Travel Tips: Is Travel insurance Worth It

Insurance is one of those things that you feel neutral if you got it and didn't have to use it, but regret deeply if you didn't, and needed it.

With all that can go wrong on a trip, you wake up too sick to fly or lose your passport, travel insurance can come in handy.

Depending on the policy, travelers can be directed to the nearest hotel when their flight is canceled, get a referral to a local attorney while overseas or be evacuated to a hospital back home if they become ill.

But whether you need insurance depends on a range of factors, from the cost of the vacation to the time of year you're taking off.

It's also worth considering if the traveler is worried about a member of their party getting sick or getting injured on a vacation that involves skiing, biking or some other sport.

WHAT IS COVERED
A basic package generally covers the non-refundable costs of a trip up to the particular policy's limits, has medical coverage and offers assistance for various emergencies.

It most often kicks in for matters beyond the traveler's control: from illness, to the airline canceling a flight because of a storm, to your missing a flight because you got in an accident on the way to the airport.

But beware, travel-insurance policies will not cover reckless behavior. If you have an accident because you're drunk, chances are you won't be covered. So whoever buys the policy has to engage in reasonable behaviors.

Insurance is different from the waiver that may be offered by a cruise line, for instance, which will usually give a traveler a credit to be used for a future trip rather than a refund.

Waivers also may not factor in additional expenses, such as paying an extra day of parking or housing a pet. All those things would be covered under a blanket policy.

Travel insurance tends to average 4% to 8% of the total cost of the trip, with the price varying according to the traveler's age.

THIRD-PARTY COVERAGE
Travelers can buy insurance from an airline or a cruise company. But those policies may not be as comprehensive as packages purchased directly from an insurance carrier.

If the cruise line or carrier went out of business, the coverage they offered would also disappear.
If a traveler wants to be covered no matter the circumstances, there are more expensive policies that would allow them to cancel for any reason.

The cost can be up to 40% higher than a typical policy, but if a traveler became fearful of going to their destination, not usually a valid claim on most policies, they could bow out of the trip and get their money back.

Whatever type of policy you buy, and wherever you buy it from, do your homework. Read the fine print and ask the provider plenty of questions about what reasons are considered acceptable for making a claim. A flight delay might have to last a certain number of hours, for instance, for a policy to kick in.

Travelers also should keep records, from the hotel receipt showing where they stayed when their flight was canceled, to a note from the doctor that confirms they were too sick to travel.

It is recommended to check that the insurance provider is licensed in the state where the buyer lives, in case you have problems and need a place to appeal.

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
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Ellis Island National Monument NY and NJ

Part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, Ellis Island straddles New York and New Jersey and is an important landmark of American historic heritage. In its 62 years of operation (1892-1954) as a federal immigration station, over 12 million immigrants passed through its doors and onto American soil.  Both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island stand as symbols of freedom and are therefore also are symbols of the American identity.

As you explore Ellis Island, it’s hard not to imagine yourself as one of the 12 million that passed through here, exhausted after a rough sea voyage and overwhelmed by the immigration process. You can walk through the extensive museum exhibit on your own or with a guided tour to explore the monument’s rich history. At special theatrical programs, see professional actors deliver actual immigrant accounts collected in an oral history project for the monument.  The monument is a wonderful educational opportunity for the whole family.

Over forty percent of Americans can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island’s immigration records. If you fall into the forty percent, trace your family ancestry at the American Family Immigration History Center. A unique and fun experience!

Immigration Museum
The wooden structure built in 1892 to house the immigration station burned down after five years. The station's new Main Building, which now houses the Immigration Museum, was opened in 1900. Architects Edward Lippincott Tilton and William Alciphron Boring received a gold medal at the 1900 Paris Exposition for the building's design and constructed the building at a cost of $1.5 million. The architecture competition was the second under the Tarsney Act, which had permitted private architects rather than government architects in the Office of the Supervising Architect to design federal buildings.

