aknards

Hello!
I'm usually on the Africa forum... However, the recent solar flares and a lifelong desire to see the aurora borealis have started me thinking about maybe visiting Alaska this March before the "lights" season ends. Anyone know of a good tour company/way to do this without breaking the bank???? thanks

aknards

Orcas

Don't know a tour company, but predictions are that the lights at the beginning of March should be among the best in decades. Look up the Fur Rondy festival in Anchorage and the Ice Sculpture competition in Fairbanks and, if you can, work our timing to attend both. (thank you gardylou)

We are planning to go at the end of February, when we are able. We have refundable tix in case the weather is expected to be wretched. We are doing it on our own.

Apparently, the Japanese have a belief that being conceived under the northern lights confers wisdom on the offspring, or something of the sort, so there are many Japanese tour groups that book the lodging during prime time. When we looked into this a month or more ago, all the lodging outside of Fairbanks was booked solid (including Chena Hot Springs and other lodges.) So, we have booked in Fairbanks and are planning on either picking up a tour while we are there for a day trip to Chena (or other locations) or driving it ourselves. We are going to rent a car.

We also booked in Anchorage to see the start of the Fur Rondy Festival. The Ididerod starts at the end of Fur Rondy and there are very cool balls - supposed to be a kick, so going towards the end would be good.

Let me know what you decide to do. We debated between places - Iceland, Finland, Norway, Canada, Alaska. We didn't have a lot of time so we went the easy route. It's still scary to go into the bitter cold and dark and count on something that is so weather dependent, which is why we got refundable plane tickets and our hotel reservations are also cancellable.

aknards

thanks, Orcas. I, too, would love to go to Norway, etc., but don't really have the time/money right now, (am going to Africa this July), but hate to pass up this opportunity to see the lights when they promise to be so spectacular... It seems as though the airfares are the limiting factor, sooo very steep compared to lodging. I was hoping to find an all-inclusive deal that might make the trip more affordable. Oh well, I'll keep searching. Enjoy your adventure!!

Orcas

I'll let you know! We are in Seattle so the airfares aren't too high until you do a refundable deal. We have direct service to Iceland and Icelandic Air has an inexpensive northern lights trip or two. Travelzoo.com runs special for this trip now and then. It helps to be a gateway city...Someday we'll just go to Iceland for a few days - very tempting.

aknards

I've been doing searches with all the usual airfare discounters. From NC, I'm looking at about $800 RT with at least two stops!!! sigh.... that's why I was hoping to find a tour that included the air.

wired

Hi,

If you want to watch aurora, this website will help you very much.
This is website of Alaska university. They provide strength of aurora, forecasting, areas where
aurora rises and so on. http://www.gi.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast

But if you are an iPhone user, this app must help you. You can watch the northern gorgeous
lights without waiting until it rises.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/auror...539875792?mt=8

tomfuller

From the above link: http://www.gi.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast/TravelersGuide
You can drive as far north as Gilliam or take the train to Churchill to see polar bears and Belga whales.