Have a noteworthy trip to Anchorage without busting your travel budget
Dubbed as the largest city in Alaska, Anchorage is situated on a strip of lowland that extends up to the alpine slopes of the Chugach Mountains. Anchorage has a sub-arctic climate that is characterized by long summer and short winter daylight hours. The municipality is considered Alaska’s major port. Anchorage also has a diverse wildlife population, with black and grizzly bears as well as a number of moose thriving in the city.
Saving tips: Enjoy an awesome Anchorage getaway even while on budget by traveling during off-season, scouring for cheap hotel promos, booking a room at a value hotel, and taking advantage of free attractions or cheap thrills.
Anchorage offers vacationers a number of accommodation options to choose from. Those who are willing to splurge on their accommodation should book their stay at the finest hotels in the city, like the Anchorage Marriott Downtown, The Hotel Captain Cook, or the Crowne Plaza Hotel Anchorage.
If you are looking to save money, it is advised that you book a room in advance, the earlier you make your room reservations the better. Remember that when you book early you are increasing your chances of room discounts. You should also consider scheduling your trip during the off-season since this is the time when hotels and airline companies offer discounted promos. When occupancy is low, hotels are forced to lower their room rates to attract more guests, so use this opportunity to your advantage.
Guests who want to visit Anchorage during the peak season can still find budget friendly accommodations by making reservations at value hotels or inns such as the Anchorage Downtown Hotel, The Spring Hill Suites Midtown, The Westmark Anchorage Hotel, or view all budget-friendly Anchorage hotels on Reservations.com.
Anchorage Activities on a Budget
Anchorage has plenty of free fun stuff that both kids and adults can indulge in. The Campbell Creek Science Center offers 740 acres of tracks suitable for visitors of any age. Kids can frolic among the birch while their parents gaze at the amazing scenery at the Chugach Mountains.
Take a free historical tour at the Alaska State Trooper Museum and find an interesting display of handcuffs, guns, and a Hudson hornet. For those looking for some resort fun, take the entire family to Girdwood. It hosts skiing activity during the winter months, while mountain biking, hiking and berry picking are offered during the rest of the year. Girdwood is also equipped with a community playground where the kids can have some good old fun. Alaska sponsors free musical fest series, called “Summer in the Park”, featuring local artists three times a week.
Tourists who want to be one with nature should drop by the Alaska Botanical Garden. It features more than 1100 species of perennial and 150 native plant species. It houses two types of garden, the small rock garden and the formal herb garden. It is advisable to visit the garden in mid May to mid- September, when the flowers are at full bloom. The best thing is that the garden offer admission for free.
The Nancy Lake State Park is slightly different from all the other recreation parks in the city. It is mostly made up of a flat terrain, which makes it suitable for doing various kinds of outdoor recreational activities. It features a camping area and canoe rentals. Guest can engage in fun activities such as fishing, hiking and skiing trails. Cabins are also available for rent on a nightly basis.
The Alaska Native Heritage Museum showcases the culture and history of Alaska’s 11 native tribes. If you are interested in exploring Alaska’s rich culture, this is definitely the museum to go to. It charges 24 dollars for guests and 10 dollars admission fee for Alaskan residents.
Do your homework before visiting the city so you would know where the free and cheap attractions are located. There is no need for you to spend all your savings just to make the most out of your well-deserved trip to Anchorage.