Spring specials are cropping up all over Alaska. While operators get
spooled up for the influx of tourists in June, they open their doors
to locals who want to see the sights during May.
There's really no excuse not to get out and see the highlights in
Valdez, Seward, Kenai, Denali Park and Talkeetna. Next month is the
time. And if you aren't flying out-of-state on one of the special air
fares, make plans now to see some of the best areas of Alaska!
One of the best bargains in May is Denali National Park. Many operators
offer big discounts during the last couple of weeks in May.
You can stay for two nights at McKinley Chalets for the price of one
between May 16 and June 1. Just ask for the "twice as nice" special
when you call for reservations. The cost is $165 for two nights. Also,
Denali Park Resorts is offering round-trip rail transportation and
overnight accommodations for as little as $169 per person through June
5.
If you want to ride the train, take advantage of the 2-for-1 special
with the McKinley Explorer deluxe rail cars. Ride the train north to
Denali and stay overnight at the park. Since you're riding back on
Holland America's motorcoaches, you have enough time to take the long
bus ride into the park to see the wildlife. The best prices are
available through May 31.
Princess also offers two-for-one packages on its luxury rail packages,
including the Mt. McKinley Princess near Talkeetna. For as little as
$99 per person, travelers can ride the upscale "Midnight Sun Express"
from Anchorage to Talkeetna, then take a Princess coach up to the
lodge. Overnight accommodations are included in the package. Once
you're there at the lodge, the staff can make reservations for jetboat
rides or flightseeing. The best prices are available May 16-27.
Princess also is offering discounts at its other lodges in Alaska
during the month \of May. The Kenai Princess is reopening on May 1 and
it's available for as little as $99 per night through May 14. The
Copper RIver Princess near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, is
available for as little as $99 per night between May 13 and June 30.
Headed to Fairbanks? The Fairbanks Princess is available for as little
as $89 per night through May 10. Plus, the hotel is offering 1,000
bonus Alaska Airlines mileage points.
Many Alaskan travel companies offer specials on their websites. Plus,
it's a good idea to check websites like Alaska.com, which publish
specials in their "travel deals" section. Currently there are specials
for cruises, rail tours, car rentals and hotels.
Aside from special prices, May is a great time to see great sights with
fewer crowds. Stan Stephens Cruises in Valdez will offer a 10 percent
discount on one of their glacier cruises when you visit their website.
Up in Talkeetna, the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge is offering $99 rooms in
May. Also, there is a special Wine Dinner on May 7. The six-course
dinner is prepared by the lodge's chef, Feliz Zollinger. Each course
will be paired with a Sebastiani wine. The cost for the dinner is $85
per person.
If you want to visit the Copper River Shorebird Festival in Cordova,
Alaska Heritage Tours is offering round-trip boat transportation from
Whittier. The boat leaves on Friday, May 7, or Saturday, May 8, at 9 a.m.
Return transportation leaves Cordova on Sunday, May 9, at 4:30 p.m. This
cruise, which takes between four and six hours, is a great way to see
the sound and explore a new community! The cost for the cruise is $149
per adult and $100 for kids. Accommodations are not included, so you
have to make your own arrangements.
If you just want to cruise in Prince William Sound without going all
the way to Cordova, Prince William Sound Cruises is offering a six-hour
cruise for $85 in May. The cruises depart Whittier.
Headed for Seward? You can stay at the Seward Windsong Lodge for just
$89 during May. The lodge is a great spot to explore Exit Glacier. Plan
on cruising in Kenai Fjords National Park while you're there.
Also, don't miss the Alaska SeaLife Center.
May is a great time to see the state -- and to get prepared for
entertaining your visiting friends and relatives this summer!
(Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based travel marketing consultant.)
