We flew Condor last spring to Frankfurt. They do a great job, flying from Anchorage, Fairbanks and Whitehorse to Frankfurt. The 10-hour flight shaves about 14 hours of travel time off the well-slogged path through the Lower 48 and across the Atlantic.

Never mind it’s cheaper. Here are the magic dates:

Anchorage-Frankfurt May 13

Frankfurt-Anchorage May 24

These are the Golden Dates when you can travel for just $650 roundtrip, including all government taxes and airline fees. Check with USTravel to get these dates. USTravel’s ticketing fee is additional.

Of course, from Frankfurt, you can hop connecting flights or a fast train to get where you’re going. USTravel can make all the arrangements: 907 561 2434 or toll-free 800 544 2217.

This flower-seller pulled up next to our flat in Rome each morning. That’s our coffee shop in the background under the “P”. We loved visiting Rome. You will, too.