Perhaps you have wondered about taking an RV vacation. It seems like fun and you'd like to try it, but you aren't sure if it's for you. Well, it's a growing industry. Annual RV retail sales topped $14 billion in 2004. As baby boomers take to the road, the RVing pastime and lifestyle are becoming increasingly popular. If you have a hint of the RV itch, then here are 10 common reasons for taking an RV vacation: RV Vacation 1. Getting Back to Nature: If you are interested in the great outdoors, an RV is a great way to vacation. You can visit state or national parks, tour famous landmarks and simply enjoy some fresh air and natural settings. Take a hike or go fishing. Try white water rafting or canoeing. Play some golf, go swimming, ride your bike. Get some exercise or simply do nothing but enjoy your surroundings. 2. The Comforts of Home: In an RV, you can have the best of both worlds. Enjoy the great outdoors with more creature comforts than tent camping. Whether you own an RV or try a rental, most RVs are well equipped. You will likely have a kitchen with microwave, fridge and stove, a TV and VCR, beds, living and dining areas and bathroom with shower. Many RVs have slide out rooms that increase the living area at the touch of a button. You can sit outside under your awning, get out of the rain if the weather changes, and turn on the air conditioner if it gets too hot. 3. Family Matters: Family members of all ages tend to connect with each other when they are away from their normal routine enjoying a simpler lifestyle. Remember that family togetherness can be a double-edged sword. While the RV is comfortable, it is a small living area for a large family. If you are renting, bear this in mind in choosing the size of your rental RV. During the day, try to spend time outdoors or in different activities, so that each family member gets a bit of personal space and time for themselves. But the minor logistics can be managed. The general consensus among RVing families is that an RV vacation tends to bring the family closer together with more communication and the sharing of good times. 4. Cool for Kids: An RV vacation can be a great way to travel with children. They can go out to play or take part in campground activities. There are likely to be other kids to meet and new places to explore. Children of all ages will enjoy an old-fashioned campfire complete with stories, songs and stargazing. And most kids think it's pretty cool to be in an RV "home on wheels". 5. Campgrounds: There are many choices in campgrounds and RV parks. In peak season and tourist areas, you should make reservations. Look for the amenities that are important to you. Campgrounds may have swimming pools, lakes, boating, fishing ponds, miniature golf, playgrounds, hiking trails, game rooms, walking or bike paths, tennis courts and activities for kids and adults. You may find dances, barbeques, contests or other entertainment. RV Clubs are worth joining to get campground discounts and other services. Consider the size and setting of the campsites and check out overall campground ratings in campground directories. Also consider proximity to other attractions or landmarks that you want to visit. 6. Flexibility: In an RV, you have the flexibility to change locations if you get the whim. But take this with a grain of salt. For popular destinations, you may not be able to pick up and find another campground without a reservation. You also want to strike the right balance between seeing different areas, the amount of time spent driving and ensuring you have enough time to relax. Cautions aside, an RV can give you a lot of freedom and spontaneity. RV travel appeals to an inner pioneering spirit and allows you to create your own adventure as you go along your way. You can explore the country at your own pace or take off for last minute mini-vacations, tailgating events and weekend trips. 7. Affordability: The question of whether it is cheaper to take an RV vacation doesn't have a "one size fits all" answer. The comparison really depends on the type of vacations you would take instead, as well as the way in which you plan to RV. For a one-time trip, you can compare the costs of renting a suitable RV to the costs of hotels, airfare or other means of travel. Or if you are considering regular RV vacations, you may want to purchase a motorhome or towable trailer. In this case, you would need to factor in operating costs, maintenance and the purchase price. In an RV, you can save money by cooking meals at home vs. dining out. You can minimize expenses if you take advantage of activities and amenities already included in the campground rate. Fuel expenses can be managed by reducing the distances traveled and staying longer at a given campground or park. 8. Driving the RV: Driving yourself gives you control over where you go and the pace of your travel. You don’t have the hassle of airline counters and keeping to schedules. You can stop and take a break when you choose. You don't need a special license to drive an RV. Sure, it takes some getting used to -- but the number of RVs on the road should tell you that it is doable. Practice on your own (or with one other person) before you load up your passengers. Take advantage of any classes available through your dealer or one of the many RV organizations. 