Posts Tagged ‘alaska’

Nobody can dismiss the Rondy frivolity of the Running of the Reindeer here in Anchorage. But up north in Fairbanks, ice carvers from around the world are chipping away at the famous “Black Diamond” ice. It’s renowned for its clarity–and the finished products are a wonder to behold. It’s a Fairbanks tradition at the Ice Alaska park each March. Make plans to attend.

Stay at the Princess Lodge on the banks of the now-frozen Chena River, just about a mile from the airport. They’ve got a free shuttle to the hotel, but you may want to rent a car to cruise around town.

Special rates now are available for as little as $69 per night. Or, spend $89 per night and get up to two $15 breakfast vouchers per day at “Trackers”, in the lobby. That’s a great deal. There’s free high-speed internet, a great restaurant in the lobby–and a big fireplace, too!  Stay at least two nights and you’ll get DOUBLE Alaska Airlines miles. Use this special discount code when you’re booking online: AKADMF.

More info: CLICK HERE.

Look, I would be remiss if I did not recommend a couple of other KILLER attractions in Fairbanks–open year-round. First, the antique car museum at Wedgewood Resort. The “Fountainhead Antique Car Museum” is the brainchild of Tim Cerny. And it’s fantastic. Go see it.

The second is the Museum of the North on the campus of the University of Alaska. It’s got a fantastic permanent collection of Alaskan artifacts and art. But the rotating exhibits are incredible, including lots of modern art from around the state. Don’t miss “The Place Where You Go To Listen.” Think “Multimedia”. It can be overwhelming. Calming. Dreamlike. GO!

After the jump–summer specials. (more…)

We talked about summertime fares–and they’re still out there. But here comes a fresh batch of SPRING fares. Most of the best lo-ball, bottom-feeder fares I’ve listed here (is there any other kind????) require a 21-day advance purchase. Note: You also can book these rates for summertime travel. The key issue is they’re available RIGHT NOW!

Big shout-out to our friends at USTravel here in Anchorage. Their tools and their support make it possible to dig up these fares! Kelly Jo or Melinda in Anchorage (or the staff at the USTravel location nearest you in Seattle, Spokane, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Fairbanks or Dutch Harbor) can save you time and money finding the right fare for you. It’s not always the cheapest–odd as that may seem. Additionally, your agent can help you button up your hotel and car arrangements. Let’s review:

1. Anchorage-San Francisco: $198 one-way, all in on USAir. 21-day adv. pur.
2. Anchorage-Denver: $198 one-way, all-in on USAir. 21-day adv. pur.
3. Anchorage-Chicago: $254 one-way, all-in on USAir. 21-day adv. pur.
4. Anchorage-Philadelphia: 267 one-way, all-in on Alaska Air (via Chicago). 21-day adv. pur.
5. Anchorage-LAX: $270 one-way, all-in on Alaska Airlines. 21-day adv. pur.
6. Anchorage-Bozeman or Billings, MT: $273 one-way, all-in on United. 21-day adv. pur.
7. Anchorage-Santa Barbara: $280 one-way, all in on Alaska Air.
8. Anchorage-Kalispell, MT: $280 one-way, all in on Alaska Air.
9. Anchorage-San Diego: $280 one-way, all in on Alaska Air
10. Anchorage-Orlando: $288 one-way, all in on Alaska Air

Most of these new fares require a 21-day advance purchase. United and USAir started these fare cuts and Alaska Airlines is following along. Remember Scott’s first rule of affordable air fares: “When airlines are mad at each other, the traveler wins”. That’s clearly the case with these springtime fares. You and I can scream all we want to about high air fares–and the airlines are completely deaf. Witnesseth: it’s still $271 each way to Seattle on Alaska Air ($304.50 each way on Continental). O–M–G–!

Check with Kelly Jo or Melinda today or Monday and lock in these springtime air fares! (907)561-2434 or (800)544-2217 toll-free.

Photo: Tight shot of the giant Stikine River Delta on final approach to Wrangell, Alaska (Alaska #65 from Ketchikan). Explore Tours can arrange an adventure all the way up this river to Telegraph Creek, BC. Incredible. Do it! Heard over coffee: “Can I tell Henry you’ll make all of his Alaska arrangements?” Mm-hmm, here we are mid-winter and my wife is booking our guest room for July. And guess who gets to make the plans? That would be me. It’s an awesome responsibility. Luckily, my friends at Explore Tours have the answer.

Think about it: Isabelle, Crystal and the gang spend their days custom-designing adventures for travelers from around the world: tours, cruises, sightseeing, adventures. The works.

So, when I have friends who need a helping hand with their Alaska arrangements, I call Explore Tours. They have the buying power to get exclusive, low rates on Alaska Airlines and all the best lodges and activities around the state.

For example:

a. Check out the very best of Denali National Park with a visit to Kantishna, near the shores of Wonder Lake. V-e-r-y few visitors every go ALL the way to the end of the road. Fishing, flightseeing, gold-panning, exploring. It’s an incredible experience–without the crowds. Stay at Camp Denali from 4-8 days.

b. Knik River Lodge is close-up against the Knik Glacier in the Matanuska Valley. It’s a wild place–that you can drive to from Anchorage. Jet-boat rides, horseback tours, hiking. It’s WILD out there (but there’s free wi-fi).

c. Tutka Bay Lodge. Nestled along the shores of Kachemak Bay, you can count on some great meals featuring Alaska seafood, as well as some incredible adventures in the surrounding parklands.

Remember: Alaska is a big place. So let the professionals at Explore Tours take care of everything from Ketchikan to Nome–and everywhere in between! They have the knowledge, the expertise and the inspiration to put together the right trip for you–or your visiting friends and relatives!

Call them: (800)523-7405 or check the website for more details. www.exploretours.com