Prior to our arrival in Westport, on Ireland’s Atlantic Coast, I’d never heard of the Wild Atlantic Way.

It’s the longest continuous coastal road in the world. 

Stretching from Ireland’s far north coast in Donegal to the southern tip of the country in County Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way weaves through every corner of the coast. There are cultural highlights, adventure opportunities, visits to national parks–and all manner of traveling diversions for visitors. Here are a few reflections as we pack up and head back to Dublin.

We started our journey on the Wild Atlantic Way in Westport, after driving over from Kilbeggan. We check in to our B-n-B outside of town right on the water: Achill View B&B.

Our host, Margaret Cannon, was delightful. Her scones were delicious–just one part of the cooked breakfast she provided each morning. Choose from bacon and eggs, oatmeal or more traditional Irish dishes, including black pudding or white pudding. None for me, thanks. 

Her BnB sits across the street from a pasture and you can see the ocean from the door. The path to the ocean is overgrown, but there are paths nearby at the “National Famine Memorial”, commemmorating the horrific famine of 1845-49. 

Note: You have to pay Margaret in cash–so I drove down to the gas station, paid $9 per gallon to fill up and harvested some cash for our room.

Next, we drove down to the town of Clifden. 

On the way, we pulled off to tour the incredible Kylemore Abbey. First constructed as a summer home, the main house boasts 36 bedrooms. Perfect for a summer party, eh? The real question is: how many bathrooms? HA.

Near the house is a giant Victorian walled  garden. All manner of flowers and vegetables are grown here.

But not by the original owners. The Benedictine Order bought the property several years ago…and there’s a community on-site. But the tours are a vital part of the mission.  

We also passed Connemara National Park, where we returned later to go hiking.

Along the Wild Atlantic Way, there are several loops for scenic drives. One, the “Sky Road” leaves from Clifden for about 20km along a peninsula. We stopped at Clifden Castle for a look and a walk in the rain.

Bring your rain gear! 

Christy got the better end of our Sky Road drive….as I was concentrating on the left-side driving! 

The trip back up the coast to Connemara National Park offered a nice hike and great views of the water. The weather cooperated!

Ireland’s coast is rugged and twisted. There are a hundred different spots to pull over and enjoy some spectacular views, beach walks and hikes up the nearby hills.

There also are countless cultural sites, as Ireland has a rich and varied history stretching back thousands of years—well before St. Patrick arrived on the scene in the 6th century (CE).

After Clifden, we made our way to Doolin for three nights. G-r-e-a-t traditional Irish music in this town. I wrote a story about our visit, including our trip to the Aran Islands by ferry.

Check it out: https://www.adn.com/alaska-life/travel/2026/05/08/on-irelands-western-coast-friendly-people-and-glorious-natural-beauty-await-the-inspired-traveler/

In the story, I talk about Doolin’s heritage as the center of traditional Irish music. Our hostess at O’Connor’s Farmhouse, Bernice, gave us some recommendations…so we went to three different pubs for live music. All were less than a five-minute walk…across a skinny one-lane bridge.

We dedicated one day to exploring the Aran Islands by ferry. Christy booked a van ride with Joe Gill, whose family has been on the island for more than 300 years.

Joe drove us around the island to spot harbor seals, visit the ruins of 8th century churches and to a high point where we could hike up to a Bronze Age fort overlooking spectacular cliffs.

All along the cliffs, the flowers sprang up from the rocks.

We opted to do a boat tour (operated by the ferry) to see the giant Cliffs of Mohar from the water. Don’t miss it. 

Additionally, we drove down the road for an up-close look at the Cliffs of Kilkee. Fabulous views. Just don’t get too close to the edge.

Next stop: the Dingle Peninsula. The port of Dingle is the first real fishing port we’ve seen.

