obviously the hiking and walking in the area. Keep in mind that swimming is not allowed anywhere in the park.  Trails very well maintained and well marked.  It's worth noting that this area is one of the only remaining regions of Europe where bears roam.

Several large hotels have been built by the entrance to the park. These largely cater to older European tourists. If you are looking for less expensive lodging, ask around, some local apartment owners rent out rooms for low prices.

In addition to snack shops at the entrance and exit of the park, there is a large picnic area with various food stands which can be reached via ferry across the main lake. 

Looking for that uniquely different vacation destination. Call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We can help!

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

Tips for When Children Flying Alone

You see unaccompanied Minors flying on almost all flights especially in the summer. It’s been reported that JetBlue has flown more than 40,000 unaccompanied minors in a year, American Airlines about 200,000 and Southwest more than 100,000. Those are staggering statistics.

Today, families are spread across the country and may even be overseas. Many children who’s parents don’t have the ability to accompany their child, travel alone to visit their grandparents and/or other relatives.

Here are a  few suggestions how parents can minimize the problems a child might encounter flying alone, and help them travel safely.

Consider the maturity of your child. Airlines allow children as young as 5 years-old to travel unaccompanied, but many children are not capable of traveling without a parent. They may not be able to handle the unusual situations that can occur when flying, such as long delays, difficult weather conditions, and rescheduling.

Make sure you know all the airline’s rules and policies about unaccompanied minors before making a reservation. Understand what supervision of your child they promise, what happens if flights are diverted or delayed, and what they require of you as the parent.

If your child must fly unaccompanied, schedule only direct, nonstop flights, if possible. This minimizes the total travel time, opportunities for something to go wrong due to weather and mechanical problems, and the chance your child would encounter an overnight delay requiring them to stay in a hotel room alone, in a strange place.

If an intermediate stop, or change of planes is unavoidable, minimize the number of stops, and schedule plane changes at smaller, less difficult airports, if possible.

Book morning flights. If their flight is delayed or canceled, you have the rest of the day for alternate plans.

When you make your child’s reservation, make sure your child has a seat near where flight attendants’ are for much of the flights, and where they generally sit during take off and landings; the galleys.

Make sure you tell your child what to expect at the airport(s), during the flights, and at the pickup airport. Familiarize them with their itinerary. Don’t just explain the nuts and bolts of what will happen, explain what kind of experiences they should expect. This is especially important if it’s their first flight.

Be sure your child knows they must inform a flight attendant or other airline representative, if they encounter usual and potential harmful situations.

Make certain your child knows they should never tell another passenger their full name, address, phone number, where they are going, and other personal information.

On the day of the flight, make sure your child is well rested. Get to the airport early to have plenty of time to get to the gate with them, to reduce their anxiety and stress level. Make sure your child has a complete copy of all emergency and contact information, their itinerary, travel documents, and a brief medical history, plus written instructions about handling flight problems. Make sure they have money to pay for necessities during their travel.

Being able to communicate with you at any time will reduce your’s and your child’s anxiety. Give your child a cell phone with your phone number preprogrammed. If they don’t have a cell phone of their own, get them a prepaid phone. They’re inexpensive. Tell your child to call if there’s a problem, when they complete each part of their journey, or just to talk to you, anytime they want, except while in the plane, of course. Make sure they know how to call you from a public phone in case the cell phone dies.

Give your child a photo of you and the person who will be picking them up. This will help quell possible ID problems at the end of each flight.

In addition to a checked-in bag, if necessary, send them with no more than one carry-on, which they can physically handle themselves. Make sure you pack items to occupy their time while in transit like a book, Mp3 player, and games, with earphones.

Pack food for your child, so the have food they like. Purchase juice or water for your child after you pass through the security checkpoint.

Never leave the airport before your child’s plane is in the air.

Be sure the person picking up your child has their ID, knows the rules they must follow, and is at the airport early, in case of problems.

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 Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com 

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, Idaho

Did you know horses evolved in North America?  The Hagerman Horse, Equus Simplicidens, was the first true horse but its’ bones most closely resembled Grevy’s zebra bones. Equus simplicidens is the official Idaho state fossil.  The Hagerman Horse Quarry, a national natural landmark, is recognized as one of the most important sites in the world related to the fossil history of the horse.

