Valdez

12 Things to Consider When Planning Your Alaska Vacation

May 13, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

Alaska. The Last Frontier. The 49th State. The Land of the Midnight Sun. There has always been a draw for people from all around the globe to visit the northernmost state in the United States. Is it for the scenic views? The abundance of activities? The majestic wildlife? Whatever your reason is for planning your adventure way up north, you’re sure to have the trip of a lifetime. However, there are a few things to consider when planning your Alaska vacation to get the most out of your visit to our beautiful state.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Budget

Let’s hop right into it with the B word. Budget. If you’re planning a trip to Alaska, you need a fairly large budget. Even if you’re renting a vehicle and tent camping along the way or staying with friends while you’re here, Alaska is expensive. Getting here, renting a vehicle, accommodations, food, and activities are all very costly. But don’t fret, there are some ways to save money!

One of things you can do to have a more budget friendly Alaska vacation is renting an RV so you have your accommodations and transportation in one. This also allows you to stock up on food and cook some of your own meals to save a bit. Another thing is narrowing down your list of excursions. There are so many to choose from, but if you do a few of them your cost will skyrocket. If you narrow it down to just a couple, it will save you a ton. Plus, there are many options such as hiking, fishing lakes and rivers, and spotting wildlife near the road that are just as fun as more pricy adventures. You can check out some more money saving tips I’ve compiled here!

Daylight Hours

The nickname the Land of the Midnight Sun probably gives away the fact that daylight hours are a big deal in Alaska. There really are some days with twenty-four hour daylight. If you’re visiting during summertime there are a plethora of activities going on, everyone stays up late to take advantage of the daylight, and places are open longer. It’s a busy and bustling time for Alaskans, and this is a time when most visitors come as well. If you visit during summer, plan to wear your sunglasses (and sunscreen) at night, too! If you’re wondering how we sleep when it’s light out all the time, check out this article here.

During winter it gets dark. Very dark. I heard “reality” tv refer to it as “dark winter”, and that’s just what it is. Daylight pops up it’s head for short periods of time, and then goes back into hibernation. That being said, there are some awesome things to do in Alaska during winter. These include viewing the northern lights, snowmachine (AKA snowmobile) tours, dog sled tours, snowshoeing, skiing, and more. Plus, there are no crowds! If you’re interested in visiting during winter, check out my winter bucket list here. But, be aware that places will shut down earlier, and all of the seasonal “touristy” areas will be very quiet or shut down as well.

Time Zones

Considering Alaska is the biggest state, it’s fitting that it would have its own time zone. Most of Alaska, other than part of the Aleutian Islands and St. Lawrence Island (which go by Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time) is on Alaska Standard Time. This means that, depending on where you’re visiting from, you’ll have a bit of an adjustment to make from your normal sleep schedule. This, on top of unique daylight hours and travel itself, can wear a person out.

The reason I’m bringing this up is because I’ve seen many people’s itineraries that have them heading off to adventure shortly after they arrive. While I know you’ll want to make the most of your Alaska vacation, I really think it’s best to have at least a half day to just rest, grab some food, and maybe take a nap before you start exploring. This way you can recuperate and be refreshed and ready to enjoy your time here.

Plan Ahead

Plan ahead. And in some cases I mean waaayyyy ahead. I just read another comment from a lady trying to book a halibut charter for August, but everything is full since that’s only three months away. Other people are trying to find rental cars for this summer, but are coming up empty. This is pretty common considering how busy Alaska is during summertime. Booking rental cars, accommodations, fishing trips, and some excursions well in advance in highly recommended. I’d say start planning and booking a year ahead, and at least get your accommodations and transportation set up first. After that, book adventures that fill up quickly like fishing trips, train rides, and smaller guided tours. Check cancellation policies for these bookings first, though, incase you have to cancel or change your schedule.

That being said, not everyone has the luxury of being able to plan far in advance, or you may just be spontaneous and not want to plan much. That doesn’t mean you can’t visit Alaska! If you’re short on planning time or just found a good deal on plane tickets to fly up here, come on up! Just make sure you look for transportation and a hotel ASAP.

If you’ll be visiting during summer, check into renting an RV if there are no vehicle or hotel reservations available. Maybe you’d hoped to take a fishing charter out of Homer but they’re all booked by the time you look at them. Check into fishing rivers or lakes. Say you wanted to take a guided glacier tour but there are no more available spots. Check out glaciers you can drive or hike to. Know that last minute planning may change the activities you can do, but it won’t change the amount of fun you’ll have!

Weather

Another thing to consider when planning your Alaska vacation is the weather. My, oh my, the weather here changes quickly. The thing to remember about the weather is although it might dictate how some of your plans go, don’t let it dictate your mood. Do you plan on driving north to view Denali? It might be clouded in and not visible. You scheduled a bush plane flight for bear viewing but it got weathered out? That happens. And, yes, it’s a huge bummer when the weather ruins your plans, but Alaska is a vast state with so much to see, even on those bad weather days. Make the best of it and know that the weather changes minute by minute, so sunshine may be on it’s way!

