Tag Archives: alaska

Insurance in Alaska Now Covers Autism Treatment

As of January 1, 2013, health insurance policies in the state of Alaska will be required to cover autism treatment. This is going to be a very “Happy New Year” for parents in Alaska who have children who require treatment for autism! There seems to be a trend going on where states are requiring this type of coverage. This is going to be a better year for families in Alaska who have children who have an autism spectrum disorder. Governor Sean Parnell allowed a bill to become a law without his signature. That bill requires health insurance companies in the … Continue reading →

Christmas Fun in North Pole… Alaska

Yesterday I wrote about several U.S. cities that sport Christmas-themed names, including Noel, Missouri; Santa Claus, Indiana; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; and Christmas, Florida. Thanks to an astute reader I’m back again with one more-—North Pole, Alaska. North Pole, Alaska—-not to be confused with the planet’s geographic North Pole—-is located roughly 12 miles from Fairbanks amid the Arctic Ocean. Alaska’s North Pole has a population of 2,200 and got its name back in 1953. Each year despite the bitter cold tens of thousands of residents and visitors turn out for the city’s annual ice festival and sculpting contest. This year’s big North … Continue reading →

Love Lessons Learned on an Alaskan Vacation

I started this year with a goal: looking for examples of what makes love work. I keep finding them. Sometimes in unexpected places. Like on our Alaskan vacation. Who knew love lessons would abound there? “That’s what marriage is…” Comedian Merl Hobbs entertained the ship the first night. A lot of his jokes were marriage centered. One of his tag lines (that he eventually incorporated into more than a few punch lines) was: “That’s what marriage is: doing stuff you don’t want to do.” As comics often do, through humor he highlighted trials of marriage most of us know, mostly … Continue reading →

Major Sale on Alaskan Sailings

The calendar may indicate that we’ve only reached summer’s mid-point, but with September in sight savvy cruisers know this is the time of year when prices for sailings to the 49th State begin dropping like lead balloons. If you don’t mind traveling in cooler temps then you shouldn’t wait to book one of the following outstanding deals. The late-August/early-September excursions will give you incredible access to spectacular fall colors and abundant wildlife sightings for less than it would cost you to fly from Boston to Chicago. Take a look: CELEBRITY CRUISE LINES This weeklong odyssey departs from Alaska’s Seward and … Continue reading →

Wild and Wacky Travel Fun

Have you ever wondered where you could go to see a pumpkin being launched thousands of feet in the air? Or where you could sink your teeth into the world’s largest omelet? Well, wonder no more. I’ve tracked down some of the country’s most outlandish travel attractions that are made only better when people from around the world visit them on their family vacation. DELAWARE Each year Sussex County, Delaware hosts the World Championship Punkin Chunkin celebration. From October 31-November 2, 2008 you can watch as helmet-wearing participants load pumpkins into homemade cannons in the hopes of launching the orange … Continue reading →

Go Global for Earth Day

Earth Day is next Tuesday and if you are looking for ways to embrace the environment you might consider traveling to the world’s foremost eco-friendly destinations. Some of the most “green” lodgings on the planet are offering amazing discounts for environmentally aware visitors through the end of the month. Take a look: COSTA RICA For just $110 per night you can stay in one of the world’s premier green destinations. Costa Rica is known as the Switzerland of Central America for the way it preserves its natural wonders and Luna Lodge is the place to stay if you want to … Continue reading →

Serious Family Fun—Spending Spring Break at an Indoor Waterpark

Our neighbors have two young sons who start counting down to their school’s spring break the day after New Year’s. Since they live in Wisconsin and cannot afford to take off from work and fly to Hawaii during the week-long school break they have made a family tradition of driving to Wisconsin Dells a.k.a. “The Waterpark Capital of the World.” The area is filled with dozens of indoor waterparks. Vacationing there gives the boys a chance to spend time in the water no matter how much snow is on the ground or what the thermometer might read. And while the … Continue reading →

The 2008 Iditarod

The latest Iditarod winner is no stranger to the race — or the victory. Lance Mackey followed his 2007 Iditarod win with another victory this year. The Iditarod (for those who aren’t familiar) is an eleven hundred mile dogsled race. It commemorates a 1925 sled dog run that brought diphtheria medication to Nome, Alaska. The 2008 race was the thirty-sixth year of the grueling competition. New to the race this year: a tracking system that allows fans to follow the progress of the top eighteen mushers online. Future races may include the ability to track ALL competitors — a bonus … Continue reading →

Ski Getaways for the Entire Family

If you live anywhere in the northern portion of the United States then you are likely waiting for Old Man Winter to take a hike. However, given the number of ski deals still available for the months of March and April there are at least a few families who can’t get enough of (or are planning to experience for the first time) the thrills associated with shooshing down the slopes. Take a look: VERMONT The “Popcorn and Powder” package is ideal for families with young children or those who don’t have much experience on skis. For $305 per room per … Continue reading →

Cruise into Spring—-ALASKA

Can you think of a better way to ditch the winter blues than taking a spring cruise aboard a luxury ocean liner? A tropical cruise to sunny locales such as Hawaii and the Caribbean might be at the top of your list, but if you are looking to save money and still take part in a relaxing ride on the high seas you might consider heading to Alaska. Alaska’s cruise season doesn’t officially kick off until late April but budget conscious travelers know this is the perfect time to book a cheap cabin on a spring cruise to the 49th … Continue reading →