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Being frugal means many things to many people. It could mean saving money for a big cause like an annual vacation. Or it could mean saving one dollar for every dollar earned. Being frugal could also mean doing without. Different meanings, same word.
So, how can you be frugal when it comes to celebrating like the rest of them and like the best of them this Memorial Day? Here are a few tips:

 
Pack it Up

If you’re heading to the beach, you don’t have to spend a fortune on concession stand food that, let’s face it, is terrible for you anyway. Pack up your own lunch and cooler and off you go. Making your own sandwiches, bringing your own fruit and filling up your own personal water bottles is not only frugal, it saves the environment of unnecessary additional plastic water bottles.

Be a Day-Tripper
Have you ever sat home on a Memorial Day weekend feeling less than everybody else because everyone else got to go away? Well, you can still go away, but you just don’t have to stay away.
Take a day trip to a local festival. Go to a winery just on the outskirts of your town. There are craft fairs, food festivals and music events all over you can enjoy. It doesn’t have to be an all or nothing gig. Remember, pack your own food and beverage and save money while enjoying yourself.
Park It
National Parks throughout the country are celebrating National Parks Week – get in for free and pick the park of your dreams. This could be “the” year you travel to places you’d never expected, like Alaska for example. Tons of parks to visit with even more activities than you could ever imagine.
If you’re not heading that way this Memorial Day weekend, why not put a plan down on paper. What better way to celebrate a long weekend than to put a plan down on paper, figure out how you’re going to save to get there and then go for it:

• Katmai National Park
• Glacier Bay National Park
• Denali National Park
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
• Lake Clark National Park
• Gates of Arctic National Park
• Kobuk Valley National Park
• Exit Glacier
Some state throughout the United States, can make claim to boasting one big National Park, but Alaska has so many to savor.

Rough It
If you’ve never been camping before, Memorial Day weekend is a great time to get your feet wet and to claim stakes so to speak. Do some research, find the best spot for you and try your hand at camping.
While it might be a little bit of work in the beginning, once you get the hang of it, you might find yourself in the middle of one of those Alaskan parks camping and roughing it with very little supplies and only nature as your backdrop.
For more frugal ways to enjoy this Memorial Day weekend, check out this article HERE

Truthfully, there is so much to see and do in Alaska that you are not at a loss for adventures. You can see Alaska by foot as you hike and camp in unchartered terrain or take a flightseeing adventure as you hover over massive glaciers to your destination. Take a wild ride on the river and spot some wild Alaskan sea life or pick blueberries and climb a mountain to name just a few more.
However, Alaska has some pretty unusual things to do and here are a few fun and adventurous ones:

 
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

 
At the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show you can watch as master lumberjacks battle it out to see who’s the best lumberjack of them all. At the show, they will face off and see who’s the best at chopping, sawing, and even ax throwing.
Witness the talent and skill it takes to throw an axe and hit the bullseye or how a lumberjack rolls when trying his feet at professional log rolling.

 
Alaska’s Six Mile Creek

 
Want the ride of your lifetime? Then, Alaska’s Six Mile Creek is the place to be for you. Six miles of white water rapids starting you off slow and raising the bar till you reach the crossroads of what was I thinking and this is awesome. Before you can even get your ride on, you have to don special protective gear that will keep you somewhat safe in the frigid freezing waters of Alaska and go for a swim. Once you can prove you can handle your swim, you’re allowed to set sail so to speak down the rapid course. What makes this white rapid tour different from any other is that it is held in the icy waters of Alaska and the scenery is like none other.

 
Ocean Rafting

 
Just about everyone knows that Alaska is wet, wild and magnificent. Taking a tour while ocean rafting allows you the experience of getting wet, seeing the wild and experiencing the rough Alaskan waters. More importantly, you get to see some of Alaska’s hidden wilderness treasures in the form of anemones and sea caves and abundant wildlife.
Get on the edge – the edge of a volcanic island that is as you make your way over the ocean and to the edge of the volcano. Explore as your jaw drops at the magnificent ride and the scenery along the way.

 
For a more extensive list of things to do in Alaska, check out this article here:
Awesome Things You Have to Do in Alaska

 
If you want to say you traveled like a wild adventurer, these three things will fit the bill perfectly. You’ll come home with a tale to tell for generations to come.

