Alaska is a beautiful state, and is very popular as a tourist destination. If you have a vacation lined up, the trip planning advice in this article may be of value.
image sourceWhen Should You Go?
Alaska is famed for its cold climate, and although the south of the state enjoys milder temperatures, the tourist season is still relatively short, and most people visit between May and September. It is particularly busy during the summer months, so if you wish to avoid the crowds, arriving early or late in the season is a good idea.
Early and late season also finds the scenery at its best, with the proliferation of wild flowers in the spring, and beautiful leaf colours in the fall. It can also be easier to observe the local wildlife during these times, and many hotels offer lower rates early and late in the season.
Travel Arrangements
If you haven't already made your travel arrangements, this is obviously a first priority. You will need to decide if you prefer to take a package trip, where the transport, hotel and other arrangements are all included as part of the package, or make your own independent arrangements. Your travel agent will be able to advise you on the options available.
There are several ways to travel to and within Alaska. Cruises are always very popular among tourists, particularly those that allow for a generous amount of time on land as well. A cruise provides an excellent way to enjoy Alaska's stunning coastline and numerous glaciers.
Guests can also visit Alaska by air. The state is well served by major national and international airlines in the peak months, and there are many smaller local and charter services that visitors can use for getting around once there.
Those who prefer car travel will find that the Alaska Highway offers a great drive, stretching from British Columbia in Canada into Fairbanks in the Interior. However, once off the beaten track, many parts of Alaska (including Juneau, the capital) are difficult or impossible to access by car, especially in the winter.
The excellent Alaska Marine Highway ferry service, which operates along 3,500 miles of coastline, is another option. Reservations are essential.
Visitors can also travel by train, and the Alaska Railroad offers a great way to see much of the state's spectacular scenery in comfort, while stopping off at various spots along the way if desired.
Where to Stay
All of Alaska's major towns and cities feature the kind of high end accommodation that you'd expect to find in any metropolis. Smaller towns also offer establishments with comfortable guest rooms, including small hotels, motels, lodges and bed and breakfast places. Accommodation is also available in many wilderness areas, although choice is more limited. Generally, the more out of the way your destination, the less choice of accommodation you'll have. Some people also enjoy camping in the wilderness - this can be an enjoyable option if you love nature and are not too concerned with creature comforts!
Due to the climate, Alaska has a relatively short tourist season, so it's important to make your reservations well in advance to be sure of having somewhere to stay. This is particularly true in the cities and large towns, and in the better quality hotels and lodges.
What to Take
It's important to ensure that you'll have all the essential clothing, documents and other items you need for your trip. These will include (but may not be limited to):
- Tickets and other travel documents such as your passport and visa (if needed). Travel insurance is recommended.
- Money and credit cards
- Any medical/prescription information that you may need
- Personal ID documents, including driving license if necessary
- Phone and important contact numbers
- Clothing - warm clothing is advised all year round, as it can be very cold at night and in the Interior areas. However if you're travelling in summer, light clothing will be needed too, as temperatures can rise quite high. The best bet is to take lots of clothes that you can layer, and remove as necessary. Comfortable footwear is also a must. If you are planning to spend time outdoors hiking or enjoying other outdoor pursuits, take suitable outdoor clothing for protection against cold, wind and rain.
- Camera/binoculars/camcorder
- Toiletries, including an insect repellent
- A good guidebook or two
What to Do When You Arrive
Alaska offers a huge range of activities and attractions for visitors. What you do will depend to a large extent on the area(s) that you choose to visit - Alaska is a huge sate with a very varied geography and climate. There are many pre-arranged tours that you can book a place on, with activities to suit all tastes, or you can explore independently. Some of the popular attractions include:
- Wilderness tours
- Ferry or cruise trips along the coast
- Visiting one or more of the many National Parks, which offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, fishing etc, and exploring the fantastic landscapes, including the vast forests, rivers, volcanoes, glaciers, mountains and valleys, as well as observing Alaska's many wild animal and bird species
- Observing the aurora borealis in the northern and Interior areas
- Visit some of the many museums and historical sites dedicated to notable events in Alaska's history
- Windsurfing
- Kayaking
- Skiing
- Fishing
- Dog sledding
- Enjoying the excellent shops, restaurants and cultural attractions in Alaska's towns and cities
- Taking a plane trip - small planes are a very common means of transport within Alaska, and many companies offer sightseeing tours
Further Information
It's a good idea to purchase at least one good Alaska guidebook to read before you go. Such publications have lots of detailed advice on all aspects of travelling to the destination in question, and as such are invaluable for Alaska trip planning purposes.
Other good sources of advice include travel agents (particularly those that specialise in Alaskan vacations), the internet, and Alaska's own Division of Tourism and other official information-providing bodies, which include theAlaska Travel Industry Association, Alaska Visitors Center & Activities and the Northern Rockies Alaska Highway Tourism Association, among others.
