In The News - Nine Unusual Places To Stay

Traveling out in the world means sleeping in new places. These unconventional travel destinations are a far cry from the standard B&B. From a treehouse swaying in the canopy in Spain to a converted fishing boat in France, spend the weekend somewhere out of the ordinary.

A Windmill In Greece
On the northeast coast of the volcanic island of Santorini lie three whitewashed windmills, designed and built by owners Nikos and Fotini. Each has three stories, with magnificent views of the Aegean Sea from the bedrooms on the upper floors. The beds, staircases and bathrooms are built into the walls rather than fighting against them. There’s little reason to leave your circular home, but there are plenty of beaches nearby, including Pori Beach with its unusual black sand.

A Houseboat In Amsterdam 
 Find an Amsterdam Houseboat lists 40 boats, ranging from the rustic to the space age. Favorites include the Prince Royal, with a bar built into the old wheelhouse and views of Anne Frank House, and a houseboat on the Prinsengracht, complete with sun terrace and roll-top bath.

A Treehouse In Spain
The treehouse has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years, with canopy-level accommodation springing up all over Europe. Cabanes als Arbres takes things up a notch, with a veritable village of houses perched up in the branches of the Forest of the Guilleries in Girona . Each of the 10 cabins is built around a Douglas fir or beech tree and has its own terrace, perfect for a sunset drink with views of the surrounding mountains. To preserve the natural atmosphere of the woodland, there is no electricity – guests are warmed by a paraffin heater, can read by candlelight and hoist up their breakfast from ground level using a basket and a rope.

A Spa Hotel In Budapest
People have gone to Budapest since Roman times to benefit from the healing properties of the thermal springs bubbling up from beneath the city. And the very best way to enjoy that water is by staying at the Danubius Hotel Gellért on the banks of the Danube. Guests have direct access to the Gellért Spa and Bath, with its thermal pools decorated with mosaics, massage rooms and dry and steam saunas. Taking the waters in the main hall, under a galleried glass roof, has been likened to swimming in a cathedral. 

A Thatched Boat In Brittany
If the idea of a houseboat is just too passé, you could always head to France and stay in a fishing boat. With a thatched roof. Beached in the garden of a B&B nearly two miles from the sea. That is what you’ll find in Kerlouantec, a small village on the Breton coast. La Caloge is an old seafarer converted into self-catering accommodation, with a bed built around the masthead and plenty of nautical details. 

A Scandinavian Cabin In Wales
Things are getting groovy in the Teifi Valley in west Wales. Here, in a small woodland holiday camp, you’ll find Scandinavian-influenced Caban Casita. Inside, flower-power cushions, a globe chair and pine cladding lend an Austin Powers vibe. 

A Prison In Lincolnshire
For more than 250 years, the small village of Folkingham in Lincolnshire was home to a house of correction – a form of prison used to re-educate the idle and disorderly. All that remains is its 19th-century gatehouse. The imposing exterior gives way to a cozy living room with open fire; a kitchen two bedrooms on the upper floors. Those staying here should escape to sea for a bit of seal-spotting.

Auntie Beeb’s Old Home In Evesham
 The estate dates back to medieval times but the current hall is a Victorian country house remodeled by the Duc d’Orleans, pretender to the French throne. The BBC used it as an emergency base during WWII. Since then, it has been used as both BBC training centre and Doctor Who film set. Its latest guise is as a luxury hotel. 

A River Lodge In Portugal
Deep in the São Mamede Natural Park in the Alentejo region of Portugal lies the Moinho do Pego Ferreiro, an abandoned mill restored in 2006 by British couple Cathy and Richard. A river runs through the smallholding, swathed in olive, cork, walnut and fig trees, and it’s here that you’ll find the River Lodge, a wooden platform covered by canvas and home to a double bed. There is nothing here to distract from the art of simple living. So light a campfire, take a dip in the river, watch for otters or freshwater turtles and enjoy the seasonal produce made on the premises.

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

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Off the Beaten Path - Yorkshire

If you want to get away from the crowds of London and Bath Perhaps a trip north would be right up your alley. Yorkshire is a stunning part of England. The county is generally characterized by its rugged countryside, bracing weather and the tough Northern grit of its inhabitants, but you’ll find that as a visitor to Yorkshire you will always enjoy a friendly welcome. There are some truly great parts of Yorkshire to visit, but if you want to see it all, here are some of the best less visited gems that the county has to offer.