There have been many safety recalls in the news the last few years with issues ranging from airbags to ignition switches. Some of these incidents, sadly, were determined to be fatal; Stay in the know and check out some of the latest recalls on some popular car models:

 
Tesla Model X built prior to March 26th

 
Tesla is willingly sending out a recall of 2700 Model X vehicles because the possibility exists that the third row latch may not work if involved in certain types of accidents. The cars being recalled were the ones manufactured before March 26th. While it seems that, thankfully, no accidents have been reported, the seat backs need to be replaced in order to avoid a safety issue. If the locking hinge malfunctions, it could have potential to push the seat forward in a frontal crash. After performing a crash test and becoming aware of the issue, it’s great to see a recall happen before it becomes an accident. This doesn’t seem to have the potential to negatively impact sales. Also, it wasn’t too long ago that Tesla announced the Model 3. With a price tag starting at $35,000 and a range of 215 miles on a single charge, get ready to line up around the block for that one.

 
Semi-autonomous Technology

 
While auto manufacturers may not be thrilled with the notion that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is all for regulating self-driving vehicles, at least those consumers who are highly interested in these types of car can rest a bit easier.
Optical sensors such as lidar pick up ques from its surroundings; however, these sensors don’t always have the capability to read between the lines. Moreover, they don’t necessarily have the ability to adapt to changing circumstances like the weather for example. Talk about putting it to the test, though, as Ford performed a test with its Ford Fusion Hybrid in order to test out its autonomous driving capabilities. Imagine driving in the dead of night, in the middle of the desert, with no lights on. That’s what Ford put its research vehicle through recently in an effort to put its virtual driving software to the test; and it passed with flying colors.

 
Millions of Recalls Yet on The Road

 
Even though there have been plenty of unfortunate stories about recalls over the past years, sadly there are still high numbers of recalls still on the road – high numbers in the millions. With older, used cars it may be difficult to get in touch with the appropriate owner in order to advise them of a recall. While regulators and lawmakers are exploring new ways to ensure every driver’s safety, there are still millions of cars on the road that may have recalls on them without the driver knowing. For more information on the subject: check out the link here:
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/autos/millions-recalled-cars-roam-road-risking-passengers-lives-n553221

 
Takata in the news again

 
Unfortunately, another incident with an airbag deploying and killing its driver occurred recently in Houston. Even more unfortunate, it was a 17-year-old girl. Not only do drivers have to be concerned with other drivers on the road, there’s a major concern about the safety of one’s own vehicle, as well. How sad that something intended to save a life is taking lives instead. For a more comprehensive look at recalls in detail, check out the link here: http://blog.caranddriver.com/massive-takata-airbag-recall-everything-you-need-to-know-including-full-list-of-affected-vehicles/#list

Lots of car enthusiasts can’t wait until summer. There are a host of car shows to enjoy when the nicer weather rolls around. If you are a car enthusiast, you might even enjoy a road trip with the top down every now and again. However, if you are bored with the same old routine, why not take a car trip to go visit some more cars instead of waiting for summer time to roll around? There are quite a few car museums that will drive you crazy, but in a good way. No matter which corner of the states you visit, you’re bound to find one you like.

 
National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY
If you’ve always loved the Corvette and have been a big fan, you’re almost guaranteed to enjoy the Corvette Museum. This museum is like a Corvette playground. Here you’ll find plenty of one-of-a-kind concept cars that never quite made it into reality and also the one and only 1983 Corvette there is.

 
The Quad Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas
While the Quad is a hotel casino in Las Vegas, it also houses 1,000 of the coolest cars around. This museum has an eclectic mix of cars from vintage to muscle cars. Some of the cars have a backstory of history and interesting backgrounds to go along with their beauty and prestige. The collection is worth more than $100 million dollars. That alone is enough to make any car enthusiast want to go to Vegas.

 
The National Automobile Museum – Reno, Nevada
If you’re in Nevada visiting the Quad Hotel and Casino’s collection of cars, (also known as the Harrah’s collection) why not make it an extended event. With over 200 vehicles here, there’s no gambling on the fact you’ll find something to love. The movie-like sets offer sights and sounds of the era so that you get the full effect of a time gone by.