There’s at least one boat-to-table restaurant in Dingle–and we tried it: The Fish Box. Dad owns the boat. Mom works in the kitchen. Son owns the restaurant and daughter works the front of the house. Christy had fish-and-ships with monkfish. I had black sole. Both dishes were expertly prepared. I’d never tasted black sole before–and I had to kinda pick it off the bones. But delicious. Christy said the batter was done just right–not to bready or greasy and the fish was delicious. Two thumbs up.

Tonight we opted for Fenton’s Restaurant….it’s been around for 40 years. Delicious. This time I had the monkfish with scallops and Christy chose the vegetarian dish. Both were scrumptuous. But the standout was the dessert: a chocolate toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream. I ordered the tiramisu. Both selections were over the top….and now I have to go lay down.

We missed out: Rather, we missed “Out of the Blue”, a seafood restaurant that’s notoriously hard to get into. We even tried to crash the gate when we arrived to see if there were cancellations. No luck.

Out Wild Atlantic Way tour today: “Slea Head Drive” included a visit to the Baskit Island Center, the observatory old church and many viewpoints along the way. Plus–a surprising clifftop cafe that just reopened. “Caifé na Trá”. It opens late (10:30 a.m.), but the views are spectacular. 

We just scratched the surface of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way….never mind the many stories throughout the country.  Are you going to check it out for yourselves? I hope so. Tell me how it goes! 

Getting there: We flew Aer Lingus on the nonstop from Seattle. Then, we rented a car…which has its own challenges (right-hand drive, narrow roads, $9.00/gallon gas). We liked that idea better than a bus tour.

Accommodations: Christy stitched together a collection of small hotels, apartment rentals and b-n-bs. It worked fine for us. There are lots of different variables for where to stay, of course.

The post TRIP REPORT: Along Ireland’s “Wild Atlantic Way” appeared first on Alaska Travelgram.

It’s a beautiful time to visit Land’s End Resort in Homer. The days are longer and the sun is warmer. Right outside your room is the beach at the end of the Homer Spit. Watch for seabirds, porpoises and otters. You can’t miss ’em.

We love the rooms at Land’s End. But you also can choose a deluxe three-bedroom condo at Land’s End Lodges–right next to the resort.

Take advantage of a special package which includes a tour from Homer across Kachemak Bay to Seldovia with Rainbow Tours.

Stay one night at Land’s End Resort and get one ticket on the “Rainbow Connection” to Seldovia. Stay two nights and get two tickets!

The seven-hour tour to Seldovia includes some of Kachemak Bay’s best wildlife viewing, as well as ample time to explore the lovely town of Seldovia. To make reservations, contact Land’s End Resort directly (no online booking permitted for this package): (907)235-0400.

COMING UP: Harborfest in Homer, June 5-6. Enjoy live music, a boat show, “Live Art”…even a Chef’s Competition.

PLAN AHEAD for your meeting or conference. Land’s End Resort offers beachfront meeting space and full catering to make your event a success!

Make your own plans today to visit Land’s End. CLICK HERE for details

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LAST-MINUTE special from GoNorth RV Rental. Pick up in Seattle before June 5, 2026 and return in Anchorage or Fairbanks, AK. Valid for 4×4 Truck Camper Gold, (0-2 years old) for up to 10 rental days, based on availability.

Including:
1. 2500 mile allowance for your trip north from Seattle
2. 10 days rental @ $99 per day (plus tax)
3. $500 gas credit
4. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
5. Two convenience kits (CLICK HERE to see what’s included), in addition to STANDARD EQUIPMENT on every rental
6. Preparation fee

Additional days and mileage at regular rate ($230 per day). Special conditions apply, not combinable with other offers, limited availability.

The Truck Camper is the living area (the camper unit) mounted on the loading platform of a 4-wheel drive truck (pictured, above). It’s perfect for driving on gravel and unpaved roads (such as the Alaska Highway, the Cassiar Highway, etc). Gravel roads allowed without surcharge.

GoNorth 4×4 Truck Campers come with all the amenities needed for a comfortable adventure in the North, including but not limited to a full bathroom, fridge and freezer, and stove/oven. They can sleep two adults comfortably.

