Alaska lands on so many travelers' bucket lists because even though it's part of the United States, it feels like a world apart. Indeed, the 49th state still has a lot of seemingly untouched frontier to explore. Whether you visit Alaska as part of a cruise, or rent an RV to take on the ultimate road trip, there are many experiences here that you just can't find anywhere else. The Alaskan Native communities that still live here add vivid culture to the landscape, while wildlife - the "big five" of bears, wolves, Dall sheep, caribou and moose - thrive in Denali National Park, as well as all over the state - you can even see the occasional moose loping down the street in Alaska's biggest city, Anchorage.
Things Not to Miss in Alaska
Read our travel guide to chart your own course to Alaska's most popular destinations, including:
• A "flightseeing" tour over Denali National Park
• A glacier cruise in Prince William Sound or the Kenai Fjords
• Anchorage, home to Alaska's best art and native culture museums
• Quirky small towns such as Homer or Talkeetna
• A drive along scenic Turnagain Arm
• A bear-viewing tour in the summer, to see them fishing for salmon in streams
• The wonders of the night sky - either the Midnight Sun in summer, or the auroras of winter
When to Go to Alaska
Most people travel to Alaska during the summer, when the days are long (as in, you might not see the sunset) and the temperatures are warm. The prime Alaska travel season runs from June through mid-August; the prices are highest then, too.
If you want to cut your costs (sometimes as much as by 25 percent) visit Alaska during the shoulder seasons: mid-May to Mid-June, and mid-August through mid-September. Keep in mind that some tours will start closing up after Labor Day. Late summer and early fall means good blueberry picking and turning leaves, but also the risk of rain.
In winter, you'll typically have plenty of snow for winter sports, especially in Girdwood, south of Anchorage. You'll also see the northern lights. The most popular spot for aurora-viewing is up around Fairbanks. Late February and early March is the prime time to visit Alaska for two big events: Fur Rondy, the winter festival in Anchorage, and the famed Iditarod race, which starts in Anchorage and ends in Nome.
-
The Best Places to Travel in August
Although July is said to be the most popular month for summer vacations, August is a close second. There’s still time to plan a trip in August, or... Read More
-
This Is Where People in the U.S. Live the Longest
Does where you live have one of the highest life expectancies in America?Fountains of youth may be mythical, but environments that promote longevity are... Read More
-
8 of the World's Most Dangerous Volcanoes
This story originally appeared on Time.com.Dozens of people have died, hundreds are missing and many more homes were destroyed after separate volcanic... Read More
-
These State Parks Have All the Beauty of National Parks — and None of the Crowds
Every year from Maine to Alaska, throngs pour into U.S. national parks and preserves to climb towering cliffs, hike through misty forests and capture... Read More
-
8 National Parks Where You Can Have an Unforgettable Summer Vacation
Natural beauty, history, education, and relaxation await at our country’s national parks. This year, many have enhanced their tours, lodging, dining,... Read More
-
Blockbuster Is Closing Its North Pole Location and Even Santa Claus Is Upset
Many of today’s kids will never know the joy of going to Blockbuster on a Friday night and picking out a movie from the “New Releases” section to watch.... Read More
-
These Tours Will Take You to the Most Remote Points of the Iditarod in Alaska
Hundreds of dogs crowd the streets of Downtown Anchorage, barking, howling "we’re happy to see you" greetings, and rubbing their snouts in the fresh... Read More
-
You Can Kayak Among Giant Glaciers and Humpback Whales in Alaska
Now you can get a more personal view of gargantuan glaciers from your own kayak.Liquid Adventures, a tour group that specializes in kayaking and paddle... Read More
-
Save 33% on a Two-night Stay at an All-inclusive Fishing Lodge in Alaska
T+L launched Operation Vacation to inspire workers to use their days off and get away, offering exclusive travel discounts as incentive. For the latest... Read More
-
These Are the Best (and Cheapest) Times to Visit Alaska
Most Americans, upon first traveling to Alaska, are shocked to realize just how big the state is. Yes, it’s part of the United States, English is spoken... Read More
-
A Naked Passenger Caused an Alaska Airlines Flight to Turn Around (Video)
An Alaska Airlines flight from Anchorage to Seattle had to turn back around after a passenger locked himself in the bathroom and took off all his... Read More
-
What Time to Watch the Lunar Eclipse Wednesday Morning in Every State
In the early hours of Wednesday, January 31 much of the U.S. will experience a majestic total lunar eclipse as the sun, Earth, and moon line up.The moon... Read More
-
Scientists Say 2018 Could See Twice As Many Earthquakes As 2017
This article originally appeared on BusinessInsider.com. 2018 has been a shaky year so far.The biggest earthquake yet happened early Tuesday morning,... Read More
-
Alaska Airlines Announces Flights to 8 New Destinations From Paine Field
Alaska Airlines has announced new flights that will take passengers to eight new destinations from Washington state beginning this fall.Thirteen... Read More
-
A New Luxury Hotel Is Opening in the Middle of an Alaskan Glacier
Visitors to Alaska’s Denali National Park no longer need to rough it to spend an immersive night in the glaciers. A new Alaskan resort will open in... Read More