 
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks, Alaska
If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, there are some really great road trips to experience there. Like nowhere else in the states, the combination of isolation and beauty is a compelling one. If you want to see a good collection of cars while you’re visiting, then the Fountain Head Antique Auto Museum in Fairbanks is a pleasant trip.
What makes this particular museum so interesting is that just one look and each car tells its own story. The horseless carriages, the steamers, and the midget racers all have a tale all their own. The stories of these cars are told in many ways from photographs to videos. Some of the rarest cars around are found in this locale.

 
Henry Ford Museum
What would a road trip to a car museum be without a trip to Dearborn, MI to the Henry Ford Museum. Planes and automobiles of all sorts are found here, as well as tours, displays of all kinds and an IMAX theater where you can learn more about these historical pieces. Imagine a race car next to a presidential vehicle that is across from an old Ford. Not only are there acres upon acres of cars to check out, there are innovative and inspiring displays of all kinds. You might bump into Mark Twain’s writing table or spy a replica of the Wright Flyer plane. There’s something here for everyone in your family to enjoy. There are also family-filled events, workshops, and holiday specials going on throughout the year. If you liked these car museums, you might be interested in a more comprehensive list here.

For some travelers, the ideal travel experience includes a collection of some sort of souvenir. It might be a collection of sea shells, sea glass or shot glasses from around the world. Other travelers like to create a theme around their travel adventures. Some like to see the largest cities, the smallest towns or the tiniest of fishing villages. Many travelers enjoy seeing the lighthouses around the world.

Lighthouses have always been a big draw for travelers. There’s something interesting and curious about the history and the personal stories behind them. Lighthouses were used as a beacon of light to aid and guide seafarers on their journeys. Some travelers visit lighthouses for the spectacular photographs they can capture.

Here are some intriguing lighthouses from around the world.

Eldred Rock, Alaska

If you’ve never been to Alaska and are interested in following lighthouses, this lighthouse should be on your list of things to see. With its unusual octagon shape and its impressive, massive mountainous background, this lighthouse earns the title of intriguing.

Tales of shipwrecks during the Gold Rush and undiscovered gold along with missing crew mates makes for an interesting visit.

Cabo Rojo Lighthouse in Puerto Rico

While there are hundreds of thousands of lighthouses throughout the world, what makes this one so appealing is the view it offers. This lighthouse is set hundreds of feet high upon limestone and offers panoramic views from all over the island.

The coved beach area down below is a welcome sight where you can walk, swim or play.

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse

When you think of lighthouses, Nova Scotia might come to mind, with more than 100 lighthouses there. Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is one of the most well-known, well-loved, and most photographed lighthouses of Nova Scotia. Peggy’s Cove is known as a classic iconic landmark, and a popular tourist attraction.

Tower of Hercules, Spain

The Tower of Hercules is so much more than a Roman lighthouse; it is also a landmark. Not only is it close to 2000 years old, but it is also the oldest Roman lighthouse that remains true to function and form where engineering is concerned. This structure is a perfect example of restoration, preservation and functionality in a modern world.

Tourlitis Lighthouse in Greece

Located on Andros Island, the Tourlitis Lighthouse was possibly the most delightful and visually attractive lighthouse in Greece. The stairs leading to the lighthouse are unique unto themselves because they are carved out of the rock on which the lighthouse stands. Whether you see an old photo of the original or ever get the chance to see the replica, this lighthouse appears to be something out of a movie with all its charm and character.

Cape Hatteras in North Carolina

Located in the United States on Hatteras Island, this lighthouse stands over 200 feet tall. It gets to claim the title of tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. A visit to Cape Hatteras is a travel adventure in itself.

You get to enjoy the beach, fishing and nature activities and can even enjoy a climb up the Cape Hatteras lighthouse. It’s a popular travel destination for hundreds of thousands, with good reason.

Whether you are planning a trip to Puerto Rico, elsewhere in the United States or Europe, these lighthouses are sure to charm you.