Fountains Abbey

Fountain’s Abbey is the UK’s largest monastic ruin and is looked after by the National Trust. As well as the abbey, there’s also a Georgian water garden and a medieval deer park to explore. During the summer months, concerts and performances are often held on the grounds and sometimes even within the abbey itself.

Brimham Rocks

Budding geologists are well catered for in Yorkshire! Brimham Rocks is just another example of weird and wonderful rock formations and can be found near Niddledale in North Yorkshire. It’s a unique landscape with many of the rocks having their own names, such as the Dancing Bear, The Eagle and The Smartie Tube. See if you can spot them as you explore.

White Scar Cave

White Scar Cave under Ingleborough is the longest show cave in the UK and was discovered in 1923. Since then it has become open to the public and tours of the caves are available all year round. Inside you’ll find some impressive stalactites, stalagmites and spectacular chambers. You’ll have to don your hard hat for the tour but the experience is well worth it. There’s also a cafe and a gift shop where you can buy your own crystals and gems.

Robin Hood’s Bay

In a quiet part of the North Yorkshire coastline you’ll find Robin Hood’s Bay. Located between the larger tourist towns of Scarborough and Whitby, Robin Hoods Bay is a small fishing village which is perfect for those who want to get away from the crowds. You can enjoy an ice-cream on the beach, pop into the pub for fish and chips or take a walk along the coastal path. Robin Hoods Bay is a very relaxed place to go and you’ll probably be quite content simply wandering through the winding narrow streets and enjoying the beach.

Brontë Country

The place where famous literary greats Charlotte and Emily Brontë resided – Haworth. Take a steam train into the town, walk up the cobbled streets and take a look at the old Victorian shops. It’s like stepping back in time! If you are a fan of the Brontë’s work you should also check out the Parsonage Museum which contains the most comprehensive exhibition of Brontë manuscripts, letters and early editions of their work.

The Shambles, York

Many of Yorkshire’s highlights revolve around its natural beauty, but if architecture and history are more your thing, then you should definitely head to York for a day trip. Though York is a popular destination The Shambles are not usually on everyones to do list. The Shambles is an old street in the center of the city lined with old timber buildings, some of which date back to the 14th century. As you’ll walk down the cobbled street you’ll find plenty of souvenir shops and cafes, however the street was once filled with butchers shops and you can still see the meat hooks on some of the buildings.

This list only scratches the surface of all the things to see and do in Yorkshire. It’s definitely worth braving the northern cold to experiencing all it has to offer.

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

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6008 West Bell Rd # F105

Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793

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Culinary Travel: Herbed Yorkshire Pudding

Not an after dinner dessert as the name might lead you to believe, But a perfect blend of herbed bread soaked in delicious butter or beef drippings. 

This recipe goes perfect alongside roast beef and gravy. It is most certainly Yorkshire comfort food with the added flavor of fresh parsley and sage. 

Truthfully, you can use any herbs you like! Rosemary and thyme work well, too.

Ingredients

3 eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mixed herbs such as chives, thyme, and parsley
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup reserved beef drippings or melted butter

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit 

Place an 8 by 12-inch enameled cast iron baking dish in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. 

Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, beat the eggs until foamy and light. Whisk in the milk until combined. 

Add the flour, herbs, a big pinch of salt, and some pepper, beat just until the batter is smooth. 

Pour the beef drippings into the bottom of the hot pan. Immediately pour in the batter and bake for 10 minutes. 

Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes until the pudding is puffy and brown. 

Serve immediately, as it deflates rapidly.

This can also be placed in muffin tins for individual servings.

Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings

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

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Traveling England - First Hand Report

My first trip to the UK was a fairly long one, spending three weeks on my whirlwind adventure. I mostly stayed in Ireland, but I did get a chance to see parts of England and Wales. I wish I had had more time to explore such a magnificent country, however my time spent was unforgettable. I flew from Shannon, Ireland to London, England on a little puddle jumper and my adventure began. 

London
I have to start by saying I was a young desert dweller from Glendale, AZ and I had never seen any form of subway system before, I loved riding on the Tube. We rode it from Heathrow airport to the Borough, where our hostel, Dover Castle, was only a few feet from the station. We arrived at night and London was gorgeous! I awoke early the next morning and went for a stroll to find an ATM. I like wandering cities early in the morning when few people are about, it gives you a chance to feel the city.  Though London is a sprawling metropolis, to me it still retains a near magic old world feeling. 

