This billboard in downtown Seattle provides us with a universal message: When all is said and done, we regret more what we didn't do, than what we did do...

So when people tell me, "Wow, I've always wanted to go to Alaska," I tell them, just as I'm telling you, "Great, come. Your life will change." It's hard to put into words. You just have to experience Alaska for yourself.

We can also learn from writer, teacher and scholar Eknath Easwaran who said, "You will grow more crops by cultivating your own garden, however tiny, than by flying in an airplane over all the farmland in the country." As it relates to life's goals, you can't experience Alaska by reading about it or looking at travel guides, TV shows or maps. And if you are thinking about visiting Kodiak Island (my island home), give me a call or drop me an email. You can help me pull weeds!

Helpful Alaska Travel Resources (don't just look at these, act on them!:

All about Kodiak Island, Alaska

The Alaska Toursaver: Alaska travel at half the price! Two-for-one discounts on Alaska travel, including Alaska tours, hotels, cruises, fishing in Anchorage and throughout the state

The Alaska Travelgram: Weekly newsletter with Alaska travel specials, timely advice, activities of local interest throughout Alaska. Published by my good, and whacky friend, Scott McMurren

The Milepost: Legendary Alaska trip planner and Alaska travel guide to the highways, roads, ferries, lodgings, recreation, sightseeing attractions and services along the Alaska Highway to and within Alaska, including Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territories and the Yukon.

BOOKS: Frommer's Alaska, Fodor's Alaska, and Alaska for Dummies (don't laugh, it's great!)