Technically, Winter Solstice is the beginning of winter – when the cold weather sets in and we prepare to hunker down for a while. Why, then, have people all over the nation celebrated the first day of winter? It’s all a matter of perception. For some, the view is one of being the shortest, darkest day of the year and the onset of winter weather. For others, it is a new beginning where we gain a few cherished seconds of light each day after the Winter Solstice leading us ever closer to the sunnier seasons once again.

For many people, that’s something to celebrate – the thought of warmer weather getting closer and closer. Many folks celebrate darkness is behind them and lighter days are ahead. It is both a spiritual and natural occurrence all over the world. Holiday festivals and traditions are everywhere for Winter Solstice.

Alaska may have a more special association with Winter Solstice as it experiences times of minimal sunlight hovering over a frosty landscape and later on in the year earns its nickname of the land of the “Midnight Sun.”

How exciting it must be for Alaskans to anxiously await the time where they experience a day of up to 18 hours or more of sunlight. Fortunately for those visiting Alaska or those who live there, there’s plenty of activities to enjoy while they wait.

Of course, the actual day of Winter Solstice was filled with so much festivity. There were lantern walks, hikes, bonfires, sleigh rides and even fireworks. But the celebrations don’t stop there. There’s so much to see and do in winter time in Alaska.

Aurora Borealis: Northern Lights in Dark Nights

Travelers gather from all over to view the Northern Lights. It is both a magical and mysterious event that has been keeping viewers in awe. The dead of winter is the best time to view the Northern Lights, which is a spectacular display of multi-colored lights dancing and weaving its way across the night sky in Alaska.

Some locals and visitors alike say that Fairbanks may be the best spot to view the lights. The darker it is, the more chance you have to see this spectacular display of Mother Nature.

Gear up for Downhill Skiing

You won’t see a lot of artificial snowmaking machines; there’s plenty of white stuff courtesy of Mother Nature during winter in Alaska. You can gear up and head up the mountain at the Alyeska Resort where you will encounter more snow than you’d ever thought you’d see and experience challenging mountains all under a world-class setting.

At the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, you can enjoy the experience of cross-country skiing if that’s more your style.

Snowmobile Excursions are One-of-a-Kind in Alaska

Some resorts have snowmobile excursions that are pretty similar. In Alaska, you can experience snowmobiling in a more in-depth way. Take a snowmobile tour of the backcountry as you view the sights and sounds of nature on the Alaskan landscape.

The views of the mountains and the chance to spot wildlife in their natural habitat are both breathtaking and awe-inspiring.

Mush!

If you’ve ever wanted to experience what it’s like to be a dog musher, then winter in Alaska is your chance. You’ll get a chance to meet the experts that run the Iditarod race, and you’ll get to meet and greet an amazing team of dogs who will pull your sled.

Enjoy the scenery and the sights and sounds of an experience like no other. If you have the chance, you might want to explore the Iditarod National Historic Trail where those dogs were responsible for the only way for community members to receive their mail and supplies to those deeply engaged in the Gold Rush.

Get Close Enough to Kiss a Glacier

No trip to Alaska would be complete if you did not get close enough to a glacier to seemingly touch it. Hike up toward Exit Glacier and listen to the sights and hear the sounds as you experience majestic nature.

If you’re visiting Juneau, visit Mendenhall Glacier with miles on end of views, floating icebergs, and plenty of natural wildlife.

While other folks are dreading the onset of winter, you could be enjoying all that Alaska has to offer while you pass the time waiting for sunnier days and shorter nights.

The subject of millennials and everything they do is found everywhere – from the schools they attend and the technology they use to the cars they buy. It seems that anyone and everyone from Generation Y is a topic of conversation, debate, and fascination. It’s even interesting to learn from these folks how they do what they do and achieve what they achieve in every area from workplace to travel.

So, what’s important for a millennial when they do travel? And what about great ways to travel and explore Alaska for millennials? Here are a few ideas to toss around.

Getting there is Half the Fun

Millennials grew up in a time where technology was not only known, but expected. Technology was everywhere from the merchandise their parents used to raise them to the very first toys they played with, as well. It stands to reason then when a millennial travels, you can be sure technology is involved.

The art of the app is one of the best tools millennials can use to make travel easy, breezy. Gen Y travelers are used to a lifestyle where you pull out your phone, pull up an app and the task at hand is complete in under a micro-second.

