Funny...I've been considering doing the same thing. Either that or a warm beach somewhere. I know, I know you can't get much more different than that. Maybe we'll meet in Alaska instead of Rome!

Generally you have to head north to get a view of the aurora, Anchorage is usually too far south. The best place to see them is in a swath across the state from about Fairbanks north to Point Barrow. Alaska Airlines offers daily flights to both cities. According to the Fairbanks tourism site if you stay 3 nights you will have an 80% chance of viewing. No promises though. There are several resorts and tour companies that offer aurora tours out of Fairbanks. All far enough away from the city to minimize light polution. Check out the sites below for more info.

If you want to minimise expenses you could simply stay in a hotel in Fairbanks, rent a car and leave an aurora wakeup call at the front desk. Most hotels offer this service. If you get the call just drive out away from the city. There are also organized tours that you can find on the Fairbanks site below.

Several items:

The aurora forcast by the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Forcasting activity several days out.
<a href="http://www.pfrr.alaska.edu/aurora/INDEX.HTM" target="_blank">http://www.pfrr.alaska.edu/aurora/INDEX.HTM</A>

Fairbanks:
<a href="http://www.explorefairbanks.com/" target="_blank">http://www.explorefairbanks.com/</A>
Click "Request Information" to order a Visitor's Guide and a Winter Guide. The winter guide has a list of resorts and tours for aurora viewing.