Alaska is known as “America’s last frontier” and although planning a trip to the 49th state may seem intimidating, it shouldn’t be! I booked my first trip to Alaska on a whim without a real idea of where anything was, what there was to do or even what kind of weather to expect.
Although sometimes spontaneously booking a flight to somewhere new works great, I wouldn’t recommend it for Alaska. Luckily the trip was fantastic, but there are a few things I wish I knew before going to Alaska that would have helped make the most of the visit.
These 12 tips will give you the foundation for planning an epic trip to Alaska. The hardest part will be deciding where in this gorgeous state you want to visit!
1. Pick a Window Seat
I almost always pick an aisle seat to stretch my legs during a long flight, but this is one time I regretted it. The view flying into Anchorage was stunning and nothing like I’d ever seen before. Luckily, I was able to snap a few awkward pictures by leaning over the guy next to me (sorry guy in seat 7D) but could have taken way more as the landscape changed.
2. Don’t Overplan
Alaska is huge. Twice the size of Texas with room to spare huge. So needless to say, unless you plan to stay for weeks at a time, seeing it all isn’t happening. The best way to decide on an itinerary is by focusing on a specific region or activity that’s most important to you.
Fairbanks and Denali National Park are the main spots of the Interior and South Central is home to Anchorage and Seward. The Southwest (Kodiak) and Far North (Arctic Circle) are more difficult to access.
Anchorage is a great introduction to Alaska and a great choice if you aren’t totally sure what to do. Here you can explore the restaurants, shops and museums of Alaska’s largest city, then take an easy day trip or two. The famous Portage Glacier is only a 1.5 hour drive from the city and the adorable town of Seward is 2.5 hrs away.
3. The Northern Lights are only VISIBLE during CERTAIN months
If witnessing the Aurora Borealis’s spectacular magic is at the top of your list, make sure to visit between mid-September and late April. The farther north you are the better, and Fairbanks is the perfect place to stay for easy access to great viewing spots.
Anchorage and Juneau have much less chance of seeing any lights, so your best bet is to take the train up to Fairbanks from Anchorage or book a northern lights tour from either city.
4. when to visit
When to visit Alaska is largely based on what you want to do on the trip. The most popular times to visit Alaska are the summer months of June, July and early August. The summer time is when you will find everything open and the parks most accessible. Crowds start to thin out during the shoulder season of mid-August through mid-September.
By October temperatures are falling and many places are closing for the winter. November through March is the perfect time to visit for winter sports, or to see the Northern Lights.
5. This is What a Sockeye Salmon looks like
One of the most offensive things you can say to an Alaskan, so I’ve learned, is point to a picture of a very creepy red and green fish and ask, “What type of fish is that?” This may seem like a silly tip, but I honestly wish I knew it before asking what “this fish I keep seeing” is, at an art gallery. I don’t want you to get the same dirty look I did, so here it is..
In person, they look like something out of a horror movie. Just a warning, click that link with caution…you can’t unsee it.
6. love fish, send it home
One of the tastiest souvenirs to bring home from Alaska is fresh salmon. From May-August salmon fishing is at its peak, and the perfect time to take a chartered fishing trip. Most tour companies will handle the processing and packaging of your caught fish, and arrange for shipping.
Shipping the salmon home is the easiest option, although also the most expensive. An alternative is packing a cooler as checked luggage or bring a small amount with you on the plane. According to current TSA regulations (which should always be checked for changes) both the fish and the ice must be frozen solid to pass through security.
7. bring BINOCULARS
If seeing wild animals is at the top of your list, or even somewhere in the middle, definitely bring binoculars along. They don’t have to be fancy, even a very basic pair would be better than not having any at all.
One of my hidden talents is spotting birds and animals in the wild most people would miss. I also have the “talent”, unfortunately of screaming in excitement and scaring everyone around me. After scaring my friend half to death I pointed out a family of goats on a mountain. They weren’t too far away, but just far enough that we couldn’t make out their features. We saw fluffy blobs with legs. Binoculars would have been perfect here.
8. bring PLENTY of snacks and drinks
If you do end up taking any day trips or even just planning to do a lot of driving around, pack plenty of snacks and drinks for the entire day. Driving from Anchorage to Seward and taking small side trips, we had a hard time finding places for coffee or breakfast. This was partly because of the time of year, but there were only a few options to begin with.
Same thing for gas. If you see a station, stop and fill up. This may also be the only time you can find coffee in the morning. If a cup of coffee or hot tea is an essential start to your day, consider bringing a travel mug to fill up before hitting the road.
9. Layer Up
Bring and wear more layers than you think you need. Even in the summer, temperatures change dramatically as you move around the state.
In the winter, heavy snow boots are essential. I wore my Sorel Joan of Arctic boots, which have always been sufficient, but they didn’t keep my feet warm very long hiking and boating in Alaska. Carry extra pairs of socks.
10. Things are Expensive
Things are generally more expensive in Alaska since they need to be shipped long distances or flown in. Grocery stores have the biggest sticker shock to most tourists. Plan to see eggs, milk and fresh fruits at much higher prices than home. Rental cars, gas and hotels can also get pricey, especially in the height of summer tourist season.
11. Drink the beer
The craft beer scene is not a newly trending industry in Alaska. Alaskans have been fans of their breweries for many years, and the drink list in most bars and restaurants reflect that. If you already love beer, you’re about to be in your happy place. If not, ask questions and try something new!
All the servers I encountered were very knowledgeable about the choices on their menus and able to make recommendations based on the vague likes and dislikes I rattled off. Is there such a thing as a beer sommelier? As a non-beer drinker, I ended up finding a few that I really loved like the Raspberry Wheat from Glacier Brewing Co.
My favorite brewery of the trip was Girdwood Brewery, in Girdwood. Every beer we tried was delicious, and the funky vibe of the taproom made it too easy to want to stay for hours. They also had cozy outdoor seating around fire pits..and a crepe truck. Can I just move in?
12. Go to Alaska.
Yes, that’s a tip. Alaska is an easy trip to put off. We can say that it’s too far, too expensive, or even too cold. It was one of the last states I visited and after doing so, I have no idea what took so long. I guess I thought it was too far, too expensive and too cold. In reality, with some planning and budgeting, Alaska isn’t nearly as intimidating as it seems. It’s an incredibly beautiful and special place. Don’t miss it.
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