Alaska More than Just a Block of Ice

TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS – http://routebyroad.com

Alaska. Talk about a place that’s gotten a bum rap. Half the world thinks it’s part of Canada and the other half thinks it’s just a big block of ice. Well, hold on to your fur coats because there is more to see and do in Alaska than you know.

For starters there’s Kenai Fords National Park. Here you can go on a sightseeing cruise to visit some glaciers and see some marine wildlife. The ship sails out of Seward. The park is just 130 miles south of Anchorage. It is made of a range of coastal mountains which slowly sink into the ocean, transforming its former glacial valleys into long fjords with rocky and steep walls. Photos just don’t do it justice. You have to see it in person.

While we’re on the subject of parks, there’s also Denali National Park & Preserve. It features North America’s highest mountain, 20,320-foot tall Mount McKinley. The park is more than 6 million acres. Now THAT is a huge park. It comes complete with a sub arctic ecosystem featuring such animals as grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, and moose.

Then there’s the Alaska Sealife Center. It’s a non profit marine science facility dedicated to understanding and maintaining the integrity of the marine ecosystem. In other words, they’re doing everything they can to see that the fish don’t end up belly up.

Speaking of fish, if you’re into that sort of thing, there’s the Homer Spit Fishing Hole. Here you can fish for kings and silvers right off the bank of the Homer Spit.

Then there’s the Ididaride Dog Sled Tours in Seward, Alaska. Here you’ll find three generations of top-20 Iditarod racers and fourteen generations of champion sled dogs. It was founded by Dan Seavey Sr. in 1965. His oldest son Mitch took over the racing program in 1982.

For those looking to get a bit of an education there’s the UAF Institute of Marine Science Seward Marine Center which is a unit in the University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. Yes, there is a lot of education in Alaska about Marine life. Considering fishing is one of their main industries it certainly makes sense. The park was established as Mt. McKinley National Park on 26 February, 1917. The original park was designated a wilderness area and incorporated into Denali National Park and Preserve in 1980. The Park was designated an international biosphere reserve in 1976.

Believe it or not, people DO have fun in Alaska. It’s not just all ice and snow. There is a nightlife that would give any city a run for it’s money.

One of the hottest spots in Alaska is “Club Oasis” located on Seward Highway. Here you’ll find live music, great drinks and no cover charge. This is where those wild Alaskans really let their hair down.

Then there’s Chilkoot Charlie’s in Anchorage, Alaska where you’ll find the famous Bird House Bar, great drinks, music, wild women and non stop fun. You can even cater private parties here.

Yes, Alaska certainly is more than just a chunk of frozen wasteland. When you’re in the neighborhood stop on by. You may not want to leave.

Alaska More than Just a Block of Ice

A Short Break in Rome Is Better than No Rome at All

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Ahh, Roma. It should be written in every person’s destiny that they shall travel to the Eternal City at least once in their lifetime, to experience the romance, the history and the charm that is the capital of Italy. A short break in Rome may seem like a compromise, but in reality, even a few days is enough to experience a wonderful slice of life so different to one’s own existence. To sit and ponder life’s mysteries while enjoying affogato in a piazza, or to throw coins in the Fontana di Trevi and wish for a return to this magical place, are moments that justify making the journey for a short break in Rome.

Whether you are Catholic, Jewish or Buddhist, stopping by the Vatican both inspires and humbles; if not for the religious significance, then to marvel at the historical nature. Exploring the Coliseum, you will learn about the magnificent gladiators who fought for fame and glory there. Back on the streets, you will dodge haphazard fleets of Fiats and Ferraris, whilst checking out the fashionistas who seem to loiter at every corner to see and be seen. Even a short break in Rome will transplant untold fascination into your heart.

Accommodation choices vary from tiny hole-in-the-wall overnighters to grand hotels that you won’t want to leave, even to go sightseeing. Depending on the time of year you choose to take your short break in Rome, you could save significant sums of money, or you could be at a disadvantage. Similarly, planning in advance could serve you well, whereas sometimes, last minute deals are irresistibly affordable.

Many travel agents can plan weekend itineraries for you that will encompass all the absolute must-visits of Rome. Sure, you may have to make like a text-book tourist and stay on the well-worn paths of millions who have gone before you, but when time is of the essence, you certainly don’t want to waste it on studying map books, asking for directions in an unfamiliar language and learning the hard way how not to be taken advantage of. A short break in Rome can be as exhausting and exhilarating as any two-week bus tour through the whole of Europe.

The key to making the most of a short break in Rome is to pack light, plan ahead and be well rested before you arrive. And be prepared to sleep very little since there is always something to see in beautiful Roma, day or night, winter or summer, rain or shine.

If you’re ready to book your short break in Rome, visit our website for all the advice you’ll need, and some great deals and “Insider” secrets about travel to the eternal city.

A Short Break in Rome Is Better than No Rome at All