Discover Alaska with Folk Lore and Alaska Car Rentals

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Folklore holds a special place in the northern territories, and Alaska is no different. In your journeys with your Alaska car rentals, you may see or hear hints of the history of mythology in these regions without even realizing. But these stories tell more than just haunting tales of beasts and inhuman creatures – they speak to a history of the region and the people.

If you really want to get to know the state, rather than simply race through in your Alaska car rentals, then you may find interest in the lore that still whispers through the region.

Taught in schools

While it cannot be a general statement for all schools across the state, some elementary and secondary schools continue to teach of the folklore in Alaska and of the Inuit peoples. Alaska’s history as an American state is not so long, after all, and history classes must be filled with all of Alaska’s past.

In the art of the state

Perhaps because of the prevalence of folklore and because the tales are still told in indigenous communities, mythology and folklore continue to be present in the art of the state. Artists across Alaska depict Qalupalik, Adlet, Tizheruk, and others. If you know the lore, you may be able to immediately identify these figures. If you don’t, however, all you need to do is ask. Some of these pieces may also have explanatory placards. We highly recommend taking the time to read these – the lore is not only informatory of Alaska’s history, but they are thrilling tales of ethereal, super human mystery. You may just find yourself driving your Alaska car rentals all over the region to find more art with this lore on display.

One Alaskan artist who hopes to revive the prevalence of mythology is Kray Van Kirk, a finger stylist singer-songwriter who plays both 6- and 12-string guitars. Though he does not specifically focus purely on Alaskan folklore, his newest album entitled “The Queen of Elfland” hopes to bring back mythology. He sees mythology as one of the major driving forces in contemporary culture – one that has been ignored and forgotten by many today. He would like to remind mainstream culture of the significance of mythology by remaking the myths in his music. He has traveled across the United States and internationally to perform. If he is playing a show near you when you visit, it’s well worth a trip in your Alaska car rentals to see him play.

The hunt continues?

It’s tough to believe that any one in the 21st century would continue a hunt for these mythical creatures, but in fact, it has happened in recent years. In the early 2000s, there was in fact a hunt for a sea serpent that became known as “Caddy”. On the hunt were brothers and expert fishermen, Johnathan and Andy Hillstrand. They based the origins of their hunt off of video footage from 2009. In the clip, which was taken off the coast of Alaska, there appears to be some kind of enormous white sea creature that does not perfectly match a description of any other kind of sea creature. The Hillstrands believed this was the final proof that Caddy – a creature that has claimed sightings over the past century – truly exists.

They began their hunt along the Pacific coast, into British Columbia, Canada. There are skeptics, however. The video is extremely dark and out of focus, making the description of the creature both ambiguous and unreliable. Of course, this isn’t the first time that seafarers and myth-chasers have hunted after legendary creatures. Stories of sightings have popped up around the world for centuries and continue to do so, even into the 21st century. Though many of the most recent sightings have proven to be false identification or even well-planned hoaxes, the desire to discover these creatures as real remains strong.

Why not take a drive to the coast in your Alaska car rentals? You may see Caddy for yourself – or at the very least, catch a glimpse of a walrus.

Why has mythological creatures fascinated so many for so long? The answers are varied, and debatable. What’s not debatable is that Avis Alaska car rentals will offer you the best deals on comfort and style for your trip to Alaska this January. Reserve your Alaska car rentals today.

Explore Our Most Beautiful Glacier: The Portage Pass

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In recent years, Alaskan residents and visitors have been fortunate enough to regain sight of the Portage Glacier – a sight that had been lost for many years after it shied away behind the landscape in 1994. Despite this, the Portage Pass has remained a hiking hot spot that you can continue to visit in your Alaska car rentals.

A collection of natural giants

The Portage Pass is the perfect place to view a number of glaciers, a few of which are reminiscent of great writers: Shakespeare, Burns, and Byron, as well as Middle and Explorer. As mentioned, you may now also see Portage Glacier once more. If you’ve visited Alaska in the past and had the pleasure of seeing this awe-inspiring sight, you won’t be disappointed in the glacier’s beauty today.

