Thursday, July 3, 2014

Experience Full Service

Need to travel on business or leisure, Rawhide Travel and Tours will make it happen. We will arrange your flights, rail, hotel and car rentals. 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.

Call us at (602) 843-5100. Check out our website: rawhidetravel.com or email us at flythis@rawhidetravel.com.




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

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Off the Beaten Path: Hokkaido, Japan

Most travelers to Japan tend to focus on Tokyo and Kyoto, which are both amazing cities.

But if you want to get off the beaten path, here place that most travelers miss.

While not a complete “secret,” it’s a shame that so many Japan travelers miss Hokkaido.

Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island and a nature-lover’s paradise.

It’s home to national parks, lakes and hot springs, brilliant flowers, and some of the world’s best powder skiing and snowboarding, at famous resorts like Niseko.

It’s also a major foodie destination, offering some of Japan’s best seafood, and a variety of local specialties. 

While best known for its winter offerings,  including the impressive Sapporo Snow Festival, Hokkaido is just as appealing in summer.

The Furano Flower Fields are an amazing reason to visit in summer, and summer is also the perfect time to take advantage of Hokkaido’s many national parks, pristine lakes, adventure sports, wildlife, and fresh Sapporo beer.

On top of all this, Hokkaido offers some exquisite ryokans (a type of traditional Japanese inn), where you can enjoy traditional Japanese hospitality in beautiful natural surroundings, and an incredible meal featuring local and seasonal ingredients.

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

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Culinary Travel: Japan


Though very expensive, Japan is one of the most amazing, beautiful, and friendly countries in the world. 

Here are some Japanes fun facts.

More than 70% of Japan is mountainous terrain. There are over 200 volcanoes in Japan. Mt. Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan, is also an active volcano.

Japan consists of approximately 6,800 islands.

The fortune cookie dates back to Kyoto, Japan during the 19th century.

Tsukiji Market in Tokyo is the world’s largest fish market and the majority of fish in the world go through here.

Slurping your food is a sign that the food is delicious and a compliment to the cook.

Grilled Miso Chicken
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons light soy sauce (usukuchi shoyu)
2 tablespoons sake
2 tablespoons mirin
2 tablespoons light miso
2 green onions, crushed and slivered
1 teaspoon minced ginger root
1 garlic clove, minced
8 boned chicken thighs, skin intact
1 tablespoon seven-spice powder (optional)
Preparation/cooking time: 1 1/2 hours

Miso marinade adds a rich flavor to this country-style grilled chicken. Thigh meat stays moist and tender, but boned chicken breasts are delicious, too. The chicken can be sauteed in a skillet.

Directions
Blend soy sauce, sake mirin, miso, green onions, ginger root and garlic in a rectangular baking dish. Coat chicken with mixture. Marinate 1 hour or refrigerate overnight, turning several times.

Preheat a hibichi, portable tabletop grill or charcoal grill. Shake marinade off chicken; pat dry. Place skin-down on hot grill. Grill 4 to 5 minutes. Turn chicken; grill second side 4 to 5 minutes or until golden brown and done inside. When chicken is done, sprinkle with sesame seeds and spice mixture.

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

Monday, June 30, 2014

Great Places to Take the Grandchildren: Universal Studios, Orlando, FL

With the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter,  what  better place to take the grandchildren.

Experience the two uniquely different lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™,  one located in each of Universal Orlando’s two theme parks.

Step inside a world where magic is real. Within Universal’s Islands of Adventure® theme park you can visit the iconic Hogwarts™ castle and explore Hogsmeade™ village. Then, this summer in Universal Studios Florida® theme park, you can enter Diagon Alley™ to enjoy a brand new ride, all-new magical experiences. Get ready to explore more of Harry Potter’s world than ever before.

Village of Hogsmeade™
Nestled at the foot of Hogwarts™ castle is the wizarding village of Hogsmeade™, where you can stroll the streets and explore all of the fascinating shops and eateries. Wander through the classrooms and corridors of Hogwarts™, and soar above the castle with Harry Potter™ on the groundbreaking ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™.  

he All-New Diagon Alley™
Follow in Harry Potter’s footsteps as you walk through the streets of London to Diagon Alley™, where you’ll find many of the wizarding world’s most famous establishments. Get ready for unforgettable thrills when you enter Gringotts™ bank and find yourself taking an incredible journey on an epic new ride! 


The Hogwarts™ Express
For the first time ever, Muggles™ will be able to take a ride aboard the iconic Hogwarts™ Express and go between London’s King’s Cross Station and Hogsmeade™ Station. Encounter characters and creatures from the Harry Potter™ films as you travel over the British countryside. And remember, you’ll need Park-to-Park admission to climb aboard!

Ther are many other things to do at Universal Studios. Universal Orlando® Resort's two spectacular theme parks offer over 25 of the world's most amazing rides and attractions, from state-of-the-art 4-D attractions to exciting water rides to some of the world’s most pulse-pounding roller coasters.

You're about to be plunged into a universe of mind-boggling, gravity-defying, pulse-pounding action. Together, Universal Orlando Resort's two spectacular theme parks offer 50 of the world's most amazing rides, shows, and attractions,  from state-of-the-art 4-D attractions, to exciting water rides, to some of the world’s most pulse-pounding roller coasters ,  each thrusting you into some of the greatest movies and most legendary stories of all time. 


