New Ways to Discover Alaska

Alaska is a state with endless possibilities. Its landscape is vast and widely uninhibited by human civilization. Its culture is unique and intriguing. And, best of all, its opportunities for discovery are boundless. While we often favor using Alaska SUV rentals to explore the state, we also know that there are countless other ways to uncover the great secrets of this land. We’d like to share them with our Alaska SUV rentals clients now.

Below you will find different ways to discover Alaska. These will show you uninhibited glimpses into the wildlife and natural world of the state and are guaranteed to astonish you. Whether you want to find a free new route or are willing to pay for a tour, there’s a little something for everyone. All we ask in return is that you embrace the landscape with your eyes wide open.

While there are the usual ways to explore the state – kayaking, hiking, boat tours, etc. – we wanted to offer a few that you may not have thought of. The Majestic Alaska Tour and a road trip on the Seward Highway show other sides of Alaska, or in the case of the tour offer a comprehensive Alaskan experience.

Majestic Alaska Tour

The Majestic Alaska Tour begins in 2017, but if you opt for this route, you’ll want to book now. Early payment is required, and they only accept bookings up until January – assuming there are still spots available by then. The tour spans 8 days and shows you nearly every aspect of Alaskan culture and landscape. However, we will warn that it is certainly not for those looking to see Alaska on a budget. This tour is $2498 per person during its cheapest season, and goes up to $2696 per person in peak months. Optional experiences are also available, but it’ll cost extra.

Yet, you’re not paying that price for nothing. This trip will take you from Fairbanks to Denali National Park, over the Alaska railroad to Anchorage and down to the Kenai Fjords National Park before arriving in Seward. Final destination in Anchorage, as it is the most convenient travel hub.

This trip will include many of your meals and hotels, but it will also offer you a chance to explore the state with some guidance. You can miss a lot of important history when simply driving through in your Alaska SUV rentals. This tour will teach you of the indigenous peoples of the state and their cultural heritage. It will let you taste the local flavors of each city, and glimpse the wildlife native to that land, and many other unforgettable opportunities.

If you’re unwilling to spend the money, however, our Alaska SUV rentals agents would be happy to offer you a list of must-see spots and restaurants where you can gain a similar experience. Much of Alaska’s beauty is outlined on this blog already.

Take your Alaska SUV rentals down Seward Highway

As we mentioned, we tend toward the ways we can discover Alaska in our car rentals. The Seward Highway is one such way to uncap the mysteries of this state while enjoying a drive.

This road stretches from Anchorage to Resurrection Bay in Seward at mile 0, and traverses through numerous villages, towns, and passes on the way. Because of the adverse weather in the winter, we’d advise driving this 127-mile road in the summer. While it is entirely possible to take this trip in a single day, why not make a weekend of it? Explore the finer details and quirky sights of Alaska.

The Seward Highway will give you the benefit of seeing all of the wildlife that Alaska has to offer, as well as mountains and foothills, oceans and cliffs, icebergs and ice fields, rivers and green fields. You’ll find beavers, belugas, waterfowl, sea lions, moose, black bears, marmots, and many other creatures. Along the way are great spots for fishing including what is known as the fisherman’s paradise at Bird Creek.

We could go on about the incredible and awe-inspiring diversity on this route, but it could take an entire novel. You’ll just have to see for yourself.

Explore Alaska this fall with the help of Avis Alaska SUV rentals. Reserve your vehicle today to make sure you don’t miss out on discovering this great state.

Take your Alaska Rental Car to Hike at Alyeska

After driving in your Alaska rental car, you may be looking to stretch your legs a bit. Fortunately, Alaska is known for its incredible hiking trails and mountain paths. The landscape is unique in comparison to the other states, and it is often by foot, bike, or water that our Alaska rental car clients choose to uncover its secrets. Because Alaskans are proud of our state, we prefer ways to discover its interiors without invading too much upon its natural workings. The beautiful resort of Alyeska is no different.

