Month: April 2010

Categories
Alaska Transportation

Direct International Flights to Anchorage

Millions of travelers from all over the world come to Alaska each year to experience the unique cultures, unspoiled wilderness and all of the other charms the state has to offer. The majority of those visitors coming from outside of the United States enter Alaska by way of an international flight to Seattle and then a shorter flight from Seattle to Anchorage. But depending on where you are coming from, there are several options for direct international flights right to Anchorage. Direct international flights are often cheaper, and are always faster, than having to book both an international and domestic flight.

Frankfurt is currently the only airport in Europe serving direct flights to Anchorage, and these flights are only available in the warmer seasons. Of any country, Japan has the most options for flying to Anchorage, with direct flights departing four different airports. Vancouver, British Columbia is currently the only airport in Canada with direct flights in, and there are none from Central or South America.

Currency exchange is available inside Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. For information on currency, plug conversion and other helpful hints on international travel to Alaska, check out our Alaska Information page.

International Routes to Anchorage

From the Americas

  • Vancouver, BC, Canada (on Air Canada, seasonal only)

From Asia

  • Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo-Narita, Japan (Japan Air)
  • Taipei-Taiwan (China Airlines and EVA Air)
  • Seoul, South Korea (Korea Air, seasonal charter only)

From Europe

  • Frankfurt, Germany (Condor Air, seasonal only)

>> More on finding the right flight to Alaska

Categories
Alaska Transportation

Getting from Seattle to Anchorage

2780880072_9d3eff74b8Alaska is one of two US states that doesn’t border any of the others directly, so it can be a long trip even for Americans. Because its the closest large American city to Alaska, Seattle is one of the most popular starting points for a trip to the frontier state. The two cities have a lot in common, both being coastal northwest cities with a population that likes to get outdoors and explore. Whether you are a Seattle resident or an international traveler stopping there on the way, there are several options for getting from Seattle to Anchorage. There are no rail options that cover the entire route, but trains can get you part of the way, if you want to make the cruise or drive to Anchorage a shorter one.

Flights from Seattle-Tacoma to Anchorage

This flight route is the single most popular way for outside visitors to get to Alaska. There are daily flights year-round on both Alaska Airlines and Continental Airlines from Seattle-Tacoma Airport to Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage. Flight time is about three hours, making this route the fastest option for getting from the lower 48 states to Anchorage. Flying is also usually the cheapest option. To search for flights, enter your travel dates into the form at the bottom of this page.

>> International travelers may be able to skip the stop in Seattle and get a direct international flight to Anchorage
>> More about flying to Alaska

Cruises from Seattle to Anchorage

If you aren’t in such a hurry, and want to see some of the amazing coastline between these two coastal cities, consider taking a cruise from Seattle to Anchorage. Though more travelers board their cruise in Vancouver rather than Seattle, starting in Seattle gives you more ship time, and includes views of the stunning Puget Sound as you depart. The major cruise trips all take about seven days, and ships range in size from the 235-passenger Empress of the North to the huge 2000+ passenger cruise ships from Princess, Royal Caribbean and other providers.

>> Find out more and search for cruises with our Alaska Cruise Guide.

Driving from Seattle to Anchorage

As close as Seattle is to Alaska, in comparison to the rest of the country, it’s still a good distance. Some might be surprised to learn that the driving distance between the two cities is 2,250 miles, about the same as between New York and Phoenix, Arizona. That being said, if you have the time to devote to this drive, it can be one of the most memorable and beautiful you will ever take. If time is no object, and you want to see and interact with both Alaska and British Columbia, this is the way to go. The drive at least five days for a quick trip, and seven if you want to make stops and wander a bit, so it’s really no faster than a cruise.

Photo by bensonkua

Categories
Alaska Transportation

Getting From Anchorage to Fairbanks (and back)

3857293492_a41ef086b9Being the two biggest cities in Alaska, Anchorage and Fairbanks are on the itineraries of many visitors to Alaska, and there are several options for traveling between the two cities. Which one is right for you depends on your budget, your style of travel, and how much time you have to spend.

Flights between Anchorage and Fairbanks

By far the fastest way to get between Anchorage and Fairbanks is by plane. This is also sometimes the only way to make the trip during the winter months, when roads are closed and trains aren’t operating. There are multiple flights daily on Alaska Airlines, and flight time is about an hour. To search for flights, use the form in the right column of this page.

Trains between Anchorage and Fairbanks

Alaska Railroad runs daily service (in the summer months) between the two cities. The trip lasts about 12 hours, and passes through some of the most beautiful countryside in Alaska, including stops at Talkeetna and Denali National Park. If you don’t mind dedicating a day of your trip to this leg, the views are spectacular, and there are always great conversations to be had with your fellow passengers as you watch out the windows for wildlife and scenic vistas. For those travelers looking for more than a simple train ride, there is the Princess Tours Midnight Sun Express, a full-service luxury train with a domed glass ceiling for the best possible views, and onboard fine dining options.

