 | Trish DeDamos
is Owner and Travel Counselor at Just 4U Travel. She has operated Just 4U Travel in Wichita since 1991. Originally from Northeastern Wisconsin and graduating from The University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1986, Trish is a certified specialist for many states and resorts; including Hawaii, Nevada, and Florida. Resort certification includes Sandals (CSS), Beaches, Super Clubs, Outrigger Resorts in Hawaii, Disney Resorts and Theme Parks. Trish is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), frequently visiting cruise ships for inspection of major cruise lines like Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean. Trish believes service is the number one reason her clients return and send their family and friends to Just 4U Travel year after year. You may visit the web at www.just4utravel.com or contact Trish by phone @ (316) 729-8589. |
Travel
2003-06-01 16:04:00
Seeing Alaska
ANSWER: The best way to start to answer this is with a little geography coarse. Alaska is the largest US State; it is one-fifth the size of the lower 48 States combined. Fairbanks to Anchorage is roughly 360 miles, about a 6-hour drive one way. Seward, the port where the cruise ships dock, is 130 miles from Anchorage. There are over 12 National Parks and Wildlife Refuges in Alaska alone. Misty Fjords National Monument is 2.3 million acres in size. Seventeen of North America’s 20 tallest mountains are in Alaska. There are 75,000 glaciers in Alaska. Thirteen spectacular glaciers flow into the waters of Glacier Bay National Park. As you can tell, plenty to see and experience!One of the best ways to see the most of Alaska is a cruise-tour; a combination of a 7-day cruise along with a land tour. You can choose tours that vary in length between 3-6 nights. Each cruise-tour has different stops and transportation included, so it is best to consult a travel agency familiar with these types of trips. Ships can only sail along the coast, so the best way to see “mainland” Alaska would be with a cruise-tour. An average 7-day cruise will sail the bays and Inside Passage but will also stop at places like Ketchikan, Juneau, Valdez, and Sitka. You can see those port cities and neighboring areas while stopped for the day. Escorted shore tours can take you to places where you can walk on Glaciers or take a Jeep Safari in to the deep back country to view wildlife. Maybe for the more adventurous, kayaking sounds like fun. You can do that too while in port. To see Anchorage, Fairbanks or Denali National Park you need to add extra nights to your cruise. Since you’ve already traveled all that way, staying the extra nights is well worth it. The best time to visit Alaska can vary depending on your desire and length of stay. Prices vary by season, ship, cabin type and advance booking sales. The best weather is normally July, but the rates are usually higher then. May and September are much cooler and are a better bargain. Since Alaska’s cruise season in very short, May - September, it is very important to book in advance. Contact your local travel agent to reserve an Alaskan trip that fits well with your individual requirements.