Alyeska Resort in Girdwood is renowned for its fantastic ski courses. Throughout the summer months, however, after the snow has melted and drifted off into the rivers, these mountains become a haven for hikers. In fact, the mountains are riddled with surprise paths and unexpected offshoots from the trail.

The Alyeska resort has even ensured there are trails and paths for all levels of hiking. Below we will outline the trails that are available, as well as those within each skill level. All you need to do is make sure to pack your Alaska rental car with a lunch, a sweater, and proper walking shoes.

Looking for a work out?

If you’re an experienced hiker who is looking for a bit of a challenge, then the North Face Trail is the one for you. Stretching 2000 feet vertically and spanning 2.2 miles, it is America’s longest double black diamond ski run. This trail is certainly not for the faint of heart. It offers a steep, unrelenting journey to the top and rewards you with a spectacular view and a mighty workout. You’ll definitely make sure you want to bring a camera for this one – the views from the top of the trail are breathtaking.

After such a hike you’ll likely be a little peckish. Fortunately, you’ll find a chalet at the top where you can enjoy a meal. Not up to hiking all the way back down? Take the Alyeska Resort gondola to the bottom for free.

Easy hikes

The easiest hiking trail is up and around Chair 7 lift. Following the chair lift up you’ll see many offshoots and other trails that can be trekked. Follow the one closest to Chair 7, and at the top, turn right to grab lunch in the Bake Shop at the Bear Cub Quad. When you turn back to Chair 7, you’ll be able to trace it back down to bottom.

If you’re looking for an intermediate hiking experience, there are other trail options that you’ll see when you reach the top of the trail at Chair 7 lift. Rather than turn right, take any of these other options and you’ll be given a slightly more challenging path. If you want to avoid super difficult, though, do not take the trail marked as Spoon Line, which offers trails of the hardest skill level.

Start from the base

If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, your best bet is to grab a map of the trails and start off on one of the many paths that begin at the base of the mountain. These include: Winner Creek Trail; Upper Winner Creek Trail; Winner Creek Extension Trail; Multi-Use Nordic Loop; Girdwood to Indian Bike Bath; Upper Tram Terminal Trails; The North Face Trail; and South Bowl Trails. Be warned: the last three on this list are more challenging.

Once you start on a trail, you’ll find myriad forks and marked paths that will take you through the labyrinth of the mountain. Why not wander? As long as you bring a map, you can find your way back. We advise bringing a marker to make note of your route on your map as you go – just in case. And of course, make sure you don’t forget your water bottles in your Alaska rental car!

Hiking around Alaska is a top-notch way to learn its secrets. Start off on a hiking road trip around the state this year when you reserve your Alaska rental car from Avis.

 

Where to Take Your Alaska Rental Car Golfing

While Alaska isn’t particularly known for being the golf state, it certainly has its share of greens that are worth a visit. As the golfing season is beginning to wind down, we thought we’d outline our favorite spots to tee-off from this summer. Perhaps you’ll be able to catch a few holes on the greens listed below – if you haven’t already. After a day exploring the more rugged sides of the state, you’ll need a little relaxation and tranquility. So load up your Alaska rental car with your best irons, and get ready for a few hours of down time on the green.

Anchorage Golf Course

As many of our Alaska rental car clients end up staying in or near Anchorage (for part of their trip, anyway), we thought we’d start off with a course close to home. The Anchorage Golf Course offers a season running from around May 15 to October 15. For a full 18 hole set, juniors pay $25 and adults $65.

However, this course is not for the faint-hearted. Anchorage Golf Course was thoughtfully and artfully designed by architect Bill Newcomb to be both a challenge and a breathtaking experience for golfers. Surrounded by Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, and Mount McKinley, you’ll have plenty to look at while you’re tracking your ball. The stunning vistas are one of the aspects that makes this golf course so appealing and unique. Juxtaposed with the spectacular natural sights is the Anchorage skyline.

As we said, though, this golf course is certainly not for amateurs. It spans across 6,600 yards and forces its players to navigate water hazards and blind tee shots.

