Alaska is an amazing destination, a place that every adventure enthusiast would want to explore. Apart from being wild, rugged and stark, this part of the world is gorgeous and mysterious as well. It offers a lot, from wild mountain landscapes to beautiful glaciers and abundant wildlife. In fact, there is so much to see and relish that you would not want to miss anything. However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind while traveling to this stunning destination. Here are some tips that you can follow to have a wonderful trip to Alaska.
Time it right
To start with, you should time your Alaska trip right because you may not really want to be there in the freezing winters. The best time to plan a trip is during the summer months of June to August though you can also travel mid-May or mid-September if these months work for you. This is also the peak season, so you should have bookings in advance. The rest of the year sees the roads getting icy and services dropping off. However, you can explore Alaska in winter if you want to enjoy activities like dogsledding and heli-skiing.
Draw up an itinerary
If you want to discover everything that this amazing destination has to offer, you should have at least a few weeks at your disposal. Also, drawing up an itinerary is a smart idea. The must-visit places include the Kenai Peninsula, Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Denali National Park, and Prince William Sound. You can cover these areas in two or three weeks. Don’t forget the Northern Lights because this is the most popular attraction that Alaska offers. If you are in Anchorage, be sure to check out the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Do not miss a visit to a microbrewery as well!
Plan a cabin stay
For those who want to experience the true spirit of Alaska, a cabin stay is something that you cannot miss. There are plenty of options that you can try, from lodges to big cabins and personal ones. A personal cabin offers you the warmth and privacy that you may miss in a large hotel. Explore affordable personal cabins at Alaska Moose & Spruce if you are planning to stay a few nights in the Kenai Peninsula. You will love the comfort and convenience they offer even while being at a location that provides complete privacy. Further, these cabins feature all the amenities even while you can enjoy the close-to-nature feel.
Rent a car
The Alaska road system can connect you with some mesmerizing places, which is the reason why you must have a car while you travel to this part of the world. If you are not taking a road trip, do rent a car when you are there. You will be able to see the best that is there and also get some must-stop photo opportunities for the wildlife and mountains along the way. But be ready for some driving delays because summer is also the construction season in Alaska and you may have to stop from time to time. Moreover, you will be tempted to stop repeatedly for capturing the stunning shots.
Pack lots of layers
Even while you plan your Alaska trip in summer, do pack lots of layers in your bags. The weather here is unpredictable and you never know when you will need your jacket, gloves, and cap. Also, carry a backpack on your Alaskan adventure because you will require it while taking a hiking trip, shopping in the town or going on a day trip to one of the local sightseeing destinations. Make sure that the bag is spacious enough to carry your camera, phone charger, water bottle, a sweater, and some snacks.
Choose your activities
When it comes to the outdoor activities that you can enjoy on an Alaskan trip, you will be literally spoilt for choice. Wildlife watching, kayaking, Wildwater rafting, mountaineering and hiking, snowboarding and skiing and glacier trekking are some of the top activities that you can have on your adventure wish list. If you are a laid-back traveler, you can enjoy the experience of a cruise between Anchorage and Seattle.
Besides following these tips, make sure that you carry enough cash while you take an Alaska trip. There are some areas and businesses here that accept only cash payments and you may get into a fix if you have a credit card or debit card for payments. Above everything, stay safe and enjoy your trip to the fullest!
