Amazing Alaska!
By Linda McClain, CTA
“Within your reach, beyond your dreams”—Alaska Tourism Council.
If you are searching for your dream destination, look within our 49th state of Alaska. Its name comes from the Aleut word Alyeska, meaning The Great Land. Once you see for yourself, you will no doubt agree.
When is the best time to visit Alaska?
From May to September, this picture perfect state becomes one of the most sought after destinations in America. Alaska is so vast in size that the state of Rhode Island could fit into it 425 times. Its dimension is so large that it extends from the Atlantic East Coast to Pacific West Coast. Weather conditions typically peak from the mid 50s to mid 70s during daytime hours. However, extreme weather conditions, both high and low, can also be experienced. So, what should you pack? Plan to dress in layers—a shirt, sweatshirt or sweater and jacket with a zip out liner. Expect rain, expect snow. Expect glorious weather. In fact, you may experience them all in one day! Don’t forget the sunglasses, gloves and weather appropriate footwear.
How do I get there?
From Albany, flights depart to Anchorage on multiple airline carriers, but United Airlines offers some of the best schedules. From Albany to Anchorage, in season air prices begin at $595 plus tax. If you are flying to Fairbanks, you can expect to pay at least $100 more. Fly out of Albany early morning and expect to arrive in Anchorage by 1:30pm, local time. With a four hour time advantage you’ll be able to pre-arrange a local tour, helping you appreciate the eight-hour flight and 3,000 miles it took to get there. Don’t worry about nightfall affecting the views. Days are very long in Alaska, land of the midnight sun. Traveling on to Juneau, Fairbanks or Ketchikan? Scheduled air service is available, although limited and somewhat expensive. You might want to originate your trip from Seattle, Washington or Vancouver, British Columbia – both gateways offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.
Cruise or tour?
The most popular method of touring Alaska is by cruise ship. It is the perfect way to experience miles of breathtaking scenery without re-packing your luggage. Most cruise lines have an onboard naturalist who gives a commentary about the glaciers, wildlife and history of Alaska as you travel each day. Of course, with a cruise experience comes the variety of exceptional dining options. Alaskan cruise itineraries originate from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, traveling north to Seward, Alaska or the reverse. Cruise itineraries also begin and end in Vancouver or cruise round trip from Seattle, Washington. Remember, a valid US passport is required for all passengers cruising to Alaska.
When should I make my cruise reservation?
If you think you’ll get the best deal by waiting until the last minute, think again. Because of the short cruise season, ships fill up early. If the cruise line sells out on their air allotment, you will need to arrange your own air arrangements. At this point, expect yet higher prices.
So, how much can I expect to pay?
Prices for an Alaskan cruise vacation varies on the dates, cruise line and if special promotions are offered. Typically, prices range between $1,200-$1,800. A “cruise tour” will cost more than a seven-night cruise because a land package is included. Prices are less in May or the first week of June, then they are mid-June through the end of July. August prices are lower as temperatures begin to dip. Remember, a valid US passport is required for all passengers sailing to Alaska.
Holland America Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises have designed dozens of itineraries with a winning combination of a cruise experience and a pre or post escorted tours. They emphasize different vacation experiences that include accommodations, rail travel, bus tour and sightseeing.
Here are a few examples:
• If you want to learn about the gold rush history choose a Klondike Trail cruise tour and visit over half-dozen national parks during your travels. You’ll visit ports and trails that were once only passable by sled or paddle wheeler.
• Looking for a top rated wildlife cruise tour? Find yourself on the shores of the Arctic Ocean, where sightings of caribou herds are often seen. Grizzly bears wander with cubs in tow. Eagles abound. From Prudhoe Bay to Fairbanks, you’ll experience your very own wilderness journey.
• Have you always wanted to see a glacier? Then, cruise to Hubbard Glacier where you can come face to face with a gigantic wall of ice that appears to climb into the sky. Watch from your ship as Alaska’s most mountainous section of coastline unfolds. With more glaciers and active ice fields in Alaska than anywhere in the inhabited world, it is more difficult to decide which glaciers should be a must see on your list.