Driving from Anchorage to Fairbanks

As nice as a glass-domed train ride might be, you still can’t stop and choose your own speed on the train, and so some travelers prefer to drive themselves. The only road option is the George Parks Highway, or Alaska Route 3. The 358-mile trip takes about 7 hours, not including stops, and you will want to make stops, since the road passes through not only Denali National Park, but also less well-known spots like Eklutna Lake. Plan on a full day for making this trip – keeping in mind that a full day in the summer can last quite a while. For those wanting to make it more than a day’s trip and stop in the middle, Talkeetna is close to the halfway point and offers a very different kind of Alaskan experience than either of the cities.

Photo by lisahazen

Categories
England travel guide

England’s Glastonbury Festival Sells Out

festEngland’s annual Glastonbury Festival is the largest outdoor music festival in the world, attracting over 175,000 people to a working dairy farm in southwestern England each June.

This year’s Glastonbury Festival runs from June 23-27, 2010 and though the full lineup hasn’t been announced, you can expect big names, current stars, musical legends, and some fresh up and comers all performing on the many stages at the three day festival.

Tickets are now sold out, so if you’re among the lucky who snagged yours, check out out our Glastonbury Festival travel deals for advice on getting there and enjoying the festival cheaply.

We’ve got information on cheap airfare to Bristol, the closest airport to the festival, and budget airline deals that will help you get there from other European cities without spending a fortune.

And if you plan on driving or taking a bus, train or even cycling to the festival, we’ve got your covered there to with travel advice on how to get to the Glastonbury Festival easily and cheaply.

Photo by reds on tour

Categories
Argentina travel guide

Argentina at the World Cup 2010: Will You be There?

argentina-home-jersey
The Football World Cup brings back great memories and makes fans all over the world plan to watch the matches live. The World Cup 2010 is approaching fast and it’s time to plan your vacation in South Africa.

But before you do that, don’t forget to relive the World Cup moments which made fans all over the world fall in love with football even more.

Next step? Get your own World Cup jersey. And by the way: if your lady friend is a major football fan, you can buy her a lovely women’s jersey as well.

Now it’s time to start planning your vacation. Argentina’s matches take place in Johannesburg (June 12 and 17) and Polokwane (June 22). Getting to Johannesburg by plane from Buenos Aires is not very hard but it surely is pricey. A round trip flight starts at $2833USD per person so it’s time to keep the eyes on the deals available out there. Lufthansa, Air France and South African Airways are just some of the airlines flying between the two cities. As for the domestic flight (Johannesburg to Polokwane) plan to spend at least $400USD round trip.

Make sure to book your hotel in advance as well. Typically, for such events the hotels book up very quickly and the cheaper the place, the faster it will fill up. On some websites it’s impossible to find any room left already. And when you do manage to find hotels in Johannesburg, room rates start at $92USD per night (3-star). Hostels are cheaper but many of them are already fully booked. If you do find openings, expect to pay at least $66USD for a bed in a private room. So, be prepared to pay slightly more or have a back plan, such as packing your sleeping bag and choose to camp instead of staying in a hotel. Plus you can always go on day trips between the matches.

In case you aren’t able to travel to the World Cup in South Africa to watch the matches live, you should keep an eye on the Argentina World Cup news.

Categories
Croatia travel guide

Visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina as Side Trip from Croatia

sarajevo-latin-bridgeCroatia is one of the very popular countries among the Europeans looking for a cheap beach getaway. But if you want to try something different, why not plan to explore one of the less visited countries in the area?

Bosnia and Herzegovina, although still bearing the scars from the 1990s wars in the Balkans, are starting to be appreciated by travelers. Add the fact that the area is cheap and you surely have a very interesting choice for a vacation.

Bosnia and Herzegovina border Croatia so getting from one country to another is cheap and easy. Airline tickets to Europe are not hard to find, especially if you know where to look for. And finding a cheap ticket between Zagreb and Sarajevo is just as easy. Croatia Airlines offers the cheapest connection (€77 one way per person in mid-June). The flight is direct and takes under an hour.

Now that you’ve booked the flight, it’s time to look for cheap hotels in Sarajevo. Just like in any capital, the prices aren’t exactly seasonal and you can find anything from cheap places to expensive places. But you can also find excellent deals in hotels you never though you’d be able to afford a bed. Guest houses are great choices and you can book a night in one for as little as €40 and you’ll be staying in a charming neighborhood.

With the flight and hotel arranged, let’s take a look at some of the things you can see and do in Sarajevo. The Old Town is the heart and the city and comprises cobbled streets, mosques and Oriental style shops. You’ll feel a world away from Europe although you haven’t left the continent. You’ll definitely understand the multi-cultural feel of the city while walking by a Catholic church, a Orthodox church and a Synagogue but hear the Islamic call to prayer at the same time. The Latin Bridge (see photo above) is where the Archduke of the Austrian Hungarian empire Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, sparking the beginning of the World War I. A variety of museums and churches will also catch you eye. Also plan a day trip outside the city. The surrounding hills offer excellent views of Sarajevo.

Photo credit