CALL GO NORTH: (907) 479-7272 and make your reservation. Or, visit the website for online reservations and more information.

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New: Alaska residents enjoy big savings on cruises between Seward/Whittier and Vancouver this summer. Nate Vallier of “Alaska Travel Desk“ put together a handy page detailing dates, prices and ship.

BALCONY: from $1,1199 per person, double ( Coral Princess, May 20)
OCEANVIEW: from $699 per person, double (Coral Princess, May 27)
INTERIOR: from $564-$599 per person, double (Celebrity and Princess, several ships May/June)

All prices include taxes, fees, port charges, etc. All prices are subject to change without notice. Check with Nate about special packages, promos, on-board credits, specialty dining, drink packages…and all the little touches that make a cruise vacation something special!

Call Nate for the inside scoop on the ship, ports, amenities and extras: (907)531-9140.

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Spring has sprung in Anchorage and now is the time to get the latest information from Visit Anchorage!
Visit the knowledgeable volunteers at the “Log Cabin” at the corner of 4th Avenue and F St. and get ready for your visiting friends and relatives!

Here are some of the new happenings around town:

Access & Travel:

• Alaska Airlines adding new nonstop service from Boston, Boise, and Spokane
• Southwest Airlines now offering flights from Denver and Las Vegas

Accommodations:

• Salted Roots Basecamp expanding with a café, wine bar, and room upgrades
• The Voyager Inn reopening under new management near Elderberry Park
• Aspen Suites Hotel Anchorage Downtown now open with 120 studio-style rooms

Outdoor Recreation:

• Anchorage recognized as a Runner Friendly Community and Bicycle Friendly Community
• Designated a 2026 Trail Town by the International Mountain Bicycling Association

Culture & Attractions:

• New exhibits at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, including Nats’itsatna and Dena’ina Quht’ana, as well asupdated Identity Galleries and expanded cultural storytelling spaces
• New Anchorage Museum exhibits including Song of the Seasons by Michaela Goade and Sikuliaq to Shore

City Enhancements & Public Art:

• Additional Indigenous place name markers across parks and estuaries
• New Anchorage Mushing District arch on Fourth Avenue

Events & Local Flavor:

• Summer concerts featuring artists like Jo Koy, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Ty Dolla Sign
• Outdoor block party concert series along F Street
• New dining options including Dripping Zebra, The Rail, Wei Restaurant, and City Boy Burgers
• Upcoming Undertap brewery collaboration at The Wildbirch Hotel

Need some itinerary inspiration, looking for ways to save this summer, or a new activity to try? You’ll find it at Anchorage.net

Alaska residents – get the scoop on events and other local happenings with special e-newsletter. This wrap-up can help you enjoy some spontaneous weekend fun or find ways to entertain visiting family or friends. Enjoy a social spring and summer – find all the best upcoming local events and festivities.

Visitors– access helpful planning tools, travel deals, and more. This monthly email is packed full of inspiration, need-to-know Alaska information, and handy tips for making your Alaska dream trip a reality.

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Photo: A sunny view of the Seattle waterfront. 

Long overdue for a girls’ trip, I recently enjoyed a Seattle weekend with five amazing women, packing plenty of brunch, bars, bonding and Bainbridge into two fun-filled days and nights. Our adventures packed a punch and proved that for us Alaskans, you don’t need to go far if you want to get away for a few days: Seattle was the perfect eclectic backdrop for big-city shenanigans and urban culture, with a much-needed side of springtime sunshine.  

Photo: A sunny brunch on Bainbridge Island: left-right, Alaska girls Erin, Jessica and Katie; Jamie from Montana, and Shanda and Kat from the Seattle area. 

With three of us coming from Alaska and one from Montana, and two living in the Seattle area, Washington’s big city was an ideal spot to centralize. Alaska Airlines operates more than a dozen direct flights daily from ANC to SEA, making getting there a cinch. The occasion: our friend Erin celebrating a milestone birthday, and the rest of us happily along for the ride. Upon our Friday arrival, we headed to an incredible dinner at Bangrak Market in the Bell Town neighborhood. 