One more thing to note about the continually changing weather is how to be prepared for it. If you ask anyone what to pack for an Alaska vacation, they’ll likely tell you layers. No matter the season, layers are a necessity. Summertime? Shirt, sweatshirt, windbreaker/raincoat. Fall? Long sleeve shirt, fleece jacket, raincoat, hat. Winter? Long sleeve base layer, shirt, sweatshirt, jacket, hat. Spring? Shirt, sweatshirt, windbreaker. You never really know what weather you’ll be getting. It could be a great day for kayaking, but once you’re out it starts to rain. And then it hails. Just put those layers on and keep on keeping on! Being prepared with the right layers will help you embrace the changing weather and continue enjoying Alaska.

Denali view from the Denali Highway. — A distant view of Denali from the Denali Highway. When the weather cooperates, it’s quite the sight!

Mosquitos

Speaking of things to wear, lets talk bug nets. A thing you’ll want to add to your wardrobe if you’ll be visiting during May through September is a bug net. It’s not a super hot fashion statement, but it works. People joke that mosquitos are the state bird, so it’s safe to assume that they’re pretty prevalent. If you’ll be in more populated areas, you’ll see less of them. If you venture off the beaten trail or are in more wooded or swampy areas, you’ll likely encounter more of them. Just grab some bug spray, a Thermacell, and don your bug net when necessary. They’re an annoyance, but really nothing to stress about as long as your prepared. If you do get a bite, check out these remedies here.

Road Construction and Conditions

As many people say, there are two seasons in Alaska: winter and construction. Something to keep in mind, in particular during the summertime, is road construction. I’ve seen many itineraries that have full days scheduled in Seward or Homer, and then plans to drive back to Anchorage that evening and get there in the nick of time to catch their flight back home. There are a few problems with plans like that, and one is road construction. This is an important variable you’ll want to account for when planning your trip, especially if you’ll be doing a lot of driving through various areas of Alaska. How to you account for such a thing, though?

To give you updates on road construction and even weather conditions there are two places you’ll want to check. Alaska 511 will show you road construction, closures, and more. The Road Weather Information System will give you weather information and cameras to keep you up to date on weather conditions along the highways. Using both of these will alert you to any updates you’ll want to be aware of as you travel throughout the state so your trip can go as smoothly as possible (minus a couple of our famous/infamous potholes 😉 ).

Roadwork on the Seward Highway. — Rock blasting work along the Seward Highway.

Cruise or Land

While planning your Alaska vacation you may wonder which is best, a cruise or exploring Alaska by land? I’ll give you my two cents on this. Being someone who has never done a big cruise before you can take it with a grain of salt, but I think it’s good advice. If you will only visit Alaska once, don’t take a cruise.

Here’s why. Obviously cruises are very popular. A huge amount of visitors to Alaska see it via a cruise. So, what’s wrong with a cruise? Absolutely nothing! People really seem to enjoy them, and it’s a great way to see things. But, do you get the real Alaskan experience from a cruise? I don’t think so. Being shuttled from place to place with time limits and lists of excursions to choose from isn’t really what Alaska is about. Taking time to enjoy views, wildlife, visit with locals, and see off the beaten path places is what really makes a trip to Alaska.

I know it seems like I must really hate cruises. I don’t! Personally, I just feel like you get a better Alaskan experience going at your own pace on land. And, if you still want to get out on the water during your travels, check out a glacier and wildlife day cruise to see the beauty of Alaska from the water. However, if you’ll get the chance to visit Alaska more than once, it may be fun to check it out by land and then take a big cruise.

Plan a day cruise in Alaska. — Unloading after our Seward **glacier and wildlife day cruise**.

Transportation

Something else to consider when planning your Alaska vacation is transportation. Don’t count on using public transportation to get you around much of Alaska. Renting your own vehicle or RV is going to be the best way to get around the state if you plan on doing a lot of traveling. If you’re staying in Anchorage or Fairbanks, you may be able to get by with using Ubers, but having your own transportation is vial to travel around Alaska. Just follow the above tip and book as soon as possible.

Seasons

In this case, I’m not talking about your typical spring, summer, fall, winter seasons. We’ve already covered weather and preparing for seasonal temperatures. What we haven’t discussed is seasonal activities.

Activities in Alaska are very seasonally based. This is something important to look into when planning your Alaska vacation. For example, if you’re hoping to see whales and the northern lights during one trip, the chances of that happening are very slim. Aurora season is from the end of August to the end of April. You have a chance to see whales between April and September. Although there is some overlap, and we did have beautiful northern lights displays this April and belugas in the Kenai River in April as well, there isn’t a great chance of experiencing both of those things in one visit.

Those are just a couple examples of seasonal activities. Some others are certain types of fishing, Alaska Railroad excursions, and glacier and wildlife cruises. Another “season” to think about is “tourist season”, as mentioned a bit in the section above regarding daylight. Visitors start showing up in May and the season ends about September. More tourist centered places and activities open up on Memorial Day and shut down at Labor Day, which usually wraps up the busy season up here.

Planning a trip to Alaska isn’t complete without an aurora sighting. — A late season April aurora in Soldotna.

Manage Expectations

This is really important. As visiting Alaska is a once in a lifetime trip for many people, everyone wants to cram an infinite number of activities into their visit. It’s just not a good way to plan your trip. You can’t see everything here in one trip, or even one lifetime. I’m not saying this to discourage you though, because just being in Alaska is an adventure in itself, and you will see more amazing things than you could imagine. Pick a few of your top Alaska bucket list activities, don’t jam pack your itinerary with to-dos, know you can’t do and see everything, and just enjoy the journey.