A heritage site

The Portage Pass has a long and intriguing history. Used originally by Native American tribes, early settlers of the state, and fur traders around the area and from Russia. Today, while many different sorts hike the pass – all for their own reasons, we can still remember the original use of the pass. You’ll be walking along an important site, on the same path as so many significant historical persons.

Hike the pass

There are a couple of ways to explore the glacial sites of the Portage Pass. Many residents and visitors of Alaska love the state so much because of its varied and spectacular outdoor experiences. This is, in fact, one of the reasons that we love the Portage Pass so much.

The Portage Pass Trail makes for a glorious 2-mile hike, with only some moments of rough terrain. Generally, the Portage Pass Trail is rated as easy to medium in difficulty, which allows less experienced hikers to enjoy the trail, too. Make sure to bring proper hiking boots, clothes made for freezing temperatures, and extra dry clothes in your Alaska car rentals.

View the glaciers by boat

Of course, if you don’t want to see the glacier by foot, there are always other ways. One of the most gorgeous views of the glaciers and the pass are by boat. The M/V Ptarmigan will take you as close as 300 yards from the glacier’s base, offering a stunning and up close perspective of one of nature’s most exquisite and ever-changing formations. You’ll also gain a unique look inside the glacier’s rich history as you listen to the naturalists on board the M/V Ptarmigan.

A short drive outside the city

If you’re staying in Anchorage and have Alaska car rentals then a trip to the Portage Pass Trail is not a far jaunt. Take your Alaska car rentals down the Seward Highway and through the Whittier Tunnel for a quick hour-long drive. Along this route, you’ll get a peak at the Chugach National Forest.

To get to the trailhead of the pass, stick to the U.S. Forest Service signs. This will take you to the parking lot. Try to arrive early to find a place for your Alaska car rentals – though the pass certainly isn’t as busy in the winter as it is in the summer, there aren’t many spots available.

The glaciers and the pass are a nice getaway from the city. Though Anchorage isn’t exactly a New York City or Chicago, the hike around the glaciers is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of peopled streets. In fact, it’s possible to take the entire daytrip without seeing another person.

See it while you can

With so much of the artic landscape changing, there’s no knowing what will happen to the glaciers next. They are in constant flux, with pieces chipping off and drifting into the surrounding lake. Remember that this lake was created by the glacier itself – it didn’t exist until the glacier began to melt.

Walk among Alaska’s natural inhabitants

Alaska is home to a variety of natural inhabitants that thrive best in the cold climates. You’ll see a variety of birds and mammals along the path – it’s certainly worth visiting the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center in Portage Valley before going on the hike. You can take the guided nature walks to learn a little more about your surroundings before setting off on your own hike. After all, the Portage Glacier Valley is far from barren – among living creatures, you’ll also find avalanche paths and rainforests.

You may also have the opportunity to see one of Alaska’s famous ice worms. These little worms have a legendary quality about them, shocking most who find it odd that these tiny creatures require cold to survive.

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to see one of Alaska’s most incredible natural sites. Reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis to get your journey started today.

Take in Alaska’s 100Stone Project On December 5th

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Alaska has always been a locus of unique and poignant art. The locals have a tendency to create beautiful things that speak to both the state and land of Alaska itself, as well as deeply human experiences that we all have shared in. If you have driven through the state in your Alaska car rentals, you may already be familiar with the high expectations of local art in the area. Sarah Davies’ 100Stones project certainly does not stray from these expectations.

What is the 100Stones Project?

100Stones elegantly combines an appreciation of the land with the human experience on the beach of Point Woronzof. The project is a public installation, constructed for anyone to see. After working on her sculptures for two years, the project will officially be open for public viewings as a completed installation on December 5, 2015. The stone sculptures span the beach, each one telling their own story.

Why did Davies begin the project?