Tower Bridge - I enjoyed a walk along Tower Bridge, there are tours available to take a peek at the inside and the engine room. I unfortunately didn't get to see the bridge raise, guess I'll have to go back and see it again.

Tower of London - This is a typical stop on any tourist must see list, but it is there for a reason. Maybe it is because I'm a bit of a history nut, but this was neat. From the crown Jewels to the history of prisoners to the famous Ravens, I loved it all.

Temple Church - This was actually a bit hard to find, but well worth the effort. If you make a visit be sure to check the hours, while we were there it was only open from 2-4 pm. If you've seen Da Vinci Code you'll recognize this place, but when you get there forget about the movie. This little church was built by the Templar Knights in 1185, effigies of knights can be found within, a most impressive sight to visit. 

British Museum - Museums in London are free to the public.  Please make a donation if you visit. A wonderful museum, there is so much to see here that it might take you a whole day or two. If you are in a museum type mood I would also recommend the Imperial war museum, especially the holocaust exhibit. 

Big Ben - I know a few people will cringe when I say this, but the clock tower isn't as big as I pictured it, I had the same issue at Mt. Rushmore though so it may just be me. Just in case you didn't know Big Ben is actually the name of the bell inside not the tower itself. You'll also see the Parliament buildings when you visit the clock tower. In the area and all around London are amazing statues and memorials. A personal favorite of mine located near Big Ben is Queen Boudicca, but gazing upon the war memorials is very emotional.

There is so much to see and do in London, and many places I think get missed if you take a vehicle around. Walk the city if you can, I discovered neat little places like the clink and the ruins of a building still standing from the Tudor period.

Bath
There is a lot to see between London and Bath, but I didn't really see it. Bath was the next and final stop on our tour of England. Not only were we there to see Bath itself, but we used it as a base camp to explore the surrounding areas.

Stonehenge - I'm not sure if there are truly any words to describe this Neolithic monument. Seeing pictures is one thing, but to stand near the stones and see their size makes you marvel at the amazing ingenuity of our ancestors.  

Roman Bath House - This must see is mind blowing. I loved looking at the mosaic art and statues.

Bizarre Bath - This is a comedy tour of Bath, if it is still running I highly recommend it. Not really sure how historically accurate it was, but the comedian was great and he also performed some neat little magic tricks.

Bath Abbey - If you love architecture or churches, don't miss this. Actually it is a bit hard to miss, it's huge! Around this area you'll find many entertaining street performers.

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel 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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Photo Credit Heidi Litman Castle Ruins Scotland

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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 - Top Tips For Camping In Ireland

Sleep beneath the stars! Nothing says summer like a freshly pitched tent in the countryside.
And what better place to camp out then in the Irish countryside. At its best, camping offers a holiday where you can do what you want, when you want, but at its worst, without proper preparation, it can be a nightmare. Here are our top tips for making sure it works out! We left prices in Euros since the conversion changes often.

1. Practice Makes Perfect
If you are a first-time camper, you might wish to do a trial run in your yard. It's a tad less mortifying making mistakes in the safety of your yard, then in front of snickering strangers. And don't forget to pack the instructions (or tent pegs!) for when you arrive.

2. Make a Checklist
That differs depending on the type of camper you are, but camping beds, bedding, cooking equipment and lights are essential for everyone. Make sure to pack good rain gear, sunscreen and a warm fleece too.

Irish weather has been known to have a laugh, after all. Getting a kit list that works for you, and one that fits your car, is easier said than done. It pays to check forums, ask around, and practice before you hit the road.

3. Do Your Research!
What kind of camping experience are you looking for? It's worth having a chat about this before you go - one person's camping heaven can be another's holiday hell.

4. Get a Camping Key Europe Card
Camping arguably offers the best value of all holidays, with a pitch for two adults and two children starting from as little as €23 (provided you have your own tent, of course) in some Irish sites. If you're planning on a camping adventure, further savings can be gained by investing in a Camping Key Europe (€16), which entitles the bearer to discounts. 

5. Go Glamping!
Camping doesn't have to involve sleeping bags and leaky tents.

Glamping - or glamorous camping - can take many forms, and in recent years, there's been a noticeable rise in its popularity. The number of bell tents, log cabins, micro-lodges, Romany-style caravans and more are cropping up in parks all throughout Ireland.