9. How about a relaxing vacation for a change? How many times have you returned from a trip saying you need a vacation from the vacation? Now don't kid yourself - if you are the type who likes to schedule all the details of a trip, that's not going to change simply because you are traveling in an RV. But in choosing an RV vacation, you may shift your thinking and be more apt to use your time off as an opportunity to truly relax and unwind. 10. Test out the RV Lifestyle: The RV vacation may serve as a test drive to gauge your overall interest in the RV lifestyle. There are RVers who spend several weeks per year in RV travel. Other RVers take off for months. Snowbirds are RVers who make an annual trek to warmer climates for the winter season. And then there are fulltime RVers whose only home is their RV. Many of these people started out by vacationing in an RV as a way to try out the RV lifestyle. http://www.legendsofamerica.com/RV-Vactions.html

By Paul Bender, Co-owner of RV America Insurance Over the last several years our industry has watched intently as prices of crude oil rise and fall. But one fact remains; RVs are still the most economical way to take a vacation. A recent study confirmed what I had suspected long ago. The Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) recently commissioned a study for the purposes of evaluating RV travel vs. other popular types of vacations. RVIA chose PKF Consulting, an internationally recognized consulting firm with expertise in travel and tourism. So, what did they find? They found that typical RV family vacations are approximately 26 to 74 percent less expensive than those taken by personal car, commercial airline or cruise ship. The analysis included all basic expenses for trips to several destinations. Included in the study were trips to the Grand Canyon; Orlando, Fla.; Cape Cod; Napa, Calif.; and Alaska. PKF went as far as selecting three different types of RVs. The types chosen were those typically used by families for vacation purposes�a folding camping trailer, conventional travel trailer and Type C motorhome. "In all cases, RV trips were more economical than other vacations analyzed, regardless of trip duration, distance or region of the country," says Kannan Sankaran, PKF's lead researcher for the study. �Even when fuel prices rise, our data shows that each RV vacation would still be significantly less expensive. While fuel costs are a component of the overall vacation cost, fluctuations in fuel prices aren't significant enough to affect a family's decision of whether or not to take RV trips over other types of vacations." (www.RVIA.org) An interesting fact gleaned from the study shows that fuel prices would need to triple from 2006 rates in order to make RVing more expensive for a family of four than other forms of travel. In fact, if you used the family car and stayed in hotels you�re likely to pay up to 36% more than the same trip in a motorhome. " . . . a family of four traveling from Washington, D.C. to Dennis Port, Mass. for 10 days with their folding camping trailer in tow, staying in campgrounds for the local average of $25 per night, would save 54 percent, or $1,696, over the same trip taken by car, staying in hotels averaging $120 per night and eating in restaurants. Taking the same vacation by motorhome would save $974, or 34 percent, over going by car." (www.RVIA.org) On a trip from Atlanta to Orlando for a week, a family of four would save $1,658, or 53 percent, by traveling in their motorhome and staying in campgrounds averaging $27 per night, rather than flying, renting a car, staying in hotels averaging $125 per night and eating in restaurants. A week-long family vacation towing a conventional travel trailer from Salt Lake City, Utah to the Grand Canyon compared to the cost of taking the same trip by airline, renting a car and staying in a rental property would be $2,820 or 70 percent less expensive. And shorter trips were also found to be more economical by RV. According to the report, a three-day vacation from Pittsburgh, Pa. to Lancaster, Pa. would be $271 less if you towed a conventional travel trailer, rather than going by car, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants. The savings would be even greater�$1,049 or 62.2 percent�for families taking the same trip by motorhome rather than flying. When people ask what I do for a living, there will be the inevitable mention of a childhood trip taken in an RV, or the mention of someone they know who had recently rented one. The comments are generally positive, and everyone seems to enjoy the RV experience. My point? It�s difficult to measure the pleasure factor. Not only are RV vacations the most economical form of family vacation, but factor in a few items devoid of monetary value such as convenience, flexibility, and additional time spent with family, and you have what I believe to be the most cost-effective vacation in the world. Paul Bender RV America Insurance Mktg., Inc. 1-800-400-0186 www.RVAinsurance.com Paul Bender is the founder and Co-owner of RV America Insurance Marketing, Inc. in Simi Valley, CA. RV America Insurance is the largest RV insurance agency in the nation, and has long been recognized as the leading provider of specialty RV insurance through RV dealerships nationwide. RV buyers rely on RV America's licensed agents to provide outstanding value and superior knowledge of RVs and RV specific insurance coverage. http://www.rv-insurance-coverage.com/rv_articles_economy.asp

