Great Basin National Park, Nevada

In the shadow of 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak, 5,000 year old bristlecone pine trees grow on rocky glacial moraines. Come to Great Basin National Park to experience the solitude of the desert, the smell of sagebrush after a thunderstorm, the darkest of night skies, and the beauty of Lehman Caves. Far from a wasteland, the Great Basin is a diverse region that awaits your discovery.

With the arrival of the spring season comes a new beginning. The gradually warming temperatures awaken Rock Squirrels, and other critters, from their long sleep reminding them to forage. Even though days in the valley may be hot, there is generally snowpack in the high elevations. With the gradual melting of snow, streams dance down the mountain. Diversity explodes. Bouquets of Prickly-Pear Cacti, Indian Paintbrush, and Globe Mallow begin to dot the desert with shades of yellow, pink, red, and orange.

So arrives the season full of activity. Temperatures are comfortable with highs around 85 and lows 55 at 6,825 ft above sea level. Even the Yellow-bellied Rock Marmots who hibernate nine months out of the year reveal themselves to sunbathe on rocky outcrops. Fishermen practice their angler skills in creeks. Hikers enjoy moderate to strenuous hikes early in the day to avoid common afternoon thunderstorms. As darkness falls, anticipation arises for another activity: connecting with the night sky. Stargazers enjoy the best visibility of the Milky Way in the continental United States.

When autumn arrives, Great Basin National Park shows its colors, with groves of aspen trees dotting the mountains in hues of yellow and gold. The air is cool and crisp, uncrowded trails beg to be explored, and pine nuts are ready for picking. Great Basin National Park takes some effort to get to, but those who make the journey reap the rewards: spacious campsites, friendly and available staff, and the company of the oldest trees on Earth, the bristlecone pines.

When winter arrives in Great Basin National Park you experience the true meaning of solitude and silence. Frost delicately ornaments blades of grass along stream beds as water gently runs under sheets of ice. As snow accumulates on mountain peaks, mule deer begin their seasonal migration patterns, moving down to lower elevations. With the arrival of fresh powder brings the anticipation of winter recreation. Trails and roads are explored by a few adventurous visitors on skis and snowshoes. Just when you think you are alone, a series of paw prints in the snow provide alluring signs of an animal that was recently in that same place.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
6008 W Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, AZ 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100

"KICK ICE ALASKAN GLACIER ROUTE SUPER CRUISE"

RAWHIDE TRAVEL and TOURS

                  presents it's famous.....    
 "KICK ICE ALASKAN GLACIER ROUTE SUPER CRUISE"  
 (and Anchorage sleepover)

 August 22-31, 2012

   $3499 per person based on double occupancy
(triple and quad staterooms also available at even a lower price)

Think you've seen Alaska before? Unless you've been with Rawhide Travel and Tours, better think again! If you're looking for that "different vacation" mixed with some of the worlds most stunning natural beauty, majestic scenery, spectacular wildlife along with relaxation and luxury, then this is your ticket to see and experience some of the most awesome sights in the world......ALASKA!


Join us as we discover the land of the midnight sun, 100,000 glaciers, moose, whales, Gold Rush towns and soaring peaks on our 10 day grandeur journey through the "Last Frontier." Enjoy a TWO NIGHT pre-cruise stay in awesome Anchorage for some free time and "Ron's Alaskan Surprise" the second day (shhhh......it's a surprise). Transfer from Anchorage to Seward "the ultimate Rawhide way" on the Alaska Railroad (no bus for us!) on board the Wilderness Express in double decked glass-domed rail cars with spectacular 360 degree views of the Alaskan outback bush! Then enjoy a SEVEN NIGHT Southbound cruise on Royal Caribbean's dazzling 90,000 ton Mega-Superliner, the M/S Radiance of the Seas sailing from Seward to Vancouver, British Columbia! During the cruise, savor HUBBARD GLACIER (one of the most active blue ice glaciers in North America), then visit the "rowdy Gold Rush towns" of JUNEAU (Alaska's capitol with tons of outdoor action), SKAGWAY  (over 20 excursions offered here including dog-sledding!), ICY STRAIGHT POINT (might only have a population of 900 but has the world's longest zipline at 5,330 feet in length.....eeeeha!), KETCHIKAN (get ready for 1,000 foot waterfalls and low-hanging mists) and finally, the world famous INSIDE PASSAGE (home to humpback whales and sea lions). Feast on scrumptious Alaskan salmon, crab and lobster! See verdant mountains, waterfalls, snowcapped mountains and fields of Alaskan summer wild flowers in full bloom! You'll see and do it all on our unforgettable and electrifying adventure! And, as if this dazzling adventure and all of the astonishing excitement and sights weren't enough, the price includes just about everything (but the kitchen sink).