Davies collaborated with other locals to complete the project. Many of her sculptures are casts of people who wanted to take part in the project. The themes of her project revolve around trauma, illness, suffering, loneliness and isolation, and finally, of survival through resilience. She resists a “cult of happiness” and about her own ideas of healing, of living a unique and satisfactory life. She opens up conversation about these themes to bring back humanity to her casts and to show a collective space for stories to be told. She describes these stories as those of “wellness management” on a grassroots communal level and on a personal level. Hundreds of Alaskans participated.

Davies’s project is about truth and about the connectedness of individuals. What a beautiful goal – and certainly not one to miss. If you’re up for the drive, we highly recommend making the journey in your Alaska car rentals to take a look at this hauntingly gorgeous installation.

When is it?

The opening event of the installation will take place at Point Woronzof Overlook Park in Anchorage from 3 pm until 5 pm on Saturday, December 5. Following the opening, there will be the 100Stone Opening Reception at Anchorage Love Church from 6 pm until 10 pm. Here you’ll be able to hear the artists speak about the project starting at 7 pm. There will be drinks and food at the reception for your enjoyment as you learn more about the project.

Also at the opening reception will be a second art installation called “Hive Mind”, or an Artists Out of Order group show. You’ll find this located, hidden, throughout the Anchorage Love Church. The Church is located at 3502 Spenard Road in Anchorage.

How will this enhance your experience of Alaska?

Getting to know a state is more than just seeing the sites and landscapes. It’s about experiencing the local culture, enjoying its art and culinary tastes, meeting its people, finding out about what communal values are so critical to the foundation of the place. What better way to do that than at an art show? Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet people and to see firsthand the artistic breath of the state.

Furthermore, Anchorage is a great location. If you’re not staying in Anchorage already, don’t worry – taking your Alaska car rentals here isn’t a waste of time. There are plenty of things to see and do that you’ll have easy access to with your Alaska car rentals. With sites, landmarks, ski slopes, and more you’ll be able to spend time here to fully revel in the Alaskan experience.

Start on the trip of a lifetime when you reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis Alaska today.

 

 

Despite a Delayed Start, Alaska’s Ice Fishing Has Begun

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It’s no secret that Alaska is a haven for winter sport. Snowshoeing, dogsledding, skiing, snowmobiling, and – one of our personal favorites – ice fishing. Whether this is your tenth or first time in Alaska, you’ll quickly discover that ice fishing is no joke.

Unfortunately, the season has had a bit of a late start. With the weather as odd as it has been across the continent, this certainly didn’t come as a surprise. In fact, this hasn’t been the first year that the lakes have taken their sweet time to freeze solid. For several years the lakes’ freezing dates have been unpredictable. However, we couldn’t be happier that the season has finally started, no matter how late. The nets are out and catching their share of fish for the community.

If you want to take part in this classic Alaskan winter tradition, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Park the Alaska Car Rentals, Take a River Tours

If you’re around Fairbanks, pack up your rental for the experience of a lifetime with an Ice Fishing River Tour. With the right tour, though, you won’t have to pack much more than your own winter gear and a lunch.

The Experience Ice Fishing Tour is $135/person with fishing between 1 pm and 5 pm. The experience includes fishing gear and access to the heated mobile ice shelters so you don’t become a human ice block. Hot beverages and even a few more extra winter clothes are available as part of the fee. You’ll also have a local professional on board to teach you all the tips and tricks of proper ice fishing. The only thing you need to take care of is transportation, and when you have Alaska car rentals from Avis you won’t even need to take care of that!

Aurora Ice Fishing & Dinner Tour

One of our all time favorite tours is the 6 hour Aurora Ice Fishing and Dinner Tour. Running from 8 pm until 2 am, you get an absolutely comprehensive experience of Alaska in the winter, combining two of our most hailed activities: Viewing the Northern Lights, and ice fishing.

The tour requires a minimum of two people and costs $225 per person – a fee well worth it, you’ll soon come to understand. You’ll have the use of a heated ice cabin while learning from a local instructor about the proper ways to ice fish. Enjoy hot beverages and a fresh fish dinner before heading out to the open ice to catch a gorgeous glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.

