Page 15 - AAA Now! – AAA Akron Auto Club – Fall 2020

TRAVEL
Finding the Heart of Alaska
TRAVEL MATTERS
There is plenty to do when you head north.
By John T. Garcia
Cruising the Inside Passage of Alaska is one thing, but to truly see the heart of Alaska, you need to go further north.
The best place to start would be Anchorage, Alaska. You could either fly in to begin your journey or cruise here, crossing the Gulf of Alaska after sailing the Inside Passage. Either way, let Anchorage be the gateway to your adventures.
While in Anchorage, check out the Alaska Native Heritage Center as a launching point to learn about Native Alaskans. Besides exhibitions, it also has a display of indigenous housing. If you are traveling with children, they will enjoy the Discovery Center in the Anchorage Museum, where you can learn about the northern lights, earthquakes (Alaska
has about 1,000 per month) and tidal pools in a hands-on environment.
Did you know that the largest national park in the United States is less than a four-hour drive from Anchorage? Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park
and Preserve encompasses 13.1 million acres and includes the Malaspina Glacier, which, at a size of
more than 1,400 square miles, is larger than Rhode Island. The park is popular with ice climbers, hikers (both day and overnight) and mountain climbing,
as nine of 16 highest peaks in the U.S. are in the park.
Heading out of
Anchorage the other way,
you could drive to Denali
or take The Alaska Railroad. Here you will have a chance to experience Denali National Park and Reserve, home to Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), the highest mountain in North America at
20,310 feet. The park and preserve are equally as impressive, covering an area the size of the state
of New Hampshire. This area is perfect for spotting wildlife such as bears, moose, caribous, wolves
and sheep.
Beyond Denali, and even further north, lies Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city and known as the Hub of the Interior of Alaska. Fairbanks offers plenty to do, including kayaking, rafting, golfing, soaking in hot springs, fishing, cross-country and Alpine skiing, snowmobiling and even enjoying a locally brewed beer.
If you have only visited Alaska’s Inside Passage, you’ve only seen the foyer of the 49th state.
THE WILDEST ALASKA SEASON YET
Hubbard Glacier, Alaska
Royal Caribbean® has never done Alaska like this. It all begins Summer 2021 with four unforgettable ships, including the two biggest in the region — Quantum of the Seas® and Ovation of the Seas®. Plus, fan-favorites Serenade® and Radiance of the Seas® return, bringing you closer to Alaska’s rugged beauty. Fjord flightseeing in Juneau, glacier gazing in Alaska’s Inside Passage, and peak seeking in Endicott Arm are just a few of the adventures in store.
AAA VACATIONS® AMENITIES — ONLY ON ROYAL CARIBBEAN® Any Ship. Any Sailing
Member Benefit — Complimentary Specialty Lunch for Two onboard any 7 night or longer sailing when you book a Balcony stateroom or above (offer
excludes Majesty of the Seas®)
A A A Akron Locations to Serve You
Downtown Akron: 330-762-0631 • Fairlawn: 330-867-0694 Hudson: 330-650-6727
*Features vary by ship. All itineraries are subject to change without notice. ©2020 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas. 20074272 • 8/25/2020
FALL 2020
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