Alaska

Alaska is the largest of the US states at twice the size of Texas and with over 3 million lakes, 29 volcanoes, and 33,000 miles of coastline. Located west of Canada, the frozen landscape is home to over half of the world's glaciers, making it also the most sparsely populated state. Most people that live in Alaska were born elsewhere and re-located to enjoy the natural beauty of the arctic get-away. Alaskan natives, including the Eskimos and the Aleut, make up only about 15% of the population. But whether born in Alaska or transplanted, the people of the state are known for their self-reliance and love of the Alaskan environment. Everything beyond the Alaskan borders is known to locals as "Outside" with a capitol O. The justifiable reason for this strong state pride and distinction from others: Alaska is home to some of nature's most unique and beautiful sights. The fantastic blue, sparkling glaciers are always a sight to see. You can walk so close to the Mendenhall Glacier outside of Juneau that you can practically hear the massive block of ice shifting and changing. Aboard one of the many small cruises, you can watch the magnificent humpback whales breach into the air, or fish for one of Alaska's most famous resources, the king salmon. Visit the quaint town of Sitka where the Stars and Stripes were first raised officially making Alaska a US Territory on October 18, 1867. In the summer, Alaska is a perfect place for hiking among the forget-me-not littered hills and if you're lucky, viewing grizzly bears in their habitat. In the winter, many people flock to the state to view or participate in the famous dog-sledding events or glide down the glittering ski slopes.