Alaska is Massive

Last, but not least, Alaska is massive, and size matters when you’re planning your Alaska vacation. For reference, Alaska is over twice the size of Texas. It’s best to map out your drive in an app to give you rough estimates of times, and check the sites above for construction and road conditions. Allot yourself plenty of time to travel from place to place.

Whether you’re planning next year’s dream trip to Alaska or grabbing last minute tickets to visit next week, I hope these tips have helped you in planning your Alaska vacation. If you have questions about traveling to Alaska feel free to leave a comment below, or sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, and send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier!

The Best Alaskan Souvenirs and Where to Buy Them

May 5, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

Are you looking to commemorate your trip to Alaska with one of a kind souvenirs or hoping to grab some unique gifts to bring back for friends and family? This list of Alaskan souvenirs will give you a variety of ideas to choose from to remember your trip to the beautiful 49th State!

How do I know if something is really made in Alaska?

When you’re looking for Alaskan souvenirs you want something that is authentically Alaskan and made by locals. So, how do you go about finding out if what you’re buying is really made here? It’s pretty easy, just “Buy the Bear”!

What does “Buy the Bear” mean? As the State website explains “When purchasing products in Alaska, look for the mother bear and her cub logo signifying the product was manufactured in Alaska.” This will ensure that you get an Alaska made product. That being said, though, there are Alaska made items that may not have the bear logo. But, to ensure you get a made in Alaska product, it’s best to “Buy the Bear” when possible.

This is the logo you’ll find on Alaska made items.

Where can I buy locally made Alaskan souvenirs?

Although sometimes it may take a bit to find what you’re looking for, you can find Alaska made souvenirs all over! More “touristy” type seasonal shops will likely have the same items from place to place, and most of these things are made in China or other places outside of the United States. If you visit local small businesses, fairs, festivals, and markets, though, you’ll find a treasure trove of amazing Alaska made items. To find out what markets, fairs, and more are coming up each month, sign up for my newsletter here.

Another great way to seek out some Alaskan souvenirs is by checking Instagram and Facebook. This is a great way to find artists and businesses local to the area of Alaska that you’ll be visiting. You can check out their products, see how they’re made, and connect with business to find out where they sell their Alaska made items.

What are the best Alaska made souvenirs?

There is such a great variety of Alaska made items that it’s hard to narrow it down, so I’ve just decided to include as many as I can think of! The items listed below are not only great souvenirs and gifts, but they’re also useful, beautiful, and practical items.

Gold

Bring back a little bit of what so many people ventured “North to Alaska” for! Check out gold in all its forms from raw nuggets to coins, jewelry, and more at the Alaska Mint in Anchorage.

Jade

Did you know that jade is the Alaska state gem? For good reason, too, as its beautiful colors make it a unique display piece, and its hardness makes it sturdy and useful. Visit Kobuk Valley Jade Company in Soldotna to learn more about our state gem and purchase a Made in Alaska piece for yourself.

Books

Finding books with Alaskan authors and illustrators is something that is easy to pick up in stores across Alaska. Almost every bookstore you’ll visit here will have an Alaska section. Take home a Alaskan read from a used book store or purchase a newly released novel as a gift. There are so many options to choose from for all ages of readers. Check out our Alaska children’s book list here.

Alaska Native Arts and Crafts

There is such a great variety of Alaska Native art and crafts to purchase. From beadwork, to scrimshawed ivory, masks, and jewelry, there is a plethora of items you can purchase. Great places to find authentic Alaska Native items for sale are the Sealaska Heritage Store in Juneau, the Anchorage Museum Store, and the Ch’k’iqadi Gallery at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. The Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market, which occurs during Fur Rondy in March, is also a great place to see Native crafts from all over the state, along with the Craft Shop at the Alaska Native Medical Center.

Birch Bowls

Head to The Great Alaskan Bowl Company in Fairbanks and purchase a birch bowl. See the process of making these beautiful and useful Alaskan souvenirs, and purchase one for yourself.

Ulu

This cutting tool, which was made and used by Indigenous Alaskans, is a popular Alaskan souvenir. Its unique design and usefulness make it a top pick for many visitors looking for something to bring back home. You can find these in many places such as The Ulu Factory in Downtown Anchorage, and Alaska Native markets and craft fairs. Beware of imposters, though; many seasonal gift shops will have ulus that are not made in Alaska.

Art

You’ll find Alaska made art pieces everywhere along your journey through the 49th State. Paintings, pottery, photographs, and carvings are just some of the many items you can find at local stores and gift shops.

Art by Percy Avugiak at the Fur Rondy Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market in Anchorage. — Art by Percy Avugiak at the Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market.

Jewelry

You will find jewelry from Alaskan artists in many local gift shops. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and more make for easy-to-transport gifts.

Dog Treats

Don’t forget to bring a gift back for your furry family, too! Our pup loves Alaska Wild Treats, which are made of Alaskan salmon. You can find these treats at Three Bears. You can also get Mountain Dog salmon treats, which are available online and at Alaska Mill and Feed and Sportsman’s Warehouse.

