(8 Reviews)

Karen Dillard

Anchorage, AK

Alaska Travel Agent Expert

I love my work as an Alaska travel agent since the state is a dream destination for anybody who visits it. Alaska is a terrific place to go if you're looking for adventure and the great outdoors. From Fairbanks to Anchorage, one of my favorite Ala...
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I love my work as an Alaska travel agent since the state is a dream destination for anybody who visits it. Alaska is a terrific place to go if you're looking for adventure and the great outdoors. From Fairbanks to Anchorage, one of my favorite Alaskan escapes is to drive between the two cities. This is the route to take if you want to see some of the best of Alaska's scenic beauty. When you're close to either city, a metamorphosis takes place - one that transforms a barren and snow-covered landscape to a pine and snow-covered wonderland - a  peaceful and idyllic place to explore and set your thoughts on adventure. As you go along you'll see ice and glaciers, valleys, firs, and hillsides. There are plenty of places to stop and snap pictures on the course of your travels. Only in Alaska can you be privy to natural phenomena, such as the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights - a true natural treat when you choose to stay in Fairbanks. The magnificent boat ride from old Skagway to Juenau, is another travel highlight. Between coastal communities and the rest of the state, the Marine Highway System is a crucial artery. This kind of travel, with its constant exposure to breathtaking scenery, is one you won't soon forget. Deep fjords and islands with lighthouses and quiet fishing communities await you on your trip across the glacial waters. Cruise the waters for you will be rewarded with sightings of amazing animals, such as the humpback whale, porpoise, sea lion, and seal. You can witness bald eagles in flight from the deck of your vessel as well as hear the barks of seals. Set your sights on the horizon,  as you will always be mesmerized by the skies during dawn and sunset. Check out Admiralty Island, a great place to watch bears, or take a sightseeing  plane to see the scenery from on high. Visit the Russian-settled town of Sitka and view the totem poles that Native Americans once carved along a trail. You might also think of traversing the Yukon Railroad if you plan a Skagway adventure. Whatever you wish to do, you can make your Alaskan travel dream come true. Allow me to help you with your travel planning. Contact me anytime by phone or email.

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Karen Dillard

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Alaska Iditarod Travel Agent Specialist

Are you all set for your Alaskan Iditarod journey?I can help you plan a trip of a lifetime. As an Alaskan and experienced Idiatrod travel agent (since 1997), I can put together a customized trip especially for you. Everything you do during the Iditarod event will be exciting and memorable. For your tour package, I can arrange touring and sightseeing to and from Anchorage where you will also tour the famous sled dog kennels. You can also attend the Mushers’ Banquet where you will savor 3-course dining and get your picture taken with the mushers and other attendees.Would you like to take part in a dog sled ride? If so, you will have the chance during your Idiatrod vacation. Glide over the frozen tundra  to immerse yourself in the Idiotraod experience. An Idiatrod trip includes seeing the ceremonial start of the Iditarod from Anchorage and, again, taking part in a restart in Willow. You’ll be able to see the Northern Lights, attend the Ice Art World Championship in Fairbanks, or soak in the inviting thermal waters of Chena Hot Springs.It’s always fun to know some facts about the Iditarod before you embark on this exciting northern tour. For example, each sled in the event is pulled by 16 Huskies or dogs that resemble the familiar animal. Did you know that the dogs need about 10,000 calories per day? That is not an exaggeration. When they pull a weighty sleigh, they need to keep eating. On the trail, they receive chunks of soaked dog treats, fish, or meat. At checkpoints, dogs receive Arctic char, supplementation and kibble combined with chicken fat. The food is cooked on a camp stove that can also serve as a seat for the driver of the sled.The dog sled team wears booties, but not because of the chill air. They keep their paws covered so they don’t injure their foot pads. Their fur and efficient bloodflow keep them adequately warm. However, the ice and rocky terrain scratch and harm the pads. During the race, mushers are required to include 8 extra booties for each dog.Also, sled dogs learn different commands than your canine pet and friend. For example, “hike” means to get going and “haw” means turn left. “Gee” is the command for turning right while “On by” is the signal for passing another team. “Easy” means slow your pace and “whoa” means to stop.The race course, which is named for a once-active and buzzing ghost town, is around 1,000 miles long. The length varies, depending on the weather and condition of the terrain. The race alternates each year - going north one year and in a southern direction the next.So, which way are you going? Make plans to attend the upcoming Idiotrad in Alaska. As your Idiatrod travel agent specialist, I can make all the exciting arrangements for you today. The Idiatrod in 2023 will take place from February 27 to March 6, so let's plan your adventure now!

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Karen and Family Fishing Trips

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