Hagerman is home to over two hundred different species of fossil plants and animals: including Sabertooth Cat, Mastodon, Bear, Camel, Ground Sloth, and many other species.  Over 3,000 new fossil fragments are found each year.

Located on Route 30 in Hagerman, ID across from high school, the Visitor Center has real fossils, informational DVD, a discovery corner, and programs.

Hagerman valley is generally sunny, dry, and clear year round. Winters are mild with occasional winter storms, but summers are extremely hot and dry.

"The Valley of the Thousand Springs" is one of those rare natural rest stops that has been serving travelers for hundreds, perhaps thousands of years. The mild, almost snowless winters, hot springs and natural fisheries provided by the clear flow of springs at a constant 58 degrees made the valley a favorite Indian wintering area.
The City of Hagerman, which gives the valley its name, was originally the site of a stagecoach stop (Overland Trail Route) along the Oregon Trail. Remains of this historic pioneer route can still be seen along the west side of the Snake River.

The town itself was officially established in 1892 when Stanley Hageman and Jack Hess opened a combination Post Office/General Store. The town was actually named for Stanley Hageman but a misspelling in the central post office registry changed its official name to Hagerman.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your reservation needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com.

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

Ocean’s 13 Caribbean Super Cruise

Only a few more day to take advantage of this great cruise!


“Ocean’s 13 Caribbean Super Cruise and San Juan Sleepover”

October 3-12, 2013

Only $2499 per person (based on double occupancy)

Think you've seen the Caribbean before? Unless you've been with Rawhide Travel and Tours, better think again! If you're looking for that "different vacation" mixed with warm turquoise lagoons, exotic tropical scenery, breathtaking beauty along with relaxation and luxury, then this is your ticket to see and experience some of the most sought after destinations in the Caribbean! 

Join us as we discover the grandeur of the sizzling Caribbean on Royal Caribbean's 90,000 ton superstar - the M/S Jewel of the Seas! This spectacular "floating resort" has the entire cruise industry talking. Sailing from San Juan, you'll first visit Saint Thomas in the Virgin Islands, the Duty Free Shopping Capitol Of The Caribbean! 

Here you'll experience magnificent sun drenched beaches with emerald colored lagoons, secluded coves, pristine coral reefs, untouched rain forests and spectacular world renowned shopping! 

Next, Saint Kitts, located in the West Indies, a tropical paradise set amidst unspoiled secluded white sand beaches, aqua lagoons and intoxicating natural beauty making it one of the most seductive spots in the entire Caribbean with its British influence. 

Next stop - Aruba! If the palm fringed white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons don't get your heart pounding, the dazzling casinos and magnificent architecture will. This "Dutch paradise" is located in the Netherland Antilles, and its brightly painted buildings are as neat and trim as any on the canals of Amsterdam. Last stop  - Curacao! This yummy exotic destination, also located in the Netherland Antilles, leaves nothing to the imagination.

 It's truly a "secluded slice of paradise" with its exquisite and vibrant colored colonial buildings. From national parks to water sports, and from old pirate forts to the underwater sea life, this is one tropical paradise you'll never forget. 

And, as if this magnificent luxury cruise weren't enough, the price includes everything but the kitchen sink! A spacious category El Balconied Stateroom including seven meals per day, nightly "Las Vegas style" entertainment, round trip air from Phoenix to San Juan (air also available from 171 other U.S. cities including Honolulu, Anchorage and 18 Canadian towns but air price may vary depending on your actual departure city other than Phoenix), all foreign and U.S. taxes, all security, government and airport fees, all port taxes, all transfers, resort overnight stay in San Juan including all hotel taxes and services fees, several gala parties during the cruise, even cancellation insurance and ship tips! 

So what are you waiting for? Some people wait a lifetime for their ship to come in , you only have to wait until October 03, 2013.  

WARNING: This cruise may cause thrill-related injuries. Eyes in the back of your head recommended. Experience life without a ripcord and call Rawhide Travel and Tours today 602-843-5100! Limited space. 

Happy "Caribbean sailing" trails to you......

To find out more about this once in a lifetime Cruise or help with any other travel needs, call Rawhide Travel and Tours at 602-843-5100 or 888-222-7594 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. We will be happy to guide you through all your vacation planning.

Presented By:

Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc

6008 West Bell Rd # F105

Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793

(602) 843-5100 

rawhidetravel.com