Today's fast-paced life often leaves busy parents searching for opportunities to spend quality time together as a family. Increasingly, families are discovering that vacationing in an RV is the best way to cement family relationships while having a great time. "Bringing the family closer together was the top answer for parents when asked what are the most important benefits of family RV camping in "Campfire Canvass," a semi-annual nationwide survey of a random sample of RV owners by Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). Other highly ranked responses were "providing a learning experience," "teaching kids to respect nature," "broadening their horizons," and "developing wholesome values." In a recent research study conducted by Louis Harris and Associates, nine out of 10 current RV owners said RVs are the best way to travel with the family. Perhaps even more significant, 62 percent of survey respondents who have never owned an RV said they also thought that an RV is the best way to take a family trip. Why do RVs appeal to so many families? Most importantly, RVs allow parents to reestablish relationships with their children by removing life's daily distractions. On an RV trip, families are not faced with the interruptions of routine home life, yet they have all the comforts of home. RVing families are able to enjoy each other's company and kids are free to be themselves, without the distraction of soccer practice, swim team or piano lessons. Owning an RV also means every weekend can be a vacation, allowing quick getaways with minimal preparation and planning. According to Christine Loomis, travel editor of Family Life magazine, author of 11 children's books and mother of three, RV trips give families the opportunity for "do-nothing time." "It takes a lot of energy to cope with the hectic pace of everyday life," she said. "The entire family has to have time to put everything on hold, except the family relationship. The RV provides the means to hit the road, leave the daily routine and enjoy quality time together." Many parents also supplement their children's learning during their RV travels. The Campfire Canvass found that 43 percent of families cite visiting a historic location for educational purposes. Science and nature centers, zoos and museums were also frequently mentioned. To receive a free booklet full of RV, campground, rental and trip planning information, would-be RV vacationers can contact Go Camping America at P.O. Box 2669, Dept. 23, Reston, VA 22090; 800/47-SUNNY. "The RV provides the means to hit the road, leave the daily routine and enjoy quality time together." http://www.woodalls.com/output.cfm?ID=154531

RV travel is quickly becoming a popular family vacation option, and there are many advantages to using an RV to travel with kids. Here are some reasons to go RVing. It's clear many families are now looking to RVs as a travel option. Just see the Family Travel Poll Results, which showed most respondents' dream family vacation is RVing around the U.S. There are some clear advantages to RVing versus using traditional transportation and accommodations in your family vacations: * Save on your room. While this isn't always the case (renting an RV can cost upwards of $1,000 weekly), for large families that require adjoining rooms, you can quickly save some dollars. * Take home with you. What is nice about an RV is it is a home in miniature and on wheels. Kids like to have the rituals and items of their home. It makes them sleep better and feel more at ease. While hotel rooms (unless they are suites) are just beds, a bathroom and a TV, an RV includes all the basic amenities of a home. * Save on airfare. Even a nearby destination gets pricy when you must spring for, say, five or six tickets. Even with rising gas prices, getting there by RV will likely save you money versus flying if you have a large family. * See more along the way. If you take an RV instead of flying, taking the bus or riding the rails, you will get the chance to see more destinations and discover gems of little towns and attractions. * You'll meet more people. You rarely make friends in hotels, where everyone goes about their business. At RV parks, however, people see each other more outside and it's much more social. Your kids are much more likely to make young friends for playing. * You can cook for yourself. Your kitchen will roll with you, so you can save much