Like most places in the world, Alaska has suffered a major hit to its tourism industry, but the state has a plan to kick-start tourism by offering visitors free COVID-19 vaccines at its airports this summer.
Free vaccines this summer in Alaska
Alaska is offering free COVID-19 vaccinations to visitors this summer, which they can receive at airports in the state. The offer applies to travelers aged 16 and over, who will be able to receive a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at the Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau or Ketchikan airports.
Alaska governor, Mike Dunleavy made the announcement during a recent news conference Dunleavy said the initiative is set to commence in June 2021. In the news conference, Dunleavy said, “The idea is that we have access to vaccines, so why not use them?”
“So this is what we’re saying to our tourists: If you come to Alaska — and this will start on June 1 — you get a free vaccination,” he added.
In normal times, the majority of visitors to Alaska arrive by cruise ship. However, as cruising is mostly out of the question right now, travelers are encouraged to fly to the state instead. Each COVID-19 vaccine requires a second dose several weeks after the first. Any visitor who chooses to stay for a longer period in the state will also receive their second vaccination in Alaska, free of charge.
Why visit Alaska?
Alaska is the biggest state in the US and consists of a vast and strikingly beautiful wilderness, which lends itself ideally to social distancing. By visiting off-the-beaten-track locations in the state, visitors will get to observe big fauna in its natural habitat. Among the attractions is Denali National Park and Preserve, a park that is primeval and easily accessible to visitors. Here, travelers can see grizzly bears, wolves, caribou and moose in their natural habitat from the comfort of a tour bus.
Alternatively, independent explorers can get out into the wild and trek into six million acres of tundra, ice-capped mountains and boreal forest, all lying in the shadow of Denali, North America’s highest peak.
An ideal situation is to be based in Anchorage, which is known as the Big Apple of the north. From this home base, visitors can explore the small town charms of Alaska, as well as the striking surrounding scenery in comfortable day trips.
One of these day trips is to Spencer Glacier at Girdwood, home of the luxurious Alyeska Ski Resort, as well as excellent hiking and fine restaurants. Another is a drive out on Turnagain Arm to the Turnagain Arm Trail, which is an easy 11-mile hike easily reached from Anchorage. The trail starts at Potter Trailhead and offers beautiful views of Turnagain Arm, beluga whales off the coast, as well as alpine meadows.
Visitors can head out to Seward, which sits on the edge of Resurrection Bay and offers incredible views of water, forests and mountain. The town also features plenty of good restaurants and lively nightlife in the picturesque downtown area.
Any readers who would like to experience Alaska this summer and receive a free vaccination along the way should visit the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services website for more information.
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