Bear Valley on Kodiak Island

If you’ve taken your Alaska rental car as far as Kodiak Island, then you’ll quickly discover that there is not a wide variety of golf courses in this region. Bear Valley Golf Course, then, will be your oasis. The nine-hole course is the only green on the island, and stays open from May until September. Amenities include a driving range and a full service pro shop.

During the summer solstice, you’ll find this course to be quite the gem. As its closing hour simply state that it closes “two hours before sunset” you’ll find plenty of flexibility with golfing hours with the midnight sun.

Black Diamond Golf Course

You may have realized by now that Alaska is home to many unique golf course designs. Well, the Black Diamond Golf Course definitely does not disappoint. Similar to Anchorage’s course, Black Diamond is bordered by mountains as well as a mountain lake. On your downtime, you’ll get a close glance at wildlife and wildflowers in this region. Singularly Alaskan, this course is located right on top of the Alaskan tundra. Many golfers have said that this is the closest they can find in North America to the traditional Scottish courses.

You’ll find the course by Alaska rental car on the George Parks Highway. But we must warn you to pack well – because of its location on the Alaskan tundra, this course doesn’t offer a warm tee-off in the sun. Wear a sweater and comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that will help you keep your grip as you traverse the 9-hole green in the 3.5 hours that you’re there.

The course is only open from May 24 to September 24, however. So get a move on and check out this incredibly unique Alaskan golfing experience!

These are just a few of our favorites. Of course, Alaska has many other golf courses that offer incredible views and a challenging golfing experience. What’s your preferred course? Why just try one? Pack up the irons and take a golf road trip around the state in your Alaska rental car. Reserve your vehicle today.

Catch the Jackpot in Homer’s Halibut Derby

Every year, Homer hosts a jackpot halibut derby in which hundreds of fishermen participate. The derby runs throughout the halibut fishing season, through August and into September. Our Alaska car rentals clients often take a chance at winning this jackpot derby, if not just for the fun of the fishing. It’s always a blast to see the other fishers out, and make a weekend trip of it.

This year marks the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby’s 31st year running – here’s hoping to another 31 more! If you’ve never participated, we recommend setting out if not only to see the spectacle of fishermen across the lake, in a crowd of charters. It is a very “Alaskan” experience.

Homer, Alaska is located on Kachemak Bay and is the final destination on Sterling Highway. It is known as “The Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” and brings in hundreds every year just to experience the top quality fishing. But when you’re fishing here, you won’t just get the opportunity at delicious, abundant halibut. You’ll be surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain vistas and elegant ocean views that you can’t get simply by staying in your Alaska car rentals for your entire visit.

Prizes available

The prizes are dependent on how the fish is tagged. Every year, officials in Homer tag more than 100 fish. Each one is tagged with a different prize tag. The largest fish tag is the GCI $50,000 in cash. The second largest prize is $35,000 towards your chosen vehicle from either Stanley Chrysler or Stanley Ford.

The jackpot prize is given to the fisherman who caught the largest fish that season. It is worth a base $10,000 award, as well as $0.50 per ticket sold that year. Don’t expect to be able to fit this halibut whole in your Alaska car rentals!

In fact, if you catch the winning fish, you’ll even be granting a prize to your charter captain. The Captain’s prize offers 10% of the prize to the charter captain who navigated the boat on which the winning halibut was caught. Furthermore, the ticket seller who sold the ticket to the winning fisherman will be awarded $1000. At the Homer Halibut Derby, we believe in sharing the wealth won.

If you catch a left-handed halibut, you’ll win $100. Kids are eligible to win ticket draws at the end of the season. There are prizes ranging from $125, $150, $200, $250, and $300. That’s a lot of cash for a kid 12 and under! Will your child be one of the lucky draw winners this year?

The released fish prize is another end of season draw worth $1000. You will be entered into this draw if you catch and release a halibut that measures 48 inches (4 feet) or longer – that’s a BIG halibut!

And of course, the tagged prizes offer every one a chance to win. There are 30 fish swimming these waters that are worth $50. Another 100 (plus some!) range in prizes from $250, $500, and $1000. If you catch a fish that was tagged the previous year, you will win $100 – so it’s definitely not a waste! You could walk out of this derby with your Alaska car rentals fees worth of prizes, plus plenty left over for a few luxury activities this trip.