Dry Bags

Useful for many applications in Alaska and beyond, dry bags are a handy made in Alaska souvenir. Check out Nomar in Homer to see their large selections of these handy bags.

Clothes

Check out Alpine Fit and Nomar for Alaskan adventure gear that will last a lifetime. Also, be on the lookout for kuspuks, which are Alaska Native hooded garments with a distinctive front pocket. They often come in a multitude of fabric colors and patterns and are adorned with beautiful trims.

Qiviut

Some other garments you may want to check out are items made of qiviut, which is the underwool of a muskox. Qiviut scarfs, hats, and more can be found at Oomingmak in Anchorage.

Food

Bring a taste of Alaska back home with you with these delicious ideas and tasty treats.

Syrup

Try something unique with birch syrup! Head to Talkeetna for this uniquely Alaskan treat. Taste test syrups, and bring back a bottle for yourself or a friend.

Jams and Jellies

Check out local farmers markets for jams and jellies to bring home with you. You can also visit Alaska Wild Berry Products and try some of their delectable jelly centered chocolates yourself.

Alaska made fireweed jelly. — If you come across fireweed jelly give it a try!

Honey

You can occasionally come across delicious local honey at farmers markets around the state.

Groceries

There are many other Alaska made food items that you can find at local grocery stores, Safeway, and Three Bears. The Alaska Flour Company, locally made seasoning, salsa, pasta, teas and more are some of the items you’ll find. Also, check out veggies with the Alaska Grown logo to snack on while you’re here.

This list of Alaskan souvenirs has a little something for everyone. From the foodie to the art collector, and the fashionista to your furry friends, there’s a little something in Alaska for everyone.

Do you have any questions about Alaska travel? Feel free to leave a comment below, or sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, and send me an email. You can also join the Everyday Alaska Travel Tips, Information, and Advice group, and/or our New to Alaska Tips, Information, and Advice group to ask any questions you may have. I’m happy to help you get the most out of your time in our beautiful Last Frontier!

The Alaska Summer Bucket List

April 9, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

Are you wondering what to do during summertime in Alaska? Lucky for you, the options are endless and so is the daylight! Below, you’ll find the perfect Alaska Summer Bucket List to get your fun packed summer plans started.

For the sake of keeping it simple, I’m just calling June, July, and August “summer” here. As I said in my winter bucket list, there are an endless amount of things to do during each season in Alaska. You might want to do them all this year, but pacing yourself and spreading them out over time is best. Or, if you’re just visiting Alaska, it’s good to pick a few activities and spread them out over your stay in our beautiful state. On that note, lets grab that sunblock and bug spray and get to enjoying the midnight sun!

Kayaking and Canoeing

One of the most fun things that we’ve started doing recently is kayaking. I wish I would have started long ago, but better now than never! There are many places to rent kayaks or canoes if your visiting, or purchase one yourself if you’re local; they’re well worth getting!

Kayaking in Alaska along the Moose River — Moseying along the Kenai Peninsula’s Moose River.

Zip Lining

There are zip lining adventures in many parts of Alaska. Glacier View, Denali, Juneau, and Seward are just a few of the spots you can visit for these high flying Alaskan experiences.

Flightseeing Tour

Speaking of high flying adventures, flightseeing tours are popular all across Alaska. You can take flights to see Denali, glaciers, wildlife, and more. They will likely be one of the more expensive tours available to you, and very weather dependent, but from what I’ve seen they look pretty impressive. I have yet to check this off my bucket list, but it sure looks exciting!

Events and Festivals

Summer in Alaska is always jam packed with activities, including festivals, fairs, and more! Some of them you may want to check out are Gold Rush Days in Valdez, the Kenny Lake Fair, Bear Paw Festival in Eagle River, Palmer’s Colony Days and the Alaska State Fair, Progress Days in Soldotna, and the Little Norway Festival in Petersburg. Looking for more local events? Sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter!

Glacier and Wildlife Cruises

There are so many perks to living in Alaska, one being that whenever visitors come you get to tour them around and play tourist a bit. This is the reason I’ve been on probably a dozen glacier and wildlife cruises. I never get tired of them because the things you get to see are so miraculous and amazing! Puffins, orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, otters, porpoise, seals, mountains, glaciers and more; oh my! While there is no guarantee you’ll see all these animals, you are guaranteed to have the experience of a lifetime.

Waterfalls

Time to go chase those waterfalls! My favorite place to view them is Keystone Canyon right outside of Valdez, but there are many other places to see them as well, such as Thunderbird Falls outside of Anchorage. There is a great list of waterfall and how to access them here.

Rafting

While were on the subject of water, why not do some rafting?! Take a guided ride along the rapids for a one of a kind Alaskan experience.

Whale Watching

If you’re lucky, you can see a variety of whales all summer long in the waters of Alaska. Orcas, humpbacks, and grays make their summer home in Alaska’s waters, and can best be viewed on a glacier and wildlife cruise. You can also see belugas, one of the best ways of seeing them being in the waters of the Turnagain Arm along the Seward Highway.

