Alaska Airlines from General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport to Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport

Hey there, adventure seekers! Look, we all know there are places, and then there are places. Today, we're talking about that last category - spots that couldn't be further from the mollycoddling embrace of the urban grind if they tried. Buckle up, because we're going to chart a course from the classic midwestern charm of General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport to the hidden gem that is Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport. Sure, it's a bit of a trek but did we promise amazing or what?

Okay, first things first: flights. While we'd all love to snap our fingers and magic ourselves around the globe, reality checks in with a heavy dose of airline schedules. Sure, Peoria to Cordova isn't your everyday journey. That said, there are no direct flights; it's a connect-the-dots exercise. But don't hit that snooze button yet! That just means we'll kick things off with a layover or two. Remember when I mentioned the trek part? Passing through various airports is part of the fun, part of the journey, part of the experience!

Now, despite what your routine red-eye flight predilections might suggest, in-flight services on this route aren't exactly the height of luxury. No premium economy class here! However, the flights are more than bearable - plus, you'll have your head in the clouds, quite literally, above some of the most breathtaking landscapes you'll ever see. Sure beats cramped commuter lines any day!

Course, what really matters is what awaits at the other end of those countless miles. Mudhole Smith Airport, as the locals lovingly call it, might not be the busiest hub in the world – truth be told, it’s rather small – but it absolutely brims with character and it is your gateway to the splendors of Alaska. Cordova, the town it serves, is as Alaskan as it gets, but here's a fun quirk: the only ways in or out are by plane or boat. No roads lead to Cordova. Isolated? Yes. Epic? Absolutely!

Speaking of epic, here's a random fact about the state we're landing: Alaska is the only state that both does not collect state sales tax nor levies an individual income tax. Note to self: add "financial benefits" to the long list of reasons to visit Alaska. Who knew wrapped up in this stunning wilderness package was also a sneaky money-saver?

Now, just because we're flying to the last frontier doesn't mean we're abandoning all mod cons. Alaska airlines have a commendable flight cancellation policy that safeguards your hard-earned cash. Plus, should you become a frequent traveler – let's face it, Alaska is addictive – you can always hop onto their mileage program and cash in on those benefits.

Right, you're probably scrolling through to find out about the best time to book. Well, the best time to book is that golden period when your wanderlust and a flight deal converge. Monitor the airfare trends, set up alerts, snag that round-trip ticket when the prices dip, and then, my friend, you're golden.

Here's the wrap: Flying from Peoria to Cordova isn't your standard flight. It's a journey. It's one of those once-in-a-lifetime, heart-stopping, bucket-list kind of deals. And when you step onto Alaskan soil in Cordova and the majesty of the place sinks in, you'll realize one crucial fact: it’s worth every dang air mile. So, here's to unconventional routes, quirky stopovers, and destinations that redefine wanderlust!