Travel is good for the heart and soul. It gives you a nuanced perspective on the world at large and changes the way you look at your own life.
There’s a reason why that co-worker or cousin acts so much different after spending a week abroad. While their improved mood can seem like a bunch of posturing, there’s actually a psychological reason beneath it all: vacations are just good for you. When you want to do something special for your anniversary, hopping over to the local bar just isn’t good enough. You need to visit someplace new and experience what the planet at its most beautiful.
What better place to do that than Alaska? The Last Frontier is a prime tourist spot for many and we’re going to take a look at why below.
How Alaska’s Tourist Industry Has Been Thriving
You may have noticed co-workers or friends visiting Alaska over these past few years. Whether to move somewhere new or try their hand at dog sledding, there always seem to be more visits there. According to industry estimates, visitors have spent an impressive $3 billion since 2015. This hustling and bustling tourist activity has created a collective 43,000 jobs in sightseeing, park maintenance, and advertising, among others. When you look at all the different elements that go into an Alaskan vacation, it’s not hard to see why.
The Untouched Wilderness Of The Last Frontier
Alaska is nicknamed The Last Frontier for a reason: it’s home to some of today’s most impressive, and untouched, vistas. Over 900,000 caribou roam across Alaska’s rich tundra landscapes, alongside 100,000 black bears and 30,000 birds. The national bird is in abundance, more so than any other part of the United States. 17 of the 20 highest peaks are also just next door. If you’re a fan of nature, you’ll get your fill with a dogsled tour or helicopter flight.
Interesting Facts About The State’s History
Did you know that the Alaskan state flag was designed by a 13 year-old boy in the 1920’s? The state called on students throughout the territory to submit ideas, eventually deciding on Benny Benson’s scene of the Big Dipper and the North Star. There are over 70 potentially active volcanoes in Alaska, to boot (though you don’t have to worry about any of them exploding when you’re around). Alaska hosted an impressive two million visitors back in 2017, a nearly 5% increase from just the previous year. This number’s only going to get higher.
The Physical Health Benefits Of Taking Vacations
Yes, taking a helicopter ride around Anchorage can actually be a form of medicine. Chronic stress is a silent killer, sneaking up on you and whittling away at your health until you’re in a bad spot. Pushing back means taking extended breaks annually, even if you’re sure you’re doing okay. A recent study found men at risk for heart disease who skipped vacations for five consecutive years had a 30% increased chance of an attack. Those who took periodic vacations, however, were much healthier.
Choosing The Alaska Glacier Wedding Package
When you have an event coming up — and even when you don’t — The Last Frontier is waiting. After the 2010 recession-attributed slump of one million visitors, Alaska has seen remarkable recovery. Its tourist rates are up 25% and Alaska glacier weddings are a growing trend among older tourists. You can go dog sledding with the aid of a professional, enjoying a slice of the simpler times. You can also step into the future with a helicopter ride that shows you a new perspective.
The world is your oyster. Enjoy a little freedom with a helicopter ride around the stunning vistas of Alaska.
