The days are getting longer — and that means our friends and relatives will be arriving soon. Before they get here, though, there are a few weeks when some of the best lodges and attractions are open, and they're available at a discount.
I love early bird discounts, because it's less crowded and your travel dollar goes further. Whether you're headed north to Denali or south to Homer, there are plenty of bargain-priced trips to get you started on your Great Alaska Summer. Let's explore together:
1. Princess lodges. Princess has five lodges around the state. All of them are on sale during the month of May. The Denali Princess, near the park entrance, opens on May 13. The Mt. McKinley Princess, near Talkeetna, opens May 15. Both hotels are available at $99.95 per night.
The Copper River Princess (near Copper Center on the Richardson Highway), the Kenai Princess (near Cooper Landing) and the Fairbanks Princess all are available for $119.95 starting in mid-May.
The real deal with Princess is the rail/hotel packages. My favorite package is tour "02A" which includes round-trip rail between Anchorage and Denali National Park and Preserve on Princess' private rail cars. Then, the Princess bus will pick you up and you'll stay at either the Denali Princess or at the McKinley Chalets (next door) for a two-night stay. That's plenty of time to take the bus tour into the park, or take a raft trip on the Nenana River, or a helicopter tour! The cost is $385 per person (double occupancy). The trips and excursions are extra, of course. The first available date is May 21. Call 800-426-0500.
The other bargain is at the Mt. McKinley Princess. Take the train up to Talkeetna (you'll ride in Princess' rail cars). Then, take the bus for the 60-mile ride to the lodge. Then, check in for two nights — and check out the "mother of all decks," which features a stunning view of Denali. The cost for the three-day/two-night package is $238 per person, double occupancy.
2. Alaska Denali Travel. There are some great deals for Alaska residents (or active military personnel).
a. Denali Backcountry Adventure. This is a 13-hour tour that goes the entire length of the road inside Denali National Park. Watch for bear, moose, caribou and Dall sheep on your way to Kantishna. Stretch your legs along the banks of Moose Creek. Try your hand at fishing or gold panning. Then enjoy a lunch buffet at Denali Backcountry Lodge. Not many people make the trip all the way back to Kantishna. Be sure and snap a picture of Denali with Wonder Lake in the foreground. The 13-hour tour is $179 — and the second person is half-price. Book by June 1 for travel between June 5 and Sept. 11. Call 855-585-1534.
b. Denali Backcountry Lodge. There are just a few nights available between June 4 and 12 for the "second night half-off" deal. But check out the details on this all-inclusive lodge at the end of the park road: meals, guided hikes and activities are included, along with your accommodations. The cost for the first night is $529 per person. The second night: half-off.
3. Land's End Resort. The drive from Anchorage to Homer is a great adventure. Land's End has a great location at the end of the Homer Spit. I have seen whales right off the beach, as well as otters, eagles, seals and other critters. It's a great weekend escape. Usually, the popular "Getaway" package ends on April 30. But I just spoke with Mike Dye, the general manager. He said they're extending the overnight package through May 13. For $139 per couple, Dye is offering oceanview accommodations. Dinner for two at the hotel's restaurant is included. Call the front desk at 907-235-0400 for reservations.
4. Knik River Lodge. It's just 54 miles from downtown Anchorage, but the lodge is worlds away from the city. The tidy cabins are nestled on a hillside overlooking the Knik River. You can stay there between May 8 and May 31 for $99. You'll see some helicopters in the front yard — they are there to take you on a ride to the Knik Glacier. Ride the chopper for $299 per person for a 30-minute tour with glacier landing. There's an extra charge if you weigh more than 200 pounds. Call 907-745-5002.
5. Alyeska Resort. Our favorite ski resort has a host of springtime packages. Between now and May 18, stay overnight at the resort for $99 per night ($119 per night on weekends). Keep in mind the tram is closed until May 18 — but the pool is open!
Starting May 6, Alyeska has two special packages: choose from a package with the 26 Glaciers Cruise, or one with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
6. Kennicott Glacier Lodge. Take the drive northeast from Anchorage through the Matanuska Valley. It's a five-hour drive to Chitina. You can park at the airport and fly with Wrangell Mountain Air for the last 60 miles, or just take it slow and drive yourself. Keep it under 35 miles per hour on the Edgerton Highway. Once you arrive at McCarthy, there's a parking lot with an attendant who can call the lodge to pick you up. Between May 28 and June 15, the lodge is offering "Forest View" rooms in the main lodge for as little as $99 per night. The "Glacier View" rooms are $169 per night. Stay a couple of nights and go hike on a glacier, or take a tour through the old mining town. Call 907-258-2350 for reservations.
7. Kenai Fjords Tours. Between May 16 and 31, drive to Seward and take advantage of the "Super Saver" package with Kenai Fjords Tours and the Seward Windsong Lodge. Your package includes overnight accommodations and a ticket on the 11:30 a.m. National Park Cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. See the glaciers, watch for whales, puffins, eagles, sea lions and seals. This is a great package for a great trip. The cost is $189 per person, double occupancy. Call 877-777-4051 for reservations.
There are other exciting options for the early bird traveler, including riding the Alaska Railroad, going on flightseeing trips or just hitting the trails for a hike in the woods. But here's the takeaway message: Start planning your summer adventures right now!
Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based marketing consultant, serving clients in the transportation, hospitality, media and specialty destination sectors, among others. Contact him by email at zoom907@me.com. You can follow him on Twitter (@alaskatravelGRM) and alaskatravelgram.com. For more information, visit alaskatravelgram.com/about.