Alaska Travelgram - Scott McMurren, Alasak's Travel Authority
Open this email in a Web browser

What's up with airfares?

Airfares are up. That’s what’s up. Some are w-a-y up. Just for fun, I ran the numbers for June fares to some popular destinations in the Lower 48.

Will fares continue to rise? Yes and no. It’s complex…but we’ve got our finger on the pulse. Subscribers to our Airfare911 service will be the first to know. We're crafting some alerts right now.

Between Anchorage and

Seattle $505 roundtrip on Alaska or Delta
Portland $547-$601 roundtrip on Alaska Air
San Francisco $521-$619 roundtrip Alaska Air
Los Angeles $617-$636 roundtrip on Alaska Air
Las Vegas $583-$671 roundtrip Alaska, Delta, United
Salt Lake City $697-$944 roundtrip (NONSTOP) Delta
Denver $625-$684 roundtrip Alaska, Delta
Minneapolis $559-$645 roundtrip Sun Country (NONSTOP)
Dallas $842-$900 roundtrip United Air
Chicago $567-$682 roundtrip Alaska Air or American
Boston $1,025-$1,047 roundtrip United
New York $825-$905 roundtrip United
Washington, DC $917-$976  roundtrip United

Frankfurt, Germany $890-$1,020 roundtrip on Condor Air (nonstop)

IMPORTANT: These fares are for good connections. There are a few (scattered) dates wtih lower fares. But these rates are widely available. Happy hunting.

Table of Contents

BANNER: What's up with airfares?
1. Take 20 percent off Kenai Fjords Tours.
2. Temple talk from Indonesia.
3. Alaskans only: 7-day cruise on Holland America from $229 per person, double
4. Alaska Airlines: charge your way to elite status MVP/Gold. 
5. Wild About Anchorage: Two new contests to win prizes
6. Alaska Wildland: Last-minute specials (2-for-1)
7. Fly Condor Air nonstop to Europe--in Premium Class
8. Yahoo-Mat-Su, where Alaska goes to play!
9. Starlink in Alaska: high-speed wi-fi for Alaskans on the go (RV, cabin, remote site)
10. 2-for-1 Rail/hotel specials from Princess Lodges between Anchorage and Denali
11. Save 25 percent off Alaska Airlines with Alaska TourSaver APP

1. Take 20 percent off a-n-y Kenai Fjords tour when you sail in May.

Don't miss out on this nice sale for cruising in Kenai Fjords National Park! Take 20 percent off ANY Kenai Fjords Tour, including the popular National Park tour to Aialik Glacier  (pictured, above). You MUST book online and cruise in May. 

ALSO, save 25 percent on your room at the Seward Windsong Lodge between now and May 31! It's all part of the Seward Mermaid Festival

When you spend the night in Seward before or after your cruise, there's plenty of time to check out Exit Glacier or the Alaska Sealife Center

2. Temple talk from Indonesia

We just returned  a long journey to a couple of destinations in Indonesia. We spent a week in central Java and visited several ancient temples. It’s interesting that two of the largest and oldest temples have been rebuilt from the ground up. More on that later.

It’s difficult to get the massive scale of these temples in a photo. So these are just some snapshots—an invitation that you should go an see them on your own!
Above, the giant 9th century Hindu temple of Prambanan, near Yogyakarta. Dedicated to the Trimurti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu) and the Destroyer (Shiva). It's a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend 150,000 rupiahs ($11 USD) for a guide. It's worth every penny. 
We also visited the largest Buddhist temple in the world at Borodobur (below). This temple also was constructed in the 9th century. Both temples were destroyed by a series of earthquakes and volcanic explosions. It was the founder of Singapore, Thomas Raffles, who rediscovered Brodobudur and began the restoration process. The Dutch began restoring Prambanan in the 1700s.

Brobudur also is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside each of the bell-shaped "stupas" is a Buddha. You can see one of them, exposed, in the photo below. 

There's a lot going on in Indonesia--but these temples were standout moments! 

3. PRICE DROP + MORE DATES: 7-day sailings from Whittier or Vancouver on Holland America Line for as little as $229 per person/double

Cruise Alaska's Inside Passage for as little as $229 per person, next month (May, 2023). That's for an inside cabin. Outside cabins (partially obstructed views), from $249 per person, double. Taxes, port charges and fees are an additional $250-$275 per person.

Sail on either the Nieuw Amsterdam or the Noordam between Whittier and Vancouver. The first available date is May 14 (also 5/21, 28, 6/4, 11,18 and 25).

Ports include Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay and College Fjord.
REMEMBER: These rates are reserved EXCLUSIVELY for Alaska residents.
TO BOOK: Call Nate Vallier at Alaska & Yukon Tours in Juneau :  907-531-9140.

Or, contact Holland America Line directly: (206)286-3900.    Remember: available to Alaska residents only.

4. Alaska Air: Charge your way to elite status with Alaska Air Visa (registration required)

Use your Alaska Air Visa card to earn 2,000 elite qualifying miles (EQM) for every $10,000 you spend. Registration required HERE. 

Surf on over to the Club 49 HUB to see all the benefits you receive in this FREE program (available only to Alaska residents):

- Two free checked bags (three free for in-state travel) to or from Alaska.
- Travel Now certificates (2) for 30 percent off last-minute "Y" class tickets.
- Freight-for-less: ship up to 100 pounds for $49 (plus applicable tax). Special restrictions apply.
- Fare sales!


