Saturday, June 6, 2009

Northern Lights coupons book

Following is our itineray - wondering if anyone has any suggestions. Not sure about what time to head into Denali and I know I need to make a reservation. Also not sure about the PWS cruise - which is a better choice. My husband is wanting to get a fishing guide to fish for trout in Talkeetna - any recommendations?
Thanks for any help!
Day 1 - Land in Anchorage in late afternoon. Have a rental car and staying at Captain Cook Hotel. (Great special - stay 2 nights, the 3rd is free)Not sure how late things will be open on Memorial Day - planning to just tour town a bit.
Day 2 - Drive to Whittier and do a Glacier Cruise. Undecided between Phillips 26 Glacier Cruise or Major Marine Cruise. Both are discounted in the Northern Lights Coupon Book. Drive back to Anchorage after cruise sightseeing along the way. Staying at Capt. Cook again.
Day 4 - Drive to Seward. Visit the Wildlife Conservation Center on the way. Time permitting visit the Alaska Sea Life Center. Check in at 4:00 at Bear Paw Lodge and have a 3 hour Kayak tour booked with Kayak Adventures Worldwide at 6:00.
Day 6 - Morning guided fishing trip for my husband - not sure what I will do - look around town or relax till he returns. Drive to Healy - spend night.
Day 8 - No plans right now - more exploring in Danali? Driving back to Anchorage - staying at Microtel Suites by airport.
Day 9 - Head home in morning

Normally I would cringe at the thought of three nights in Anchorage "just to use a coupon." But you thought out your plans very well. On Day 2 be sure to stop by the Portage Glacier visitor center, maybe take the 1 mile walk to Byron Glacier and maybe see the Wildlife Conservation Center. they have much more opportunity to come across marine wildlife. One thing I would mention to the OP: if you plan to use coupons, do check with the outfitter to make sure they still have room to take yours on the day you'll be there. Often they take only a limited number per day. Oops, just noticed you haven't included Exit Glacier. You could do that on your way out of town on Day 6 #1. The lower trail to the face of the glacier is easy.

start looking for your car rental a year in advance (some allow only 11 months). You should be able to get a car for about $200 (incl taxes) for the week, vs. about $100 per day if you leave it until spring to book. If you see a good rate, grab it, especially if it can be cancelled if you later come across a better rate.Lodgings themselves can range a lot in price; if you’re just looking for somewhere to sleep and don’t care if it’s small and plain, you should be able to get places around $100 per night.

Thanks again for your suggestions and ideas. We would be travelling next year. Alaska is so beautiful - I wish I could live there - just not sure about not seeing the sun during the winter!!
Sorry got off track. I want to go a national park or someplace that we can enjoy God's country. As I mentioned we have a DVC and can get a place for a week, and then do day trips from there. Since Anchorage might not be working. I will have to maybe rethink my vacation plans. British Columbia? Yellowstone? There are just so many place!!! Decisions, decisions.

My husband and I spent several hours watching float planes land and take off! And you are fairly likely to see a moose in Anchorage.

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