The American Immigrant Wall of Honor
A special feature of the Ellis Island museum, the Wall of Honor overlooks the Statue of Liberty and the New York skyline and is the longest wall of names in the world. This unique display pays tribute to America's rich cultural heritage, celebrating American immigration from its earliest beginnings right up to the present day, and contains more than 700,000 names inscribed for posterity by family members and friends.

The National Park Service is currently restoring Ellis Island, making it safe so that it may reopen as soon as possible.

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

Update: Rawhide Travel and Tours Holiday Tree

Our little Holiday Tree is ready to go Trick or Treating. The tree and Minnie are all dress in their favorite costumes.

 

Did you know, Halloween was actually a Celtic holiday. It was originally called Samhain meaning "end of summer". In ancient Celtic Ireland, October 31st marked the official end of summer.

 

Potatoes and turnips were the original Jack-O-Lanterns. Irish children would carve and light them to use during the gatherings on Halloween.

 

Trick or treating had its roots in Europe. The custom known as "souling" dates back to the 9th century. On All Soul's Day which is November 2nd, the poor would walk through the villages and go door to door begging for food. They would be given "soul cakes" which is a type of pastry made from bread and currants. They would promise to pray for dead relatives in return for receiving the "soul cakes".
 

Halloween is the number two holiday in terms of commercial success. It's no surprise that Christmas is number one. Over four billion dollars is spent annually during the Halloween season. The majority of that money is spent on costumes, candy, parties, and decorations.

 

We here at Rawhide Travel and Tours would like to wish you a happy and safe Halloween.

 

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

In the News: River Front Redevelopment in Europe's Cities

From a CNN article

If the usual itinerary of cathedrals, palaces and souvenir shops has ceased to thrill, maybe it's time to abandon the well-trodden tourist circuit on your next trip to Europe and head to the river.

During the past two decades, a number of European cities have invested heavily in redeveloping blighted industrial river fronts, turning them into charming urban retreats that emphasize sustainability, sports and local culture. Visitors can explore on foot, or cycle, skate and even skateboard along these riverfront renovations that artfully combine traditional and modern elements to reveal a bit of each city's soul.

Madrid Rio
A six-mile stretch of the Manzanares known as Madrid Rio is one of Europe's newest, most ambitious riverfront projects. The old motorway has been removed, replaced with a greenbelt that features more than 25,000 trees, foot paths, a variety of athletic and playground facilities and scenic vistas and bridges from which to observe city landmarks. Madrid Rio also links up with other green corridors, including cycling paths that extend throughout the city.

Once an enormous slaughterhouse, Matadero Madrid is one of the most stunning transformations of Madrid Rio. It's now a contemporary cultural center featuring art exhibits, creative workshops, music festivals, documentary film and theatrical performances.

Visit La Huerta de la Partida, the long-neglected orchard of Palacio Vargas. It has been replanted with nearly 900 trees typical of the region, including olives, almonds, pears, figs and quince. Stop at the mirador (viewpoint) for a great view of many of the city's major monuments.

Berlin - River Spree
Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, this progressive city has strived to maintain a balance between large corporate development projects that bring investment and jobs, and preserving the history and artistic character of its dynamic neighborhoods.

After the wall fell, these areas—on either side of the river—flourished as hip, alternative havens. Vacant lots became vibrant community gardens and art spaces, and drab apartment blocks became artists' studios, cheerful cooperative living spaces and diverse underground nightclubs. These areas have gentrified considerably, but you'll still find eclectic flea markets, independent designer shops and great global cuisine. Consider taking a walking tour led by the nonprofit Institute for Creative Sustainability, which emphasizes grass-roots efforts to maintain the green, creative character of the neighborhoods. Finally, visit the East Side Gallery, one of the last standing segments of the Berlin Wall, which has become an inspiring artistic monument to peace and freedom.

Before you go, be sure to visit the famous "beach bars" on the banks of the river. As you sip your caipirinha or local brew in a beach chair surrounded by palm trees, you'll marvel at how rapidly this city evolves and changes.

