Page 11 - AAA Now! – AAA Northway – Spring 2022

TRAVE
L
What to Know When Your Flight is Grounded
In the last several weeks, travelers have faced daily flight delays and cancellations because of wintery weather and airline staff shortages, including those caused by the COVID-19 omicron variant. Often, when many flights are canceled or delayed, it causes a domino effect, making it difficult for stranded passengers to rebook. AAA recommends you do the following to lessen your chance of being grounded:
• Book the first flight in the morning. Because of how routes are planned and crews set up, early morning flights are less susceptible to encountering problems from cancelations or delays.
• Check-inonline24-hoursinadvanceandhavethe airline notifications enabled on your mobile device in case an issue arises that requires a change in plans.
Captivating Alaska
By Land And Sea
Alaska is a land of towering snow-peaked mountains, miles-deep bluish glaciers, never- ending evergreen forests, countless
whales and eagles, and a hard-edged
beauty that defies even the most determined attempts to subdue it. A trip to Alaska is an adventure, a journey of discovery.
Along the scenic Inside Passage,
a 1,000-mile stretch of waterway,
cruise passengers marvel at majestic
glaciers, calving into deep, steely
blue-hued waters where whales, porpoises and
sea otters frolic. Bears, deer and other wild animals can be seen roaming along the densely forested shoreline, as bald eagles soar above. And with each turn of the bend, yet another incredible view of mountains, sea and sky unfolds.
Each community in Southeast Alaska clings to its cultural heritage. In Ketchikan, the ancestral home of the Tongas tribe of Tlingit, travelers find the world’s largest collection of totem poles. Museums and
What to Know When the High Seas are Calling You
Cruising, more than other modes of travel,
has faced the most challenges since the start of
the pandemic. Cruise lines have responded by implementing strict safety protocols, working closely with the CDC and adapting those practices when new variants arise. All to make it as safe as possible for passengers and crew. AAA offers the following advice when considering a cruise, whether now or in the future:
• If you are thinking of postponing a planned cruise, AAA recommends contacting cruise lines early to have the best selection of dates for future sailings. Demand is already pent up and dates will book up fast as conditions improve.
cultural centers provide native dancing, carving and artifact exhibits. Sitka unearths its Russian and Tlingit cultural roots at Sitka National Historical
Park and at St. Michael’s Cathedral, which houses priceless icons. Skagway displays its colorful history at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, where wooden boardwalks and false-fronted buildings still stand. Juneau, accessible only by sea,
is easily recognized as a product of the 1800 Gold Rush. Mendenhall Glacier is Juneau’s most popular attraction. At approximately a half-mile wide, with ice 300 to
1,800 feet deep, this glacier is truly awe-inspiring.
The best Alaska vacations combine a cruise with
an equally memorable adventure by land. Both
Princess Cruises and Holland America Line offer luxury glass- domed rail car transportation to Denali National Park, as well as exceptional lodge accommodations within the park. Denali is a true wilderness experience. Home to Mount McKinley, it is one of the best places on earth to view animals in their natural habitat. Travelers are
For those who intend to cruise:
• AAA strongly recommends working with a travel agent to understand what to expect while onboard; limitations on ports, excursions and onboard activities; and changes to safety protocols, including testing or daily self-health assessments for travelers who still wish to cruise.
• Follow the CDC guidance, which includes being fully vaccinated and/or getting a COVID-19 vaccine booster if eligible before cruising.
What to Know When Booking Lodging
Always confirm your hotel’s cancellation and/or change policies before locking in a reservation, so you are not surprised by unexpected penalties. AAA also suggests you ask about the following when booking your accommodations:
• Do they offer contactless services such as mobile check-in/check-out, virtual keys and room service?
• Can you request housekeeping based on your personal preferences?
• Are amenities like restaurants, gym, spa and pool open? What are the hours and safety protocols in place?
For assistance with your travel plans, please visit your local AAA Northway branch office, click AAA.com/ travel or call 877-222-8283. You can schedule an appointment with one of our travel experts in person, over the phone or virtually.
certain to catch sight of foraging caribou, Dall sheep, foxes, moose, wolves and brown bears. Learn about Denali in-depth on a natural history tour or tundra wilderness excursion.
Land adventures are also a wonderful way to see Alaska’s major population settlements – Anchorage and Fairbanks. Land journeys invite travelers to venture off the beaten path, showcasing destinations such as Dawson City in the heart of gold rush country, and Whitehorse, where you can follow the route of Klondike gold stampeders and see historic Minto.
SPRING 2022
11
Now!