Photo: Shanda, Katie, Jessica, Kat and Erin at Bangrak Market.

This vibrant restaurant gave serious Thailand night-market vibes. Picture dangling lanterns, streamers of colorful flags, flavorful and aromatic small plates of deliciously seasoned and spiced Thai food, and a bustling energy backdropped by pulsating party music. 

Photo: Fancy drinks at Bangrak Market. 

We crowded into a booth whose table was soon topped with rainbow-hued, flower-topped cocktails. Food arrived in waves: marinated chicken skewers with peanut sauce, heaps of cucumber salad, charbroiled steak with spicy dipping sauce, a pile of bright green beans dressed in garlic sauce and garlicky shallots, and two heaping portions of Pad Thai with juicy shrimp and chicken. 

Photo: Green beans and Pad Thai at Bangrak Market. 

When we left Bangrak Market, a couple dozen folks clustered outside awaiting tables. Our next destination: Bell Town’s staple speakeasy, Bathtub Gin & Co. Bathtub Gin is located on an alley between Bell and Blanchard streets, between First and Second avenues. Look for the wooden door with the plaque mounted beside it. Don’t be intimated by the gatekeeper security guard; the interior space is small and crowd size is strictly managed. Go early to avoid a wait. 

Photo: Gin drinks and espresso martinis at Bathtub Gin. 

The speakeasy fully leans into character – moody, secretive, atmospheric. The building itself was designed in 1923 and completed in 1928 so that the bar – in the building’s original boiler room space – effortlessly oozes with 1920s ambiance. The security guard escorted us down dark narrow stairs to a tiny cave-like room with flickering candles, tiny tables, and a few other patrons casually sipping artisan cocktails. 

Photo: A clever menu at Bathtub Gin. 

We enjoyed an unhurried round of gin drinks, wine and champagne. Crazy enough, a patron at another table was an Anchorage coworker, and after recovering from our initial shock, I was delighted to deliver the classic Casablanca line, “Of all the gin joints in all the world…” 

Photo: Group girl shot at Cyclops: 

After Bathtub Gin, we wandered down to Cyclops Café and Lounge, a quintessential Bell Town dive bar. Comfortable seating spaces and an unpretentious aura make it an ideal venue to end the night. Its small but comprehensive menu (think burgers, salads and apps) makes it a solid dinner option. 

Photo: The spread at La Parisienne French Bakery. 

We woke Saturday to gorgeous bluebird skies. I joined friends Erin and Jamie on a mission to enjoy a neighborhood favorite, La Parisienne French Bakery. A true sweets-lovers treat, the bakery boasted rows of colorful macarons, fluffy and layered pastries, buttery croissants, and other tasty creations. 

Photo: Jamie and Erin with their morning sammies. 

Erin enjoyed Le Saumon, fresh soft bread with cream, salad, salmon and cucumber; and Jamie went classic with Le Parisien sandwich, a fresh baguette filled with butter, salad, gruyere, French ham and cornichons. Both were served in traditional rustic paper bags and we shared bites as we meandered back toward the hotel.  

Photo: Seattle selfie on the waterfront with the Big Wheel in the distance.  

After that, our whole group of six made our way toward the ferry terminal. Our 20-minute walk wove behind Pike Place Market along the waterfront, where 17 blocks of newish pedestrian-focused public space are blooming where the Alaskan Way Viaduct once traversed. With terraces, park space, a bike path, and gorgeous views of downtown and the waterfront, we soaked up the sun (and shed some jackets!). 

Photo: Sunny days in Seattle. 

Passing classic retail space (the aquarium! Ivars! Ye Olde Curiosity Shop!) we came upon the Seattle Ferry Terminal at Pier 52. Adult tickets to Bainbridge Island cost $11.05 and can be purchased in-person at the terminal, at its kiosks, or online, with ships departing about every hour and the passage lasting a leisurely 35 minutes. 