money (and stress of kids acting up at restaurants) by cooking your own meals. * You can bring more. If you travel with kids, it can seem like the amount of gear, clothes and random stuffed animals that simply must go along is endless. When you take an RV, you can take more. Still, you may want to keep packing under control. * If you don't like a town, you can leave it. I've arrived in plenty of destinations only to groan when I see the spot in person. The lovely thing about RVs is it is much easier to be flexible. Armed with a good book on RV sites, you can turn your nose up and move on (especially if you didn't reserve a spot). Besides, you should always have a plan B. There are also downsides, of course. You could pay about the same as a single hotel room stay, particularly if you add up RV rental costs, gas costs and RV park fees. Even so, there are plenty of intangible benefits to RV travel with kids that could counteract that. http://familytravel.suite101.com/article.cfm/rv_travel_with_kids

Looking to get away from it all but don't know where to begin? Want to see what life behind the wheel is like while exploring the backroads of America? Hit the road in an RV and experience life to its fullest. Enjoy the great outdoors with all the comforts of home. Leave the planning to us. If you have ever considered an RV vacation but don't know the first thing about recreational vehicles or camping, then you have come to the right place. Our network of knowledgeable adventure travel specialists can find the rental RV that is just right for you. We can help plan your trip and find you great deals on everything from campgrounds and boat rentals to local tours and attractions. Start a free trip request today and we'll have you sitting around the campfire under the stars before you know it! Contact us at www.bnbrv.com

Of all the reading and research I did for our trip to Alaska, I don't remember reading about the camaraderie we found on the Alaskan Highway. We had never experienced this before. Let me explain. Once you get on the Alaskan Highway in Dawson Creek, BC, you become a part of a group that is either going to Alaska, or coming back from Alaska. A large percentage of this group is made up of RVers. As you pull into the campground for the night and get setup, most of us need to get outdoors and walk around. Small groups begin to form as people gather to exchange experiences and ask questions. We stood around and talked for hours every night. We met people who had done the trip many times and had lots of good information. There were also many like us who were making the trip for the first time and had lots of questions. A couple of times stand out in my memory. We pulled into a campground in the Yukon. It was a government park with no hookups with perhaps 40 sites very widely spaced. As we walked around at night, we counted a total of 3 campers in the whole park. Since we were parked very far away from any other campers (at least when we went to bed), we did not hesitate to run the generator at 7:00 a.m. for coffee. As we stepped out of the motor home with our coffee, we were surprised to find a tent right next to us. We felt very badly that we had made so much noise so early. When a gentleman finally emerged from the tent a while later, I expected him to come over and tell us how rude we were for running the generator so early. Instead, he came over to ask about how he was to pay for the campsite since there was no campground host. We offered coffee. He accepted and we spent the next 3 hours visiting with this man from Switzerland over breakfast. He gave me a Swiss pocketknife which will always be special. One of my favorite spots on the Alaskan Highway is Mukluk Annies. I found an ad for this restaurant in the MilePost book. They offer free camping and you don't even have to eat dinner there. I was expecting a parking lot and nothing more. We pulled in and indeed there was a huge parking lot. I went into the restaurant to inquire about the camping and they told us to just pick any spot. So we walked around and found a short road that lead to the lower camping area which overlooks a gorgeous lake. As other campers started rolling in around 4:00 p.m. the place filled up quickly and the visiting began. We had dinner at the restaurant with 2 other couples and then we had a campfire. Lots of people joined us around the campfire as we exchanged information. Another thing that was new to us is travel cards. People make up a business card with their name, e-mail address and phone number. This makes it a lot easier, since you frequently want to exchange this information. Since I had my computer with us on the trip, I made up cards for us to use. Aside from just exchanging information you find a lot of people who are willing to help. The Alaskan Highway takes you through some wilderness areas. It gives new meaning to being "out in the middle of no place". There are very few places where cell phones work. We stayed in campgrounds that generated their own electricity because there was no service. If you have a breakdown