Keyword
B.I.P Club
Today's Date
September 8, 2010
Now Playing
Craving quiet, beauty, nature? Alaska soothes
 |
 |
|
|
Alaska is the most unique of all the 50 states. It has a longer coastline than all the other U.S. states combined - nearly 40 times longer than California's coastline. With its myriad islands, Alaska has nearly 34,000 miles (54,720 km) of tidal shoreline. Although it's technically part of the continental U.S., Alaska is not part of what Alaskans call "the lower 48."
The capital, Juneau, is situated on the mainland of the North American continent, but is not connected by road to the rest of the North American highway system. With such a vast geography to explore, one of the best ways to visit Alaska is to travel by ship. Cruises are very popular in Alaska for good reason. But because of their size, most cruise ships are confined to open waterways and can't get into the fjords, or near the streams where the bears feed, the forests, or the tiny road-less communities that are the real heart of Alaska.
Small ships offer a great balance between comfort and convenience. Since the protection from outlying islands keeps inside passage waters quite calm, traveling by small ship is just as comfortable as the larger ships; and you'll see and do so much more. Many travel operators, such as Lindblad Expeditions, price their trips to include all activities, so there's no need to use a wallet while onboard. More information about how to choose a small-ship travel operator can be found at Expeditions.com/WhySmallShips.
Travelers regularly say that one of the most interesting things about visiting Alaska is the opportunity to see dramatic nature - glaciers calving into the sea, breaching whales, and magnificent brown bears fishing in salmon-choked rivers. Alaska's scenery is so splendid, it's even visible and impressive from the deck of a cruise ship. But if you would like to get in close, have a more intimate experience, you might prefer the quality of an expedition. Lindblad Expeditions ships are small and nimble, designed for up close and personal sightseeing. In addition, they travel with a small fleet of zodiacs to enable you to land on shore, and kayaks that let you have eye-level, personal encounters of your own.
Since whales are such a significant part of the Alaska experience, it's important to choose a travel operator that can guarantee that you'll see whales, be able to stay nearby to observe their behavior and learn more about what you're witnessing. Lindblad Expeditions, for example, travels with naturalists and whale experts aboard. And because of their relationship with National Geographic, they often host whale scientists who track whales, know where they're feeding, can guide the ship to them, and can explain their actions to you in interesting and informative ways.
Alaska's name is derived from the Aleut word Alyeska meaning the "great land." Once you visit Alaska you'll understand why.
Plan your Alaska trip today and see America's best wilderness. Find everything you need at Expeditions.com/Alaska.
 |
|
|
Previous
Play
Pause
Next
Your Weather
96.3 NOW weather sponsored by: 
Advertisement:
