Anchorage Daily News | TRAVEL: When Fairbanks gets frigid, head for fun in the sun

Anchorage Daily News | TRAVEL: When Fairbanks gets frigid, head for fun in the sun

TRAVEL: When Fairbanks gets frigid, head for fun in the sun
SCOTT MCMURREN
TRAVEL

(Published: October 10, 2004)

Each year, Alaska's travel professionals get together and plan what's going to be the "next big thing" for travelers for the following summer.

This year, the group gathered in Fairbanks at the Westmark Hotel. Much was said about the success of the new cruise port in Hoonah, the new hotels in Fairbanks, Anchorage and Seward and the increase in visitors.

But the Fairbanks community is particularly excited about its winter activities, since Japan Airlines is bringing three planeloads of foreign visitors to sample the wares. Whether it's hot springs, ice carving or watching the exciting Yukon Quest Sled Dog Race, Fairbanks is making a run to corner the market on winter fun.

As the temperatures dip and the days get shorter, it's funny how some of the travel wonks get excited about winter. Sitting around the dinner table at LaVelle's, the city's upscale bistro, everybody is ready to pull the plug on winter for some fun in the sun.

Mary Anne Flowers said she's ready for some Hawaii. "I've got a jar of green sand from the Big Island of Hawaii on my desk," she said. "When things get stressful at work, I just think of going back to the land of 'aloha.' "

This month actually is a really good time to plan a tropical holiday. The best deals to Hawaii are between Feb. 17 and April 3, when both Hawaiian Vacations and Northwest Airlines are flying between Anchorage and Maui. Both airlines have good deals with tour operators and wholesalers. You can cash in on one of the good "tour-based" airfares by renting a car for a week or buying a week's worth of hotel accommodations. Hawaiian Vacations offers a great rate of just $549 round trip when booked with a car rental or hotel stay. Northwest has similar bargains. Check with your travel agent for details.

"I can't wait to go back to Mexico," said Penny Wells, a frequent traveler to Mexico. The best bargains south of the border are with Alaska Airlines. But you've got to purchase the deals between now and Nov. 4.

It's part of Alaska Airlines' "PFD" travel bargains. You can fly from Anchorage or Fairbanks to any one of Alaska's seven Mexico destinations for just $599 round trip. Of course, there's an extra $100 or so to add on for taxes. Still, it's a good deal to get from Anchorage to Cancun, Manzanillo, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas or Guadalajara.

Because of the dependable air service between Anchorage and both Hawaii and Mexico, more Alaskans are purchasing second homes in the tropical climes. Rod Bradley is a frequent attendee at the travel industry conference. He's getting ready to head back to his home north of Cabo San Lucas. It's appropriate. After all, that winter wind is coming up the Chena River as we stand outside Pike's Waterfront Lodge. Even though it's clear that winter is coming, there still are three jet skiers outside on the Chena River. Heck, Capt. Binkley has parked his Riverboat Discovery for the season, but these Fairbanks folks don't know when to quit! I was glad to see at least one of the jet-skiers had a jacket on over his wet suit!

Mexico and Hawaii aside, there are some great deals on airfares between Anchorage and Europe.

Yoshi Ogawa over at ITC Travel has a special $698 rate for travel from Anchorage or Fairbanks to more than 30 cities throughout Europe.

To several of the European cities, there are better deals from time to time. But, as Yoshi said, you have to "stand on your head" to qualify. That means you have to travel on a specific midweek day, stay a certain number of days and comply with other restrictions.

Ogawa's special deal, which features travel on SAS Scandinavian Airlines from Seattle, is valid for travel between now and March 31, 2005. There is an 11-day blackout period around Christmas. The least expensive fares are for travel Mondays-Thursdays. You can fly on Friday, Saturday or Sunday for an extra $50 each way.

The list of cities is impressive, including Athens, Malaga, Rome, London, Amsterdam and Nice. Altogether, there are 32 cities in 11 countries.

Don't get me wrong: There's nothing bad about travel during the winter to Fairbanks. But it's clear that even the locals are anxious to fly out for some fun and sun. It appears this is the month to make your plans.

Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based travel marketing consultant. E-mail him at zoom@toursaver.com