It’s summer.  As we all know it’s also the season for heat strokes, lawn fires, droughts, and high electricity bills.  For those of you who are running out of places to take the kids other than Disneyland, a much quieter, cooler place may very well sooth your vacationing itch.  Alaska isn’t all about the wilderness and sub-zero temperatures.  What most people don’t realize is that “The Last Frontier” state is definitely perfect for quick summer getaways.

Getting to Alaska is easy, seeing that state has its own airline, and if for those on a tight budget travel opportunities are a dime-a-dozen throughout the net.
You might ask, “But what is there to do there that’s safe, manageable, and fun for the whole family?”  Well, as our Inuit brethren would say, “There’s plenty to do here, so come on over!”  With the cool and more forgiving weather during the summer months, Alaska will certainly make you realize that it is truly the coolest place to be.

Though before you start packing your bags, here are a few things worth jotting down:

Outdoor Activities:
It isn’t called The Last Frontier for nothing.  You and your family can enjoy numerous activities while at the Alaskan outdoors.  There’s kayaking, four wheeling (ATV’s), and hiking.  Of course, there are safe routes for beginners as much as there are more perilous ones for those seeking adventure.  You and your family could also fish for huge King Salmons, which are very tasty.  And if you’re lucky and happen to find yourself in front of the ocean then you might very well see a blue whale or an orca splashing about.  Now that’s a hundred times more fascinating than SeaWorld!  But if whales and marine life aren’t up your alley, there are also eagles and moose and other interesting wildlife—some of which often walk right up the streets of Anchorage.

Historical Sites:
If you happen to be staying at Anchorage, take a trip to the Native Heritage Center.  While there the kids can finally learn firsthand about the 11 distinct cultures found in Alaska—that’s even more than most cities.  In addition, there is also the Ulu Knife Factory which showcases unique sets of blades which are exact replicas of what the early settlers used for hunting, gathering, and fishing.  Lastly, there’s the Anchorage Museum where you can learn about the Alaskan Pipeline–which is responsible for carrying much needed oil to the mainland–, and take a trip back into history to bear witness to the devastation of the great Alaskan earthquake of 1964 which measured 9.2 on the Richter scale.  It is also important to mention that all these notable places are just either a stroll or bus ride away from the nicest hotels.

Dining:
Don’t limit yourself to fast food, and all that unhealthy junk food.  While in Alaska, you can delight in delicacies not found anywhere else, and definitely not as fresh.  Among the favorites are reindeer sausages, caribou steaks.  For dad, there’s the exquisitely brewed microbeer—sorry kiddies maybe after a few years.  And of course, don’t forget that tasty Salmon you just caught!

Night Life:
When finally, the kids are tucked safely in bed, there is the Alaskan night life awaiting those old romantics seeking a little time away from domestic life.  There are plenty of bars open to those looking for a good time, most notably the B & B Bar which is the oldest bar in the state, complete with nondescript architecture and friendly people.  Couples could also avail of certain stimulants which are deemed illegal in most states.  So go back for a brief moment to the time when everything else was easier and responsibility was merely a suggestion rather than a mandate.  Don’t forget to look up at that colorful sky, illuminated by the Aurora Borealis.

The wildlife is always inviting. And a thrill-seeking traveler is always allured by the breathtaking pictures of untouched landscape and genuine wildlife. Who would not be tempted to take a dip in the ocean with the world’s most colorful marine life? Or who would not want to see the elegant felines in a safari? It would be great to experience the grandeur of nature in these wildlife trips, but as beautiful as these may appear, these spots are also as perilous. Here are a few of the world’s most beautiful but also most dangerous.

Alaska. Almost everyone hugged a teddy bear when they were kids, but real bears will kill you if they hug you. If you’re a backpacker, camper, traveling photographer or even just a nature-lover, Alaska will not disappoint you with its variety of bears. Aside from the famous Grizzly bear, Black and Polar bears also roam Alaskan ground. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, taking the bear viewing tours of Alaska will give you the right rush of excitement. These beautiful giants can be viewed in their natural habitat doing their usual daily routine, like fishing. Yes, viewing them will surely be a subliminal experience. But you cannot deny that there is also danger in going to these trips. Once you get separated from your tour group and unknowingly did something to anger a bear, you might just be attacked. Even trainers get attacked so it’s still important to be cautious when meeting a bear.

Africa. Africa offers a lot to tourists. There are beaches, gardens and falls. But none would give the same thrill as going on an African Safari. As with the bear-watching in Alaska, Africa also gives a view of various creatures in the wild. This time, prides of felines will amaze you. There are no cages to block a swift and possibly fatal attack of a tiger. There are also elephants and hippos that can crush you in one move. But of course these tours are well managed, organized and prepared for the safety of travelers. But then again, a wrong move might anger a hiding lioness and you might just be surprised with an attack.

Australia. Australia may be the most dangerous place of all mentioned, making it the most exciting. Not only may the creatures be unsuspectingly fierce, but the weather may be unbearable for others. Firstly, they have the beautiful but wild land. Crocodiles, snakes and other reptiles are undoubtedly scary. But animals as cute and sweet-looking as a kangaroo may also give you some blows. The famous Great Barrier Reef is not an exception. The wide biodiversity of Australia’s marine life is so beautiful and colorful. But because it’s so diverse, tourists are not always familiar with the sea creatures and their fatal attacks. Various kinds of sea snakes, jellyfish, octopus and stingrays may bring you to your last breath.

This is not to discourage you from traveling and exploring the wildlife. As I have stressed, seeing these creatures in their natural habitat may give you the most subliminal moments of your life. The point is to be cautious and not to be naïve. Some people feel too safe because they paid big bucks to join a wildlife tour. But the truth is a bear is always a bear and snakes will most likely have venom. You will never know what goes on in their heads and you will never know what simple act may aggregate them. So listen well to your guide. Sometimes, beauty can literally be fatal.

Again, this is not to discourage tours to the wildlife. Click here to get a $750 Airline Gift Card! Have a safe, worry-free travel!