• Do you want the best fishing experience of your life? Choose to include Homer and Kenai Peninsula on your cruise tour. Renowned world class salmon and halibut fishing are sure to thrill you. Pass through the Cook Inlet, where an estimated 350 beluga whales inhabit the area. Kenai Fjords National Park is home to pods of killer whales, humpback whales, as well as seals, sea otters, puffins, eagles and other bird life.
An incomparable experience—Denali National Park Watch miles of scenic splendor unfold. Spot moose and dahl sheep along the roadways. Look for bear among the streams. Golden eagles soar above, all the while, traveling through the astounding wilderness preserve. Eventually, one faces the breathless view of Mt. McKinley, also known as Denali, “the high one”.
Travel by rail
The Alaska Railroad offers a pleasing variety of vacation packages. By using a combination of rail travel and escorted tour options, you can choose from different modules that let you see regions you may not see otherwise. They include Denali, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai Fjords and many more. For information call 800.544.0552 or visit www.akrr.com.
Independent travel
If you would rather travel to Alaska alone, without a cruise or tour, you’ll want to do some serious advance research. Here are some worthwhile tips to help you out:
• Always pre-book your hotels and tour options. This is a high demand destination during a short tourist season. If you don’t plan ahead, you may be out in the cold, without a place to stay.
• Map out your itinerary in advance. The Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System (www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs) will be a valuable resource to help you plan your trip.
• Passenger and car ferry service is available, but limited. Advance reservations are necessary to ensure passage (www.ferryalaska.com).
• There are no roads to arrive in Juneau, the state capital. It’s boat or flight arrival only.
Things to do & see
Totem Poles – You’ll find them poles all over southwest Alaska. Most are found in Sitka and Ketchikan including:
• Sitka National Historic Park
• Saxman Village, Ketchikan
• Totem Bight State Park, Ketchikan
Fishing derbies—Fishing derbies during the summer in Seward, Homer and Anchorage let winning fishermen go home with as much as a $50,000 prize as well as their catch! Fishermen’s most popular targets are salmon (red, pink, silver, king and chum), freshwater and saltwater trout and halibut. In addition, there are lingcod, rockfish, Dolly Varden, Arctic grayling, sheefish and northern pike.
Hiker’s delight— Juneau’s main road system has 130 miles of hiking trails. Choose from eight national parks.
Mountain climbing—The highest peak on the North American continent is Mt. McKinley. Each year between May and July it attracts some 1,200 climbers from around the world. Alaska is home to 16 of the 20 largest mountains in the United States.
Bring insect repellent – With over 35 types of mosquitoes in Alaska, be prepared. The peak time for activity is mid-June through July. If you are going to be hiking be sure to bring a head net along.
Birding—114 species of birds can be found in Juneau. Southeast Alaska is home to over 20,000 bald eagles.
Three little bears? The world’s largest concentration of brown bears live on Admiralty Island, 10 minutes from Juneau, while Katmai National Park is home to over 2,000 brown bears.
Aurora Borealis—Summer visitors are likely to see stunning displays of the “Northern Lights” in August or September. These visual delights are caused by different gasses that make contact with the earth’s magnetic field. For more information and beautiful pictures of Alaska’s very own “sky show” visit www.alaska.com.
June 21st is the year’s longest day. The sun rises at 3:51am and sets at 10:09pm. No wonder giant vegetables are common due to the extremely long days of summer.
True or False? Anchorage gets less snow than Buffalo, New York. The answer is true! When you think of your next vacation, think of Alaska. There isn’t a beautiful picture of Alaska more meaningful than the memory behind it.
Linda McClain, CTA, is owner of Capital Region based Linda McClain Travel Services “From The Islands To The Highlands, No Dream Is Too Far From Here!” For more information call 372.7657 or visit www.lindamcclaintravel.com .