Alaska

Alaska, the biggest state in the USA, is a bucket list vacation for many and it's easy to see why once you spend some time there. This 49th state redefines adventure, where snow-capped peaks meet rugged coastline, and wilderness stretches beyond the horizon. It is the state with the most volcanoes, the largest national forest, and it has the highest male-to-female ratio in the USA. From grizzles fishing for salmon in Denali National Park to spotting orcas breach along Seward's glacier-carved fjords, each day brings unexpected encounters with wildlife in their natural habitat. It's also the only state to have dog mushing (aka dog sledding) as an official sport. The charming frontier town of Talkeetna offers a glimpse into Alaska's gold rush history (Alaska produces 3.5% of the world's gold, 10th most in the world) and serves as the launching point for flightseeing tours around Mount McKinley, North America's tallest peak. While almost half of Alaska's visitors explore these waters via cruise ships, those who venture inland discover Anchorage's native cultural centers and access to backcountry trails. There are so many options for adventure: boating past glaciers, taking a scenic train journey through remote valleys, or watching the northern lights dance across winter skies.

Fun facts:

Alaska is the only state to border three oceans.

At its narrowest point, it is only 55 miles apart from Russia

The majority of America's wild-caught salmon comes from Alaska

8 Must Do Moments (→)

Must Do Moment #1: Visit Seward, Alaska

Seward is a town of breathtaking beauty and it's the departure point for many of the boat tours that take passengers out to view the fjords and wildlife

Must Do Moment #2: Hit the water to capture the full beauty of Alaska

Book a boat tour to see glaciers, crystal blue water and incredible wildlife. Click for link to explore more about Kenai Fjords

The wildlife is incredible.

This Puffin was sunbathing as we boated by

Pro Tip: Bring a good camera. You may never see wildlife like this again

Link provided for more information about Kenai Fjords

From whales to seals

So many cute shots to capture

Kenai Fjiords

The glaciers are truly beautiful. Book a boat tour out of Seward to experience. Link provided for informational purposes only

Pro tip: Bring winter gear if you plan to board a ship. This picture was taken in August cruising through Seward.

No these aren't penguins

These little guys look like penguins but there are no penguins in Alaska. These are puffins

Mountains Galore

The beauty of the mountains are stunning

Successful Whale watching

We were lucky enough to see an Orca. See the spout?

This is not zoomed in

This guy came up close enough to the boat I was a little nervous

Must Do Moment #3: Book a glacier landing flight.

We flew in this! Highly recommend Talkeetna Air Taxi's glacier landing experience. Link below for more information and

Tiny plane experience

I was able to sit next to the pilot. If you don't like small planes this is not for you

Great viewing from this plane

Even the seat directly behind me and had a great window view

Denali's Peak

You can fly over Denali's peak which is the highest mountain peak in North America

Glacier landing

This is what it looks like on the approach. Link for more information when click here

Not enough Ice

Had to abort landing

We were able to fly low and through, but we couldn't land because all of the blue you see is water so the glacier wasn't frozen solid

Heaven on earth

Flying by these peaks in the clouds was a combination of breathtaking and nervewrecking

View from our plane ride

Link provided for more information about Talkeetna Air Taxi

Near landing on glacier

That's the front of our plane you see between the mountains. Link for more information

Must Do Moment #5: Take the Alaska Railroad

If you aren't cruising through Alaska, this is an excellent way to make your way across the state. Link provided for more information

Several different cars

We didn't realize there were other cars with bigger windows further along the train. Link provided for more information

12 hour tour

From Anchorage to Denali is 12 hours. The scenery makes the time go by faster. Link provided for more information

Views for days

The landscape changes so much you don't get bored of looking out the window

Where to Stay

Sheraton Anchorage Hotel

There aren't any five-star hotels in Anchorage. There are two four-star hotels and this is the one we recommend.

For more hotel recommendations
click here

Where to Eat

Simon & Seafort's

Reservations

For more restaurant recommendations click here

Packing List

Pants Hangers

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Steve Madden Puffer Jacket

You will need a winter jacket for this trip

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Getting There

The Ted Stevens Anchorage International airport is the main arrival point for most people flying from the United States. This is a tiny airport, and you know you are in Alaska the moment you land with taxidermized animals located throughout the baggage claim area, including a massive grizzly bear, and a very rustic vibe.

This is a non-smoking airport and smoking is only permitted in designated areas.

Foreign currency exchange is not available on-site at this airport

Search for flights here https://expedia.com/affiliates/expedia-home.lHaSqzP

Book the Flight

Must Know Before You Go

Oil and Gas is Alaska's biggest industry, but tourism plays a very large role in the state's economy

Official Language: About 80% of the population speaks English. A little over 5% speak one of the 20 official Alaska native languages

Local Currency: U.S. Dollar (there weren't any foreign exchange booths at the Anchorage airport)

Sales Tax: Alaska does not have a state sales tax but local governments can impose a sales tax

Outlets: Alaska requires the same as the rest of the United States.

U.S. Plugs Type A & B with voltage of 110-120 (will need adaptor for any other plugs)

Road Rules:

Traffic drives on the right side of the road (same as the rest of the US).
You need a valid driver's license to drive in Alaska and need to be at least 18 years of age.
Texting while driving is illegal.
The maximum speed limit is 65 on rural freeways.
Keep in mind there can be icy conditions on the road.
There is only one toll road in Alaska and it will take you through the longest highway tunnel in North America

Passport & Visa requirements: U.S. citizens do not need a passport if they are flying directly from a U.S. state. If you are cruising or driving through Canada you will need a passport. All non-US citizens will require a passport for entry.

Non-US citizens might need a visa unless they are eligible for the Visa Waiver program Visa Waiver Program | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov )

Time Zone: Alaska has its own time zone AKST (it's one hour behind the Pacific Time Zone PST)

Weather Notes: Visit September through April to see the Northern Lights. Alaska is often referred to as the land of the midnight sun, however, you have to travel to the northernmost village to experience the sun not setting for 84 days. In Anchorage, the summer days are very long with the sun setting as late as 10:42pm which makes for a great opportunity to experience all the city has to offer. We took a boat tour out of Seward, a southern city, in late August and we were bundled in ski jackets, gloves and hats. Pack wisely!

Attire: Alaska is casual and outdoorsy. This is not the time to pack your dresses and heels. Think sneakers, jeans, flannel shirts and jackets. If you are planning to go dog sledding or on a boat ride bring warm clothing - ski jackets, gloves, hats, sunglasses, maybe even a skiing turtle.

Safety & Crime: Anchorage is a big city and you should assume the same precautions you would in any big city. Some reports show their violent crime rate higher than other cities of the same size.