Don’t forget to buy your ticket!

If you don’t buy a ticket, you can’t win! And the number of people who have caught prize-winning fishes but didn’t have a ticket to be able to claim the prize is just astonishing. You don’t want to catch a $1000 fish only to find out you can’t claim it. Tickets are only $10 to purchase.

Reserve your Alaska car rentals today and set out for your chance to win in the Homer Halibut Derby!

August Berry Picking in Alaska

Alaska is known for its wide variety of plant species dotted across the state. What you may not be aware of though, is that Alaska is rich in naturally and wildly growing food. Many natives of Alaska love to go berry picking in the summer to supplement their fresh Alaskan diet that is hunted and fished. Bring a few baskets in your Alaska car rentals to pick fresh wild berries right from the landscape.

Salmonberries

While the name doesn’t sound particularly appealing, salmonberries are an iconic Alaskan fruit as its name mixes two of the things that Alaskans love so much: salmon and wild berries! Berries are everywhere in Alaska, and as an added bonus, Alaskan wild berries are absolutely loaded with antioxidants. For some reason, there are far more antioxidants found in Alaskan wild berries than any berry you’ll be able to find in any store.

This is the perfect time to go salmonberry and crowberry hunting. Salmonberries get their name from their reddish pink hue and close resemblance to salmon roe. In fact, if you mix these two delicious treats together, you’ll get cured tasty snack. The berries are a little tough and not very juicy, so you don’t need to worry about accidentally smashing them in your Alaska car rentals. They are slightly sour, but are finished with sweetness to balance out the tartness of the first bite.

Common uses for salmonberries include pies or tarts, syrups, jams, and other preserves. However, they are absolutely delicious on their own, fresh and raw. Of course, you can also experiment by adding a sweet, tart flavor to savory entrées.

Lingonberries

Lingonberries are known for their Swedish origins, but they are also found in Alaska. They look similar to cranberries, but taste a little less tart and sour than the latter. These berries are simply delicious in jams, pies, and other preserves. They also taste delightful when made into syrup and poured over pancakes or crepes.

You’ll have to do a little hiking to find these berries. They are often found on mountain slopes, in the woods, and across the tundra. They ripen throughout August.

Other August berries

Many berries ripen throughout the month of August. Right now you’ll likely only be able to find salmonberries and crowberries. Crowberries are little bit boring when eaten raw alone, but they’re perfect for adding to a sweet pie or tart. They are purplish-blue like blueberries, without the full flavor that is offered by blueberries.

Other berries that you’ll be able to find later in the month of August are blueberries, cranberries, and raspberries.

Bring bear protection

Remember that you’re not the only one foraging for berries in the forest. Bears love to pick berries as a delightful dessert to compliment their fishing adventures. It is crucial that you bring something to protect yourself from the bears. Mace and bear-bells are good starts to ensuring you don’t get caught in a sticky situation. Make lots of noise as you wander around foraging, to scare bears off.

Stay on trails and highly populated areas. This isn’t always protection, though, as bears often come close to these areas as well – something you may have already noticed this in your Alaska car rentals. Pay attention to noises around you, and leave the headphones in your Alaska car rentals.

Bring a stool

Regardless of how tall you are, sometimes berries are just a little bit out of reach. Bring along a stool to help you reach those high up little gems.

A few good spots

Every Alaskan has their own preferred berry-picking spot which, as a visitor, you won’t have the advantage of knowing. However, there are a few spots around Alaska where we can guarantee you’ll find an abundance of berries. They are listed below:

  • Turnagain Pass
  • Crow Pass Trail
  • Rendezvous Peak
  • Rabbit Creek
  • Indian Valley Trail
  • Kincaid Park
  • Eagle River Valley
  • Lazy Mountain
  • Hatcher Pass
  • Old Johnson Trail
  • Crow Pass Road
  • Prospect Heights, Chugach State Park

Pack up your Alaska car rentals and get picking! Reserve your vehicle today.

