ride the Alaska ferry from Bellingham

Forget the cruise ships, and go in December! Talk about a wonderful cheap way to see the frozen north… I did this with my father once and had an amazingly relaxing time. I mean, on a cruise ship, you’re just in a little microcosm anyway, so you don’t get to experience anything if you don’t want to. The ferry though, had a cafeteria, outdoor camping under heat lamps on the upper deck… and a whole relaxed no-frills attitude I just loved. Plus, the elder hostel folks were on board and there were lots of park rangers giving instructional talks for free. I’m definately doing this again!