Travel Tips : Travel Alaska... An Adventure of a Lifetime

So you're like John Locke of the TV series Lost and simply (literally) dying
for an adventure. Or maybe you're just bored to death and you want to
experience more of life. Have no fear… no need to travel across the globe
to taste adventure in the wilds of Africa or the rainforests of South
America. Why should you when you've got Alaska. Alaska… the 49th state and fondly known as the Land of the Midnight Sun and The Last Frontier.

Most people believe that Alaska, a name which comes from an Aleut word
meaning "land that's not an island" is simply tundra in the middle of
nowhere because of it's distance from the lower 48 states and because most
of the stories you hear about it are usually related to the cold and snow
and so-called vast, desolate, open spaces. But you thought wrong.

Alaska - the largest state (by land mass) is also one of the least populated
- is a land that combines the beautiful snowy scenery of the Alps with the
challenge of an adventure trip to the Congo.

Don't believe me?

That's okay because I've got proof.

River Fishing
When someone mentions Alaska, people usually visualize a land of ice and
frozen desert. So it's a bit hard to imagine people being able to fish in
such a place. But like I mentioned earlier, Alaska is a place filled with
adventure, a place well worth traveling to.

For your Alaska fishing adventure, you can try your luck at hooking any of a
variety of prized fish like: Silver Salmon in Resurrection Bay during August
and September, the King Salmon of the Lower Kenai River from May to July or Red (Sockeye) Salmon, Dolly Varden and Rainbow Trout in the Upper Kenai River.

Rafting
Yes, you can raft to your hearts' content and pretend you're a lone wanderer
having an adventure in the midst of the vast array of Alaskan wildlife.
Travel and encounter the many natural wonders of Alaska. Listen to the
stories of the natives. Catch a glimpse of moose and bald eagles as you hold
on for dear life while traversing the rapids of Kenai River Canyon - a trip
that is highly recommended and one that you don't want to miss.

Backpacking
This is an adventure you must grab because there's virtually nothing that
compares to backpacking in Alaska. You can of course choose your own
adventure travel destination: Brooks Range, Artic Refuge, Talkeetna
Mountains, and Wrangell-St. Elias to name just a few.

Sea Kayaking
This not so common adventure is one that only traveling to Alaska can bestow
upon you. This is not for the feint of heart and make sure, that you don't
attempt this alone.

Expeditions to Walrus Island
So you haven't seen any of those furry adorable creatures up close? Find
yourself aching for more of a marine adventure rather than a landlocked one?
Or perhaps you're content to simply watch. Have no fear because Alaska's
Walrus Island has it all. You can view walrus, other marine mammals and rare
bird species from the comfortable deck of a cruising yacht. But if you want
a bit more of a challenge, you can take a hiking trip and see more of the
Alaskan wildlife.

Dog Sledding
This is probably the most popular sport in Alaska and an adventure worth
telling your grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, barber or whoever
will listen. If you so choose, you can simply watch the dog sled races or
try it out yourself by mushing your own team. The Siberian huskies, are
highly trained so there's no need to worry about your safety. Plus, if you
have the time, you can also visit the renowned author, husky owner and
Alaskan original Mary Shields.

Fjord Exploration
If you've ever dreamed of experiencing the sheer scale of an
honest-to-goodness glacier that the pages of a book or movie screen just
can't convey then Alaska is the place to be? Unless, of course you prefer
Greenland or Iceland for your icy adventure. I think not... and just another
of many reasons why we should be thankful for the great State of Alaska.

So... are you now convinced that traveling to Alaska is an adventure that
you must not miss? I sure hope so because if you're not - what's wrong with
you. Just kidding, however before making reservations be sure you've got
everything you need like clothes for wide range of temperatures and a
comfortable pair of hiking boots.

And clearly... compare the available travel packages being offered by the
travel agencies that cater to Alaska or you can make your own travel
itinerary and then simply hire a guide to assist you along the way. A great
place to start planning your trip is Alaska - The Last Frontier. A website
dedicated to being a complete resource on Alaska.

Have a great trip and enjoy everything that Alaska has to offer!

Copyright 2005 Brian Cahill All rights reserved.

About The Author:

Brian Cahill is a contributing writer to the following websites: Alaska - The Last Frontier: http://www.eyeonalaska.com  and VoIP - Internet Telephone: http://www.eyeonvoip.com

Source: WORLD TRAVEL