Alaskan Adventures

I am thrilled about traveling soon to Alaska. I begin in Anchorage, a city known for its culture and sophistication, to see the closing of the theatrical production that my friend's first book was turned into. I could not be happier for Lael Morgan's success and suggest you check out her fabulous books about the history of America's wild west including The Good Time Girls, Wanton West and Eskimo Star.

After my foray into big city life in a state known for its wild ruggedness, I will board a glass domed train to Seward to catch a ship to see the glaciers and to watch whales and bears. Then I hope to take a helicopter ride to Juneau to visit the capital of this magnificent state. With the exception of once taking a glass domed train through the gorgeous mountains in Colorado, all the rest of these adventures are entirely new to me and high up on my bucket list.

Afterwards, we are driving for seven hours through some of the most magnificent terrain our country has to offer to Fairbanks for a variety of adventures including a paddleboat ride up the river to the north country, a visit to the hotsprings that are enjoyed often during snowfalls, and a trip down Haul Road to the Arctic.

I am also looking forward to the ice museums and botanical gardens for which Fairbanks is famous. It does seem the perfect place for both. I looking forward to describing these adventures in future columns.

In deciding where to stay, we chose a Bed & Breakfast, a charming alternative to hotels or motels even in the most beautiful environments. I decided to rerun my column on B&B's below so you might also try this unique experience. I say unique because each B&B has its own style, character, type of food service and specialty offerings.

Bed & Breakfasts

Though an exotic vacation in a far-off place sounds attractive, it's not the only prescription for refreshment and rejuvenation. A change in scenery, attentive service, and someone else in the kitchen can do the trick, so consider a Bed & Breakfast in a town you've never visited.

The home styles are as varied as the locales--rustic cabins in the forest, sumptuous villas in the mountains, and charming Victorians with antique lace curtains and embroidered pillows in quaint little towns are just a few of the possibilities.

Visit www.bedandbreakfast.com (particularly on Wednesdays when it lists hot deals) for information about B&B's in your price and travel range. Then decide if you'll drive and see the country side, or fly to another part of the country or world. Be sure to include in your search any special dietary or housing needs like access for the disabled, vegetarian meals, whether or not pets are allowed, and senior discounts.

Ask the innkeeper if the room has comfortable chairs for reading, there are grab bars in the tub and shower and good lighting, particularly in the bathroom, to prevent falls in the night. If stairs are a problem, request first-floor accommodations, and see if you will have phone and email access.

Rather than choose the least expensive inn, select the least expensive room in a more expensive inn to get the most for your money. The reduced cost in the better inn is generally because it's the smallest room. Typically, however, even it has a queen-size bed and private bathroom, and you'll enjoy the same ambiance and amenities as those paying twice the price.

To further reduce the cost, travel off season (avoid holidays and school vacations) and stay mid-week. Ask for a reduction in price for staying multiple nights, and be flexible. Take advantage of last minute, get-away packages.