Also included in the fee is fishing gear, tackle, and proper Arctic clothing to keep you from freezing to the ice. The fee even includes a pick up and drop off from your hotel, so you can park your Alaska car rentals for the night.

The “Big Three”

There are three main lakes where the ice fishing is premium: Harding, Birch, and Quartz. You will likely become familiar with these lakes if you ice fish even once while traveling the state in your Alaska car rentals. All three of these lakes are located along the Richardson Highway and offer absolutely supreme fishing opportunities. But be warned – they’re popular, and will likely be packed.

The lakes are between Fairbanks (where the tours we listed above are offered) and Delta Junction. You have a variety of species to fish for: Arctic char, rainbow trout, salmon, burbot, lake trout, and arctic grayling.

Get your ice fishing adventure started on the right track with Alaska car rentals from Avis.

Keep an Eye on Avalanche Warnings Around Alaska

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Alaska is well known as a space of great local art and fantastic winter sport. Unfortunately alongside these incredible benefits of taking out Alaska car rentals to traverse the state, you also have to be warned of the few disadvantages of being in Alaska – namely, the avalanche warnings. If you stay up to date and aware, however, you won’t have to worry about your safety and can enjoy your trip to its fullest.

The Hatcher Pass warning

Most recently, there was an avalanche warning in Hatcher Pass. Anchorage has been getting a fresh dumping of snow and that comes with risks. Unfortunately, the warning came to fruition. On November 24, an avalanche struck the Hatcher Pass Road and the warning for the area is still in effect. If you’re visiting Anchorage in your Alaska car rentals, we highly recommend steering clear of the Hatcher Pass area for a few weeks until warnings pass.

The Talkeetna Mountains was the particular focus of the warnings in late November, but the warnings were issued to anyone in the backcountry in general. The other areas seen as “at risk” were Chugach National Forest, Palmer, Wasilla, Sutton, Anchorage, and Chickaloon.

Avalanche season is here

We would like to warn our Alaska car rentals customers about the dangers of careless backcountry travel and skiing. Sadly, human-caused avalanches occur more often than you may believe.

On Friday, November 20 the first human-triggered avalanche of the season took place. A skier triggered an avalanche on Tenderfoot Ridge in the Kenai Peninsula around Summit Lake.

That being said – don’t be scared to take your Alaska car rentals for a ski trip. You’ll be safe if you plan and choose the safe hills. Keep an eye on the forecast and avalanche warnings before heading off. Remember that avalanche is caused by loose, thick snow and heavy winds; choose hills with an older snow covering and little wind effect. This means keeping an eye on the hills that have gained the most recent snowfall. It may mean you have to drive a little further in your Alaska car rentals, but safety is always worth the extra travel time.

This is a good website to keep updated on avalanche warnings around the country – even outside of Alaska.

Watch for rough roads in your Alaska car rentals

Alongside the avalanche warnings that have been striking up all around the state, particularly Anchorage, there have been concerns about road conditions. Rain has been intermittent with snow for the past week or so and has created concerns around black ice on the roads. This means that no matter where you are driving your Alaska car rentals, you need to be aware of the conditions and take the appropriate precautions.

One of the most important things you can do is also one of the simplest – leave space. Always think about road conditions when you’re driving and when you’re deciding how much space to leave the car in front of you. With icy roads, stop times are drastically increased. Collisions are effectively reduced when drivers respect the road and other drivers by giving lots of space in poor weather.

Another important tactic is to plan your travel in advance. Always know the routes you need to take and make sure to educate yourself on alternative routes. Be prepared to be flexible with your plans. If there is dangerous weather on one of your stops, make sure you’re comfortable changing your trip a little avoid risky situations. Bring both a GPS and a paper map – when heavy weather hits, you never know when signal could cut out.

Keep these hints in mind, and your trip to Alaska will go off without a hitch. Get started on a seamless journey when you reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis.