Explore Old Mines

It’s well known that back in the day people rushed up to Alaska in search of gold. Mining is still popular around Alaska, but there are also many mines that have long been out of commission that you can explore. Some of the more visited mines are Kennicott Copper Mine near McCarthy and Gold Dredge 8 in Fairbanks. Take a visit and learn a bit about Alaska’s mining history.

The Alaska Railroad

All aboard! Taking a scenic trip on the famous Alaska Railroad is one of my top Alaska summer buck list items. There are many packages and tours you can do with this experience, including touring some of Alaska’s National Parks.

Visit Our National Parks

Speaking of National Parks, why not visit some of the eight National Parks around Alaska. There are a few you can visit on the road system, or expand your adventure with fly out trips to the more remote parks.

Jet Skiing

Hop on for an exciting and unique way to experience Alaska! Explore glaciers, waterfalls, and the beauty of Alaska while cruising on a jet ski. My husband and his friends did this for a bachelor party and had a great experience.

Tour the waters of the 49th State with Glacier Jet Ski Adventures.

Check Out Local Farmer’s Markets

Alaska is known for growing some extraordinarily large veggies. You may not guess that with such a short growing season that many things would grow, but that wonderful midnight sun puts growing season into overdrive! Check out local veggies, jams, jellies, and other delicious treats at local farmer’s markets, and if you’re local check into starting a garden of your own!

Fishing

Whether it’s lake fishing, drift boat fishing, casting on the river, or trolling in the ocean, fishing is a very popular summer activity in Alaska. Rainbow trout, varieties of salmon, halibut, and rockfish are just a few of the fish you may come across during summers in Alaska.

Camping

One of my favorite Alaska summer bucket list activities, camping! Tent it, RV, fifth wheel, whatever way you do it, camping is one of the best ways to experience Alaska. View our camping checklist here!

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

To view a vast amount of Alaskan wildlife in one location, check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. It’s well worth adding to your list!

Hiking

There are a plethora of hiking trails all around Alaska. This is a great way to get some fresh air, see lesser known and visited places, and some spectacular views. Just be bear aware if you plan on hiking!

Wildflowers

There are so many wildflowers that pop up everywhere around our beautiful state. Take some time to “smell the roses” and check out the local flora and fauna. They make for great photos and photo backdrops as well!

The beauty of fireweed in bloom is unmatched.

See, I told you there were so many amazing things to do during summer in Alaska, and this is only part of them! If you have specific questions about Alaska travel or life in Alaska please sign up for Everyday Alaska emails here, and feel free to send me an email with any questions. Also, join the Everyday Alaska Travel Facebook group for travel tips, advice, and answers to your specific travel questions. Happy travels, friends!

What to Pack for a Summer Vacation in Alaska

March 9, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

Alaska gets millions of visitors a year, and most of those visitors come during the summer. I’m guessing many of those people, including you, are wondering what to pack for summer vacation in Alaska. Check out the packing list below to find out!

What should I wear in Alaska during the summer?

Whether you’re coming to Alaska on your dream vacation, visiting relatives, or coming up for a summer job, one of the main things you’ll need to figure out is what to wear. A lot of this will depend on what activities you’ll be doing, what area of the state you’ll be visiting, and what temperatures you are acclimated to. But, there are a few main things everyone should pack that you’ll see on the checklist below.

Layers

No matter what area you plan on visiting, you’ll need layers. The weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly, even in the summer. You can make some general guesses about weather depending on what area you’re going to (Fairbanks will get hotter than most of Alaska during summer, Southeast Alaska will likely have rain, etc), but layering up will get you through a variety of weather changes. Along with jeans, t-shirts, and everyday clothes, I’d suggest bringing the following items.

Rain jacket-Purchase a rain jacket that is waterproof, not just water resistant, to throw on over your clothes when the rain starts pouring. This will be helpful for the wind as well, especially if you’re on a glacier and wildlife cruise.
Sweatshirt-A hooded sweatshirt or pullover is a great layer to go on top of a t-shirt or other everyday clothes. The Midnight Sun does keep it warm out for much of the day when it’s sunny, but when the sun goes down the temperature really drops.
Shorts-Yes, you can wear shorts in Alaska! It does get hot enough to wear short. Depending on the temperature you’re used to, it might be worth your while to pack some summery clothes like shorts and tank tops to stay cool on your vacation. Just check the packing tips below, and this post about mosquitos, before you venture out with your shorts on.

Summer glacier and wildlife cruise in Seward, Alaska. — A wind/rainproof jacket will come in handy, especially on glacier and wildlife cruises.

Accessories

There are a few smaller things you’ll need to add to your Alaska summer vacation packing list.

Hats-You’ll definitely want to bring a baseball hat with you to shade your eyes from the sun. And, on the opposite end, if you tend to run cold or are from a very warm climate, bring a beanie to wear if you plan on being on or near glaciers as it will be ice, ice cold!
Sunglasses-The Midnight Sun is no joke, so bring a good pair of shades with you!
Eye Mask-This is something I wouldn’t normally think about since you get somewhat used to the 24/7 summer sun living here. But, bringing an eye mask to get some shut eye, and following these tips, will help you get a restful nights sleep on your vacation.

Always pack a hat when packing for summer in Alaska. — Hats are a must-have in the summer sun.

Footwear

What footwear you bring will obviously depend on what activities you plan on doing, but there’s a good chance you’ll be putting on some miles during your trip no matter what adventures you have.