on the highway, you may find yourself stranded far away from help. Whenever we saw someone pulled over, we stopped to check. We decided to use the Top of the World Highway to exit Alaska. As the name implies, you drive along a ridge of mountains where you can see forever. As we were driving, my husband said to me, "Someone up ahead of us is in trouble." I looked but did not see anything. He pointed out the trail of redish fluid on the road. Eventually, we found the 5th wheel that had been leaking transmission fluid for many miles. One by one, campers pulled over. The guys jumped out and scrounged around in their own storage compartments to come up with 9 quarts of transmission fluid. We donated 2 quarts plus our spout. The 5th wheel made it to the next town and our spout caught up to us in the next campground. We continue to travel but have not experienced the camaraderie that we found on the Alaskan Highway. We keep in touch with some of them. It was a wonderful trip and I hope you get the chance to try it someday. Get your travel cards made up and hit the road! Happy Camping Donna Flanders info@rvvacationplanner.com RV Vacation Planner www.rvvacationplanner.com

Overwhelmed trying to plan your next RV trip? RV Vacation PlannerIt can be pretty frustrating and time consuming. At RV Vacation Planner, we take care of the research. We have been camping for 20 years and traveling in an RV for 5 years. We've logged 50,000 miles in our rig. We found that once we upgraded to a large motor home, planning got a lot more complex. We could not fit into just any campground or take any road, and hours were spent researching destinations. After a five month "dream come true" trip from New Hampshire to Alaska and back, we are ready to plan a trip for you. Come on, let's go camping! Your customized RV vacation kit includes * Itinerary with sunny and rainy day activities * Trip routing * Campground list based on your RV size and hookup preferences * Activity list based on your interests * Recommended travel references * Checklists for packing and preparations

RV vacations are growing in popularity, particularly among older travelers, as people seek travel that is more flexible, affordable, and closer to home. According to a study by the University of Michigan, RV ownership in the U.S. is booming, with nearly 10 percent of the 55 and over population owning one. And, the demand for RV rentals is growing as more consumers try out RV travel before opting to buy their own vehicle. Research by the Recreational Vehicle Rental Association shows that the RV rental industry grew by 30 percent in 2002, a year when growth was negative for most other segments of the travel industry. We decided to investigate the RV trend to see what the benefits were for budget-minded travelers. We also found ways to save on RV rentals, and noted some online RV resources for those who want to learn more about RV travel. Advertisement The benefits of RV travel A study by a travel research firm, PKF Consulting, found that travelers could save up to 70 percent on overall costs by taking an RV vacation rather than using more common modes of travel, even after factoring in ownership or rental costs. However, that amount will vary greatly depending on factors such as distance traveled, size of the vehicle, and the availability of discounts or specials. Here are the ways that RV travel can undercut other modes of travel: * Airfare, train, and bus costs can be eliminated. * Instead of staying at a hotel, you'll be able to park your RV in a campground for a much lower cost, with an average campground fee of $23 per night. Plus, many RV campgrounds offer amenities like pools and tennis courts as part of the charge. * Rather than eating out at restaurants, you can cook your own meals in the RV's kitchen. Aside from the possible savings, RV travel can provide other benefits that seniors might find appealing: * By traveling in an RV, you can avoid the hassles of packing, going through airports, and checking in and out of hotels. You also have more freedom to change your itinerary. * Seniors can enjoy the social aspects of RV travel. Camping clubs and RV social networks host conventions, rallies, and campouts that bring RVers together. These clubs also provide members with special offers including camping discounts, insurance reductions, fuel discounts, and more. Examples of RV clubs include the Good Sam Club and the Family Motor Coach Association. * When visiting family or friends, RVers can use their vehicle as a guesthouse, giving themselves more privacy and their hosts more space. Saving on an RV rental The costs of renting an RV can range from $35 to $200 a day, plus gas, extra insurance, and extra mileage charges. Costs can add up pretty quickly, especially if you go over your allotted mileage or travel during the high season. However, there are ways to save if you plan carefully and reserve well ahead of time (at least one month advance booking is recommended): * Before renting, you should check the websites of B&B RV Rental www.bnbrv.com in Anchorage, Alaska.