Besides Harry Potter™ and his friends you can battle villains high above the streets in the 3-D thriller, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man®. Blast off on a high-speed roller coaster rampage on The Incredible Hulk Coaster® or brave white-water rapids on Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges® . Plunge into darkness on the Revenge of the Mummy® and careen and crash your way through Krustyland on the hilarious The Simpsons Ride™.

Your grandchildren are sure to have an unforgettable time.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you plan the best Disney vacation ever! 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

Friday, June 27, 2014

Update: Rawhide Travel and Tours Holiday Tree

The Little tree is dressed up in red, white and blue plus a few fireworks to honor the 4th of July.

Independence Day is a day of family celebrations with picnics and barbecues, showing a great deal of emphasis on the American tradition of political freedom. Activities associated with the day include watermelon or hotdog eating competitions and sporting events, such as baseball games, three-legged races, swimming activities and tug-of-war games.

Many people display the American flag outside their homes or buildings. Many communities arrange fireworks that are often accompanied by patriotic music. The most impressive fireworks are shown on television. Some employees use one or more of their vacation days to create a long weekend so that they can escape the heat at their favorite beach or vacation spot.

Independence Day is a patriotic holiday for celebrating the positive aspects of the United States. Many politicians appear at public events to show their support for the history, heritage and people of this country. Above all, people in the United States express and give thanks for the freedom and liberties fought by the first generation of many of today's Americans.

It wouldn't be the Fourth of July in New York City without the annual Macy's fireworks show, which made its debut in 1976 to commemorate the nation's bicentennial.

Whether you're traveling with friends or family, San Diego is everyone's first choice for 4th of July celebrations. Even locals can't think of anything better than relaxing with loved ones on a long stretch of sand and watching an extraordinary show of lights in the sky.

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

Thursday, June 26, 2014

In the News: New Small-Ship Cruise Line Debuts

It isn't often that a new cruise line makes its debut, but that's what's happening this week with the arrival of Pearl Seas Cruises, a new small-ship luxury operator.

The line's first vessel, the 210-passenger Pearl Mist, set sail Wednesday from Baltimore on an 11-night voyage to New England and Canada.

At just 335 feet long, the Pearl Mist is small enough to get into off-the-beaten-path scenic areas that are inaccessible to large ships  and built with comfort in mind.

Initially, the Pearl Mist will travel in the Canadian Maritimes, Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, as well as the Caribbean, offering intimate, upscale adventures that the company says will be like nothing else available. All 108 of the Pearl Mist's cabins have balconies, and the ship has several lounges, a main dining room and deck-top areas.

The exceptionally large and gracefully appointed staterooms aboard the Pearl Mist surround you with a warm and inviting atmosphere.  The ship has been designed with a room for every preference, from the cozy private paradises to the massive luxury suites.  Every stateroom is fully-stocked with everything one needs to relax in this home away from home, with plenty of extras as well.  Enjoy breath-taking views out of the room’s large viewing window or appreciate the scenery first-hand by stepping onto your own personal balcony.  Modern conveniences like Wireless Internet access and Flat Screen TV’s will keep you connected to the outside world.  And our attentive crew is happy to help with any other special requests you’d need to make your trip perfect.

While the line is new, the people behind it are old hands in the small-ship cruise world. Pearl Seas Cruises is a sister company to Connecticut-based American Cruise Lines, which already operates six vessels along U.S. coastal areas and rivers.

Enjoy a 10, 11 or 14 night cruise through the Canadian Maritimes, Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway,  and Caribbean Islands. Let Pearl Seas introduce you to the personalized service, fine dining, enriching onboard activities and guided shore excursions that are the hallmark of small ship cruising with Pearl Seas Cruises.

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

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Culinary Travel: Taiwan

Imagine a land where snow-capped peaks and sparkling white sand beaches are just hours apart by car; where traditional indigenous people continue to practice centuries-old customs just miles away from the most sophisticated dust-free semiconductor facilities on the planet; where some of the most tantalizing and satisfying food is served by vendors in night markets and side streets; and where cosmopolitan cities retain distinctive neighborhood character.

Chinese cuisine goes back to ancient times and achieves its present level of excellence through the accumulation of thousands of years of practical knowledge and experience in cookery.

This dish brings together two of the island’s most popular offerings: mango fruit and fresh seafood in the form of wok-seared shrimp. The mango is such a staple of Taiwanese cuisine that even the Taiwanese government’s official website lauds it as the “most loved and sought-after fruit in the sweltering days of mid-summer.”

Shrimp with Mango

Ingredients
One large mango, cut into into cubes or small chunks
8 to 10 large shrimp, peeled and deveined, cut into 3 sections
2 medium size zucchini, cut into chunks of the same size as the mango pieces
¼ cup green onion, diced
1/8 tsp salt
1/8 tsp white pepper
Pinch of sugar


Directions
Marinate shrimp with some salt, cooking wine, and sesame oil, then add 1/8 teaspoons of corn starch and mix.
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in the wok or frying pan, and first sauté the diced green onion until it is fragrant. Then add shrimp and stir-fry for about one minute. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add and heat one more tablespoon of cooking oil, then stir fry zucchinis for about two minutes and add mango, seasonings and reserved shrimp, continuing to cook for one more minute. This recipe makes 5-6 servings.

Tips
Mango should ideally be ripe, but not too soft. If you discover that your particular mango is excessively sweet, you can eliminate the sugar from the recipe to help balance the flavor. Salt can also be reduced in this dish, if desired. The fruit will enhance the flavor of the food.

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