Apps like TripIt organizes your entire vacation from hotel bookings to shipping your car to Alaska and creating your own personal itinerary. AirBnB is another awesome app for millennials. These innovative travelers want to live life to the fullest and the idea of staying in a castle or a treehouse is more intriguing to this group of travelers.

Companies from hotel chains to airlines are aware of the importance of technology to this group of savvy travelers. Companies in the travel industry know they can no longer avoid the impact that this group has on travel and are taking necessary steps to incorporate technology and social media into their travel game plans.

These smart companies know enough to want to include future amenities such as carriers including USB ports in their seats to hotel chains currently taking on social media efforts to stay active and in front of their millennial followers. Millennials want to share and share some more.

Winter Activities in Alaska Appeal to the Millennials

While older folks might visit Alaska in the spring or summertime, millennials cannot wait to jump into all that Alaska offers in winter time. For them, Alaska comes alive with excitement and adventure during winter.

There are hosts of activities to choose from both traditional and some more adventurous than others:

• Make your way through the wilderness with cross-country skiing
• Create a one-of-a-kind experience with dog mushing
• Breathe in the crispest, coolest air while ice skating or watch a hockey game
• Soar to new heights while mountain climbing
• Pick a new adventure while ice climbing
• Experience awesomeness during glacier viewing
• Watch the magic of a whale as it makes its majestic yet graceful entrance through the surface of Alaskan waters

It’s all about the Nightlife

Once the fun of using all that technology to plan your trip and make it come to fruition are over and you’ve had just about enough adventure for a while, it’s time to check out the night life scene in Alaska. There’s no shortage of places to stop in and enjoy some indoor excitement in Alaska.

Anchorage might just be the best bet for millennials to take their adventures into the night. There are plenty of choices in Anchorage from which to choose. Whether you’re looking for a wine bar or an Irish pub, a big nightclub or a small watering hole, you’re bound to find it in Anchorage. If you’re looking for a nightclub with an eclectic mix of patrons, a more upscale nightclub or an eatery with live music, there’s plenty of variety there too.

Alaska is a perfect place for millennials where they get to have all the adventure a Gen Y could ask for combined with plenty of nightlife and the awe-inspiring background of wildlife and nature giving them a place to unplug from all that technology – at least for a little while.

One of the biggest travel trends today is that of multi-generational families traveling together. Boomers are finding themselves in the position of staying close to aging parents and raising younger children. Older folks are living longer than ever before and this means a whole lot of togetherness. What better way to share family memories and experiences than to travel to Alaska together.

In the vast wilderness, you can find plenty of adventure, share inside secrets, and create new memories.

Un-Cruise Your Way to Alaska

InnerSea Discoveries has  created what they deem an “Un-Cruise” where you get to choose an adventure that is flexible and in alignment with your Alaskan vacation dreams. While bigger cruise lines host hundreds of thousands of travelers, your InnerSea Discoveries “Un-Cruise” can offer you a more intimate Alaskan experience.

On an “Un-Cruise” you can get up close and personal with wilderness and the wildlife that it holds. Whether you wish to see the Inside Passage on a seven-day small ship cruise or a 21 day sail in Glacier National Park, an “Un-Cruise” will surely float your boat.

Surround yourself in the midst of icy glaciers or come as close as you ever thought you could to a breaching whale. A small ship adventure will have you receiving more personal attention and possibly a more rewarding Alaskan adventure, as you share moments of a lifetime with each of your family members.

Take a Tour: See the Sights

When traveling around with your family clan, you will want to have everything planned out to the best of your ability. Sometimes this will require the aid of a tour company. An experienced Alaskan tour company and guide can make certain that all of your extended family’s needs are met and everyone has an exciting adventure.

Imagine sitting around the Thanksgiving table next year and everyone has a thrilling anecdote from your Alaskan adventure to share. There are no inside jokes, only stories about Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Picture sharing your anecdotes about gliding in on Alaska’s waterways on a float plane as a family or the time when you got “this close” to a humpback whale you could almost touch it or even the moment when a family of bald eagles regally soared over your heads.

A tour company offers many benefits. You can book your tours with confidence knowing that your entire family’s needs are taken into account and everyone will have an exhilarating, personalized adventure in Alaska.