Photo: Group shot on the ferry heading to Bainbridge Island: Katie, Erin, Jamie, Shanda and Jessica. 

We bought coffees at the onboard café and enjoyed the breezy view from the top deck. Sailboats dotted the shimmering blue water and seabirds dipped on the breeze. As Bainbridge Island came into view, we marveled at the beachy shoreside mansions and the picturesque harbor. 

Photo: Seattle in the distance as the ferry chugs toward Bainbridge Island. 

Bainbridge Island is connected to the mainland only by ferry and has about 25,000 residents. Known for boutique shops, vineyards and tasting rooms, scenic views and delicious cafes and bakeries, it was an ideal destination for a girls’ afternoon. From the ferry pier, it is an easy, under-10-minute walk to the main street. 

Photo: The Amelia Wynn Winery Bistro. 

We started our island afternoon at Amelia Wynn Winery Bistro, scoring a table for six on the pretty patio despite not having a reservation, as we made the café’s first seating of the day. Wine flights were poured and sipped, lunch ordered, and we enjoyed entrees such as fresh tossed salads with poached chicken and towering grilled chicken sandwiches on fresh brioche buns. The table shared a side of fennel pollen fries and a warm petite camembert cheese plate with local honey, house jam and crostini. 

Photo: Poached chicken and radicchio salad at Amelia Wynn. 

Wandering among Bainbridge’s multitude of shops easily soaked up the afternoon hours, perusing racks of clothes, jewelry displays, artistic housewares and stacks of books. We wrapped up the now-late afternoon down the hill by the harbor at Doc’s Marina Grill, with a round of rosé and a sampling of clam chowder, enjoying the picture-perfect views of boats bobbing shoreside. 

Photo: The harbor at Bainbridge Island. 

After an easy ferry ride back to Seattle, the group had a quick refresh and recharge, then hailed an Uber XL to Capitol Hill. This storied Seattle neighborhood is known for its hip bars, trendy eateries, gay clubs and burlesque shows, live music performances, and lots of low-key retro and indie shopping. 

Photo: Inside Comet Tavern. 

Our first stop: the Comet Tavern. The high ceiling and brick interior radiated Pacific Northwest urban charm and made the tavern an ideal spot to regroup before heading to dinner across the street at Pequitos. 

Photo: A group toast at Pequitos. 

At Pequitos, our charming waiter was attentive and appropriately low-key flirtatious as he delivered rounds of fresh guacamole, queso, bean dip, chips, and various tequila drinks. 

Photo: Killer nachos at Pequitos. 

Dinner itself was delicious – around the table were plates of shrimp and carnitas tacos, el pastor platters, nachos, and more. The leisurely meal lasted an endearingly long time, moving at the perfect languid place for a group of gals out on the town, focused on having fun and catching up after too long apart. 

Photo: Katie and Jamie relaxing at Cottontail Club. 

To end the night, it was back to our home base of Bell Town. Half the group walked (it took about 25 minutes), while ones with less practical footwear took a Lyft. We rendezvoused at Cottontail Club, another off-alley speakeasy brimming with history and character. 

Photo: Décor from bars-gone-by at Cottaintail Club. 

Locals know Cottontail is packed with nostalgic décor and memorabilia from now-gone neighborhood bars, such as Lava Lounge, Rabbit Hole, Mr. Darcy’s, and The Bear & The Bee. The building previously housed the laundromat and club Sit & Spin which hosted such musical acts as The White Stripes, Modest Mouse, and Macklemore. 

Photo: Jamie’s fancy drink at Cottontail. 

The friendly bartender was ready with recommendations and eager to showcase the day’s specialty beverages. The clever cocktails proved whimsical and creative; my friend Kat had a drink out of what appeared to be an Asian food take-out container, while Jamie’s beverage had a tiny rubber ducky floating on top. 

Photo: Brunch beverages at The Hart and the Hunter. 