Explore the Kenai Fjords This Summer

The summer season has brought beautifully bright scenes to Alaska. If you haven’t got out to explore these gorgeous vistas, then you’re certainly missing out. Alaska is one of those rare places that is absolutely, incredibly gorgeous regardless of the season and we find solace in the natural landscape. One landscape that we positively must recommend is the Kenai Fjords National Park. Make sure to pack a lunch and some hiking gear in your Alaska SUV rentals when you head up to the Kenai Fjords.

The glaciers of the fjords

First off, you absolutely must see Exit Glacier. This glacier is one of Alaska’s most beautiful, and offers a stunning glimpse of the variety of Alaskan wildlife and nature. Unfortunately, Exit Glacier is receding. Because of this, we advise our Alaska SUV rentals clients to see the glacier while it remains.

One to two hour long ranger-led hikes around the glacier are offered daily. These walks will offer you insight on the surrounding landscape and wildlife of the area, while also showing you the best and safest hiking trails in the glacier. From the Exit Glacier Nature Center, you also have the option of taking a Harding Icefield Trail tour to see the place from which the glacier derived.

If you’re bringing your Alaska SUV rentals from Seward, you’re most likely to see the Aialik Glacier – the largest glacier in Aialik Bay. In fact, this glacier is so close to Seward (only 15 miles) that you can kayak from the city to the glacier. This is a lovely outdoor trip for anyone who loves water sports. If not, you can also take a cruise from Seward to the glacier.

The fjord boat tour

There are several boat tours available to let you see the fjords by water. These offer stunning views of the surrounding glaciers and of the fjords. If you’ve never seen fjords before, the Kenai fjords are beautiful starters. These spectacular mountain topped lakes and rivers will take you into another world. A world that is peaceful, filled with wildlife, and clean from the pollution of the urban settings.

Also available are combination hiking and boating tours. This is the option we’d recommend. Get out and stretch your legs after driving in your Alaska SUV rentals, while enjoying the Kenai Fjords the way they were meant to be enjoyed. The hike around the Kenai Fjords National Park isn’t too challenging, so you certainly don’t need to be an expert to enjoy the Kenai Fjords National Park by foot. You’ll still want to make sure you have comfortable shoes, though!

Marine and land wildlife

The Kenai Fjords are bursting with all kinds of wildlife, both land-based and marine. The wildlife in the fjords is one of the many things that brings so many people to the Kenai Fjords. Many tourists are stunned to discover orcas, and humpback, fin, and minke whales in the fjords, swimming gracefully past the boats. You’re also likely to spot cute little otters playing through the shores, sea lions, seals, beavers, porpoises, and even a dolphin or two (always a favorite of the kids’!). It’s lovely to see the marine life living in harmony with one another and with nature in such an awe-inspiring setting.

Turn your eyes to the sky to spot eagles and falcons, puffins and murre, black-billed magpies and Steller’s jay. By land, watch out for Canadian lynx and wolves, coyotes and brown and black bears. You may even spot a few porcupines waddling past, or mountain goats trotting through the brush. Have your camera ready in case you spot a moose!

There’s no question that the Kenai Fjord’s National park is a top spot to visit in your Alaska SUV rentals. Reserve your Alaska SUV rentals today to begin your wildlife adventure.

 

 

Celebrate 4th of July in Your Anchorage Car Rental

The 4th of July is finally upon us, and here at Avis we’re so excited. This year marks the 240th anniversary since we gained Independence in the Revolutionary War, and we think that’s worth a special celebration. You’re bound to see celebrations sand events as you drive through the city in your Anchorage car rental. With all of that hype and mayhem, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. Don’t worry – we can help direct you. All you need to do is go “fourth” and prosper – eat, laugh, and be merry.

Start the day off properly

What’s a more American breakfast than pancakes? Start your day off with some good eats at the pancake breakfast. For $5 (all of which goes to the Polynesian Association of Alaska), you’ll be able to pack up nourishment for the rest of the day. You can find the breakfast on the Delaney Park Strip between W 9th Avenue and W 10th. Breakfast starts at 8:00 a.m.