 

Tips for Learning to Ski with the Kids in Alaska

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Winter is back in Alaska in all its glories. This is the most fun time of year for Alaskans and visitors, when all of our favorite pastimes begin again. Skiing is just one of a number of winter activities that will let you enjoy that state to its fullest as you travel around in your Alaska car rentals. Many visitors are new to this winter sport, especially those from warmer states. If you and your kids have never skied before, fear not – you can quickly learn.

Many cities and resorts have ski schools where you can learn the tricks of the trade for a small price, and ski hills often have skis for rent so all you have to worry about packing in your Alaska car rentals are your warm clothes and a lunch! To help you get on the slopes with ease, Avis Alaska has a few tricks and tips for learning how to master the slopes.

Picking the right hill

When you’re learning to ski, you want to pick a hill or resort that has good instructors. But how would you know this just by finding them online?

There are a few spots that Avis recommends. If you’re visiting Anchorage, you won’t need to drive your Alaska car rentals far to find a top quality hill. The Hilltop Ski Area offers lessons for kids ages 6-16 and 4-5 on weekdays, and 6-12 on weekends. If you have an older child who wants to learn to snowboard, you can quickly add on a few lessons in that as well. This hill is quiet, being mainly a neighborhood skiing hot spot rather than a tourist resort.

If you’re looking for larger resort with high-quality, professionally trained ski instructors, try the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska. With both private and group lessons available for every level from beginning to pro, the Mountain Learning Center is the largest of its kind in the entire state. As an added bonus, you are sure to find only great instructors here – every one is a Professional Ski Instructor of America.

Unfortunately, Southeast Alaska doesn’t have many hills to offer skiers, but the one it does have is high quality and won’t be too long of a drive in your Alaska car rentals. Located in Juneau, the Eaglecrest Ski Area again offers both private and group lessons but it also provides child-care in the Porcupine Day Lodge for kids too small to ski.

Pizza is your friend

No, we don’t mean a real pizza pie (though that is a good addition to any day too!). The “pizza” position in skiing, otherwise known as the “snow plough” is one that you’ll want to remember if you’re a beginner. This is when you form a triangle with your skis by pushing the backs out and the fronts in toward one another. To prevent damage, avoid putting the tips of your skis over each other.

The pizza position will help you stop when you’re still learning the basics. The position also helps to slow down, so that any near collisions can quickly be deterred. The further apart the backs of your skis are, the slower you’ll go.

Always look to your destination

Similar to driving your Alaska car rentals, you want to look in the direction in which you want to travel. For instance, if you want to turn right down a path, look down the path and to the final destination. While this won’t be the only trick you need to use to turn, it will help get you on the right track. Your body will automatically shift in your desired direction.

Beginners beware of poles

Though you may want to look the part of knowledgeable skier, poles are actually a bit of a hindrance for beginners – especially for children. When you’re still learning the basics, like stopping, turning, standing up straight, and so on, you do not want to worry about a couple of poles as well. For the first few lessons, or until you feel ready, skip the poles and stick to just your skis.

Discover the thrill of winters in Alaska with a high quality, snow-ready Alaska car rental from Avis.

There’s Nothing Bizarre About These Bazaars

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Now that Halloween is almost behind us, excitement is brewing for the winter holidays. Maybe it’s because of the winter weather that has hit Alaska, or that bazaars have already begun, but the upcoming winter bazaars have got us charged for holiday shopping. With your Alaska car rentals you’ll be able to enjoy these holiday bazaars to their fullest, without having to miss out on purchasing all the goods you desire.

But don’t take just our word for it. Let us show you some of the bazaars that are available in Alaska this season.

The Holiday Food and Gift Festival

Taking place from November 7 to 8, the Holiday Food and Gift Festival is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free, so the only expenses you need to worry about are what you buy and the reasonably priced $1/hour parking in the garage for your Alaska car rentals.

