Besides its reputation for being "cold", what else do youknow about our 49th State? Alaska has an abundance of thingsto do and see, whether you are a first time vacationer or areturning traveler. There is no other place like Alaska fortraveling and exploring. Alaska is 586,000 square miles.With an area that big, think about the possibilities.

Here are just a few of the attractions that are availableand are sure to whet your appetite for adventure. Wildlifeviewing, helicopter tours, and train rides are very popular.You can also relax on a bus tour into Denali State Park,watch a totem pole being carved, or try your luck atcatching one of Alaska’s world famous King Salmon.

It would take (2) lifetimes to experience everything Alaskahas to offer. With its vast wilderness, Alaska providesopportunities for viewing wildlife either up close or fromfar away, in its natural habitat. For example, Alaska holdsthe distinction of having the largest Eagle population inthe world. Whether you are a nature lover or not, justseeeing these magnificent birds soar throught the air isenough to take your breath away. With a wilderness area thatis 2 1/2 times the size of the state of Texas, you can beguaranteed excellent photo opportunities.

It's hard to believe that Alaska has the largest temperaterain forest in the United States. Take the time to walk init and discover this incredible gift. Indescribableadventures await you whereever your journey takes you inAlaska. Every "ice-blue" glacier and historic waterfronttown calls for you to jump in to explore and discover itsuniqueness and beauty. Give yourself the freedom to answerthis "call of the wild". In every city from Anchorage toFairbanks and beyond, there's plenty to do and see.

One of the ways to see this beautiful state is to cruise theInner Passage. Taking one of the cruise ships is a simpleway to get your feet wet and explore the state. You have thesecurity of knowing that your basic needs like food,transportation, and your lodging is handled while you havethe freedom of choosing any number of activities.

Depending on the town you stop in, you can choose to gowhale watching, or take a helicopter trip and walk on aglacier. You can ride the White Pass Railroad or pan forgold. You can even take a Jeep tour on a logging trail andtop it off with a salmon bake. Also, every town appears tohave their own special and historical events happening on aregular basis and you definitely want to catch these, aswell. There are also many fascinating museums and rememberto save time to see the stunning Aurora Borealis, especiallyif you go in the fall.

Alaska seems to have it all. From world famous Parks &Preserves to Volcanos. From Historical & Annual Events andeverything in between. With such variety, it’s surprisingthat anyone would look anywhere but north when vacation timecomes. Alaska is a great American Vacation destination thatyou will want to experience for yourself at least once inyour lifetime.

Submitted by: Elizabeth Ann Wares Elizabeth Ann Wares is an avid traveler and shares travel and vacation tips. She is the webmaster of Airfare X, a leading resource for discount airfare:http://www.airfarex.com