Conveniently, the pancake breakfast is located right where the parade will begin at G St. and W 9th. You won’t need to scramble to find a new parking spot for your Anchorage car rental just to watch the parade. What a relief!

The traditional parade

What’s a July 4th celebration without a parade? The Community and Veterans Parade begins at 11:00 a.m. You’ll see a variety of local organizations and groups that will bring you Independence Day pride. The parade route isn’t excessive, which allows you to bring your kids with the parade without having to wait too long for the procession to pass. After all, kids may love parades but they certainly don’t do well with a long wait time.

Festival and games

You won’t need to move your Anchorage car rentals just yet! Festivities continue in the Delaney Park Strip following the parade. Beginning at noon and running until 6 p.m. the park offers a range of games and vendors to peruse. With live bands and music throughout the day, this is an event for all of the senses.

Food vendors dot the park so you will never go hungry. There are enough vendors to keep you satisfied, but if you’re looking for a good sit down meal there are plenty of restaurants in the surrounding area. However, you won’t have to do to get good Alaskan seafood and other classic delights.

Special events

The festival runs a few special events before it closes at 6:00 p.m. and the fireworks begin.

One that may be of interest is the Declaration of Independence reading. An annual event put on by the Harvard Club, the reading this year takes place at 1:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Flag Pole. If your kids have never heard the Declaration in full, this is a great place to hear it for the first time. It will enhance their pride, and reinstate yours to the fullest. Not only that, but you’ll feel transported back in time. It’s always interesting to hear the original document that sparked the formation of our great democracy, but the Harvard Club makes it even more fun and authentic. They dress in period costumes that look like they’ve been taken straight from Revolutionary America.

Finish the day off in a proper American style – with doubleheader baseball games. The Alaska Baseball League runs this doubleheader every year, and it never disappoints. The first game begins at 7 p.m., so you’ll get an hour break between the festival and the game to grab food or settle into your seats. This year it’s the Anchorage Glacier Pilots versus the Anchorage Bucs – a nail-biter! For those who don’t know, these teams are Anchorage’s rivals. You’ll feel the palpable tension and excitement from your Anchorage car rental.

The day is finished with fireworks that ignite just as the second game of the evening comes to a close. What a perfect way to end the day.

We’re proud to be Alaskan, and American. Be part of our proud community when you reserve your Anchorage car rental from Avis this July 4th weekend.

Best Places to Get Hot Dogs this July 4th Weekend

This July 4th weekend marks 240 years since the United States of America won its Independence from Great Britain. How are you going to celebrate it? All of us here at Avis Alaska car rentals will definitely be enjoying a few of America’s classic culinary delights, including, of course, the hot dog.

If you’re looking for a truly stellar hot dog this holiday weekend, look no further than Anchorage. There are some delicious franks across this city that will make you proud to be an American. Of course, you’ll definitely spot the Alaskan classic reindeer dogs. These dogs are exactly as they sound – hot dogs made with the famous northern animal. And they are beyond good! Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!

Johnny Chicago’s, Midtown Anchorage

Johnny Chicago’s is known for its incredible Chicago Dog and pizzas. Here you can get two American favorites while joining a tradition of tourists and locals alike being transported to Chicago, IL with their delightful dogs and deep dishes. Furthermore, these dogs are known for being amazingly unique and special in Alaska. Definitely not something to miss!

Pair it with one of their classic Italian Ices for a complete meal.

Orso, Downtown Anchorage

If you’re looking for an Alaskan twist on the American classic, then take your Alaska car rentals down to Orso. Here you’ll find their King Crab Corn Dogs served with a mustard crème fraiche. This dish is absolutely delicious. You get the added benefit of having a slightly healthier meal than the traditional corn dog.

Gwennie’s Old Alaska Restaurant, Spenard, Anchorage

Gwennie’s is a classic. If you’re looking for a full meal while the kids are whining for Indepedence Day hot dogs, then we’d highly recommend going to Gwennie’s to enjoy their range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. If you’re looking for a scrumptious seafood meal then this is definitely the place to go. With dishes like crab benedict, halibut chunk, shrimp OR clam cocktail, shrimp Louis, the Fisherman’s platter and many more, you won’t be disappointed with their fresh from the deep menu.

