Everyday Alaska

Everyday Life in The Last Frontier

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5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Take an Alaska Cruise

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Wait, you’re telling me we shouldn’t cruise Alaska!? Yes, I sure am. This might be one of the top three debatable topics I’ve covered, along with whether you should visit Seward, Homer, or Valdez and why you should visit Alaska before you retire, but I feel like if you take an Alaska cruise you’re really missing out on so many things. Since I want you to get the most out of your Alaska travel experience, I’m going to try convince you to not take an Alaska cruise, or at least not yet!

Glacier views from a Major Marine Cruise out of Seward.
Glacier views from a Major Marine Cruise out of Seward.

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.

Why shouldn’t I take an Alaska cruise?

There are a variety of reasons I feel like you shouldn’t take an Alaska cruise, and I’ve picked the top five reasons to tell you about here.

Rushing

When you think of Alaska, do you think of the hustle and bustle? Nope, you sure don’t! But, that’s what you get with cruising. There’s a time you load up. There’s a time you disembark. There are scheduled excursions in between, and you get to do all of this with a ship and/or bus full of people. Now, to an extent, that doesn’t sound bad. Having a schedule is nice and having planned excursions is nice and having others to do them with is nice. Truly, I just don’t feel like that’s the best way to experience Alaska, though.

When we travel I like to try experience what it might be like to live in that place. Visit off the beaten places. Eat at more local establishments. Check out the neighborhoods. Meet the locals. Get a feel for the pace of the place. If that’s what you like to do too, cruising isn’t the way to go for you. Alaska isn’t rushed. Yes, there’s the normal hustle and bustle, and things do get crazy in the summertime trying to cram all the to-dos into just a few months, but usually the Alaskan pace is a just a bit more relaxed than other places.

Fireweed in Valdez, Alaska.
Take time to stop and smell the wildflowers.

Meeting Locals

As I just mention above, I think meeting locals is one of the more important experiences to have when visiting a new place. When you’re on a cruise, yes, you may meet locals while you’re in port, but more than likely you probably won’t meet too many in the places you’ll be visiting, and in the timeframe you’ll be doing your activities. I feel like this is important to note because local’s have the insider knowledge to give you the scoop on the best activities and areas, and many of us (like myself!) want you to love your visit to Alaska so we’d love to help you find the best ways to enjoy it!

Just two days ago I met a group of people while we we were out on a day trip to Cooper Landing. They had some questions about Soldotna, where I live, so we got to chat a bit. It was so fun, and I hope interactions like that leave a good impression of Alaskans for visitors because I’d like to think we truly are a kind a welcoming state. I feel like if you spend most of your trip on a ship or a bus you’re missing out on that friendly, hometown element of the 49th state.

Scenery

What are you looking at when you’re on an Alaska cruise? Beautiful blue water, tree lined shores, epic glaciers? Yes! The coast of Alaska is incredibly beautiful, and you definitely shouldn’t leave visiting Southeast Alaska out of your travel plans. Those views are such a perk of cruising, but you can also see some of the coast on a day cruise. By taking a cruise, unless you’re doing a bus tour as well, you’re missing out on the variety Alaska has to offer. Now, there’s no way you can see all the variety of scenery, but by solely seeing the coast you’re missing out on the tundra views, the majestic mountains of the interior, and much more. “Variety is the spice of life”, so add a little spice to your travels and check out some different regions of Alaska during your trip.

Prince William Sound
Beautiful views from a day cruise out of Valdez.

Time

I do understand you’re not stranded on the boat or a tour bus the whole time, but a cruise is a cruise, and to cruise you need to spend some time getting from place to place. But, are you spending too much time traveling, and not experiencing the places you’ll be stopping at? I think you are. You can’t really get the feel for a place in just the time it takes to check out souvenir stores, enjoy a local restaurant, and go on an excursion.