On our final day, Sunday, our girlfriend Shanda headed home, north of Seattle, and Jamie caught an early flight to Montana. Us remaining four headed to brunch at The Hart and the Hunter. Located in the Palihotel, the menu pulls from American diner inspiration, upgrading classic dishes with locally sourced food and fine-dining twists. 

Photo: House hash at The Hart and the Hunter. 

For example, the meat in the corned beef hash is smoked in-house, served with a velvety poached egg, and house-made hollandaise and pickled vegetables. The biscuits are so good (trust me!) that you can (and should) order them as a side. They are available with many of the brunch items and also used in the eggs Benedect in lieu of the traditional English muffin. 

Photo: Pike Place Market. 

After brunch, it was time to brave the crowds at what is a mandatory stop during any Seattle excursion, Pike Place Market. Any stop at the Market always offers plenty to see, sample and sip. 

Photo: Seafood at Pike Place Market on a stormy Sunday. 

We popped into Beecher’s Handmade Cheese to share a cup of the classic mac, wandered past the flower stalls bursting with bright tulips and other seasonal flowers, and stopped at various stalls to chat with vendors and purchase trinkets and souvenirs. 

Photo: Beautiful spring tulips at Pike Place Market. 

Soon enough, it was time to pack up and head to the airport, and bid farewell to our amazing hotel, The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. 

Photo: A first-class check-in experience with free bubbles at The Sound Hotel. 

The location was ideal – we were able to walk almost everywhere we went, and it cost about $50-$70 to the airport in a ride share. Rooms were surprisingly spacious, and the large bar and restaurant on the ground floor offered a sprawling lounge space with tons of comfortable seating for meeting up and planning our next moves. 

Photo: Kat, Jessica, Erin, Jamie and Katie outside the hotel in Bell Town. 

As we toasted farewell to our Seattle girls’ weekend, we were already talking about next time, which is always a sign of a great getaway – that even in your fatigue, facing the long flight home and the looming work week ahead, you’re inwardly plotting your next little escape with some of your dearest friends. Cheers, ladies! 

Photo: Erin, Jamie, Jessica and Shanda on the ferry to Bainbridge Island. 

The post Hello, Seattle appeared first on Alaska Travelgram.

Super-flyer Bart Parker was in the air this week (120,000 ATMOS points so far this year). Part of his journey included Honolulu-Seattle on  one of Hawaiian Air‘s 787…up-front in the lie-flat section.

“Titanium upgrades now are in effect on Hawaiian Airlines,” wrote Parker, from his perch in 2J. “Now that the upgrades work on Hawaiian, my grade (for the ATMOS program) goes from a B+ to an A-.”

The upgrade interoperability between Alaska Air and Hawaiian is part of the ongoing integration of the two carriers. Later this month, Hawaiian will switch computer systems–from Amadeus to SABRE. It’s another big step towards a seamless travel experience when traveling to the South Pacific, for example…or, on inter-island flights. 

Bart reports there are 34 seats in the forward cabin–all lie-flat. He sent over a thousand photos….I picked a few to share with the class.

Have you flown on the 787 up front? Send me a note with some photos. scott@alaskatravelgram.com 

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Sail with Major Marine Tours and save 20 percent on your hotel/cruise combo through May 17.

We also saw GLACIERS and some incredible landscapes, including “The Spires,” along the western shore of Resurrection Bay. Check out the photos…..

SPEND THE NIGHT with Major Marine’s Stay-and-Sail package. That way, you’ve got time to visit the Alaska Sealife Center! Major Marine and Harbor360 Hotel have a combo package that includes the four-hour Resurrection Bay wildlife cruise and overnight accommodations at the hotel. With a pool!

High marks for the crew at Major Marine Tours on the “Skana”, especially Capt. Chris Danzl. 

Major Marine and Harbor360 Hotel have a combo package that includes the four-hour wildlife cruise (departs at 12:30pm)  and overnight accommodations at the hotel. With a pool!

