If you’re among the million-plus travelers planning a trip to America’s 49th state, do yourself a favor and get the 2006 edition of The Milepost, the Know-It-All of Alaska travel.

This favorite summertime destination (570,374 square miles) boasts spectacular mountains, forests, valleys and glaciers, but it would take forever to get around without The Milepost for guidance.

Utilizing the 100 maps provided in the book, especially the pull out version called Plan-A-Trip, is the key to enjoying a visit. Just follow the highway logs for the latest tips on locating food, accommodation, gas, camping, fishing, attractions and even road conditions.

Alaska is located in the North Country and so are Canada’s Yukon, Northwest Territories, northern British Columbia and Alberta. The distance can be covered by air, land or sea, and the travel guide offers ideas on taking the train, ferry or cruise ship.

The Milepost has definitely got me thinking about heading to Alaska again to get on the Cross-Gulf ferry and to ride the Denali Star train that features GoldStar first-class service by Alaska Railroad.

In the 58th edition virtually nothing has escaped mention in this 800-page turner, lavishly illustrated with over 500 photographs in color.

The Milepost is certainly worth its weight in information.

- PamelaAnn Campbell