Wild, untamed and incredibly beautiful – Alaska has a lot to offer travellers. This sprawling state is often called the Last Frontier, and it’s easy to see why it has earned this moniker. With its many national parks, untouched wilderness zones, majestic glaciers and pristine landscapes, there is much to explore here.
At the same time, large parts of Alaska are not easily accessible, and it takes a lot of planning when you holiday in this remote region. Added to this, there is a small window of warmer weather in the summer. If you are looking for Alaska holiday ideas, our travel experts can help you craft a truly immersive itinerary.
Before you plan your trip, though, here are some key details and watchouts, so you know what to expect on your Alaska adventure.
When to visit Alaska
Summer, from mid June to September, is a popular time to holiday here with its long days and relatively warmer weather. This is the season for a wildlife tour, one of our top Alaska holiday ideas. Moose, wolf, and caribou can be viewed at Denali National Park. Marine mammals such as humpback whales, orcas, and seals play in the waters off Chugach National Forest. More importantly, this is when you can spot bears. In fact, brown and black bear tours are so popular that they need to be booked up to nine months in advance.
You could also visit in the winter for incredible sights. Everything is covered in snow turning the region into a white wonderland. This is the perfect time to see the magical Northern Lights, enjoy snowy landscapes and take advantage of some world-class skiing opportunities. Yes, it will be bitingly cold, but there will be less crowds and you could take advantage of the lower prices.
How to travel in Alaska
Once you’ve decided on when you want to travel to Alaska, you are ready for the next step: booking your tickets. You will fly into the capital city of Juneau, Anchorage or Fairbanks depending on what you want to see and experience. Remember there are no direct flights to this state from the UK.
If a road trip within Alaska is what you have in mind, routes and accommodation need to be fixed months in advance. You could start your journey at the coastal city of Anchorage, make your way to central Alaska to take in the glacial wilderness of the Knik River Valley. And then, head to the foothills of Denali before continuing to Fairbanks for fishing excursions and activities such as kayaking and hiking.
Driving through this rugged landscape is not always convenient. Premium cars are limited and many national parks restrict vehicular movement. Moreover, phone and internet connectivity can be spotty. It is also important to bear in mind that many places are not easily accessible by road.
From Fairbanks, if you thought you could head by road up to the Arctic Circle, please note that many car companies won’t allow that. So, you will have to be prepared to take a plane to reach this area. This is true throughout Alaska. Some parts of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, known for its diverse wilderness, are only accessible by boat or seaplane. If you want a closer look at North America’s highest peak, Denali, you could take a flight tour.
What to know about cruises
A popular and agreeable way to explore Alaska is via cruises. It is probably the easiest way to see the state’s dramatic landscape, and among the most fun Alaska holiday ideas. While it can be quite expensive, the experience is unparalleled. If exploring the Inside Passage, with its inlets, fjords, mountains and islands, is part of your agenda, it makes sense to book a multi day cruise from Sitka, Juneau or Ketchikan. A great alternative is a small cruise, as this gives a more intimate and personalised experience. Our partner, UnCruise Adventures, specialises in small cruises with expert guides on-board, who will arrange a host of activities and excursions along the way.
It might make sense to use a combination of modes of transportation, so you can see as much of Alaska as possible, time and budget permitting. A road trip followed by a cruise, or driving to specific areas and then taking a flight to get a closer look at the attractions are convenient ways to go about this. Planning and making arrangements in advance will ensure you get prime bookings when it comes to hotels and tours.
Where to stay in Alaska
Alaska is a remote and rustic destination and this is reflected in the accommodations available as well. Luxury resorts are few and far between and can be quite expensive. Most of the properties here are mid-range but very comfortable. They are located in some of the most isolated places and are worth visiting for the wilderness and natural beauty they offer. But please bear in mind that service levels could be affected due to less staff, and the amenities can be basic. Nevertheless, the location, views and the sheer authenticity of this experience more than make up for it.
From glacier tours and wildlife viewing to gold panning and exploring Indigenous cultures, there is plenty to experience in this scenic and remote state. Speak to our travel experts today, and rest easy knowing your Alaska adventure is sure to be well-planned, safe and memorable.
Check out these sample itineraries
Alaska Wildlife Tours
Alaska Road Trip From Anchorage
Ultimate Arctic Summer Adventure – Belugas and Polar Bears
Antarctica Express: Fly the Drake
Alaska inspiration
For more exciting destination ideas, browse these Alaska pages and start planning your next adventure.
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