Alaska is America’s “Last Frontier” and is worth a spot on your travel bucket list. It’s a unique destination and requires some planning. Here are 8 tips to make the most of your trip to Alaska.
Know What to Expect
Alaska doesn’t have a bustling urban area like New York City. A trip to this state isn’t about luxury shopping trips, fancy dining, or lively nightlife. Alaska’s lure is more about the natural experience, fascinating culture, and rich history. If you’re looking for unspoiled beauty instead of crowded beaches, Alaska is for you.
Respect the Wildlife
Alaska is home to some amazing wildlife. It’s home to bears, bald eagles, moose, caribou, and more. Alaska’s wilderness is their home and they perceive intruders as threats. Take care and be respectful of their environment. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is the best place to experience the wildlife. Follow the posted rules.
Alaska has mosquitos in June and July, so you’ll need to pack repellent if you visit during those months.
Understand the Vastness
Alaska is a huge state covering 663,000 square miles or twice the size of Texas. The coastline is longer than that of all of the states in the entire country combined. Understand that the sheer vastness makes it impossible to see all of it in one week. It’s best to pick a region and explore what it has to offer.
Book Early
Summer is Alaska’s peak season and an extremely popular time to travel to destinations like Anchorage and Juneau. You will be disappointed if you don’t book your trip early. That includes accommodations as well as all the great attractions such as food tours and fishing charter trips.
Pack for the Weather
In addition to stunning landscapes, Alaska is also known for its unpredictable weather. To get outdoors and explore, plan your wardrobe around layering. Pack base layers made of materials that wick moisture well such as Merino wool, nylon, and polyester. Be aware that even in summer, the temperatures can drop lower than you may expect.
Research Your Trip
Alaska has a wealth of things to see and do from whale watching and the midnight sun in the summer to viewing the Northern Lights in winter. There are dozens of tours to join in every season and places to see wildlife in its habitat. Research your trip and create an agenda.
Consider Anchorage as a Base
It’s more comfortable and less confusing to choose a base for your stay in Alaska. Anchorage, located in the central part and the state’s largest city is an excellent base camp to explore the state. You’ll find endless day trips of every variety available.
Book and enjoy activities in every season from glacier hiking and whale watching to dog mushing and white water rafting.
Support the Local Economy
When you book Alaskan experiences online, agencies take a generous cut of the profits. If you book your tours, accommodations, transportation, and restaurants directly with local businesses you will be supporting them.
Published By: Aize Perez
