To travel to Alaska is on many people’s bucket list. There are dozens of reasons why it’s considered a place everyone should visit.
The majestic mountains, incredible wildlife, glorious sunrises, and incomparable sunsets are just a few of the draws to this northern state.
If you’ve finally decided to make the journey of a lifetime and travel to Alaska we’ve got the top tips to make your trip the best experience possible.
Let’s get started!
There’s More to Alaska Than Anchorage
Most travelers know Anchorage as the largest city and where most people fly into and it does have a great deal to offer its visitors.
It is home to almost 300 000 residents of the human variety.
There are also more than a thousand moose, hundreds of bears, and the chance to see otters, puffins, and whales that all live nearby.
While you can experience some of the best of Alaska in Anchorage, there is so much more to see in this glacial state.
You may want to plan your trip during the best time to cruise Alaska and take in by ocean and by land.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
There’s a rich history in gold mining in Alaska and you can learn more about the Klondike gold rush on day trips, train rides and excursions offered throughout the state.
Be careful though because Alaska is the only state where you could run into grizzly (brown) bears, black bears or polar bears in the wild depending on where in the state you are.
Head to Fairbanks for Northern Lights
If you want to see the Aurora Borealis then you’ll want to head to Fairbanks, Alaska which is among the top places in the world to take in their splendor.
August 21st to April 21st is the best time of year to have the right conditions to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, the number one spot to catch them in the United States.
Why Drive When You Can Take in the Sights?
There are lots of sights to take in, photo opportunities and a great deal of planning that goes into road trips when you travel in Alaska.
Gas is also a deterrent to this option as the cost of gas is well above the national average. Group travel, cruises, chartered trips, trains, and buses are all viable options that allow you to enjoy every minute of scenery without someone having to watch the road.
Photo Opportunities Everywhere
Even if you are not a photography buff you are going to want to have the ability to take unlimited pictures and videos. You’ll see sights and wildlife that you’re going to want visual memories to share once your trip is over.
Be sure to pack backup batteries for phones, cameras, and other electronic devices so you’re not tethered to an electrical outlet every time you run out of power.
You don’t want to find out an hour into an eight-hour day trip that your battery has lost power or that you forgot to charge it the night before. It’s smart to have a backup for each device so you don’t have to choose which one you’re going to save.
Glacier Bay National Park Is Worth Visiting
If you want to see all the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, view glaciers and wildlife not found anywhere else.
Glacier Bay National Park is more than 3 million acres of awe strikingly beautiful nature with the opportunity to experience the world in a unique way unfound anywhere else.
There are 160 fish and marine life species, more than 250 bird, over 40 mammals, and more than 300 species of plants to view within this incredible park.
While the park does have over 1000 glaciers covering more than 25% of it, it is a temperate rainforest that has summer temperatures between 50 – 60 degrees.
It’s Not All Blizzards and Snow
Many people mistakenly believe you need a Parka and winter gear all year round in Alaska. The temperatures can vary greatly throughout the state depending on what time of year you visit. During the summer months, you’ll want to wear shorts and a t-shirt during nicer days.
It’s best to pack so that you can dress in layers. This will make it easier for you to enjoy the entire day no matter what the weather does. And don’t forget to bring an umbrella because there are rainforests which means you should probably expect some rain to fall.
Even on cooler days the sun can be hard on your skin and overall health so be sure to pack some sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from its direct rays.
Many people figure if they’re not going to a tropical beach they don’t need to worry about the sun but you’ll find the sun bright enough to need shades and strong enough to cause a burn if you’re not careful.
The More You Know The Better Your Travel to Alaska Will Be
There are almost 600 000 square miles to explore in Alaska so it can seem a bit overwhelming when you’re trying to pack it all into one trip.
Taking the time to do a little research into the best deals and the experiences that are most suitable for your vacation will help you enjoy your trip to the fullest.
If there’s a certain animal you’ve always wanted to see or part of your bucket list was to walk on a glacier, you’ll need to be sure you include an area where you can find that whale or moose or experience that glacier walk you’ve always dreamt of.
Plan to Spend More Time and Money
Travel to Alaska has so much to offer that you should always plan to spend more time than you think and expect to spend more money than you figured. Alaska’s cost of living is higher than most locations and tourists tend to find it expensive to travel and visit there.
The extra expense is worth every penny as you’ll see and experience things you can’t enjoy anywhere else in the world.
Travel to Alaska Together
When you travel to Alaska, you are going to want someone to experience it with. There are so many once in a lifetime sights and experiences that you’ll need someone to say “Oh WOW” to.
Be sure to bookmark our page today for easy access to all our resources and tips.