Now, I know I just said to check out different areas of Alaska, so what you just read seems a little contradictory. Do you take a cruise and try see half a dozen places, but only see them for a short time, or do you want to visit a few different places, but really be able to experience those places? The choice is yours, but I recommend picking two or three places (depending on the length of your trip) in different areas so you can see more variety and enjoy your time in each place. For example, if you have a week to travel, check out Denali National Park to see the Interior, and then head to Seward or Valdez to visit the coast.

Touristy

Maybe this is just from the outside looking in since I haven’t taken an Alaska cruise myself, but I feel like cruises and tours are very touristy. Looking up the word “touristy”, one definition suggested its meaning as lacking authenticity, and I guess that’s what I’m getting at here. Between the rushed nature of it, all the planned out activities, lack of spontaneous adventures and conversations with locals, it just feels like you’re getting a very watered down version of what Alaska really is, and you’re missing out on the real adventure of Alaska.

What should I do instead of taking a cruise?

So now that I’ve maybe convinced you to not take a cruise, how should you travel through Alaska? Here are some options for you.

Camping and RVing

Rent a camper, RV, or tent it out and go camping! It’s a great way to really experience Alaska’s natural beauty, meet locals who are out camping in the midnight sun, and you can travel at your own pace. This method of travel is convenient because, unless you’re tent camping, you don’t have to pack up everything whenever you head to your next destination, which gives you more time to enjoy Alaska. Also, you can do some of your own cooking to save a bit of money, and if you RV you won’t need to worry about how far the next restroom is!

Quartz Creek Campground near Cooper Landing, Alaska.
Wake up to views like this while camping in Alaska.

Road Trip and Lodging

Find a hotel, lodge, or Airbnb, stay awhile, and then explore a new area. Travel just like you would anywhere else, except just do it in the Last Frontier. This option allows you to have more time to explore an area, you won’t be as rushed, and you can check out more local activities and adventures. There are so many great local options as far as lodges and Airbnbs go, and in bigger cities and towns you’ll find many hotels, too. Just don’t make the mistake of booking too late.

Cabins at Eagle's Rest RV in Valdez, Alaska.
Stay at these cozy cabins in Valdez.

When should I take a cruise?

If your options are to do a cruise or not to visit Alaska, just take the cruise. If you can, though, try add some time on a tour bus to your trip package so you can see more of Alaska. Seeing some of Alaska will always be better than seeing none of it! And if it’s your second trip to Alaska, a cruise might be a good option for you.

I still would recommend that you shouldn’t take an Alaska cruise, that you should try to hit the open road at your own pace and save cruising for a second trip to Alaska, but I understand if that doesn’t work for you. Who knows, maybe I’ll end up taking an Alaska cruise someday, too!

If you have questions about visiting Alaska, feel free to leave a comment below, sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, or 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, and I hope you enjoy Alaska as much as we do!  

Driving along a highway in Alaska.
Taking a long road trip on a beautiful Alaska day.

7 Reasons to Visit Alaska Before You Retire

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“Oh, we’ll just save up and visit Alaska when we retire.” This is the story of so many people waiting to fulfill their Alaska vacation dream. If you’re reading this, it’s likely you’re maybe one of those people. But, I’m here to convince you that you should visit Alaska before you retire.

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.

Fireweed in Valdez, Alaska. Don't miss seeing these sights while you're young!
Fireweed in Valdez, Alaska. Don’t miss seeing these sights while you’re young!

Why should I visit Alaska before I retire?

Alaska is a vast and beautiful state. Visiting here is a unique adventure all it’s own, and one you don’t want to miss out on. And it’s definitely an vacation you’ll enjoy more when you can truly experience all of it.

I came up with the idea of writing this post from something my father in law once said. We were heading up north and stopped at the Alaska Veteran’s Memorial. While we were there, a large tour bus full of people pulled up. As the people filed out, my father in law (then in his mid seventies), commented “here comes the geriatric stampede!” It was so funny, especially considering his own age, but the more I thought about it the more I thought it was a bit sad, too.