Sticking strictly to dogs for those little rug rats, their mini corn dogs and fries or pigs in a blanket will satisfy any kid’s craving. You’ll even want to steal a couple while they’re not looking! In general, Gwennie’s is a great place to park the Alaska car rentals to indulge in a few plates of tasty comfort food.

Hot Dog on a Stick, Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall

Who doesn’t love Hot Dog on a Stick? In business since 1946, these corn dog creators must be doing something right. Their corn dogs are made fresh with every order, so you never have to worry about soggy, hours old dogs.

Finish the meal off with one of their renowned lemonades and you’ll feel like you’ve been spoiled. Their lemonades are always fresh, and are offered in a variety of flavors including limeade, cherry, and lite.

Hot Dog on a Stick will be open on July 4th, but if you want a dog you’ll want to plan your trip well. The mall is only open from 10 am until 6 pm that day – so you won’t get any post fireworks corn dogs unless you buy them in advance!

International House of Hot Dogs

Of course, we couldn’t forget to suggest an Anchorage favorite – the International House of Hot Dogs. While it may look like an unassuming food truck from the front, don’t be fooled. This little hot dog stand packs a mighty punch, and offers an unbelievable selection of dogs that are always cooked to perfection. The dogs are known for being affordable without sacrificing the top-quality dogs that they are sure to deliver.

Here you’ll find classic reindeer dogs with a modern twist. This is the perfect place to try reindeer dogs for the first time, as this truck makes every type of dog taste spectacular. The employees will even bring your dogs straight out to your Alaska car rentals.

In a city that isn’t known for its culinary prowess, International House of Hot Dogs puts Anchorage on the map.

Make this July 4the weekend the best one ever. Reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis to help you navigate the state in style and comfort.

Take a Waterfall Road Trip in Alaska Car Rentals

Alaska is known for its breathtaking vistas and awe-inspiring wilderness. Some of the more romantic views come with the waterfalls and glaciers that are dotted across the state. While you may find some trickling streams around the state that drip down the mountain, the more majestic waterfalls that are on this list will astonish you. Many of these can be found in your Alaska car rentals and make for a great road trip with thrilling hikes.

Nugget Falls

Nugget Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the state, and after arriving in your Alaska car rentals you’ll quickly understand why. This incredible waterfall flows from the Mendenhall Glacier. There’s a visitors center nearby that offers information on the area, from which you can take a stunning and easy hike to the falls. You don’t have to be a full outdoorsy person to enjoy the hike to the falls. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pack a lunch to keep nourished on the way! You never know when you’ll find a leisurely spot for a picnic.

Brooks Falls

Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park and Preserve is known for its up close and personal experiences with Alaska’s bear population. You may need to drop the Alaska car rentals and take a plane in to see these incredible falls, but you’ll instantly see how worth it the trip is. Watching the salmons running down the river with bears waiting hungrily on the shores, you will feel like you’ve stepped into a nature magazine.

Virgin Creek Falls

Virgin Creek Falls are located near Girdwood, Turnagain Arm in Anchorage County. These falls are the epitome of picturesque. They run over steps of rocky cliffs to the river below. The waterfall offers a fairytale view in the midst of the wilderness. This one is another small, easy hike to get to – easy for the whole family to trek along, or a simple romantic date day through the natural landscape of Alaska.

Prince William Sound

If you’ve ever been to Wittier, Alaska then you’re probably already aware that this town has a high number of spectacular waterfalls. There are two breathtaking waterfalls that flow directly into Prince William Sound in Wittier.

The first is Beloit Falls which is part of Beloit Glacier. The Glacier is gorgeous on its own, but a trip on the water will make your journey particularly special. As these falls can only be enjoyed by boat, rather than by a hike as the others are accessed, this you will also have the added bonus of the blissful experience of the water. Many find this to be a tranquil break from the exhaustion of driving their Alaska car rentals around the state.