This is the 28th year that the festival has been held, and offers both locally crafted goods and international imports. There are 120 vendors to peruse. Finish off the bazaar with a picture with Santa in Santa Land. Make sure to bring your own camera for this, though! You can find the bazaar at West Seventh Avenue and F Street in Anchorage, Alaska.

Bad Girls of the North’s Unique Boutique

Located at The Lakefront Anchorage in Anchorage and running from 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday, November 6 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, the Bad Girls of the North’s Unique Boutique offers a wide variety of locally made goods. There are great gift options including handmade jewelry, scarves and clothing, pottery, art and silk paintings, leather bags, and fleece hats to keep your loved ones warm. If you’re a culinary fiend, you’ll be thrilled to find handcrafted wooden cutting boards and gourmet food. Make sure to keep plenty of space free in your Alaska car rentals to load up on these delightful local artisanal gifts! This event has free admission.

Stop through Chugiak in your Alaska car rentals

If you’re driving through Chugiak on Saturday, November 7, why not make a stop at the Chugiak Elementary School Holiday Bazaar. Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 19932 Old Glenn Highway, you’ll get a good start on holiday gift shopping here. With upwards of 40 vendors from around Chugiak and nearby towns, you’ll be able to buy art, baked goods, wool gloves, hand-knitted products, and woodworking.

Also in Chugiak is the River of Life’s Fall Craft Fair and Bazaar at 21301 Voyles Blvd. The Bazaar is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 7. Available at the bazaar are baked goods, handcrafted products, and crafts.

The Christmas Towne Bazaar

If you’re headed back to Anchorage in your Alaska car rentals, make the time to stop by the Christmas Towne Bazaar. This incredible event is host to over 125 booths run by Alaska’s local artists and artisans. Shop around the bazaar for Alaskan fashions in clothing, jewelry, pet gifts, and quilted and hand sewn products. If you’re looking for gifts on the artsy side, there’s certainly no shortage of those! Discover the photography, décor, paper crafts, art, pottery, glass blown designs, and woodworking of Alaskan locals. All this shopping may make you hungry, so make sure to grab a few of the delicious foodstuffs available in the market.

Feeling charitable while you’re shopping? Stop by the Cookie Caper fundraiser to show your support and check out local music.

The Christmas Towne Bazaar is located at 13400 Elmore Road in Anchorage, and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m on Saturday, November 7.

Alaska is a place of holiday cheer and beautiful handcrafted delights, as you’re soon to discover. Begin your holiday shopping in style when you book your Alaska car rentals with Avis.

Watch for Increased Fines in Your Alaska Car Rentals

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Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz plans to put down a heavy foot to reduce traffic violations and balance Anchorage’s budget. The new budget proposal would set heftier fines to particular traffic violations, often by as much as double the old fine. Berkowitz has chosen violations that are dangerous for drivers and pedestrians, hoping to discourage drivers from breaking laws that could harm themselves and others. Though the proposal has yet to be passed, you’ll need to remain aware of traffic laws before taking out your Alaska car rentals.

The proposal awaits another public hearing on November 10, 2015. Though some of the terms in the budget are controversial at this time, it’s possible that many of the revised traffic violation fees will be passed. If they do, you’ll want to be aware of them so you can avoid an expensive ticket in your Alaska car rentals.

For the safety of others

While it’s true that many of these changes are being made in order to balance the revenue gap in 2016, many are also reasonable reaches towards a safer Anchorage. For instance, drivers who fail to yield to a pedestrian currently only pay a $60 fine. If this proposal is passed, those same drivers will now be charged $100.

Other examples include an increased fine if you are driving your Alaska car rentals in the wrong direction in a roundabout from $75 to $150, and passing in a no-pass zone from $90 to $150. Speeding tickets are also boosted, with particular focus on speeding in school or construction zones, where the risk of danger to pedestrians is greatest.

Speeding tickets

Speeding tickets now have a much different range of fines than they did before. Rather than fining for every mile over, the fines will be set in place and escalate based on category.