Many of these people, who probably waited their whole lives to visit Alaska, were now at a point in their lives where they couldn’t really enjoy Alaska to the fullest. They were just being herded from one point to another in the “geriatric stampede.”

Now, I’m not saying that if you visit Alaska when you’re retirement age you won’t enjoy it, because Alaska is worth the trip no matter your age, and I’m definitely not saying you can’t do these things past a certain age, but coming to Alaska while you’re younger has many advantages, and I’ll list some of them below.

Getting Here

Just getting to Alaska is often an adventure in itself. Depending on where you’re leaving from, you could be traveling thousands of miles via plane or car to your dream Alaska vacation. That in itself can be tiring, no matter how old you are. And, if you have certain medical problems or mobility issues, this makes for a difficult trip.

Mobility

Speaking of mobility, to truly enjoy all Alaska has to offer, it’s so helpful to be able to get around easily. From hiking to snowboarding, and day cruises to salmon fishing, being mobile really helps you to be able to do more activities and take part in all the adventures we get to enjoy as locals.

Homer Small Boat Harbor in Summer
Homer Harbor. The beautiful harbors of Homer, Seward, and Valdez are great spots to walk around.

Accessibility

Since we just covered mobility, we might as well chat about accessibility. I’d love to tell you that Alaska is very accessible, and if you use a walker or wheelchair you’ll still be able to get around just fine, but unfortunately you won’t. Restaurants are very crowded during summer, accessible vehicle rentals may be hard to find, hotels get full fast likely leaving handicap rooms unavailable; you get the point. But, that does not mean traveling while needing some additional accessibility assistance is impossible!

If you’re planning your Alaska vacation and do use a walker, wheelchair, or any assistive devices don’t give up your dream! Please check out my contact information at the end of this post, and I’ll help you the best I can to figure out places and activities that will be suited to your needs, and to help you best enjoy your time in the Last Frontier!

A trip on a Major Marine cruise.
Some of the best excursions in Alaska are on the water.

Energy

If you visit Alaska during the summer, you’ll get familiar with the “midnight sun”, AKA the long daylight hours of the 49th State. And during the summer, there’s not much rest. As residents, we all take advantage of the long days and get as much out of them as possible to thaw out after long, cold winters. This means we’re up early and out late, so you likely will be too since many things are open later and there’s lots to see! Will you have the energy to keep up with an Alaskan summer? That’s up to you!

Rest Stops

Alrighty, let’s talk rest stops. If you need to use the restroom frequently due to medication or any other reason, rest stops are very few and far between. If you do end up traveling to Alaska at a time when you need to stop more frequently, I’d suggest planning shorter day trips or possible traveling in a small motorhome so you have facilities with you.

A late night stop for fuel near Girdwood.
A late night stop for fuel near Girdwood.

Moving

Not surprisingly, there are quite a few people who come to Alaska and end up so enamored with it that they move here! Could that be you? Maybe so! But, if you wait too long it might be harder for you to make the move to a place that you could have called home many years ago if only you would have just visited Alaska when you were younger.

Time

Not to be negative or morbid, but you never know when you’ll run out of time. That’s just the reality of life, so plan the trip now and visit Alaska before you retire. You can always come back later, do a cruise or something a little less rigorous, but you can never go back and take the trip you wish you took when you were younger.

How can I afford to visit Alaska while I’m young?

One of the major things that holds people back from traveling to Alaska while they’re young is the cost. But, where there’s a will there’s a way. Stay fewer days, do some DIY fishing from the bank instead of a charter, visit during a less busy season; there are ways to make it a less expensive trip. What really makes Alaska a must-visit destination are the miraculous sights and wonderful people, and those experiences are free.

I know some of this may seem a little harsh, like I’m saying if you’re retirement age you can’t get around or enjoy Alaska, but that’s not it at all. I wrote this post to encourage you not to wait. Enjoy life now. Travel when you can enjoy Alaska to it’s fullest, even if it means a shorter trip, a tighter budget, and less excursions, it’s better to have gone while you can than for it to just be a dream.