Northland Falls comes from Northland Glacier and runs into Prince William Sound. Similar to Beloit Falls, you’ll need to set out on a boat to see Northland Falls. Both falls, glaciers being their sources, are blanketed with frozen bits and ice that offer a certain serene, haunting elegance to the falls.

Russian River Falls

Russian River Falls offers more views of salmon jumping so that you can see first hand what the Alaskan wildlife sees. Russian River Falls are in Cooper Landing, which in itself is a wondrous natural site in Alaska. The falls are a short simple hike so you can spend you time enjoying the falls and less time tiring yourself out.

Alaska is a place full of wonders and waterfalls. Though we have only listed a few, there are many more places you can take your Alaska car rentals for pictures with the falls. First step? Reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis today.

 

 

 

The Alaska Airlines Merger: All You Need to Know

This spring, Virgin Airlines and Alaska Airlines announced that the two companies would be merging. This made big news – Virgin Airlines has been one of America’s most trusted and popular companies for decades. What would happen when the two airlines joined? What could travelers expect? And how could this affect our Alaska car rentals clients?

Particularly in recent decades, company mergers are a common occurrence – not always to the benefit of employees, companies, and clientele. But the merger between Alaska Air Group and Virgin America does seem promising, offering expanded opportunities to both airlines’ clients. Furthermore, this has the opportunity to increase traffic flow between Alaska, the Lower 48, and other parts of the world.

Increased opportunities

Thus far, the largest benefit that clients are raving about is that the merging of these two airlines will allow for an increased route plan. Both airlines have limited flights to restricted sections of America. However, when the two airlines officially merge, there will be as many as 1,200 flights out of the airline per day with many more destination options on offer.

Most importantly, many of these new flight options will be nonstop. If you’ve traveled through these airlines you’ll know that transfers and layovers are a very real possibility. With the merger, the airlines are attempting to reduce the number of stops that travelers must endure on their journey.

Not only will this merger connect more Americans with other parts of America, it will also bolster opportunities with international partners. Both airlines are dedicated to expanding their client base, while maintaining the same customer service for their long-term loyal customers. We, for one, are excited to meet new Alaska car rentals clients from all over the globe thanks to this merger!

Membership programs

One of the largest concerns about the merger has been the outcome of both airlines’ mileage and loyalty plans. Until the transaction officially closes, these mileage plans will remain distinct and separate, allowing travelers to use them as they always have. Once the transaction is complete, the mileage and loyalty programs of the two airlines will merge, and Virgin American loyalty customers will be able to use their award miles in the new program.

The new loyalty program continues the commitment to rewarding great customers. It relies on outstanding customer service, and will continue to offer destinations around the world – now as many as 900.

Blending the top 2 – a Super Airline

The idea behind the merger is to blend two of America’s top airlines in order to create an enhanced, super airline of sorts. Consistently, Alaska Airlines and Virgin America are ranked at top in flight service, top for customer satisfaction, and best employers of the major airlines in the United States. In buying Virgin America, Alaska Airlines decided to expand upon both airlines’ skillset and combine the two in order to create the best of both worlds. Together, the airlines will be able to improve on what needs improving, learn from each other, and elevate what is already positive in both companies.

Will this affect our Alaska car rentals clients?

Here at Avis Alaska car rentals, we truly believe that this merger can only be advantageous many of our clients. It will offer you many more opportunities to reap rewards from your airline, and offer you more convenience flights in and out of Alaska to a wider variety of destinations. Alaska remains a major hub for this airline, alongside San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Portland, which provide greater traffic flow and popular paths between these major American cities.

For more information about the merger from Virgin American, go here. If you’re a regular Alaska Airlines flyer, click here to find out about the merger directly from the company as well as details on how it may affect you. Both airlines have said that their clients will not be directly affected by the merging membership plan, and will only experience positive outcomes.

One thing that will always stay the same – Avis Alaska and our commitment to high quality Alaska car rentals matched with supreme customer service. Reserve your vehicle with us today.