Winter Arctic Circle Fly Drive Adventure

A rare one day experience during the winter time is an Arctic Circle Fly Drive Adventure.

Northern Alaska Tour Company is pleased to announce 3 days we are able to offer this in February. There will be one available on February 11, 12 and 20.

This experience can really enhance a visitors experience by providing both an aerial and ground experience in Alaska's Arctic.

Guests will fly from Fairbanks to Coldfoot by small plane - each guest with a window seat. Upon landing guests will be taken to Coldfoot Camp, the northern most truck stop along the Dalton Highway and seen on the History Channel's Ice Road Truckers.

After a brief orientation and a little free time to take pictures the ground tour south on the Dalton Highway begins. Throughout the ground journey the guide will share the story of Alaska's Arctic and make stops to see close up the Arctic Tundra cast in a coat of winter ice, the Trans Alaska Pipeline, and the frozen Yukon River.

Any traveller wishing to learn more can visit: http://www.northernalaska.com/ or call 800-474-1986 or 800-474-8600.

When should we make reservations?

Another common question for guests travelling to Alaska is "When should we make our reservations?"

As unclear as it is - the best answer is once you know what you want to do and when you want to do it is the time to make the reservation.

One of the saddest situations we can run into making reservations is receiving a phone call from someone who has a 14 day vacation but they didn't call us until a month out and the one day or one afternoon they set aside for an Arctic Circle experience is the day we are full.

Granted, be aware of what the deposit and cancellation policy is for the package/ tour/ accommodation you are looking at. Some might be more strict then others if you need to change a date - so do be aware of those restrictions. However, many others allow you to change dates with no penalty if you find you need to move one tour to another day to fit another tour in. Just ask at your inquiry stage.

Bottom line is research on where you are going and what there is to do is a GREAT idea so that you don't miss anything once you get there. But of course, you can always save a little something for your next trip to that same destination.

Happy Travels!

The Question of Travel Insurance

A common concern of travellers these days is if they should get travellers insurance.

It really is a personal decision depending on what is happening in your own life and what you could loose if you have to change your plans OR if they get changed for you.

Most people will recommend travel insurance to you to help protect your travel investment from any unforeseen emergencies that may interrupt or cancel your plans. Medical reasons is another reason -usually more important if you are travelling outside of the states - will your current medical coverage be enough?

Questions to ask yourself:

If you or the people you are travelling with become ill or injured while you are travelling does your current health insurance cover emergency expenses while you are travelling (don't forget to think about ambulance service and prescriptions or transportation to get you to a hospital closer to home or for family to travel to you where you may be hospitalized).

If you have to cancel your trip before travelling because of injury would you receive a refund?

If you need to cancel because of family who become ill or die is your cancellation covered for this reason?

If your flight to your destination is delayed and you miss your night stay at a hotel can you cancel the hotel reservation for this reason or is the stay covered by your current insurance?

If you are delayed and need to stay at a destination longer then you planned does your current insurance cover this additional hotel stay?

And, if your luggage is delayed can you manage at your destination for more then a day if your luggage is not with you?

For some travellers it may be they only get travel insurance for a small part of their overall experience (i.e. your airline tickets which may have big penalties for cancellation) but leave other components to fall under their regular cancellation policy.

For others they may have medical concerns or family health concerns that could easily change their plans getting as much covered as possible is a good idea.

A trip to Alaska can be a great experience. Getting travel insurance may add to the overal east of mind knowing you will be looked after in most unforeseen circumstances. Talk to the company (companies) you are making your reservations with and know what their cancellation policy is so you can make the best decision for your.

Happy Travels!

Denali on January 1

Here is a BEAUTIFUL picture of Denali taken by Air Arctic Pilot Bill on January 1, 2010.

Don't you wish you had joined us for this flight?

Welcome 2010!

Happy New Years from the North.

While we are one of the last to bring in the new year we aren't the least appreciative for all that the old year has brought us and what the new year has in store for us.

This past year we were trialed by bad economy but blessed with great coworkers and visiting friends. 2010 is beginning to be a great year - while the sun is yet to be up at 9:30 am -- the stars and the moon are out and the air is clear.

Many happy wishes to all for a great 2010!

Sledding in the Arctic

People often ask what do you do on a ground tour in the winter.

GO SLEDDING!

Just south of the Yukon River on the Dalton Highway there is a great spot to burn off a little energy.

We provide the sleds if you provide the energy!

Denali on New Years Day!

What a great day to travel in Alaska's Arctic.

Daylight is beginning to return by a few minutes each day and the weather is cooperating for clear skies for some great flights to Denali.

Here is a look at the mountain as seen on January 1, 2005 -- One of our guests from Japan said it was good luck to see the sun rise on the mountain.

We had 2 flights go to Denali today, 1 to Beaver, and 1 to Coldfoot. Much to do even in our short winter days.