"My state association will not be able to send me this year..."

Getting a "no" from the Board isn't necessarily
 hazardous to your attendance

So the board has told you that there is not enough money to send you to Alaska. Don't despair! First, let's looks at some of the savings:

• the hotel on this trip is cheaper than some of our previous venues.
• You also will be staying downtown where shopping and actvities are plentiful.
• You do not have to rent a car to attend this meeting or to do fun activities. I would suggest you do some fun things outside Anchorage, but there is plenty to do in town.
• Buses can take you anywhere in town and are easily accessible from the hotel
• Anchorage is a major hub. There will be savings/discounts for some of you flying our way.

Obviously, the first thing would be to see if the board would be able to provide you the usual CSAP travel budget. This would leave you with the remainder of the cost. It does not have to break the bank to travel to the great, white north.  While we are not known for being jet-setters, CSAPers ARE known for their volunteerism. It turns out that if you a volunteer for a non-profit, there are situations where your travel costs can be tax deductible. If you itemize, you may be able to use this option. Don't take this as tax advice from me (my husband laughs) .Your tax person should be able to tell you if this option pertains to you.

Next is the frequent flier miles approach. We Alaskans are always having to come up with creative ways to leave the state in the dark,, dark days of winter.  Mile plans and credit cards with miles are one way we make this happen.There are cash/miles options too. Miles also work for folks coming our way.

Shop smart. Look at my previous tips on how to find those discounted airfares and local deals.

Check out the Anchorage convention and visitors bureau (ACVB) website for deals.

So, while you may not be fully funded (or even partially), it IS possible to make the trip. It would be a shame to miss out on seeing Alaska in May while getting great information to take back to your state association and for yourself as a leader.

Downtown Anchorage!!




Saturday Market and the Hilton

 Downtown Anchorage is a hopping place in the summer. CSAPers will have Saturday lunch on their own. The Hilton is the perfect place to be as Saturday Market is right across the street. Every Saturday and Sunday from May to September, Alaskans come from all over the state to sell their wares. You can find anything from native art to fresh veggies from the valley.  

I went downtown recently in late August with my visitors. Downtown Anchorage has something happening every weekend just a few few blocks from the Hilton at 4th and E street at Peratrovich Park. On this day,  it was Hawaii Day, a celebration of our 50th state. The weather was not Hawaiian but the music was great and it was free. 

We strolled down 4th street and window-shopped. We passed on the fur bikinis but it was a close thing. I think those bikinis have been in the window since I moved herein 1989. They just won't sell. And look out for moose! You never know when they might wander into town. Perhaps they also like visiting the vegetable stands at Saturday Market.

Planning early for Anchorage

We in Alaska are looking forward to showing off our beautiful state to fellow CSAPers in May 2012. I thought in this first blog to dispel some myths about traveling so far north.
First: cost. Hotel: The Hilton is a sweet deal at $150+ for single/double. Three days before AND after our meeting.
Airfare: If you live near a hub, it's possible to get a ticket +taxes for 450.00. You have to be a savvy shopper. I have airfare/airline  tips  on google docs. Just click the link. The average is usually 600-650. Some savvy shoppers are finding better deals. If you don't live near a major hub, you are used to paying that bit extra so don't blame it on Alaska!
Second: time off from work. Seriously?! You aren't going to call in sick? If you can only stay  for the meeting, it IS do-able. It takes 12 hours to fly from the east coast to Anchorage. One can leave Thursday at 6 am EST and arrive in Anchorage at 2 pm. We are 4 hours earlier than out east. Plan on leaving home early and getting home late. Anchorage is a busy airport at 3 a.m. You can get a flight out after 9 pm easily. We hope you stay longer!