A tour company offers you the opportunity to ask for special needs or assistance and can take the leg work out of accommodating everyone and making them all happy. All you have to do is sit back and prepare for the exhilarating trip of a lifetime.

Traditional Cruises

Princess Cruises offers their “North to Alaska” cruises where you can find yourself enveloped in the midst of award-winning experiences. You can opt for a land and sea Alaskan vacation where you get the best of both exhilarating worlds. With Princess Cruises “Alaska on Board” you don’t have to wait until you arrive in The Great Land to enjoy savory, delectable and fresh seafood. Enjoy authentic Alaskan fare and specialty dishes.

With Discovery at Sea, you will be entertained as hit shows such as Shark Week or Deadliest Catch are brought to life. You can learn more about Alaska’s marine life right on board the ship or enjoy a Klondike Festival on board where there’s something for everyone to enjoy – even panning for gold.

With a traditional cruise, the multi-generational family members have it made; there is no loss of fun and entertaining things to do for everyone – leading up to the climax – your arrival in Alaska.

Whether you are part of a major cruise line or exploring Alaska on your own, exploring the ports is the most fulfilling parts of your adventure. There’s plenty to enjoy at the many ports of Alaska, whether it’s planned by your cruise line or you are visiting Alaska on your own. You can go for the major ports or discover the hidden gems with a quainter hometown feel to them.

No matter what you choose, the ports of Alaska are sure to delight you. Whether you have been, are planning to go for the first time, or seeking out to visit again, here is a list of some ports you might want to consider.

Anchorage of Course

Anchorage is probably one of, if not the most, popular ports of call. It boasts the title of the biggest city with the most to see and do, but Anchorage is more like a multi-faceted diamond. It has many sides.

Of course, there is the tourist side, but if you take a little detour you will be pleasantly surprised at the fun and original side of Anchorage. When you think of Anchorage, you probably don’t think about art galleries. In Anchorage, you can find yourself in the midst of some pretty impressive art and artifacts as you make your way through the one and only Anchorage Museum.

If you’re feeling outdoorsy, pick some blueberries or rent a bike. Don’t forget to grab a rod and reel and cast your line for the evening’s salmon dinner. If you are stopping in Anchorage, dig a little deeper and you will find way more than the typical touristy stuff.

Catch some Fun in Ketchikan

If you love seafood, you’re going to love Ketchikan. It’s known as the salmon capital of the world. The freshest seafood anywhere on the planet is probably caught in Ketchikan.

What’s unusual about Ketchikan that might spark your interest? How about a museum known as Dolly’s House Museum; an interesting house tour with a twist. Let’s just say that Dolly was a well-known madame about town in Ketchikan.

Want to do something out of the box in Ketchikan? Attend the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show as many lumberjacks fight for the title of top lumberjack. Plenty of action and plenty of activities to view as a spectator.

Don’t forget to take some time out, grab a kayak and breathe in the awe-inspiring scenery. Ketchikan is quite a mix of fun, interesting, and relaxing events for you.

The Nugget Known as Nome

More popular in the summer months, Nome is plenty of fun. You can watch the Mushers mush in the Iditarod Race, check out the Midnight Sun Festival where the people celebrate 24 hours of daylight (and who wouldn’t celebrate that?) and even bear witness to The Great Bathtub Race – folks racing around in water-filled bathtubs down the street to the finish line. Great fun for sure.

Getting Down with Nature in Seward

If you’re looking for the port with the most natural setting, Seward might be the one for you. Plenty of outdoor activities. Go fishing for a few, hike through the Chugach National Forest, watch for bears at Bear Lake, you name it. Seward’s got it.

Sitka by Sea

Sitka may be small in stature, but it’s not small when it comes to charm. Part of that charm comes from only being able to arrive either by air or by sea. The annual “running of the boots” race might give it some of that charm, as well. Every fall, folks put on their rubber boots and some pretty intriguing costumes to welcome the new fishing season in. Couple of nice museums, cultural tours, and plenty of breathtaking scenery to make you want to stay in Sitka a little longer.

Vibrant Valdez

While it is a small city, Valdez in not short on vibrancy. The awe-inspiring beauty of its natural and serene settings is enough to make you want to stay a while longer. Prince William Sound and the Chugach mountain range, fishing everywhere you turn and world extreme ski championships give Valdez an exciting mix of things to do and see.

