msattler

Just wondering, has anyone tried contacting their travel agent to get the brochures stopped. They have a vested interest in keeping their customers happy and might know how to work the system.

I certainly hope it isn't replaced, Istanbul is such a great place. Most of the recent trouble has been in Ankara.

Agree with renting a car. It is easy to get around and not many roads or traffic issues. This will also allow for a couple other stops. Avis is the dominant rental company there and normally has good rates.

If you want to see bears go to Katmai National Park. I've fished in this area and there is no shortage of bears. You can fly there on a float plane from Anchorage on a day trip or overnight. Go to the Park website and you can check dates and match to where the Bears are. The Bears in this area are impressive.

If you have a rent car, just north of Anchorage in Wasilla, there is a cool museum dedicated to transportation in Alaska. It has every machine that moves, old trains, cars, boats, trucks, sleds, etc. Google Alaska Museum of Transportation and Industry.

The Anchorage Museum in downtown Anchorage is good and had lots of native Alaska exhibits.

Downtown also had a couple good furriers, in case you want to buy a beaver hat.

At the south end of Anchorage is a wetlands area with lots of birds, if you are into bird watching.

Roy,

Would you also recommend Angkor Wat and Bagan? They are options on the World Cruise I am considering.