Sneakers-Bringing along the shoes you would normally wear to go for a walk is a good plan. Make sure they’re broken in so you don’t get sore feet while you’re out and about.
Camp Shoes/Flip Flops/Crocs-If you’re going to spend time camping or just want some comfy shoes to lounge around in at the end of the day, I’d suggest bringing some camp shoes. You’ll want flip flops if you need to use campground showers, and Crocs are my daily go-tos for comfort.
Hiking Boots-If you’ll be stepping off the beaten path (and chances are you will be), I recommend bringing some hiking boots that you’ve already broken in. Make sure you have good ankle support and that they fit you comfortably.

A beach on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. — Crocs come in handy when walking on the beaches.

What additional items should I add to my Alaska packing list?

There are a few other necessities that you’ll want to have on your trip to Alaska. Some of these you can just buy here, but others you may want to pack with.

Bug Spray-Avoid the constant fight with Alaska’s state bird, the mosquito, and purchase some bug spray. Following these tips will help you as well.
Bug Net-Are they attractive? Nope. Do they work amazingly well? Yes! This one works great and will be the best few dollars you’ve ever spent!
Sunscreen-Even on the colder summer days it’s always good to use sunscreen (and don’t forget to reapply!). If you plan on being on the water fishing or on a glacier and wildlife cruise it’s especially important to wear sunscreen due to the reflection from the water. The last thing you want to do is ruin your vacation with a sunburn! (Plus, no one will believe you really got a sunburn in Alaska!)
Water Bottle-Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Bring a bottle and fill it up whenever you have the opportunity. Check out this American Made bottle here!
Wet Ones-Wondering why you’ll need to carry wipes around with you? Check out my post on “Things You Shouldn’t Do When Visiting Alaska” to find out!
Binoculars-There are so many thing to see in Alaska, and you’ll likely get to see a variety of them up close. But, for those ones that are just too far away or to see wildlife at a safe distance, I highly recommend bringing binoculars.
Charger-Bring a portable charger/power bank to charge your phone, camera, or other devices when your away from outlets or your vehicle.

Do I need to pack any speciality gear for my trip to Alaska?

Nope, you shouldn’t have to! But, just to be sure, I’d check with any guide services you might have booked with incase you need to bring some extra adventure gear with you. If you’ve booked a fishing charter, glacier jet ski cruise, four wheeling tour, or other activity, chances are they will provide the gear you need for your excursion. To be on the safe side, though, I’d confirm with the company beforehand just to make sure.

I hope this list has helped you figure out what to pack for a summer vacation in Alaska, and has you more excited than ever to prepare for your trip! If you have any question about Alaska feel free to ask them in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Heading to the Kenai River to fish. — Check to see if you need to bring waders/wading shoes for any fishing trips you have booked.

14 Things You Shouldn’t Do When Visiting Alaska

March 1, 2023 by Everyday Alaska

I bet you’re a little curious about the title of this article. What would you not want to do when visiting Alaska? Don’t you want to do everything? Well, not quite. There are some things that you shouldn’t do when visiting Alaska, and I’ll tell you about them below.

Don’t Tell Anyone Where You’re Going

I had this towards the middle of the post but decided to move it to the top because this is super important. Tell at least a couple people where you’ll be going when you’re exploring Alaska and when you expect to be back. If you have a medical emergency, accident, or get lost or weathered in, it’s a tremendous advantage for rescue teams to have a solid point to start searching at.

Likely, if you’re vacationing here, you probably haven’t been on the trail you plan to hike before, you may not anticipate bad weather coming in, and/or you’re not as prepared as you thought you were. It happens to all of us, but in a worst case scenario it can be deadly, and many places won’t have cell service for you to call for help. So, tell friends and family where you’ll be, how long you’ll be there, and buy or rent a device like the Garmin inReach to have incase of an emergency.

Fall colors on a side road in Alaska. — Let someone know when you’re taking the road less traveled.

Have Dead Batteries

I know there are outlets, charging stations, and all that jazz basically everywhere now, but have you tried to plug your phone/camera battery/etc into a mountain, berry bush, or ocean? I didn’t think so. Chances are, the batteries on your emergency device, phone, and camera will die at the worst time. Breaching whale? Dead camera. Bogged down in the fog on a trail? Dead inReach. FaceTiming mom on a day you can see Denali? Dead phone. Charging your electronics whenever possible and bringing a portable charger/power bank with you is very important. Honestly, it’s more of a safety issue than anything, but being able to capture miraculous moments on your Alaskan adventure is pretty awesome, too.

Plan a Short Trip

Chances are you’ve traveled a long distance to get to Alaska, so why not stay awhile and enjoy it! There are so many things to do and see. If at all possible, try stay at least a week. I know it’s not a cheap trip, but check out some money saving ideas here that might help you save money so you can stay longer and enjoy our beautiful state!

Forget to Bring Layers

Layers, layer, layers. You’ve probably read many posts by now regarding how to dress in Alaska. I’m guessing they’ve all mentioned needing layers? If so, they’re absolutely correct. No matter what season you visit Alaska, layers are always necessary. Weather is ever changing, and it’s always better to have more layers than too little. But, if you don’t want to pack so much or don’t own proper layers for your trip, you can always shop locally once you’re here at the start of your trip to be prepared.