5. Wild About Anchorage: two new contests + your own "Visit Anchorage" visitor's guide


TWO NEW GAMES to learn more about Anchorage. This is your prompt to learn more about Alaska's city, including new neighborhoods and great places to eat!  

1. Anchorage Local Flavor Pass. Earn points and prizes while checking out Anchorage's best dining and entertainment.

2. Anchorage Neighborhood Challenge. There are m-a-n-y cool neighborhoods in Anchorage. Use this game/guide to learn more about the fun things around town! 

ALSO, check out the all-new visitor guide for Anchorage. Stop by the Log Cabin at the corner of 4th Ave. and "F" St. downtown. Or, view it online HERE


6. Alaska Wildland Adventure: 2-for-1 last-minute savings, or save $750 on week-long guided adventures

Alaska Wildland Adventures operates three lodges on the Kenai Peninsula. Stay longer in August and save $750! Choose an  "Alaska Wildland Collection Extended Stay" on select dates this summer: August 3 – 10; August 15 – 22; and August 27 – September 3, 2023. Click for more info.  

Last-minute:  Two-for-One Deals in June.

2-for-1  "Kenai Multisport Vacation" at two of the lodges, available June 14 – 18 or June 24 – 28, 2023, while space lasts.  Excellent hiking, rafting and exploring!

2-for-1 Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge (pictured, above) stays between June 1 – 10, 2023. Watch for whales on the exciting boat tour to the Lodge, and choose from guided canoeing, kayaking, hiking and more.

CLICK THROUGH , then call to make reservations: 800-334-8730.

7. Fly Condor nonstop over-the-top to Europe...in Premium Class

Condor's nonstop flights from Anchorage start next month (May 18). Are you headed to Europe? Fly nonstop to Frankfurt and earn Alaska Airlines miles.

PRO-TIP: Condor's "Premium Class" is the carrier's secret sauce. 

More legroom. Increased baggage allowance. Free drinks w/meals. 9-inch monitor for movies. Footrests, headrests, blankets and pillows.

And on and on.

Sure it costs more. But we flew it last year--and it's a pretty good investment, especially if you're 6'5" (that's me).

CLICK THROUGH and learn more about prices and the extras. Then fly non-stop  over-the-top with Condor! 

8. Yahoo, Mat-Su! Where Alaska comes to play

If you've got a nose for adventure, check out the Alaskans-only discounts now available in the Mat-Su Valley. Whether you want to go paddle-boarding in a glacial mulan (above), or zipping through the trees with a view of the mountains (below), there are some discounts JUST for Alaskans.  Think glaciers, flightseeing, Denali views and long summer days! CLICK HERE for a full list--and start planning for this summer's "Great Alaska Adventure" in the Mat-Su Valley Yahoo, Mat-Su!

9. Starlink in Alaska: get high-speed internet everywhere. The RV, the remote-site cabin, throughout rural Alaska

With thousands of low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites in the air, Starlink now offers high-speed internet anywhere in the state...even for your RV. Microcom, Starlink's authorized retailer in Alaska, has sold more than 500 sets around the state. Click through for details to get high-speed internet everywhere! Below, Alexander Schumann of Microcom holds a Starlink receiver in the firm's Anchorage store.

10. Get 2-for-1 on Princess Rail/ Lodge packages, plus 50 percent off 2nd night at all lodges

Choose from more than a dozen itineraries for 1- to 4-night packages including private rail cars from Anchorage to the Mt. McKinley Princess and to Denali National Park. CLICK THROUGH to see the options. My favorite packages are the two-night deals from Anchorage to Mt. McKinley Princess (from $274.50 per person) and to Denali National Park (from $424.50 per person). The first train departs on May 12. CLICK THROUGH and choose your 2-for-1 Princess Lodges package

NEW: Save 50 percent off your  second night at Princess's collection of deluxe lodges around the state: Fairbanks, Copper River (near Glennallen), Kenai (near Cooper Landing), Denali National Park and Mt. McKinley (near Talkeetna). Special restrictions apply. CLICK THROUGH for details.

NEW: Save 25 percent on "Yellow Line" rail/hotel packages...which include rail, hotel near Denali/Talkeetna, as well as hotel in Anchorage or Fairbanks! CLICK THROUGH for details.

Below: looking up from the Kenai River to the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge

11. Save 25 percent off Alaska Air (up to four travelers) with Alaska TourSaver

Save a bundle with the 2023 Alaska TourSaver App. More information ONLINE at TourSaver.com

90+ travel offers around the state, including:
--Alaska Airlines: 25 percent off (up to four travelers) 

-- Alaska Railroad: 2-for-1 (Anchorage)
-
- Major Marine Tours: $40 discount (Seward)
--- K2 Aviation in Talkeetna: $63 discount 
-- Riverboat Discovery in Fairbanks: 2-for-1
…and many more

Statewide bundle (includes Alaska Air): $89.99
Southcentral bundle: $69.99
Inside Passage bundle: $49.99 

COMPLETE details, order info at TourSaver.com
Subscribe to the newsletter if you don't already get it. It's free. 

Click below to do the deed!
SUBSCRIBE

Alaska Travelgram

2626 Cottonwood St., Anchorage, AK 99508

Unsubscribe