Alaska TravelGram

You’ve read about him. The notorious “Travel Hacker” Chris Guillebeau was picked up in Anchorage as he stepped off a plane from Seattle this evening. Guillebeau is famous in the dark “uber-frequent flyer” circles as an authority on how to “game” frequent flyer plans to accrue hundreds of thousands of miles. Examples of his subversive [...]

Grab ‘em while they’re hot. This air fare sale lasts until Dec. 6, 2010 for travel through Feb. 28, 2011. But don’t wait. Scoop ‘em up while the selection is best. That would be…uh…now! PHOTOS: Above, from the Anchorage Board Room, right above Charlie-Two,  the ANC hub. Below, aboard Alaska #130 bound for Chicago, Sheri [...]

Yup. There’s a value proposition: free cell phones from GCI when you get a new two-year contract, or renew your contract for two years. Smartphones aren’t included in the giveaway. But while you’re there, you should check out the new HTC Desire. That’s the phone I have–and I really <heart> it. The touchscreen keyboard is [...]

Just thumbing through the new edition of the Great Alaskan TourSaver. That’s the 2-for-1 book that includes all the best activities around the state. Everything is 2-for-1. And I PERSONALLY vet all the participating vendors. Most of them are personal friends–so I’m careful to put in what I think are the “blue chip” travel operators. Order [...]

That’s “the ferry“.  Above, a willing passenger snapped this shot aboard the m/v LeConte on a sunny January day between Sitka and Juneau. This winter, there is a 30 percent discount through Mar. 31, 2011 on routes for “mirror round trips”. The discount applies to adults, kids and vehicles. CHECK THE WEBSITE. There is new [...]

A big part of great family gatherings is making sure everyone shows up! That’s one of the miracles of modern travel: tomorrow you could be anywhere! Whether it’s a family cruise, a Disney vacation,  a reunion at a winter getaway, or a visit to see the Big Game, you can bet your “Gift of Travel” from USTravel will [...]

Wow. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Alyeska Resort is now open! The season officially started YESTERDAY. The resort has some great deals, including a $79 ski-n-stay program. It’s $79 per person (based on double occupancy), which includes mid-week accommodations and a lift ticket. So–ski all day and spend the night. Hang [...]

Happy Thanksgiving! Here at Chez McMurren, the snow is falling and the creatures are rousing slowly. We’re very grateful for our wonderful life in Alaska–for our friends, our family and the beautiful country we call “home”. There is a tradition of hospitality in our Thanksgiving holiday. So often, the day calls for a gathering of [...]

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  Tomorrow is “National Opt Out Day“. This is the day when travelers are encouraged to opt out of the TSA’s new irradiating strip-search scanners. Instead, submit to the scandalous TSA gropefest, in order to change the TSA’s shameful policy of “irradiate or violate”. Listen to today’s podcast on KUDO. Co-host Erin Kirkland and I [...]