Archive for the tag 'USTravel'

scott

Weekly newsletter now published.

Check it out here. Learn about:

a. GCI’s new wireless card for computing on the road! 

b. All-inclusive packages from USTravel to Hawaii, Mexico!

c. Great hotel deals in Anchorage.

d. Big air fare sales on Alaska Airlines and Era Aviation.

more, more more. http://atg.toursaver.com

scott

New video: TourSaver preview 2009

Scott picks up the first issues of the Great Alaskan TourSaver and wants everyone to take a look! This year’s edition has flightseeing, RV rentals, deluxe lodge adventures, exotic fly-out expeditions, cruises, train rides, admissions, attractions and more–everything is 2-for-1. Check it out online.

scott

Four air fares I can believe in

It’s a rough-and-tumble time in the airline business. We’ll try and strip away some of the veneer to let you see where the bargains are. These days, it really does make a difference where you fly–and it makes a difference which airline you employ to haul you there. 

Anchorage-Newark on Alaska Air: $476rt  includes tax (compare with ANC-Philly for $537 on Delta)

Anchorage-Hartford on Delta, NW or Alaska: $472rt includes tax (compare with ANC-Boston for $621 on Delta)

Anchorage-Washington, DC on NW: $515 includes tax (compare with ANC-Richmond for $803 on Delta)

Anchorage-Santa Barbara on USAir: $475 includes tax (compare to ANC-LAX for $838 on Delta). Here’s a shot of the pool at the Hotel Viceroy in Santa Monica. We had breakfast there on the way to my flight at LAX:

The advance-purchase requirement on these fares vary. But the point is this: you’d better shop around. Check with the professionals at USTravel and let them map out the best rates. They charge $38 to track down the best fares. But as you can see in the fares we’ve listed, it can make a BIG difference if you know where the bargains are. 

Just for reference–compare the aforementioned rates  with the lowest price Anchorage-Seattle: $442rt including tax on Continental.

Call USTravel today in Anchorage: (800)544-2217. Remember to ask them about their great “Buy Today, Fly Today” fares. There’s no advance purchase, although you do have to buy a couple of nights’ hotel accommodations to qualify.

Stay tuned for more specials.

If you travel to or from Fairbanks, Alaska you know the story: not only is the fare through-the-roof. Typically, the restrictions also are onerous–particularly a 14- or 21-day advance purchase.

Our friends at USTravel are solving the problem of the advance purchase with new “contract” fares from Alaska Airlines. Here’s the scoop:

Take advantage of lower fares for last-minute travel when you purchase at least two nights’ hotel at the same time. Hey–the money you save typically will pay for the hotel. Let’s review:

Fairbanks-Denver $760rt (plus two nights hotel) 

Fairbanks-Dallas $642 (plus two nights hotel)

Fairbanks-Las Vegas $809 (plus two nights hotel)

Fairbanks-LAX $780 (plus two nights hotel)

Fairbanks-Orange County: $816 (plus two nights hotel)

Call Glory or Tesa at (800) 622-6449 to make all your Fairbanks travel arrangements. Remember, there is NO ADVANCE PURCHASE–truly “buy today, fly today” fares. But there’s no refund and no changes. So make sure you REALLY want to go before you buy.

Just FYI, it’s -8F in Fairbanks right now. The expected high temperature in San Diego, CA today? 78F (above!). Y’know, if you want to warm up in Fairbanks–I mean REALLY warm up, head out to Chena Hot Springs. It’s a local favorite: the hot springs, the restaurant, the Ice Museum and of course, the owner, Bernie Karl. Ask for Bernie. Have him tell you about the geothermal power he uses to heat the resort, power the generators and grow a bunch of fresh produce in his greenhouses. Incredible. Tell him Scott sent you. Here’s a shot of the interior of the Aurora Ice Museum:

I never thought $3.50 was a good price for gas. Ah, but here I am, sitting in line to fill up! Same with $500 air fares. These days, that’s a bargain.

While most fares are in the stratosphere, USTravel has some great last-minute rates on Alaska Airlines between Anchorage and the Lower 48 and Hawaii. Alaska’s shiny new planes look great in the glistening sun, don’t they–especially on a crystal-clear day:

Buy today-Fly today. That’s the big bonus on these rates. There is no advance purchase. Oh, there are no changes or refunds, either. So it’s important to know when and where you’re going before you buy. Plus, space is limited–so your agent at USTravel will help you pick and choose the right flights/times for maximum savings. Call them now at (907)561-2434 or (800)544-2217. Here’s a photo of the views in Rocky Mountain National Park–just two hours from the Denver Airport:

Finally, in order to get the rate, you have to purchase at least two nights’ hotel accommodations at the same time from our friends at USTravel. Pick a hotel. Your agent can recommend one. Then, rent a convertible and drive up California Highway 1 from San Francisco. HA! That’s what we did. Here’s a nice shot from the passenger seat of the Audi A4 Convertible: 

These rates are perfect for last-minute travel. Let’s review:

Anchorage-Las Vegas: $499rt plus 2 nights hotel 

Anchorage-Phoenix: $498rt plus 2 nights hotel

Anchorage-Chicago: $550rt plus 2 nights hotel

Anchorage-San Francisco: $599rt plus 2 nights hotel

Anchorage-Denver: $591rt plus 2 nights hotel

Anchorage-LAX: $599rt plus 2 nights hotel

Anchorage-Miami: $690rt plus 2 nights hotel

Anchorage-Washington, DC: $667rt plus 2 nights hotel

Anchorage-Dallas: $613rt plus 2 nights hotel

Remember: these are BUY TODAY-FLY TODAY rates. Just to compare, I looked up the rate for a trip to Chicago tomorrow morning. The cost? $1,463.40 roundtrip. Whoo-boy. Of course, you also could use 40,000 miles. With these buy today-fly today rates, you also accrue miles.

Take advantage of these great buy today-fly today rates, in conjunction with hotel reservations.

Oh, I almost forgot: Fly nonstop Anchorage-Honolulu for as little as $498 roundtrip, plus three days car rental!!

Call now: (907)561-2434 or (800)544-2217.

These are great deals. Don’t miss out.

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