How to plan a vacation to Alaska
Measure twice, cut once.
Most of us have learned that good planning pays off. This is especially true when planning an Alaskan vacation. The amount of research done up front can mean the difference between an expensive misadventure and a rewarding experience, worth every penny.
Friends are an excellent source of referrals. If you know someone who has been to Alaska, tell them about your experience. If you don’t have any friends who have traveled to Alaska, consider contacting an Alaska vacation specialist to help you plan your dream Alaska vacation.
Book an Alaska vacation online.
The web offers a wealth of information on Alaska destinations, activities, and accommodations, and is often the first place most travelers will look when planning their vacations. Be careful, what you see is not always what you get. An attractive website says a lot about the business it represents; however, some websites may not provide an honest representation of the amenities and services provided.
The opposite is also true. Many great Alaskan establishments do not have well-designed websites. For this reason, I recommend picking up the phone and calling the establishment directly. Is the voice on the other end of the line friendly and knowledgeable? Do they return calls? Are you excited about your vacation plans? Will they be tailored to the specific needs of your group? These are all clues to what to expect once you arrive and meet your hosts in person.
When is the best time to visit Alaska?
Most visitors to Alaska arrive between mid-June and early September.
Alaskan summers are typically mild, often cloudy with occasional rain storms. From time to time the sun comes out and offers deliciously warm summer days.
For anglers, when to go involves precise timing. Salmon anglers will plan their trips based on the runs of the salmon they seek, as well as the tides and phases of the moon. Various regions of Alaska have different trails. Chinook or king salmon will generally be available from June through July. Coho or silver salmon will be available from August to September. Some areas have additional races like Sitka and Homer.
The off-season is a great time to find deals. Many operators will offer discounts of 20% or more to help fill beds and boats. If you can travel in late May or early September, you’ll find great promotions and special offers to choose from.
What types of accommodations are available?
There are many options when it comes to lodging in Alaska. Keep in mind that availability at the best establishments can get scared during the Alaskan holiday season. Book your accommodation well in advance. As in the lower part (48), you will find a wide range of hotels, bed & breakfasts, lodges and resorts.
You can plan a stay in a wilderness lodge, stay aboard a chartered yacht, or cruise on a small boat. Quality resorts and lodges may offer all-inclusive packages that will include your activities, meals, accommodation, and transfers. It’s always a good idea to consult with an Alaska travel specialist who can advise you on lodging. Hotels are not rated on the same “star” system that is found at the bottom (48).
What activities are available in Alaska?
Most visitors are drawn to Alaska because of the relatively unspoiled natural beauty that is long gone in most of the lower 48 states. Wildlife encounters are one of the most rewarding experiences you can have while visiting the great state.
For anglers, the lure of catching a trophy Chinook salmon or casting a fly into a pristine river could fulfill a lifelong wish. Others are drawn to see huge ice fields and glaciers broken off from Kenai Fjords or Prince William Sound.
More and more visitors to Alaska are drawn to eco-lodges and ocean kayaking adventures. Family reunions aboard a small boat cruise or in a wilderness lodge provide an ideal base from which to enjoy the company of friends and family while exploring the Alaskan wilderness.
Alaska’s national parks attract visitors of all ages and abilities and offer a wide variety of activities, including fly-watching, glacier hiking, dog sledding, and river rafting. The three most popular parks are Denali, Kenai Fjords located in south-central Alaska, and Katmai in southwestern Alaska.
How will I get around once in Alaska?
Southeast Alaska offers an ideal setting for small ship cruises, yacht charters, and remote fishing lodges. Due to the limited highway system, much of the travel is by floatplanes, charter boats, or the “state ferry system,” also known as the Alaska Marine Highway.
In south-central Alaska, visitors can travel by car or coach. Alaska Highways connect the major hubs of Fairbanks, Anchorage, Seward, Valdez, and Homer. Rail travel is also a very popular mode of transportation, especially from Anchorage to Denali National Park and on to Seward.
Will I need travel insurance?
It is always a good idea to take out travel insurance. Due to the sheer size and geography of Alaska, too often you will find yourself far from medical care. Make sure any policy you buy provides coverage for medical evacuation and trip cancellation due to illness or family emergencies.
Who can help me plan a trip?
An Alaska vacation specialist can be a valuable source of information and referrals offering a free Alaska vacation planner. You may also contact the Alaska Travel Industry Association for a list of members and a catalog of registered Alaska hospitality providers.