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Breakfast: The Porthole food truck right outside the Harbor360 hotel, 1400 Fourth Ave.
Coffee: Resurrect Art (don’t miss the pastries!) 320 Third Ave.
Lunch: Primrose Provisions 501 Railway Ave.
Lunch/Dinner: The Lone Chicharron Taqueria aka “The Cheech”, 215B Fourth Ave
Dinner: The Cookery 209 Fifth Ave.
Dinner: Flamingo Lounge 208 Fourth Ave.
Beer: Baitwater summer ale by Stoney Creek Brewing in Seward (they don’t have a taproom…ask your server if they’ve got it on tap! Also available in cans at Safeway).

Major Marine’s 20 percent off combo special is valid through MAY 17. But remember, Alaska residents can get the 20 percent discount on the CRUISE all summer long.

Beat the crowds and take advantage of the springtime Stay-and-Sail package with Major Marine–and save 20 percent! Call (907)224-8030 to book.

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Make this the summer that you ride on the Mighty Alaska Railroad! The railroad is 100+ years old and going strong!

KIDS RIDE FREE on select routes!  This summer, choose from four routes and bring the kids for free (one child, age 2-11, rides free per paying adult): Portage-Grandview, Portage-Spencer Glacier, Fairbanks-Denali and the Hurricane Turn Train from Talkeetna! CALL the Alaska Railroad agents to book  it ( (800)544-0552 ) and mention the “KIDS RIDE FREE” promotion. This special is NOT available for online booking.

The Hurricane Turn. This is the last flag-stop train in America! During the summer, the train departs Talkeetna several times each week.  Ride the rails for a day and take in the scenery. Check out the folks who count on this train for supplies and a connection to the “rest of the world”. There’s no dining service, so be sure and grab a snack to take along on the 115-mile roundtrip journey!

Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop. This is a great daytrip! Board the train in Portage (54 miles south of Anchorage along scenic Turnagain Arm). Your train trip includes a journey up the Placer River valley to a well-maintained stop near the glacier. Here, there’s a 2.6-mile trail up to the glacier and back. It’s a fun hike! Optional tours also are available, including a float trip down the river. Kids-Ride-Free also available to the Grandview Station. Check with Alaska Railroad’s reservations department for details: (800)544-0552.

WATCH the movie, including an optional visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center!

Make 2026 the year you ride the Mighty Alaska Railroad! 

The post The Mighty Alaska Railroad: 100+ years and going strong ( + Kids ride free, special packages) appeared first on Alaska Travelgram.

These seasonal flights, featuring the distinctive candy-stripe livery, start on May 16. The last flight of the season is Sept. 12, 2026.

This year, Condor will fly three times per week (Thursday, Saturday, Monday). Leave Anchorage at 4:50 p.m., arriving in Frankfurt the next day at 12:25 p.m…about 9.5 hours. Condor is a full earn-and-burn loyalty partner with Alaska Air’s Atmos Rewards scheme. I checked earlier today and found roundtrip tickets for as little as 62.5K points (booked at AlaskaAir.com) . Ironically, sometimes it’s cheaper to fly via the Lower 48. But I like the nonstop.

I’m a big fan of Condor’s “Premium” service, a step up from straight economy. Are you a tall traveler? Listen up: economy seats feature a 30-inch pitch on the 9.5-hour flight. With Premium, there’s an extra five inches of legroom (35 inches) and a little more recline.

Premium travelers also get more carry-on allowance (10kg) and a checked bag. Two meals served between Anchorage and Frankfurt.

Early-season offers some good deals on the nonstop.
May 30 ANCHORAGE-FRANKFURT
June 11 FRANKFURT-ANCHORAGE= $1,198 in economy, or $1,929.98 in Premium. All fares are subject to change without notice.

While I’m bullish on the nonstop flight to Frankfurt, Condor offers connecting service to destinations throughout Europe (Paris, Athens, Madrid), Africa and many exotic islands in the Indian Ocean (Seychelles, Maldives and Mauritius).

Below, the “Blueberry” livery on the A330-900neo ship, on the ground in Anchorage. Photo courtesy Ted Stevens Anchorage international Airport.

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