Alaskans had an impressive start to 2009. Not only were they preparing to celebrate the state?s 50th anniversary of statehood on January 3, but just hours after the ball dropped on New Year?s Eve, Alaskans rose early (7 a.m. to be exact) to watch proudly as their very own Rose Parade float walked away with the gold. ?Celebrating Alaska ? Spirit of the Wild,? received the national trophy for ?Best Depiction of Life in the USA ? Past, Present or Future,? in Pasadena, Calif. on January 3. Sponsored by the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau and several other Alaska partners in celebration of the state?s golden anniversary, the float featured elements of Alaska Native culture, depictions of wildlife and outdoor life and even Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race champion Libby Riddles.

For Alaskans, the good news just continues from here. The first couple months of the year are a prime time for recreation across the state, cruise prices are at the lowest rates in recent memory and everyone is loading their iPods with Alaska?s national parks. Read on to learn more.

Heading north in February or March may be ahead of schedule for the migratory birds, but travelers will find an array of advantages to an early spring break in Alaska. The increasing daylight and favorable weather make it easy to spend extra hours on the slopes, trails, under the glow of the northern lights or enjoying one of many festivals taking place around the state. Learn more about visiting Alaska in February and March by clicking HERE.

Hard times for the economy may bring good news for travelers in 2009. The state?s cruise operators are discounting prices up to 40 percent from 2008 rates. The cruise lines bring roughly 1 million people to Alaska each year to marvel at the stunning scenery, glaciers and wildlife. And with prices at their lowest in recent memory, now is the perfect time to get onboard. Not sure where to get started? Click HERE for more information.

Now travelers can get a flavor of Alaska?s national parks without leaving home. Thanks to a series of video podcasts available on iTunes and local National Park Service Web sites, viewers can catch a glimpse of what three of Alaska?s most popular national parks have to offer. By searching for the parks in the iTunes podcast store, visitors can learn about dinosaurs (and more modern residents) of Denali National Park, gain an in-depth look at science and research at Kenai Fjords National Park and watch bears in Katmai National Park. The video podcasts began airing on iTunes last fall, and the newest videos premiered in October 2008. Both the iTunes and nps.gov podcasts are available free of charge. Click HERE to learn more about Alaska?s national parks.