No Roads Lead to Juneau

Juneau might be known as one of the most unique ports with no roads in or out of town; if you want to visit Juneau, you have to go by air or by sea. The Alaskan Brewing Company is a tour some will enjoy immensely or, if you are feeling adventurous as soon as you pull into the dock, you might want to zip line with the scenery of Alaskan mountains as your backdrop. Whale watching and glacier viewing are great ways to spend some time in Juneau.

Shop Till You Drop in Skagway

If fresh mountain air and sparkling clean lakes make you want to shop till you drop, Skagway has what you need. Skagway is lively, entertaining and busy as far as ports go with hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Gift shops offer local, cultural arts and crafts as well as beautiful jewelry. You can catch a re-enactment of a scene from the Gold Rush or walk around downtown taking in all its charm.

History in Haines

Plenty of history and wildlife viewing. If you are seeking to get up close and personal with wildlife, then Haines is the port for you. Chilkat Valley is home to plenty of brown bears and Chilkoot River hosts the dinner table where brown and black bears feast on salmon. Haines is host to the bald eagle festival each year in November, and if you want to see thousands of eagles all in one place swoop down for feeding time, then Haines is the place to capture sight or photographs of those magnificent creatures.

With a host of ports like this to choose from, you might just find yourself pulling into Alaska’s docks more than just once.

If you’ve never taken a cruise before or even if you have, the first thought you might think is to go somewhere tropical. That’s what most people conjure up when they think of taking a cruise. What do you conjure up when you think about a cruise to Alaska? Maybe the only thing you can think of is how cold it might be, but there’s so much more to the vast beauty and magnificence of Alaska than snow and ice. There are some incredible reasons to take a cruise to Alaska, some of which might surprise you.

Check Out the Variety of Options

Nearly every major line has a ship that cruises Alaska and a breathtaking itinerary to go along with it. No matter your taste, style or budget, there’s a cruise line that’s perfect for you. With so much variety, you’re bound to find the one you’ll love.

Here are 4 Ways to Discover if an Alaskan Cruise is Right for You

Get in Touch with Your Inner Child

• Fun, family-oriented cruises – Disney Alaskan Cruises are probably your best bet for fun, family and adventure. There’s plenty of grown-up stuff to do with even more child-friendly activities for the kids. You’ll get plenty of help from their friendly service too.

Take some time and ask yourself if a cruise on a line that specializes in family adventure is right for you and yours. You just might bring out your inner child while you’re on board.

Get Pampered

• A little luxury goes a long way – Crystal Alaskan Cruises will offer you a more upscale experience with out-of-the-box activities like offering music lessons and yoga and even a gold clinic. If you want to have an invigorating Alaskan experience combined with relaxing all-star treatment, this might be the cruise for you.

Look at your lifestyle and ask yourself when the last time you treated yourself to a little pampering was. A luxury cruise to Alaska might be your right reason to go and get pampered on the way.

Be a Free Wheeler

• Going freestyle – Norwegian Alaskan cruise offers their signature freestyle form of cruising. You won’t have to worry so much about when you have to eat as you feel free to “roam about the cabin.”

Do you need more flexibility and less rules when you vacation? If you’re like most people, you have enough of that when you’re at work and home. Check out a freestyle cruise to see if it’s the right one for you.

Bring out Your Inner Explorer

• Expedition cruise – What about an expedition cruise? If you’re not into a traditional cruise and want to get a first-hand, more one-on-one experience with Alaskan wildlife, definitely consider an expedition cruise. Trek across a glacier and zip past a sea of icebergs as you kayak the waters of Alaska.

When was the last time you found yourself in the middle of a vast and open, natural space? It doesn’t get any vaster than Alaska. Is hiking one of the most remote places on earth, kayaking through glacier-filled waters and trekking over a glacier as you spy bald eagles above, your idea of a change of pace? If the answer is a resounding yes, then you know an expedition cruise is right for you.

Whether you are a fun-loving adventure seeker, family person or in need of a little tender loving care, ask yourself these questions and see if an Alaskan cruise is right for you.