Perhaps you have wondered about taking an RV vacation. It seems like fun and you'd like to try it, but you aren't sure if it's for you. Well, it's a growing industry. Annual RV retail sales topped $14 billion in 2004. As baby boomers take to the road, the RVing pastime and lifestyle are becoming increasingly popular. If you have a hint of the RV itch, then here are 10 common reasons for taking an RV vacation: RV Vacation 1. Getting Back to Nature: If you are interested in the great outdoors, an RV is a great way to vacation. You can visit state or national parks, tour famous landmarks and simply enjoy some fresh air and natural settings. Take a hike or go fishing. Try white water rafting or canoeing. Play some golf, go swimming, ride your bike. Get some exercise or simply do nothing but enjoy your surroundings. 2. The Comforts of Home: In an RV, you can have the best of both worlds. Enjoy the great outdoors with more creature comforts than tent camping. Whether you own an RV or try a rental, most RVs are well equipped. You will likely have a kitchen with microwave, fridge and stove, a TV and VCR, beds, living and dining areas and bathroom with shower. Many RVs have slide out rooms that increase the living area at the touch of a button. You can sit outside under your awning, get out of the rain if the weather changes, and turn on the air conditioner if it gets too hot. 3. Family Matters: Family members of all ages tend to connect with each other when they are away from their normal routine enjoying a simpler lifestyle. Remember that family togetherness can be a double-edged sword. While the RV is comfortable, it is a small living area for a large family. If you are renting, bear this in mind in choosing the size of your rental RV. During the day, try to spend time outdoors or in different activities, so that each family member gets a bit of personal space and time for themselves. But the minor logistics can be managed. The general consensus among RVing families is that an RV vacation tends to bring the family closer together with more communication and the sharing of good times. 4. Cool for Kids: An RV vacation can be a great way to travel with children. They can go out to play or take part in campground activities. There are likely to be other kids to meet and new places to explore. Children of all ages will enjoy an old-fashioned campfire complete with stories, songs and stargazing. And most kids think it's pretty cool to be in an RV "home on wheels". 5. Campgrounds: There are many choices in campgrounds and RV parks. In peak season and tourist areas, you should make reservations. Look for the amenities that are important to you. Campgrounds may have swimming pools, lakes, boating, fishing ponds, miniature golf, playgrounds, hiking trails, game rooms, walking or bike paths, tennis courts and activities for kids and adults. You may find dances, barbeques, contests or other entertainment. RV Clubs are worth joining to get campground discounts and other services. Consider the size and setting of the campsites and check out overall campground ratings in campground directories. Also consider proximity to other attractions or landmarks that you want to visit. 6. Flexibility: In an RV, you have the flexibility to change locations if you get the whim. But take this with a grain of salt. For popular destinations, you may not be able to pick up and find another campground without a reservation. You also want to strike the right balance between seeing different areas, the amount of time spent driving and ensuring you have enough time to relax. Cautions aside, an RV can give you a lot of freedom and spontaneity. RV travel appeals to an inner pioneering spirit and allows you to create your own adventure as you go along your way. You can explore the country at your own pace or take off for last minute mini-vacations, tailgating events and weekend trips. 