You can’t say you’ve truly seen America until you’ve set foot in Alaska, the largest state in the country. Although it takes up over half of the entire North American continent, its population still consists of less than one million people—so your chances of running into someone who looks just like you are about as good as winning the lottery!
A visit to Alaska will be sure to leave you with a lifetime of memories and an addiction to adventure that’ll keep you on the move well into your golden years. Let’s read the 10 tips to know before going to Alaska.
1. Summer is the Best Time of Year to Visit
Summer is the best time of year to visit Alaska because the weather is mild and there are more daylight hours. Plus, during summer you can take advantage of all the outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing.
Just be sure to pack your bug spray! Mosquitoes can be a real problem in Alaska during summertime. Another great reason to visit during summer is that many of the state’s festivals take place then, like the famous Kodiak Crab Festival.
And if you’re a fan of fresh seafood, you’ll be in luck –– Alaskan seafood is some of the best in the world. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Alaska today!
2. Choose Fairbanks as Your Base Camp
If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, chances are you’re looking for an adventure. And what better place to start your adventure than Fairbanks? Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your time in Fairbanks:
The best time to visit Fairbanks is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the days are long. If you want to see the Northern Lights, Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to do it.
Fairbanks is home to some of the best dog sledding in the world. If you’re interested in trying it out, several tour operators offer tours.
3. Hire a Guide
Hiring a guide is one of the best ways to ensure you have a great time in Alaska. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when hiring a guide:
Make sure you hire a reputable guide who knows the area well. Ask about their experience and check references. Find out what kind of activities they specialize in.
Discuss logistics, such as where they will pick you up and drop you off, and what type of transportation they will be using. Make sure you are clear on what is included in the price of the tour.
4. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
If you’re thinking about taking a trip up north, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore. There are lots of mosquitos in the summer, so bring bug spray.
Bear safety is important! Learn how to properly store food and camp in bear country. Make sure you have a good map (and know how to use it) before heading out into the backcountry. If you’re planning on hiking, know your limits and hike within your abilities.
5. Go Wild While You’re There
Start by planning your trip. The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, so you’ll want to make sure you have a solid plan before you go. Pack appropriately for the weather and terrain. In addition to layers for the cold, you’ll want to pack sturdy shoes or boots and mosquito repellent.
Be prepared for long days of sunlight. During the summer months, the sun doesn’t set until late at night, so you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of sunscreens.
Don’t forget your camera! With its stunning landscapes and wildlife, Alaska is a photographer’s paradise. Be respectful of the wildlife.
6. Bring Good Walking Shoes
This is the most important tip in this list of 10 tips to know before going to Alaska. If you’re planning on doing any hiking while in Alaska, you’ll want to make sure you have good walking shoes.
Boots are ideal, but if you don’t have any, sneakers will do. Just make sure they’re comfortable and will provide good support. Additionally, try to break them in before your trip so you don’t end up with blisters.
7. Don’t Forget Your Sense of Humor
Alaska is a big state with a lot of wide open spaces. There are more moose than people and the mosquitoes are bigger than your head. It can be cold, even in the summer, and the sun doesn’t set for months at a time.
But it’s also an incredibly beautiful place with a rich history and friendly people. So, if you’re thinking of taking a trip to Alaska, here are a few things you should know before you go.
8. Map Out Your Route before Arrival
No matter where you’re coming from, you’ll need to map out your route before arriving in Alaska. The state is huge, and the last thing you want is to get lost.
Plus, there are some areas of the state that are more remote than others. By mapping out your route, you can make sure you hit all the highlights on your list.
9. Take Advantage of Touristy Activities
There are a lot of things to do in Alaska, but if you want to experience the state, you should take advantage of some of the touristy activities.
Whale watching – whale watching is one of the most popular tourist activities in Alaska. Several companies offer tours, and it’s an activity that you can do in many different parts of the state.
Glacier viewing – another popular activity is viewing glaciers. You can do this from several different locations, including Juneau, Seward, and Haines. Several companies offer glacier tours.
10. Be Flexible with Attractions and Routes
This is the last important tip in this list of 10 tips to know before going to Alaska. One of the best things about this place is that there are so many different ways to experience it. Whether you want to stay in one place and explore all it has to offer, or hop around from town to town, there’s no wrong way to go about it. That being said, it’s always good to be prepared and have a general idea of what you want to do before you go.
There are only a few main roads in Alaska, so plan your route accordingly. The weather can change very quickly, so be sure to pack for all types of weather conditions. There are plenty of options for accommodations, but camping is also a popular choice.