Skip Sunscreen and Bug Spray

Boy, oh boy. Don’t make this mistake. Trust me. That Midnight Sun and even the bright sun in winter can burn you fast, especially if you’re out on the water or adventuring. Wear sunscreen, and don’t forget to reapply.

You’ll need sunscreen year round, but thankfully you don’t need bug spray for all seasons. But when you need it, you really need it. Mosquitos, no-see-ums, and horseflies are huge bummers during spring, summer, and fall. But, with some help from this handy dandy article I put together, they should be less of a problem for you.

Overplan

I know it’s hard not to do this when you’re going on a dream vacation, but don’t overplan. There are more activities and sights to see here than anyone could in a lifetime, so don’t expect to cram them all into a week’s vacation.

Get Cozy with the Wildlife

Don’t be that person. The wildlife is wild, no matter how adorable or pettable it looks. Don’t pet it, don’t feed it, don’t crowd it. But, if you do want some safe encounters with animals, check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Brown bears AWCC Alaska — Bears view from above on the viewing bridge at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Be Inflexible

As I’ve already mentioned, weather is an ever changing factor here. Chances are, some of your planned activities, tours, and excursions may be delayed or cancelled due to weather. It’s hard to not be disappointed, but try to pivot and find something else. Maybe you have a float plane or helicopter ride planned, but get fogged out? Why not try a train ride or maybe a glacier cruise? There’s always something amazing to do and see in Alaska, so don’t let the weather ruin your trip!

Miss Out on Local Food

Don’t hit up all the same chain restaurants you have at home while you’re here. We have so many great local places, and a variety of tasty foods here. You’d miss out if you didn’t try it! Check out this list of delicious Alaskan food to try on your vacation here, and the best resturants in Soldotna and Kenai!

Bluebird Café in Sterling, Alaska. Blueberry and lemon stuffed French toast. — Stuffed French toast with delicious blueberries and a bacon jam burger, yum!

Rush

Alaska isn’t the place to be in a hurry. In the summer, there are many visitors and places can get crowded and busy. You may have to wait to get seated and try some delicious deep fried halibut. There will likely be long checkout lines a gift shop registers. You may have to wait your turn for a bit to get that photo in front of a beautifully carved totem pole. It’s all totally worth the wait.

Pass Up Bathrooms, Fuel, or Food Stops

Depending on where you’re traveling to, rest stops, fuel, and snacks can be few and far between. Take advantage of them when you see them. Check out maps to plan your next stop, but don’t assume the stop is still open unless you’ve called to confirm as some places are seasonal or closed and information can be outdated.

Outhouse in remote Alaska. — A room with a view! You’ll probably use your fair share of outhouses on your Alaskan adventures.

Forget Toilet Paper, Wet Wipes, and Sanitizer

This kind of goes with the above tip. One thing you shouldn’t do when visiting Alaska is travel without toilet paper, wet wipes, and sanitizer. If you run into a situation where you passed up a bathroom pit stop and really regret it, you may have to use the great outdoors as your own personal restroom, or use an outhouse that might not have tp or anything to wash your hands with, so be prepared.

Use the Turnouts as Your Restroom

Okay, I know just said you’ll probably have to pee outside at some point if you’ll be roadtripping, but there is some roadside bathroom etiquette to abide by. 1. Make sure you’re out of view from the highway. Shockingly, not everyone does this. 2. You’ll probably have to do your thang at a turnout, but just step out of the area of traffic and foot traffic a bit. People stop there to take photos, let their dogs out, and stretch their legs. The last thing we want to see is anyone’s business. BUT, also be aware and on the lookout for wildlife before you step off the side of the pavement. Not trying to scare you, but wildlife is everywhere and it’s best to be safe. (Also, don’t lower your tushy into any devil’s club!) 3. Don’t toss your hand wipes and whatnot all over. It takes longer than you’d think for that to disintegrate and is just disgusting. Having little trash bags (or even doggie trash bags) with can be handy for that, and for vehicle trash as well.

A beautiful stop at the rest area in Turnagain Pass.

Trash Alaska

I’m sorry we don’t have enough trash cans in frequently visited places, and the ones we do have are always full. Trust me, I know it’s annoying. But, we’d all really appreciate it you’d use the above mentioned bags and take your trash with you until you find a public dumpster. Since you’re reading this, I’m guessing you must be a pretty awesome, considerate, and intelligent person, so I really don’t need to include this or the above rule anyway, but it’s not a bad reminder.

There you have it, a list of some easy peasy things you shouldn’t do when visiting Alaska. This list will help you enjoy your visit more, plan better, and hopefully have the Alaska vacation of your dreams! Happy traveling, friends!

Do you have questions about traveling to Alaska? Leave a comment and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

Alaska’s Best Bites: 15+ Foods to Try on Your Alaska Vacation

November 11, 2022 by Everyday Alaska

Are you coming to visit Alaska or making the move here? Check out all the foods to try and the wide variety Alaska has to offer by using the Alaska food bucket list below.

