As Alaskans rush headlong into the annual season of gratitude between Thanksgiving and Christmas, modern travelers can pause and give thanks.
Set aside for a moment the miracle of flight. It’s no small thing. But it’s a logistical miracle how thousands of travelers can descend on an airport during the holidays with kids and bags and end up on the right plane. I’m a heavy user of our transportation infrastructure during those peak travel days: the shuttle drivers, ramp workers, gate agents, customer service agents and the maintenance crews. Color me grateful.
Pushing aside that pumpkin pie for a moment, let’s remember some other events this weekend: Black Friday, Cyber Monday and even Travel Tuesday. Some folks watch football or basketball games. I shop for travel deals.
Don’t get used to the cheap fares to Europe. The Euro-bargains been hanging around for a month now. But if you haven’t considered flying to your favorite European city, you might give it one more look. There’s no advance purchase — you could leave this week to many destinations.
Pick a city. Any city in Europe: Paris, Rome, Athens, Barcelona, Lisbon … even Marrakesh. They’re all still priced between $500 and $600 round-trip. Add $180 round-trip to get advance seat assignments, one checked bag and SkyMiles credit on Delta.
All of the rates are on either Delta or United. I’ve been waiting all month for American and Alaska Airlines to offer competing fares — but no luck.
The purchase-by date for these rates now is Nov. 27. Travel must be completed by March 15. The best rates are not available over the peak Christmas holiday dates, but bargains are available up to Dec. 13 or 14, picking up again after Christmas around Jan. 6.
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Closer to home, Alyeska Resort is offering a 40% discount on room rates. It’s hard to nail down exactly how much you’ll save, since the room rates vary wildly. Between Dec. 5 and 7, the regular rate is $275 on one night and $325 on the other night. With the Black Friday deal, you can save $165 the first night and $195 the second night. Black Friday rates are available online through May 31, although the deal is not available on key dates during spring break.
Major Marine Tours in Seward is offering a Cyber Monday sale: 30% off all of its cruises in 2024. Cruises start in March and go all the way to October. My favorite summertime cruise is the National Park tour. The regular price in midsummer is $219 per person. Save $65.70 per person when you use the “CYBER30″ code between now and Dec. 1. You can call them on the phone to pay now and pick the date later: 907-224-8300.
Xanterra is a travel company that operates many concessions in national parks throughout the country. With its “Thankful for Travel Sale,” it is trimming up to 30% off some resorts near popular parks.
Xanterra has two resorts inside Death Valley National Park: the Inn at Death Valley and the Ranch at Death Valley. To get 30% off, use the booking code “CYBER.”
The best rates are available through Dec. 21, then starting again on Jan. 1 through Feb. 29. Rates vary day to day, but in January it’s about $409 per night at the Inn and $249 per night at the Ranch. With the sale prices, that comes down to about $281 per night for the Inn and $146 per night for the Ranch.
Xanterra operates several lodges in Grand Canyon National Park and offers a 30% discount on select dates at the El Tovar Hotel, the Kachina Lodge, the Maswick Lodge and the Bright Angel Lodge. Just outside the park, the 30% discount is available at the Grand Hotel. Travel between now and March 7.
Save 30% at the Zion National Park Lodge, the only lodge inside the park. The discount is available through Feb. 29.
Xanterra also offers discounts on lodges in Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park.
Just like the deals to Europe, the bargain rates at the lodges in and around the national parks are perfect for offseason visits. That said, Death Valley is boasting temperatures in the mid-60s this week. That sounds close to perfect for me!
