Alaska can be considered a bucket list for many travelers, especially those who do not live on the west coast. The mix of passengers is everything from toddlers to the elderly. It is no longer considered a trip for just the elderly. Cruise ships and excursions have something for everyone. Alaska is intriguing, culturally diverse, and has so much Native Alaskan history. From the Gold Rush-era to the Russian influence, you will be amazed.

Many cruise lines offer cruises to Alaska. Norwegian, Princess, Disney, and Celebrity to name a few. Not every cruise line is a right fit for every cruiser. There are large ships, small ships, expedition ships. Each has its own personality. We would be more than happy to share insight on this.

What would one expect on a cruise to Alaska? Beautiful scenery unlike any other. From glaciers and fjords to mountains and forests. History. So much history in our 49 th state. So many influences from Russia, Norway, Asia and more.

You can cruise to Alaska from many ports on the west coast. Many ships leave and return to Seattle. Many leave from Vancouver and end in Anchorage or reverse. Some even start in Los Angeles or San Francisco and travel north or south.

The Alaska cruise season is from the end of April to October. July and August are peak season when the weather is the warmest. Spring time and late fall offers the better pricing however, weather might not be your friend. Snow could be on the ground, which makes for pretty pictures, but not so much fun for hiking. Weather could play a factor of your shore excursion being cancelled especially if it is a boat or helicopter tour. September offers the chance for cruisers to see the Northern Lights, and some great end-of-the season shopping.

Some ports you may visit:
Ketchikan – A great port to explore, hike through the forest, canoe around a lake and learn about the Native American past in the area. You can zipline in the rainforest.

Skagway – You can pan for gold here, while learning about the history of the gold rush era. How about a white water rafting trip for a more adventurous excursion? Take a train ride along the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad.

Sitka – A cultural melting pot for Alaska Natives and Russian decedents. Many remnants of heritage are here such as St. Michaels Cathedral and the Russian Bishop House.

Juneau – Alaska’s capital. You can kayak or canoe close to Mendanhall Glacier. Visit a viewing area where brown bears are protected to live in their natural habitat. Or see various sea animals such as seals and sea lions. Even go whale watching for the impressive Humpback Whales.

We take the stress out of planning a trip. You do not lose control of the process. You still have the final decision. We help narrow down your options. Did you know that Orlando has about 122,000 hotels? Which one is right for your family?

Travel agents have been to many of the popular areas and hotels. If not, we know someone who has. Firsthand experience is better than any online review website.

We get to know you, the client. Not every hotel and destination is right for every person. And with that knowledge, they become more than just a client. A good travel agent will ask you how your children are, or how your parents are doing.

We have knowledge of upcoming sales and promotions. We also have the ability to add new promotions to your reservation if they benefit you.

We have tips to make your vacation better. From the little store on the corner that is a must visit, to the best little Italian restaurant off the beaten path, we make your vacation better.

We are your advocate. When things do not go just right, a travel professional knows whom to call to get it fixed on the spot. If your flight is canceled, just have a seat and pick up the phone while the rest of the passengers are lined up trying to rebook. Didn’t get the room category you booked? No need to argue with the front desk. One call will get it corrected.

This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right.

You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here.

Why do this?

• Because it gives new readers context. What are you about? Why should they read your blog?
• Because it will help you focus you own ideas about your blog and what you’d like to do with it.

The post can be short or long, a personal intro to your life or a bloggy mission statement, a manifesto for the future or a simple outline of your the types of things you hope to publish.

To help you get started, here are a few questions:

• Why are you blogging publicly, rather than keeping a personal journal?
• What topics do you think you’ll write about?
• Who would you love to connect with via your blog?
• If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished?

You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas.

Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later.

When you’re ready to publish, give your post three to five tags that describe your blog’s focus — writing, photography, fiction, parenting, food, cars, movies, sports, whatever. These tags will help others who care about your topics find you in the Reader. Make sure one of the tags is “zerotohero,” so other new bloggers can find you, too.

Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.

— Oscar Wilde.

This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.