How to Plan an Alaska Vacation

Alaska is a vast wilderness teeming with adventure, wildlife, gorgeous scenery, and unspoiled backcountry. The experiences you enjoy in Alaska will be experiences you’ll never forget. Taking an Alaska vacation is no small undertaking—it requires careful planning. If you’d like to plan an Alaska vacation, then read below for some useful tips.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Alaska is HUGE!

   The first thing you need to do in order to successfully plan an Alaska vacation is to decide how long you have to travel. Alaska is a MASSIVE state and it is impossible to see everything within the normal span of a vacation. However, you can still see quite a bit if you are willing to take the time. Find out how much time you have to spend and when you can take time off of work.

2. 
    
   Consider driving on your Alaska vacation

   Once you decide on the length of your Alaska vacation, next you’ll need to investigate how you’ll get there. Alaska is not really close to any major populated areas in North America. Here are your basic options: (1) You can fly to Alaska. This is probably the most practical option for people since it takes the least amount of time. There are several large cities in Alaska with commercial airports. From there you can hop on a tour bus or rent a car. (2) You can take an Alaskan cruise. This is also a popular option because Alaska is surrounded by thousands and thousands of miles of amazing coastline. Sit back and relax on a cruise through the Inside Passage to see whales, icebergs, and incredible scenery. Many cruise packages also include a bus tour up into the Interior of Alaska as well. (3) You can drive to Alaska! This is by far the most adventurous option, and also the longest. But the sights you will be able to see along the way are worth it! Be sure to pick up a copy of the latest edition of the Milepost if you plan to drive to Alaska.

3. 
    
   See grizzly bears in Denali National Park

   After making the big decision about how to get to Alaska (basically, by plane, boat, or car), you can now move on to the fun stage—deciding what to see and do once you’re there. Consider visiting one of the many large and truly wild National Parks, like Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, or Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Take a short day cruise along the coast to see glaciers, icebergs, whales, and sea lions. Visit the cultural and historical centers in the coastal and interior cities. Consider an Alaska fishing vacation to catch prized salmon, halibut, and many other wild fish. Or try hopping on a float plane to a nearby island or into the wild Alaskan bush. The choices are endless!

4. 
    
   Denali National Park shuttle bus tours fill quickly

   Once you’ve decided the details of how you want to spend your time on your Alaska vacation, you should make the necessary reservations. Book flights, hotels, rental cars, bus tours, boat tours, cruises, or even wildlife attractions. For example, Denali National Park’s Shuttle Bus tours to see grizzly bears, caribou, and Mt McKinley fill up fast!

5. 
    
   Amazing Alaska vacation

   Get out there and enjoy your Alaska vacation!

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t forget your camera!
• Alaska’s weather is very unpredictable. Pack layers and definitely don’t forget rain gear.

Resources

• How to Choose the Best Summer Month for Your Alaska Vacation
• How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing Mt McKinley Alaska
• How to See Grizzly Bears in Denali National Park Alaska

[Pamelateda]

on 1/20/2009 My husband and I keep talking about a trip to Alaska. Thanks!

[Geargirl113]

on 1/20/2009 These are great tips. Ihave always wanted to go to Alaska.