Denver, January 13, 2009 - Year after year, Alaska is one of the top five travel destinations of AAA Colorado members and 2009 should be no different, despite the economy. With 50th birthday-related events scheduled throughout the year, 2009 is a great year to travel to Alaska to experience the best of both the history and the growth.

"Travel to Alaska has certainly changed over the past 50 years," says Sandra Barnes, Director of Travel Service for AAA Colorado. "The average tour used to include a hunting or fishing camp with a totem pole viewing. Travelers today can experience river rafting and hiking, fine dining and luxurious spas, as well as the traditional attractions of Alaska's renowned hunting, fishing and native arts."

Coloradans are also drawn to Alaska for the wildlife viewing opportunities. It's no "fluke" to see a whale tail-humpbacks often make appearances in Prince William Sound. Cruises along the Inside Passage include sightings of huge, barking Steller sea lions lounging on top of each other; Dall's porpoises frolicking in a boat's wake; Sitka black- or white-tailed deer sipping from a stream; soaring peregrine falcons; or furry otters doing the backstroke.

Looking for bears? The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is home to some 3,000 Kodiak bears and Brooks Camp in Katmai National Park and Preserve safeguards one of the world's largest brown bear populations. Grizzlies as well as caribous and moose roam the desert-like tundra of Denali National Park and Preserve.

"Many travelers don't realize that the best way to see Alaska is a combination of a cruise and driving or train tour." says Barnes. "The scale and scope of what the state offers is stunning. Some things are better seen from land, while others are best viewed from the deck of a ship or boat." A combination of cruise and tour is the best of both worlds. Many travel providers are offering special Alaska birthday promotions for travel during 2009. If you happen to be turning 50 the same year as Alaska, even better discounts await.

AAA Colorado has more than 525,000 in-state members and is an advocate for safety and security for all travelers. As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides nearly 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services, as well as member-exclusive savings. AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com