Archive for January 10th, 2009

Lots of work goes into the creative endeavor. I am here to tell you as much. Just wanted to share a few credits.

First, my friends Scott and Kevin of Alaska HDTV are working overtime to assist me in the leap to Web 2.0 and all that jazz…whatever that means. Kevin Kastner, in particular, has worked to redesign the alaskatravelgram.com site to make it more usable–and provide some extra value for readers like you.

Oh, my profile photo. That’s me in the red sweater. Rob Stapleton took the photo. He’s really good. However, this photo reveals that I am neither tan enough or thin enough to really make the jump to fame and fortune. Oh, well. I took the other photos. The picture of the ferry (the “Trusty Tusty”) was taken from the deck in Kodiak at the Owens’s B-n-B. I don’t even know the name of it. But you should stay there. It’s great. And you should take their dinner cruise, too: Galley Gourmet in Kodiak. 

The shot on the left features #1 son, Drew. We’re searching for ptarmigan in Archangel Valley near Hatcher’s Pass by Palmer. And the background shot–where those mountains come right down by the river? We stayed at a Forest Service Cabin up the Taku River from Juneau. It’s called West Turner Lake Cabin. It’s glorious. Here’s another shot:

One of my new best friends, Beth Whitman (www.wanderlustandlipstick.com) wants you to release the travel writer within you! 

Beth and I worked on a fundraiser for Heifer International over Christmas. She and a gang of committed women raised more than $7,500 for Heifer–one of my favorite charities. 

Now, she wants you to win a trip to South America. So sit down, power up and let fly those travel stories!

The Trip: Join Intrepid Travel and discover a land of contrasts as you journey from Lima’s coastal shores, through the lushness of the Amazon Jungle, and onto the snow-capped peaks, llama-filled plains and quaint colonial towns of the Andean altiplano. Get up close to wildlife while staying in a jungle lodge, embark on the trek of a lifetime along the Inca Trail and immerse yourself in the culture and history of fascinating La Paz. This insightful adventure is sure to leave you astounded by the magic and mystery of the sacred land of the Incas.

The Judges: Professionals from the world of travel writing will decide the top story in each category as well as one Grand Prize winner. Judges include:

Nancy Brown, Travel Writer, What a Trip

Amanda Castleman, Adventure and Travel Writer

Stephanie Elizondo Griest, Travel Writer

Greg Hubbs, Editor, Transitions Abroad

Tim Leffel, Editor, Perceptive Travel

Pam Mandel, Freelance Writer and Ukulele Virtuoso 

I hope you win the trip.

“We’re all connected”. That’s GCI‘s saying–and it’s true. These days, we’re hooked up by phone, on the internet–and via our cell phones. Our friends at GCI now offer a nationwide unlimited cell phone plan for just $99.99 per month. That includes unlimited calling, unlimited texting–even unlimited picture messaging! Partner lines also are available. The first two are $49.99 each per month. A third partner line is available for $19.99 per month! 

There’s also a new in-state unlimited plan: For $54.99 per month, you receive unlimited statewide calling, texting and picture messaging! 

Plus, you get a FREE PHONE with the deal when you sign a two-year contract.

What’s my favorite (f-a-v-o-r-i-t-e) GCI product? My new Wireless card! It works great in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai, Soldotna–and the LAX airport. Slick. Fast. No more searching for high-priced wireless networks. If you have GCI Cable at home, you can get the wireless car for $20/mo. WORTH IT! LOVE IT!! 

Stop by a GCI store today, or call them at (800)800-4000. Ask about their slick wireless card for your laptop. I’ve got one. I’m happy. You will be, too!

In the “extra” post we sent out earlier this eve, we talked about the fare sale for travel between now and June 10. Remember: you must purchase no later than Jan. 24. Oh, BTW–that’s my birthday. So, buy a ticket and think of me. HAHAAAAA….

Disneyland. Kids just can’t get enough. And Alaska Airlines is enabling them. HA! They now have the “Kids Fly Free” package available for travel through June 17, 2009. A sample package from Anchorage to Disneyland is $1,158 per adult (one child 2-11 flies free with each paying adult), based on two adults sharing a room. Here’s what’s included: 

a. Round trip airfare between cities shown for one child (age 2-11) and one adult. 

b. Four nights (for the price of 3) at the Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort, (based on availability and based on adult double occupancy). Plus, kids age 12 and under eat lunch and dinner free from the kids’ menu with the purchase of one adult entree (limit one child per paying adult). 

c. Five-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Bonus Ticket for one child and one adult with the Everyone Plays for the Kids’ Price offer. 

d. 1,500 Mileage Plan Bonus miles for each person in addition to miles flown when you book your package at alaskaair.com/vacations 

Don’t forget, Alaska Airlines flies to Disney World, too. Yep, all the way down in Orlando. When you travel between now and June 27, you get three nights FREE when you purchase four nights. Heck, if you travel before Mar. 29, 2009, you get an additional $200 Disney GIft Card! 

To qualify, you MUST purchase your package between now and Dec. 20, 2008. The sample price from Anchorage to Orlando is $1,087 per person, double occupancy. Here’s what’s included: 

a. roundtrip air from Anchorage to Orlando. 

b. Seven nights accommodations at select Walt Disney hotel (Disney Pop Century Resort is the one we used to get this price) 

c. Seven-day “Magic Your Way” ticket to Disney World. 

d. Airport-hotel transfers. 

e. 1,500 bonus miles. 

These Disney deals are great. Check ‘em out online.

Check these incredible Era Aviation deals:

Anchorage to/from: Kenai $80 ow 

Anchorage to/from: Homer $105 ow 

Anchorage to/from: Valdez $124 ow 

Anchorage to/from: Fairbanks $99 ow  (WOW!)

Anchorage to/from: Bethel $189 ow

Anchorage to/from: Cordova $129 ow

Anchorage to/from: Kodiak $139

These rates are available through June 10, 2009. Purchase no later than Jan. 24. Also, there are low-low web specials here. Typically, these specials come out on Tuesday afternoons for the upcoming weekend. You can sign up for the free newsletter to get an early jump on the best flights at www.flyera.com !

Oh, don’t miss out on Era’s “FlyAway” rewards program. If you’re a frequent travelers to/from Homer, Kenai, Valdez….or any of Era’s destinations, their new frequent traveler program really adds up. 

Stay tuned for more specials.