 Round trip air from Phoenix (air is also available from 171 other U.S. cities including San Juan, Honolulu and 18 Canadian towns but price may vary if departing from a city other than Phoenix), all U.S. and foreign airport taxes, all security, government and departure fees, all ship port taxes, all transfers throughout (including "the ultimate Rawhide way" Alaska Railroad Wilderness Express transfer), a seven night luxury cruise in a category E1 DELUXE OUTSIDE PRIVATE BALCONY STATEROOM including SEVEN MEALS per day (meals on your own during the Anchorage sleepover), nightly "Las Vegas style" entertainment, several gala parties during the cruise, deluxe hotel accommodations in Anchorage including all hotel taxes and service fees, Ron's Alaskan Surprise on August 23......even cancellation insurance and ship tips! So what are waiting for? Most people wait a lifetime for their ship to come in. You only have to wait until August 22, 2012. WARNING: eyes in the back of your head recommended for this thrill-related adventure. Experience life without a ripcord and call RAWHIDE TRAVEL and TOURS TODAY  (602) 843-5100.  Happy "Kick Ice" sailing trails to you......


Presented By:
Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
6008 W Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, AZ 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100

A Vacation Home for the Family Dog

It’s likely the most common travel conundrum of dog owners: What to do with Fido when we  go on vacation? While it’s true that hotels have become more pet-friendly in the past few years, the number of places that don’t accept dogs still far outnumbers  the number that do.

Dogvacay.com,  a recently launched website that pairs dogs with host homes while owners are away, saves both dog and owner from kennel boarding.  Dogvacay’s boarding is cage-free, said Aaron Hirschhorn, the site’s co-founder and CEO.  Hirschhorn, along with his wife, Karine Nassim Hirschhorn, decided to create a website around home dog boarding.

Dog owners can create an account on dogvacay.com, providing details about their pet, and then search listings for matching  hosts in their area.

Owners can email potential hosts to work out the details and get any questions answered. Payment is made in advance to dogvacay.com, which holds the money until after the dog has been dropped off at the host home.

The site vets hosts through phone calls and social media channels, but ultimately it’s the dog owner’s responsibility to pick a host they are comfortable with. Since the host home is likely in or very close to the host-seekers  hometown, it’s probably worth arranging a visit before making a commitment. The site provides insurance should anything go wrong and offers a money-back guarantee.  Hosts can also send photo updates to the dog’s owners by email or text while they’re away.

If you’re a dog lover willing to open your home to other canines, you can make extra money by registering as a host for a dog whose family needs a sitter. Hosts post their own rates, and can distinguish the kinds of dogs they’re looking to house and look after.

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

The Boot Bed & Breakfast, Tasman, New Zealand

Experience the peaceful, serene country surroundings of the unique romantic bed and breakfast accommodation in Tasman, Nelson.The Boot is a retreat ideal for romantic weekends and special occasions. The private boutique bed and breakfast accommodation is a two storey cottage in the shape of a giant boot, furnished especially for two. It is located in the heart of the beautiful Tasman region, centrally between the Able Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park and Nelson. A perfect position for exploring the highlights of Tasman Bay, Nelson, New Zealand.

The Boot stands nestled within a grove of hazelnut trees. Outside, the courtyard, surrounded by a fragrant garden, offers sun loungers for relaxing on hot afternoons and an alfresco dining area for spending lazy evenings beside the outdoor fireplace. Inside luxuriate on the comfy couch in front of the open fire, or enjoy an early night in the comfort of the upstairs bedroom. In the morning the choice of breakfast will be delivered to the door.

The relaxed, quiet bed and breakfast adopts sustainable practices without deterring from the luxury experience that they want all their guests to enjoy. They use organic produce as much as possible, including their own free-range eggs and fresh fruit from the orchard. Guests are welcome to wander the paths of the almost 6 acre garden during their stay.

Whether in Nelson and Tasman on holiday, or for some special time together, the two of you will enjoy your nights of escape from the world at The Boot.

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

Protecting Against Crime While Traveling

1. Choose clothing carefully when traveling overseas.  Learn how to blend in by consulting with travel agents or tourist bureaus at your destination. These experts can share information about local cultural norms and types of apparel to pack. Select comfortable clothing preferred by locals. For example, khakis, modest cotton skirts and sandals are often seen in temperate summer climates around Europe. When overseas, avoid apparel such as white athletic shoes and clothing emblazoned with Western flag insignia, which may indicate to thieves that you're not a local and possess money to travel abroad.


2. Wear your currency in several places on your body. In addition to keeping a wallet in your pocket, discreetly place money in a traveler's money belt or envelope worn around your waist, ankles or bra. If you get mugged and the mugger only takes one stash, at least you'll have additional funds immediately available.


3  Practice safety in numbers. Whether you're male or female, you can help to avoid criminal activity abroad and domestically by traveling with a group.


4. Explore well-lit areas when out at night. Watch for places you can go in case of an emergency.
If you suspect you're being followed, look for the nearest cafe, gas station or other gathering place with other people inside. If you can't quickly find one, briskly walk in the middle of the street until you do.


5. Stay alert when interacting with street vendors and sidewalk entertainers. Be aware of your surroundings and other people in the vicinity. An entertainer may be working with a criminal partner who's attempting to lift your wallet. Don't allow street entertainers or passers-by to get close to you.