Alaskan Foods to Try

Fish and Seafood

Fish and seafood are two of the foods that Alaska is most known for. Many people come up here to fish for their own catch of these delicacies, while others enjoy it at restaurants during vacation. Whether you’re catching it yourself or having it served up for you at dinner, here are some of Alaska’s most famous fish and seafood bites below.

Salmon-Most Alaskan restaurants you visit will likely have some variety of salmon on the menu for you to try. While many people prefer red (sockeye) salmon, most all varieties of salmon are delicious. You can enjoy it many different ways such as blackened, canned, smoked, or in a dip.

Crab–Deadliest Catch, anyone? You’ll pay a hefty price for this famous Alaskan food, but many say it’s well worth it.

Halibut-Halibut is my absolute favorite fish. Even if you don’t usually enjoy fish, you should give it a try. It’s mild, flakey, light, and delicious. Halibut tacos, burgers, and probably one of the most popular, deep fried halibut, are top on my list of favorite Alaskan foods.

Chowders-Seafood and clam chowders are popular at many Alaskan restaurants.

Deep fried halibut at Captain Patties in Homer, Alaska.

Meat

Many of us Alaskans hunt for our own meat, so we’re often enjoying moose, caribou, bear and more. If you’re visiting friends and relatives here, you may get a chance to have some of their harvest. If not, there are options to enjoy while dining out as well. Also, local meat processors are often a great place to find different Alaskan meats to try.

Reindeer-If you visit Alaska, you’ll see reindeer sausage as a side with many breakfast options, and even as a reindeer dog at hotdog stands.

Beef and Pork-I know these are not unique to Alaska, but you may find places that have Alaska raised meats such as these.

Traditional and Indigenous Foods

If you are lucky enough to try some traditional Alaska Native foods, give them a taste! I’m not too sure if we have an official state food, but if we did it would likely be some of these. Muktuk (whale), “Eskimo ice cream”, fry bread, dried fish, fish eggs, moose tongue, and more are some traditional foods you may come across if you attend an Alaska Native cultural event or stay with a friend or relative who is Alaska Native or makes traditional foods.

Alaska Grown

According to the USDA there are almost 1,000 farms in Alaska. They grow and raise a variety of animals and crops from barley (such as the Alaska Flour Company) to berries, and chickens to goats. According to this article “Alaska depends on shipments for about 95 percent of its food”, so it’s vital to support local food growers so they can continue enriching our local food supply. Check for the “Alaska Grown” sticker in grocery stores such as Safeway and Three Bears to find some great Alaskan foods to try, and support local farmers.

Local made Alaskan foods to try in our local Safeway store. — A display of some of the many Alaska made food options at our local grocery store.

Foraged Alaskan Foods to Try

Mushrooms, and berries, and plants; yay! There are so many tasty, edible goodies out in nature. Grab a berry book, download the Seek app, and grab some friends to go forage with. Just be 100% sure what you pick is edible.

A blueberry pie made with fresh picked, Alaskan blueberries and baked in a purple pottery pie dish. Berries are one of the best Alaskan foods to try. — A blueberry pie made with fresh picked, Alaskan blueberries. The berries made up for my lack of a beautiful crust!

Sides and Snacks

There are a few sides and snacks that you should try while in Alaska.

Sourdough-If you come visit Alaska, many local restaurants will offer sourdough as an option for sandwich bread, toast, and rolls. Honestly, some sourdough is a little too sour for me, but others is quite delicious. Give it a try and decide for yourself!

Kenai Cheese Dip-This dip is incredibly addictive. You can purchase this popular local favorite at grocery stores, at Echo Lake Meats in Soldotna, or find a recipe to mix it up yourself!

Pilot Bread-If you haven’t tried the well-known Alaskan staple, it’s a thick, dense, shelf-stable cracker that is mostly used as a transport system to bring tasty food to your mouth. Top it with PB&J, salmon spread, or whatever you’d like.

Desserts and Sweets

These unique delights would pair well with any popular Alaskan foods.

Alaska Wild Berry Products-Alaska Wild Berry Products has some must-eat Alaskan treats. Jams, jellies, syrups and chocolates filled with with Alaska’s bountiful berries, fireweed and more are a great treat and the perfect gift to bring back to friends or family.

Baked Alaska-Ironically enough, I’ve never tried this dessert, but I’d say if you can find it at a local Alaskan restaurant, give it a try, and share in the comments where you had it. It’s harder to find than you’d think in it’s namesake state!

Drinks

I’m sure you’re anticipating a brewery review here, but I don’t drink beer, so I guess I wouldn’t be much of a help there. But, there are a couple local beverages that you should know about.

Frontier Soda-Root Beer, Cola, Wild Blueberry, and Spruce Tip (my favorite) are the soda choices from Frontier Soda. These uniquely Alaskan sodas are great, and can be found at Three Bears and a other stores around the state.

Teas-There are a few different local companies, such as Felicity Loft, that create teas in Alaska. Give them a try. They make great gifts as well!

Frontier Soda’s root beer made in Alaska. — Enjoying some Frontier Soda with a view.

The above list has some of the best foods you’ll find in Alaska. Halibut, berry filled chocolates, cheese dip, fry bread, moose, local veggies, and more are some Alaskan foods you can try on your vacation. Comment below if you have a favorite, or let us know who one you’re most excited to try!

« Previous Page