As our anniversary approaches, we always find ourselves reminiscing about past trips and dreaming up new ways to celebrate. One of our most memorable getaways was a journey to Alaska—an adventure filled with stunning landscapes, incredible seafood, and a surprising lesson in the power of scent to transform a space.
A First-Class Start
August arrived, and as we waited to board our flight, an unexpected opportunity presented itself. Over the intercom, the ticket agent announced an upgrade to first class for just $100. Without hesitation, David sprang into action—his best Superman impression—securing us a first-class experience. It felt like the perfect way to kick off 20 years of marriage in style.
Finding a Home Away from Home
Before the days of Airbnb or VRBO, we found lodging the old-fashioned way—by making phone calls. Our plan was to stay near Seward, but we quickly discovered that our visit coincided with the Silver Salmon Derby, meaning accommodations were scarce. Fortunately, a kind local offered us her fully stocked one-bedroom apartment above her garage for the week. It was a lucky find!
Bringing the Comfort of Home With Us
While the apartment and rental Jeep Cherokee were clean, they didn’t quite feel like “ours.” That’s where our Drive Time® Truck Puck® air freshener came in. But do car air fresheners really work? The short answer: absolutely.
Car air fresheners, especially quality ones, are designed to neutralize odors rather than just mask them. In our case, we used the Evergreen Truck Puck, scented with pine needles, spruce, balsam fir, and cedar notes. The familiar, fresh aroma instantly made both the car and apartment feel more inviting. Beyond just pleasant scents, air fresheners can also enhance mood and create lasting memories—something we discovered as the woodsy fragrance became forever linked to our Alaskan adventure.
The Best Fish and a Little Gold
Exploring Seward led us to a charming diner where we fell in love with their daily offering of halibut fish and chips. The mild, slightly buttery taste was unforgettable—even if the deep-fried preparation canceled out its heart-healthy benefits.
The Silver Salmon Derby was a highlight, as we watched skilled fishermen return each evening with their catches. Locals dismissed pink salmon as “garbage fish,” but to us, fresh Alaskan salmon was a treat! We filled a cooler and had it shipped home, extending our Alaskan experience for weeks to come.
One day, David decided to try his luck panning for gold. After borrowing hip waders from a local outfitter, he joined other prospectors along the river. To our delight, he managed to pan some gold! When I excitedly emailed my mom about his success, she asked if I planned to make a necklace from his “nugget.” I had to laugh—while it wasn’t quite a nugget, it was definitely visible to the naked eye!
A Rare Sight of Denali
We set out for Denali National Park, hoping for a glimpse of North America’s tallest peak. Along the drive, we saw the snowcapped mountain growing larger on the horizon. Little did we know, this was the best view we’d get! Once inside the park, Denali was obscured by clouds—something locals told us happens most days of the year. We felt incredibly lucky to have seen it in its full glory on our way there.
Future Travel Dreams
This was just one of two trips we’ve taken to Alaska, and we’d love to go back—maybe by driving the Alaskan Highway one way and taking the ferry back. There’s something about the wild, untouched beauty of this place that brings out the explorer in us.
Do you have an explorer’s spirit? And have you ever used scent to bring a piece of home with you on your travels? If you haven’t, consider trying an air freshener on your next trip—it might just make your adventure even more memorable.
Lori Herr for The Gift of Scent