Lisbon -- Tagus River (Rio Tejo)
Centuries ago, the Tagus River launched Portuguese explorers out to sea on their journeys to Asia, Africa and the Americas and guided immigrants into this port city. The exchange of cultures that gives Lisbon its distinctive architectural and culinary character is also apparent in the city's riverfront development, which began in the 1990s when Lisbon was named the European Capital of culture.

There are several points from which to embark on the 4.5-mile walk along the river. One nice starting point is the enormous and colorful Praça do Comercio, one of Lisbon's best-known squares. Moving from tradition to trendy, the next stop is Cais do Sodre. Redevelopment rid the area of its reputation for seedy bars and brothels; today it's home to hot clubs and great restaurants. Visit the famous Mercado da Ribeira for fantastic fruits, vegetables and flowers.

London - River Thames
The Thames is already a popular tourist destination, but until recently, most visitors didn't make it farther east than the Tower Bridge. That's changing with the impressive transformation of a once bleak wasteland known as the Docklands.

The 2012 Olympics provided another huge opportunity to expand waterfront redevelopment, accentuating the contrast between old and new. Today you can wander narrow cobblestone streets to find cafes and historic riverside pubs, and then ascend to spectacular views atop the Shard, a spire-shaped, gleaming glass skyscraper completed in 2012. Don't miss the Museum of London Docklands, which surveys the area's history from Roman times to its recent redevelopment.

A fun way to see the Docklands is via the new Emirates Air Line cable cars that cross the river to Greenwich, home of the Royal Observatory, on the South Bank of the Thames. Rent a bike and take it on the cable car to explore the Thames Cultural Cycling Tour, which passes through Greenwich and eventually crosses back to Canary Wharf and historic neighborhoods like Wapping before returning to the South Bank via Tower Bridge.

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 Halloween Destinations: Knott's Scary Farm Buena Park, CA

In late fall, Southern California's Knott's Berry Farm morphs into the most-attended Halloween attraction in the world. In addition to heart-stopping rides like GhostRider, one of the longest and tallest wooden roller coasters in the world, Knott’s Scary Farm Haunt's elaborately themed mazes, like the brand new Trapped: The New Experiment, will give you memories you'll never forget. Six sinister live shows, including  Elvira's Sinema Séance, all add up to the ultimate horror experience!

ELVIRA'S SINEMA SÉANCE (New for 2013)
A Knott’s Scary Farm legend returns to the Ghoultime Theatre – Elvira, Mistress of the Dark - stars in her all-new stage show.  Elvira is back in all her ghoulish glory bringing her own brand of sexy sass and comedy to a fast-paced, multi-media extravaganza featuring the unique hiphop/freestyle dance team The Academy of Villains direct from America's Got Talent!
BLACK MAGIC (New for 2013)

The veil between the living and the dead is severed when Houdini’s ghost materializes during a séance and ushers a host of demonic illusions to play tricks on anyone who intrudes on his theatre. From the prop room to the main stage this dilapidated theatre will make visitors skin crawl. Will you be part of the disappearing act?

TRAPPED: THE NEW EXPERIMENT
Making its debut in 2012, Trapped was Knott’s Scary Farm’s first reservation only, interactive maze - and was an immediate sell-out. Trapped returns bigger and more intense than its predecessor. For those lucky enough to secure a reservation, Trapped will offer a longer running time, more challenging puzzles, more mind-bending contraptions and more in-your-face scares. *Additional fee applies.

GHOSTRIDER
Looming 118 feet over historic Ghost Town, GhostRider is the largest attraction in park history and one of the longest and tallest wooden roller coasters in the world. Brave riders enter a mysterious mine, only to be strapped into gold, silver and copper mining cars and sent along 4,533 feet of twisting, unforgiving timber. Highlights of this massive themed white-knuckler include a dramatic, 108-foot initial banked drop, 13 additional drops, sudden dips, banked turns and maximum G-forces of 3.14!

FOREVERMORE (New for 2013)
The twisted mind of Edgar Allen Poe comes alive as the “Forevermore Killer” works his way through one haunting tale after another. All the victims, driven mad by a combination of drugs and torture, unwittingly find themselves a part of “The Raven,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Pit and the Pendulum,” The Masque of Red Death” among others. Guests will want to catch up on their reading to stay a chapter ahead of their demise.