For instance, for speeding between 3 mph and 9 mph over the limit you can be fined $8/mile. With Berkowitz’s new proposal, speeding between 1 and 10 mph over the limit will incur a $90 flat fee. For speeding between 11 and 20 mph will bring about a $180 fine, and $360 for 21 to 30 mph over. Beyond that, charges will gradually increase to as much as $1,200 for 40 mph over the speed limit. That’s a $400 increase from the current $800 fine of driving 40 mph over. Finally, drag racing will incur a $300 fee. Even though our Alaska car rentals are a thrill to drive, resist the urge to see just how fast they can go!

Other fines to be aware of

Though you have your Alaska car rentals, and it isn’t exactly the season for biking, you should also know that riding a bike on the sidewalk in downtown Anchorage would cause weightier fines under the new proposal. This law applies to skateboards, roller skates, and bicycles on a sidewalk or pedestrian path and will incur a $100 fine if the Berkowitz proposal passes. Currently the fine is only $60.

If you are caught operating a vehicle in violation of a provisional license, currently the fine is only $50. Under the new regulations, the fine will be doubled to $100. Again, this isn’t something you’ll need to worry about in your Alaska car rentals, as long as only those who are in the rental contract are driving your vehicle.

The point of the proposal

The Berkowitz administration is estimating that the revenue just from the speeding fines under the new proposal will generate approximately $1.1 million. This will allow the administration to hire 20 more staff members in the police department as well as 10 more staff in the city’s fire departments, which means an increase in funding for police and fire academies. The budget as a whole is supposed to increase the budget by $5 million in 2016.

The budget is mainly aimed at increasing the overall security for residents and visitors of Anchorage. This means, however, that the Anchorage library system will lose some of its services, as will the Parks and Recreation Department.

Parts of the budget are certainly contentious but others could help out the city drastically. Keep to the rules of the road when taking your Alaska car rentals around town and you’ll be able to avoid trouble. To get your vacation started off on the right foot, reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis today.

 

Winter Activities Worth Parking the Alaska Car Rentals For

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Winter is just around the corner in Alaska and it’s time to be prepared! In fact, for some cities, winter seems to have come early. In Fairbanks on September 25, record snowfalls introduced the beginning of the cold season with flair. And while driving in Alaska in the winter doesn’t have to be dangerous if you know the proper tips, sometimes it’s best just to park the Alaska car rentals and get out into the great outdoors.

It’s clear that there’s no end to activities in Alaska. Winter activities are boundless in the state that is well known for its snow and ice. It’s not all physical activities either. Sometimes the most enjoyable part of winter in Alaska is sitting down with a cup of cocoa to enjoy the Northern lights. But we’ll let you decide for yourself.

The Northern Lights

The auroral oval, or more commonly known as the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis offer a spectacular natural display of lights in the night sky. Flickering with green, this majestic, breathtaking natural wonder will leave you wondering if you’ll ever be able to look at other lights the same.

If you’re staying in a hotel, find out if it offers Northern Lights wake up calls. Many hotels in Alaska do, knowing that their guests may never have seen the wondrous midnight miracle before. If your hotel does offer this, we highly recommend asking for a call.

Park the Alaska car rentals, try dog meshing

One of the best ways to experience the natural landscape of Alaska and especially the Northern Lights is through a dog mushing tour. Dog mushing is an iconic Northern activity. The image of a dog sled in the snow is often linked to Alaska, so why not park the Alaska car rentals for a few hours and try your hand at this classic mode of travel.

Dog mushing trips can last as long as a few days, or be as short as a single hour. Any trip longer than a few hours is not recommended for those who are not comfortable with the outdoors or who are not prepared for cold weather.

To really experience dog mushing, you definitely don’t want to miss out on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race which runs for more 1049 miles across the state of Alaska. Dog mush teams from all across Alaska race through the freezing cold. However, if you’re visiting this year, then you’ve already missed the race. Unfortunately it doesn’t begin until March 5, 2016.