6. Alert suspicious people that you are aware of their presence. Criminals may be less likely to harm you if they know you're aware of their movement. When visiting a Western country, look the suspicious person in the eye. Eye contact is considered acceptable in Western societies.While staying in an Eastern country, wear dark sunglasses. Criminals won't be able to tell if you're watching their activity. Avoid direct eye contact since most Eastern societies consider this practice aggressive and rude. Don't underestimate the elderly lady or well-dressed business person sitting next to you, she or he may be working with a partner in a criminal ring targeting tourists.


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

Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve

Found in the Snake River Plain in Idaho, the Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve is a beautiful volcanic landscape that appears alien. Geologic formations found on the lava fields of the preserve include cinder cones, spatter cones, and lava tube caves, all formed from volcanic activity in the Great Rift Volcanic rift zone. The volcanic activity within the preserve occurred as long as 15,000 years ago and as recent as 2,000 years ago.

The solitude of this fragile environment haunts and mystifies park visitors. Enjoy the scenery of the volcanic terrain on foot in the backcountry or on the scenic Loop Drive.

Take a hike to the top of Inferno Cove where, on clear days, panoramic views stretch as far as the Teton Range to the east.

The Monument was established on May 2, 1924. In November 2000, a presidential proclamation by President Clinton greatly expanded the Monument area. The National Park Service portions of the expanded Monument were designated as Craters of the Moon National Preserve in August 2002.

All three lava fields lie along the Great Rift of Idaho, with some of the best examples of open rift cracks in the world, including the deepest known on Earth at 800 feet (240 m). There are excellent examples of almost every variety of basaltic lava as well as tree molds (cavities left by lava-incinerated trees), lava tubes (a type of cave), and many other volcanic features.

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

Come one, Come All, to the Greatest Cruise of All

RAWHIDE TRAVEL and TOURS   
               presents it's famous.....    
 "KICK ICE ALASKAN GLACIER ROUTE SUPER CRUISE"  
 (and Anchorage sleepover)
 August 22-31, 2012
   $3499 per person based on double occupancy
(triple and quad staterooms also available at even a lower price)

All Aboard! Hurry!  Last chance for this fun filled cruise.

Think you've seen Alaska before? Unless you've been with Rawhide Travel and Tours, better think again! If you're looking for that "different vacation" mixed with some of the worlds most stunning natural beauty, majestic scenery, spectacular wildlife along with relaxation and luxury, then this is your ticket to see and experience some of the most awesome sights in the world......ALASKA!

Join us as we discover the land of the midnight sun, 100,000 glaciers, moose, whales, Gold Rush towns and soaring peaks on our 10 day grandeur journey through the "Last Frontier." Enjoy a TWO NIGHT pre-cruise stay in awesome Anchorage for some free time and "Ron's Alaskan Surprise" the second day (shhhh......it's a surprise). Transfer from Anchorage to Seward "the ultimate Rawhide way" on the Alaska Railroad (no bus for us!) on board the Wilderness Express in double decked glass-domed rail cars with spectacular 360 degree views of the Alaskan outback bush! Then enjoy a SEVEN NIGHT Southbound cruise on Royal Caribbean's dazzling 90,000 ton Mega-Superliner, the M/S Radiance of the Seas sailing from Seward to Vancouver, British Columbia! During the cruise, savor HUBBARD GLACIER (one of the most active blue ice glaciers in North America), then visit the "rowdy Gold Rush towns" of JUNEAU (Alaska's capitol with tons of outdoor action), SKAGWAY  (over 20 excursions offered here including dog-sledding!), ICY STRAIGHT POINT (might only have a population of 900 but has the world's longest zipline at 5,330 feet in length.....eeeeha!), KETCHIKAN (get ready for 1,000 foot waterfalls and low-hanging mists) and finally, the world famous INSIDE PASSAGE (home to humpback whales and sea lions). Feast on scrumptious Alaskan salmon, crab and lobster! See verdant mountains, waterfalls, snowcapped mountains and fields of Alaskan summer wild flowers in full bloom! You'll see and do it all on our unforgettable and electrifying adventure! And, as if this dazzling adventure and all of the astonishing excitement and sights weren't enough, the price includes just about everything (but the kitchen sink).

 Round trip air from Phoenix (air is also available from 171 other U.S. cities including San Juan, Honolulu and 18 Canadian towns but price may vary if departing from a city other than Phoenix), all U.S. and foreign airport taxes, all security, government and departure fees, all ship port taxes, all transfers throughout (including "the ultimate Rawhide way" Alaska Railroad Wilderness Express transfer), a seven night luxury cruise in a category E1 DELUXE OUTSIDE PRIVATE BALCONY STATEROOM including SEVEN MEALS per day (meals on your own during the Anchorage sleepover), nightly "Las Vegas style" entertainment, several gala parties during the cruise, deluxe hotel accommodations in Anchorage including all hotel taxes and service fees, Ron's Alaskan Surprise on August 23......even cancellation insurance and ship tips! So what are waiting for? Most people wait a lifetime for their ship to come in. You only have to wait until August 22, 2012. WARNING: eyes in the back of your head recommended for this thrill-related adventure. Experience life without a ripcord and call RAWHIDE TRAVEL and TOURS TODAY  (602) 843-5100.  Happy "Kick Ice" sailing trails to you......

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