“We are regularly contacted by people who would love to camp, don’t have the equipment and would like to do a trial run before they invest in their own tent and other equipment,” says the Irish Caravan and Camping Council. “Glamping is the perfect solution.”

John Brennan has also pioneered ultra-luxury glamping in Ireland at Dromquinna Manor, where a dozen or so bespoke canvas tents from India overlook Kenmare Bay. Rates in the tents, which feature hand-crafted beds and private verandas, start from €150 based on two sharing.

6. Pick Your Spot
All camp sites are not created equal. Don't feel obliged to take the first site you are shown in a camping park, especially if you plan on staying for several days. Do you need to pitch your tent close to the showers and kitchens? Or would you prefer a quieter spot away from fellow campers going back-and-forth to the facilities?

Beware of environmental factors as well. The shade of a tree can look appealing, but the grass is often poor because it’s protected from the rain, trees can drip sap and birds have a habit of roosting and leaving little presents you won't want to deal with later.

7. Consider The City
Not all camping takes place in the countryside. What about considering a campsite for an affordable city break in Dublin, for instance?

Camac Valley offers a host of pitches just off the M50, and facilities include a children's playground, putting green, free Wi-Fi and 24/7 security. The site opens year-round, with caravans, tents and motorhomes from €20 per night.

8. Leave the BBQ Outside!
It sounds ridiculous, but never cook or bring a portable barbecue into your tent. Apart from the obvious fire hazards, even a cooling barbecue gives off poisonous carbon monoxide (CO), which can kill. Better safe than sorry.

9. Think Carefully About Wild Camping
It's possible to pitch a tent anywhere, but officially you need the permission of the landowner - the local council, for instance, or a private owner such as a farmer. Some local authorities have bylaws preventing camping or overnight parking in certain areas, and of course, some landowners police 'trespassers' more than others. The Irish are friendly so don't be afraid to ask and always be courteous. 

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

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Off The Beaten Path: Beyond The Blarney

Everyone who's thought of visiting Ireland, even those who haven't, have heard of the most famous sites. Who wouldn't want to come home telling tales of visiting mystical Newgrange, laughing about being held upside down to kiss the Blarney stone, gazing at the gorgeous crystal works at Waterford, or wandering the streets of Dublin. Don't stop there though, there is so much to explore in Ireland, so many roads that are the roads less traveled.

One of the many roads less traveled may be the road to County Mayo. County Mayo, on the west coast of Ireland is partially bog land and the other part limestone, but don't let that stop you from visiting, there are many breathtaking views.

What to see and do in County Mayo:

Ireland's School of Falconry
This is the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland and they offer you the chance to fly a Harris hawk around the spectacular grounds of Ashford Castle in a one hour private Hawk Walk. Within minutes of arriving, you will have a hawk on your glove and be setting off to fly your hawk in the gardens and woodlands surrounding Ashford Castle. Being a falconer for a moment will be a memory for life.

Ballycroy National Park
Ballycroy National Park was established in November 1998, it is Ireland’s sixth National Park and is located on the Western seaboard in northwest Mayo. It is comprised of Atlantic blanket bog and mountainous terrain, covering a vast uninhabited and unspoilt wilderness dominated by the Nephin Beg mountain range.

To the west of the mountains is the Owenduff bog. This is one of the last intact active blanket bog systems in Ireland and Western Europe and is an important scientific and scenic feature of the National Park. The Park also protects a variety of other important habitats and species, including alpine heath, upland grassland, heath and lakes and river catchments. Greenland White-fronted geese, Golden plover, Red Grouse and Otters are just some of the important fauna found within the Park. Get your hiking boots on and explore this vast area, but be warned, stay on the trails unless you want to get fished out of a bog.

Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre
If you love horses, this experience is a must. The stables cater to guests of all different riding skills.

Beach Trail
Enjoy magnificent views of Clew Bay and its enchanting islands on one of their Beach Rides. Prepare to get wet, you don't just ride on the beach. 

Rosturk Trail
At Rosturk, miles of sandy beaches are an ideal location for every horse enthusiast. There are several islands that can also be reached at low water.

Mulranny Mountain Trail
The Mulranny Mountain Trail offers stunning panoramic views over the vast seascape of Clew Bay, its archipelago of drumlin islands, and the vast Nephin mountain range.

These three attractions are just a small fraction of what awaits you in County Mayo and the rest of Ireland. You could stay in Ireland all your life and still not see all the beauty and adventure it has to offer.

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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