Exploring Alaska on a snowmobile

If you’re interested in more motorized sports than the classic dog mushing, then snowmobiling is going to be the option you want. There are plenty of snowmobile rentals around Alaska, so the vehicles aren’t tough to come by.

If you’ve never driven a snowmobile before, fear not. It isn’t like driving your Alaska car rentals – you don’t need a license and it’s much easier to learn quickly. Before you know it you’ll be in love with these powerful winter vehicles. 

Nordic and Alpine skiing

In Alaska, skiing is a big deal. There’s both Nordic and Alpine in Alaska, which are cross-country and downhill respectively. Alaska is a great place to learn to ski if you never have tried before. With your Alaska car rentals at your disposal, you have the ability to travel around to different areas in the state to find your favorite ski spot. Of course, you can always combine lodging with skiing by finding a nice ski resort.

Alaska is the ideal winter escape. There are endless options for winter activities in the state, and when you have your Alaska car rentals from Avis you really do have unlimited opportunities.

Drive Safe in Alaska Car Rentals Despite Record Snow

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Winter has arrived in Alaska and it’s hitting heavy this year. On Friday, September 25 record snowfall hit Fairbanks, Alaska and it doesn’t look like it’s going to get any lighter as the season progresses. This snowfall is abnormal for this time of year, even for Alaska. If you’re taking your Alaska car rentals around the state, there are some weather tips and driving hints you need to be aware of in order to maintain your safety.

Driving in Alaska isn’t quite like driving in the main states. You need to remain vigilant, check the weather, and know your route. But there’s much more than that. Read on to find out how you can protect yourself and your family in your Alaska car rentals.

Record snowfall in Fairbanks

As mentioned above, record snowfalls hit on September 25 which reached 6.7 inches of snow. This substantially beat the previous daily record for September, being 0.8 inches in 1996.

Though it isn’t looking like this will continue throughout October, it is important to be warned and stay vigilant. Always expect the unexpected when it comes to Alaska weather.

It’s likely that the wet season will continue before snow hits full swing.

Winter preparation in Alaska

The first thing you need to do is to make sure your car is fully prepared for winter driving. As you’ll have Alaska car rentals, the preparation work will be done for you. However, if you’re keeping your Alaska car rentals for an extended period of time, it’s important that you area aware of the basic upkeep to stay safe on the road.

First, make sure your battery is always in good repair. Regularly check to make sure your battery and terminals are clean, with good connections, and free of any debris. Also make sure that the battery has a proper fluid level and has a good charge.

Throughout your journey, frequently check that the intake vents are clear of rubbish. If they’re blocked, this could cause issues with your heating and ventilation systems.

If you see at any point that you’re low on windshield washer fluid, make sure to refill with washer antifreeze solution. Check with your Alaska car rentals expert before filling any fluids, however, as they may prefer to do maintenance in shop.

Beginning your journey

Carbon monoxide kills. And worse yet, carbon monoxide is a silent killer. This toxic gas can quickly work its magic if you aren’t careful. When warming up your vehicle, make sure never to do so in a closed area, regardless of how large. Furthermore, it’s a smart idea to keep a window cracked a bit while you’re driving to let in oxygen and let out any carbon monoxide that may have crept in.

Before setting off, also make sure to completely clear your car of snow and ice. This means scraping the snow off all the windows, mirrors, and even the roof and hoods of the vehicle. Any snow on the hoods or roof of your Alaska car rentals could blow onto your windshields and blind you from the road. Break up and knock out the ice that has formed in your tires and on the under carriage of your car, as well. Ice in your tires could cause issues with stopping or maneuvering.

Finally, drive cautiously. The most important thing you can do is check the hourly forecast before you head off, and find check points where you can rest until the storm ends in case adverse weather hits. This means knowing your route in advance, rather than learning it while you’re driving. Make sure your fuel tank is always full. And last but not least, leave space. You’ll need almost double the amount of space as necessary in order to make sure you’re able to fully and completely stop in case of emergency.

Don’t wait until winter really hits to reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis Alaska.