7. Affordability: The question of whether it is cheaper to take an RV vacation doesn't have a "one size fits all" answer. The comparison really depends on the type of vacations you would take instead, as well as the way in which you plan to RV. For a one-time trip, you can compare the costs of renting a suitable RV to the costs of hotels, airfare or other means of travel. Or if you are considering regular RV vacations, you may want to purchase a motorhome or towable trailer. In this case, you would need to factor in operating costs, maintenance and the purchase price. In an RV, you can save money by cooking meals at home vs. dining out. You can minimize expenses if you take advantage of activities and amenities already included in the campground rate. Fuel expenses can be managed by reducing the distances traveled and staying longer at a given campground or park. 8. Driving the RV: Driving yourself gives you control over where you go and the pace of your travel. You don’t have the hassle of airline counters and keeping to schedules. You can stop and take a break when you choose. You don't need a special license to drive an RV. Sure, it takes some getting used to -- but the number of RVs on the road should tell you that it is doable. Practice on your own (or with one other person) before you load up your passengers. Take advantage of any classes available through your dealer or one of the many RV organizations. 9. How about a relaxing vacation for a change? How many times have you returned from a trip saying you need a vacation from the vacation? Now don't kid yourself - if you are the type who likes to schedule all the details of a trip, that's not going to change simply because you are traveling in an RV. But in choosing an RV vacation, you may shift your thinking and be more apt to use your time off as an opportunity to truly relax and unwind. 10. Test out the RV Lifestyle: The RV vacation may serve as a test drive to gauge your overall interest in the RV lifestyle. There are RVers who spend several weeks per year in RV travel. Other RVers take off for months. Snowbirds are RVers who make an annual trek to warmer climates for the winter season. And then there are fulltime RVers whose only home is their RV. Many of these people started out by vacationing in an RV as a way to try out the RV lifestyle. http://www.legendsofamerica.com/RV-Vactions.html

Seward: Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park Sandwiched between the Kenai mountains and the waters of Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward is one of Alaska's oldest and most scenic communities. A spectacular 2.5 hour drive south from Anchorage brings you to this seaside village, which offers a bustling harbor, quaint shops and galleries, and many different ways to tour Kenai Fjords National Park. Mt. Marathon rises steeply behind town. Every 4th of July, this town of 4,000 swells to 25,000, and runners hit the trail to be first to the summit in America's second-oldest footrace. The town's population also balloons during the August Silver Salmon derby, the state's largest. Get out on the water and cast your line for several-hundred-pound halibut or salmon so numerous they bump into your boat. Just beware: you may get so caught up in the scenery, whales, and wildlife that you forget to fish! At the Alaska SeaLife Center, go nose-to-glass with many of the creatures you'll see only from a distance on a cruise-puffins, sea lions, harbor seals, and more-in their naturalistic habitats. This one-of-a-kind research, rehabilitation, and education facility lets you observe marine research as it's being conducted. Nearby Kenai Fjords National Park offers one of Alaska's best wildlife spectacles and some of its most beautiful fjords and glaciers. Humpback and killer whales, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and puffins crowd the park's waters. Choose from a variety of Kenai Fjords boat tours. Alaska's most accessible glacier lies just 10-15 minutes from town, and a gentle half-mile trail leads you close enough to Exit Glacier to touch. From Seward's Lowell Point, slice through the glassy waters of Resurrection Bay on a kayak, past sea otters, harbor seals, and eagles. Walk the mile-long beach or trek the five-mile coastal trail to Caines Head, rated one of Alaska's top 10 hikes. Seward's Kenai Fjords National Park offers everything from organized boat tours into the Park to water-taxi drop-offs at secluded coves around the bay where you can beachcomb, rent a private cabin, or kayak to sea lion haul-outs, bird rookeries, and tidewater caves. http://alaska.org/seward/