North to Alaska

Hope you were all able to catch us on "North to Alaska" on today's show featuring Wolverine Lake Chalet, silver salmon fishing on the Little Su with our guide Greg, and our wonderful town of Palmer, Alaska!

Silver salmon fishing is ideal during the end weeks of July and into August, and the Alaska State Fair runs this year from August 27-September 7. Don't miss out!

For more information about planning your trip to Alaska, contact us at (907) 745-8872 or at info@alaskavacationpackages.com.

Photo Blog 6.10

Wolverine Lake Photo Blog 5.19

What a fantastic start to an Alaskan summer! We've had unseasonably warm temperatures all spring, and we are all enjoying the sunshine...
Lots of little nests of birds in the trees with diligent parents feeding the nestlings, and the frogs, grebes, loons, and swans are singing to each other on the lake and in the marsh.

Some much needed rain brought out the green, and we've already had our first rainbow of the year here at the lake...

Wolverine Canyon:

Alaska Photo Blog 2.8

Alaska Tour Discounts

It's that time of year again, when we start looking for those good deals to pass on to our customers! Typically, discounts can be had by booking before our short Alaskan "season" begins. I expect several tour operators to offer discounts this year, which they usually do, and some that may not have in the past, so we will keep you updated.

Renown Tours is offering a 20% off Early Booking Special. This includes their 4-hour Gray Whale Watching Cruise, the 3-hour Resurrection Bay Wildlife Cruise, and the 6-hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise. Valid for travel anytime between April 4, 2009 and September 27, 2009.

If you would like us to reserve your cruise for you at no additional cost, please give us a call at alaskavacationpackages.com. (907) 745-8872.

Alaska Travel Question: Are Prices Reasonable in Alaska?

Common Questions About Traveling to Alaska:

Another common question that people ask about traveling to Alaska is: Are prices much higher in Alaska? The location of Alaska does translate into slightly higher prices than in the Lower 48, but it's not a deal-breaker.

For lodging and other tourism related service industries, prices can range from $5 per day for a campsite to thousands of dollars per person for a stay at a fly-in lodge.

Fortunately, Alaska can offer a vacation for any budget. Alaska Vacation Packages offers one price for lodging, regardless of group size, making it more affordable for families or groups. Full kitchens allow you to prepare meals if you choose, which can leave more funds available for those tours and excursions that you won't want to miss!

There are plenty of affordable family outings that are budget friendly, including:

Glacier Hike: Less than $15/per person for entrance fee. (The drive to the Matanuska Glacier is one of the most scenic highways in America, and this is one of the few glaciers you can drive to and actually hike on. There are more expensive tours which involve equipment and ice-climbing, but if you just want some great photos and the experience, this is a must do trip!



Reindeer Farm: Pet and feed reindeer, elk, moose, & deer for $4-$6 per person. (This tour is so fun, we do it every year just because!) Set in green fields and surrounded by mountains, you get to walk with a reindeer herd, learn a little bit about them, and enjoy being up close to a variety of animals found in Alaska. Kids love this!


Hatchers Pass & Independence Gold Mine: For a $5 per carload State Park fee, you can enjoy beautiful views, tour the old gold mine buildings, hike, view wildlife, and maybe even catch parasailers on a warm day! Hoary marmots and ground squirrels are plentiful, the views are amazing, and you can even try your hand at gold-panning nearby!

Fortunately, Alaska's allure and beauty is found in the nature that abounds here, and you don't have to break the bank to enjoy it. Pack a picnic lunch, buy a fishing license (three-day non-resident licenses are only $20), take a scenic drive, bring your camera, and create priceless memories that will last forever!

www.alaskavacationpackages.com

Alaska Travel Question: What Kind of Weather Should I Expect?

Common Questions About Traveling to Alaska:

So you’re thinking about visiting Alaska? But you’re not sure what to expect? I will address some common questions about traveling to Alaska this week. Today I would like to address one that everyone seems to ask, and rightly so!

What kind of weather should I expect and what kind of clothing should I bring? This is one of the most common questions that I hear. If you are traveling to Alaska in the summer, it can greatly differ. You will probably want to take in all of the sights--mountains, glaciers, sea and wildlife cruises, and fishing charters for example. It is best to pack layers of clothing that will keep you comfortable according to the environment you are in and the activity you are participating in. Casual and comfortable is one way to describe the Alaska dress code!

The best advice is to bring clothing that you can layer easily, allowing removal of warmer layers if needed. A t-shirt, fleece pullover, and a light jacket make a good layering combination for a basic outing, and need not be bulky to do the job. Wind and water resistant fabrics are a good idea for your outer layer. And don’t forget the sunscreen and sunglasses! You CAN get sunburned in Alaska, especially when on water or ice, which can reflect the sun’s rays.

A fishing charter or ocean cruise will find you leaving in early morning with cooler temps, being in an open boat or on the ocean will expose you to wind and water spray. Later in the afternoon during warmer temperatures, you will want to shed your warmer layers as your adventure unfolds.

According to State of Alaska statistics, “Over a third of all vacation/pleasure visitors found the weather better than expected." Generally, temperatures in Alaska during the summer range from 60°F-80°F. Nighttime and early morning temps are cooler, from the 40's - 50's. Late August and September trips will find you encountering cooler temperatures and less sunlight as fall comes early here.

So pack your bags--experience the Great Land and all it has to offer this year!

http://www.alaskavacationpackages.com/

Happy 50th Alaska!

Happy Holidays!

Alaska Photo Blog 10.18

Alaska Photo Blog 10.2

Alaska Photo Blog 9.15

The Alaska State Fair is coming up soon!

The Alaska State Fair is only weeks away! (Aug. 21-Sept.1) Music, food, vendors, exhibitions and of course the Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off--It's right here in Palmer, and it's not something you want to miss if you are in Alaska during this time!
http://www.alaskastatefair.org/2008/index.html

Alaska Photo Blog 7.23

~Our moose babies are growing quickly~

~Today was cool, about 50 degrees with some rain, leaving the mountains with a dusting of snow~

Alaska Photo Blog 7.22

Alaska Photo Blog 7.13

Alaska Photo Blog 7.11

Alaska Photo Blog 6.23

The damselflies and dragonflies have been having a good hatch this year at the lake, and fishing has been good. Our friend Cecil Sanders took this photo last week:

Alaska Photo Blog 6.17

Alaska Photo Blog 6.6