This Halloween season, there is nowhere to hide at Knott’s Scary Farm. Five new mazes horrify guests as part of Southern California’s largest, most haunting Halloween experience. Select nights September 26 - November 2.

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

Travel Tips: How to Stay Energized While Flying

Whether you're taking a six-hour flight across the country, a nine-hour hop to Europe or an epic journey covering several time zones around the globe, what you eat and drink in the air will affect how you feel when you land.

Eat Protein
Airline food offerings can be meager, so bring meals with you for the best options. Include lean protein foods such as boneless, skinless chicken; turkey breast; hard-boiled egg whites; and lean fish such as tuna. Fat can make you tired and groggy. Protein will give you energy and keep you feeling full. (Consider using a freezer pack to keep food cool.)

Other good sources of protein include roasted edamame, lean turkey or beef jerky, as well as those peel-and-eat containers of tuna or salmon. Avoid processed and fried food, sugary items and white bread, because those foods may make you feel tired, unsettled and unsatisfied.

Drink Water
Pack a bottle and fill it after you go through security or buy a bottle on the concourse. It is important travelers stay hydrated before, during and after a flight to ease jet lag and fatigue.

Skin tone improves with adequate hydration and that drinking plenty of water will help you look fresh when you land. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Both can be dehydrating and can interfere with your sleep cycle. Alcohol also adds calories and will make you feel sluggish.

Eat Fruits and Veggies
Fruit and vegetables are full of water and fruit has healthy sugars. If you didn't raid your fridge for fresh produce before leaving home, you can find healthy options at many airports, though it might take a few minutes to explore beyond the rows of fast-food restaurants.

If you can't find anything fresh, try freeze-dried fruits over dried, because dried have a high concentration of sugar and not a lot of fiber.

Snack on Nuts
On many flights, attendants offer a choice of cookies, pretzels or peanuts for a snack with your beverage. Choose the peanuts for the protein. Better yet, bring almonds or walnuts from home, separated into small portions, because they're high in calories. Nut are a snack that satisfy your hunger and give you a little bit of energy. Peanut butter is also a good snack.

Exercise
Those frequent bathroom breaks from all that water-drinking are actually a good thing. It's important to get up and walk around a couple of times during a long flight. It gets your energy going.

To wake yourself up after you land, avoid the moving sidewalks and trains between terminals. Walking gets rid of that groggy feeling and revs up your body after so much high-altitude sitting.
 
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

Governors Island National Monument New York

The island located a few hundred meters off the southern tip of Manhattan at the confluence of the Hudson and East Rivers in New York Harbor.

From 1783 to 1966, Governors Island in New York Harbor was an Army post, and from 1966 to 1996 it was a Coast Guard installation. Located on Governors Island are Castle Williams and Fort Jay, which served as outposts to protect New York City from sea attack.

In October 1995 the United States Coast Guard announced it would close its largest base, at Governors Island, as a cost savings measure. The Coast Guard had established the base on the island in 1966 after the U.S. Army closed Fort Jay, an Army post since 1794. Thirty years later, in 1996, the Coast Guard closed the base and conveyed it as surplus property to the federal government's General Services Administration for disposal through transfer or sale.

As President Clinton left office in January 2001, with no resolution of the island's future in hand and at the urging of members of the New York congressional delegation, he established a Governors Island National Monument by Presidential Proclamation 7402 of January 19, 2001. The proclamation did not fully establish the boundaries of the monument, but did set forth a federal intention of preserving the fortifications, Fort Jay and Castle Williams, the oldest and most historic features on the island.

Since the island was managed by the United States Army and the United States Coast Guard for nearly 200 years, and was no longer required for defense or Coast Guard purposes, the establishment of the monument provided an excellent opportunity for the public to observe and understand the harbor history, its defense and its ecology.

The island and monument, currently under development, has been open on a seasonal basis during the summer months since 2003. In 2010, over 400,000 visitors visited the island and monument during a 60-day season.

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