Spend (or Save) Your PFD: Alaska Road Trips Worth Every Penny

Ah, PFD Season in Alaska…

It’s that magical time of year, the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) season. The checks land in early October; for many Alaskans, that little financial boost comes at just the right time. Maybe you’re saving it. Maybe you’re spending it. But let’s be real, splurging on a bit of adventure is part of the fun.

Here at AVIS Alaska, we know exactly what PFD season means: road trips, family visits, and maybe even a test drive of a winter-ready SUV before the snow piles up. Whether you’re craving a soak at Chena Hot Springs, a cozy weekend in Homer, or just a reliable ride to visit family in Fairbanks, we’ve got your back (and your car keys).

Why Rent for Your PFD Adventure?

Let’s face it: not everyone’s car is road-trip ready. Maybe yours:

  • Doesn’t inspire confidence on the highway.
  • Has bald tires that you’ve been meaning to replace since last winter.
  • Is excellent for grocery runs but not so much for a 600-mile trek to Fairbanks.

That’s where we come in. With rental locations across the state, including Anchorage (Airport and Midtown), Fairbanks, Haines, Juneau (Airport and Downtown), Kenai, Kodiak, Sitka, Skagway, and Whittier, we make it easy to grab the right vehicle for the road. SUVs, trucks, and all-wheel-drive cars give you peace of mind so you can enjoy your PFD road trip without worrying about breakdowns or icy roads.

PFD Road Trip Idea #1: Fairbanks & Chena Hot Springs

Why Go:

Nothing says “Alaskan fall escape” like soaking in the steaming outdoor pool at Chena Hot Springs while cool air swirls around you. It’s cozy, it’s relaxing, and yes, it’s even better if you catch the Northern Lights dancing overhead.

How to Get There:

  • From Anchorage, it’s about a 6.5-hour drive on the Parks Highway (all paved, all stunning).
  • Make it fun by stopping in Talkeetna for lunch or Denali National Park for a fall hike.

Lodging & Tips:

  • Chena Hot Springs Resort (rustic but worth it for the pools).
  • Or, stay in Fairbanks and make Chena a day trip.
  • Remember that it gets cold at night, so pack warm layers.

PFD Road Trip Idea #2: Homer by the Sea

Why Go:

Homer is a favorite for Alaskans year-round. In fall, it’s quieter, calmer, and still jaw-droppingly beautiful. The Homer Spit is perfect for walks, seafood is always on the menu, and the views feel like a postcard.

How to Get There:

  • About 4.5 hours from Anchorage along the scenic Seward and Sterling Highways.
  • You’ll pass through Cooper Landing, famous for its brilliant fall colors.

Lodging & Food Recs:

  • Land’s End Resort (right on the Spit).
  • AJ’s OldTown Steakhouse or Fat Olives Pizza for a hearty meal.
  • If you love fishing, this is still an excellent time for a late-season halibut charter.

PFD Road Trip Idea #3: Juneau & Beyond

Why Go:

If you’re looking to use your PFD for flights and a rental combo, Juneau makes a fantastic shoulder-season destination. Drive around to explore Mendenhall Glacier, Auke Bay, and the winding roads that hug the coastline.

AVIS Tip:

We have two Juneau locations (the Airport and Downtown), making it easy to hop off the plane and hit the road.

PFD Road Trip Idea #4: Coastal Charm in Sitka, Kodiak, or Skagway

For Alaskans who live in smaller towns, or want to explore them, consider using your PFD to take the ferry or a flight and rent locally. We’ve got rental locations in Sitka, Kodiak, and Skagway.

Each has its charm:

  • Sitka: rich history, hiking trails, and unbeatable seafood.
  • Kodiak: rugged coastlines, bear viewing, and wild beauty.
  • Skagway: gateway to Klondike history, with stunning fall drives.

PFD Road Trip Idea #5: Whittier & a Fall Cruise

Want something short and sweet? Whittier is only about 1.5 hours from Anchorage, making it an easy weekend escape. Plus, your PFD can cover a day cruise in Prince William Sound, complete with glacier views and wildlife spotting.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to time the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the single-lane tunnel that opens every 30 minutes. Renting a car makes the trip flexible and easy.

Family Visits Made Easy

For many Alaskans, the PFD isn’t about adventure but connection. Maybe you’re heading to Fairbanks for Thanksgiving, Kenai for hunting season, or Haines for the holidays. Renting a car can be the simplest solution when:

  • Your own vehicle isn’t winter-ready.
  • You’re flying into town but still need wheels.
  • You don’t want to stress about long drives in an older car.

With AVIS Alaska’s statewide network, you can pick up a car where you land and drive confidently.

Save It or Spend It: Both Work

Not every PFD has to disappear on a weekend trip. Renting a car can actually help you save money long-term:

  • Use a rental to test-drive a model before committing to buying.
  • Skip costly repairs on your own vehicle before winter.
  • Share a larger SUV with family instead of taking two cars.

Sometimes spending a little helps you save a lot.

Final Thoughts: Your PFD, Your Adventure

Whether planning a steamy soak in Chena, a seafood feast in Homer, or a quiet family visit in Fairbanks, your PFD can go a long way toward making it special. At AVIS Alaska, we’re here to keep you rolling safely, comfortably, and with a few extra stories to tell along the way.

So go ahead and spend or save your PFD wisely. Alaska is waiting, and we’ve got the keys.