If you have questions about visiting Alaska, feel free to leave a comment below, sign up for the Everyday Alaska newsletter, or 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, and I hope you enjoy Alaska as much as we do!

Black bear in Valdez, Alaska at Allison Point.
A black bear in Valdez, Alaska.

11 Things You Must Have on a Summer Vacation in Alaska

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So you’re planning a vacation to Alaska; what an exciting time! Second only to the actual visit, planning is one of my favorite parts of travel. It can be tricky when it comes to planning what to pack, though. One of the things you may be wondering about is what you should bring on your Alaska vacation. Don’t fret, I’ve got a list of eleven must have things you‘ll need on your summer vacation in Alaska!

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.

What are the must have items for a summer vacation in Alaska?

Alrighty, let’s hop into our list of items you’ll want to have on your vacation in Alaska!

Sunscreen

It’s Alaska, the land of glaciers, snow, and freezing temperatures, right? Well, that’s not quite all correct in the summertime. Although we have an immense amount of glaciers, it can get pretty toasty here in the summer, especially with the midnight sun shining down. So, don’t forget to purchase sunscreen, and reapply as directed. You definitely don’t want to get burnt on your vacation, and if you do your friends may think you traveled to Mexico and not Alaska!

Kayaking on the Kenai Peninsula.
Hat, sunscreen, and sunshine!

Sunglasses

While we’re on the topic of sunshine, don’t forget to bring your sunglasses! The sun can be very direct and bright, so protect your eyes with some good sunglasses.

Hat

Continuing on that same topic, make sure you bring or purchase a hat(s) for your vacation. There are plenty of places to purchase them while you’re here, too. This will provide additional protection from the sun, and keep it out of your eyes and off your noggin.

Sleep Mask

Okay, I promise this is the last sun-related item! With the amazing amount of daylight Alaska gets during the summer, it’s sometimes hard to fall asleep if you don’t have the right items. I’d like to think that the places you’ll be staying will have blackout curtains, but on the chance that they don’t, I’d suggest getting a sleep mask. This will help you fall asleep even if there’s daylight still streaming into the room, or if you need a little midday nap after a day of Alaskan adventures.

Summer sunset on the Kenai Peninsula.
A late night sunset on the Kenai Peninsula.

Camera Batteries

Make sure you have enough camera batteries and keep them charged on your travels. The last thing you want to do is come upon a clear view of Denali and have your camera batteries die!

Binoculars

Whether you’ll be RVing through Alaska, taking a cruise, or making a short trip, binoculars are a must have Alaska vacation item. These will help you spot Alaska’s abundant wildlife, and check some wildlife sighting off your bucket list. We use Vortex binoculars for spotting sheep, goats, moose, bears, and more.

Spotting sheep on the mountains along the Seward Highway.

Bug Spray

You may have heard that mosquitos are our state bird, and that’s pretty accurate. They can get pretty vicious in the summertime, so grabbing some bug spray is essential.

Bug Net

It’s definitely not a fashion statement, but a bug net is a game changer! These bug nets, and nets with hats, are my go-to and have saved me from many bites. But, if you do happen to get bit, check out my remedies for mosquito bite relief!

Extra Suitcase

If you’re like me, you’ll be purchasing some souvenirs on your vacation. Take along an extra bag that fits in a bigger suitcase to bring your treasures back in. And, if you’re wondering what the best, authentic Alaskan souvenirs are and where to buy them, check out my post here!

Nomar bags made in Homer, Alaska.
Purchase a souvenir AND a suitcase in one with Alaska made Nomar bags.

Cash

I know the card has really taken over, but cash is still a good thing to have on hand. It’s convenient to have cash for tips on charters, some more remote stops may not accept cards, and on the off chance a system is down and businesses are only taking cash it’s important to have some accessible to you.

Good Attitude

I’m sure you knew I’d mention it, but one of the most important things to have on a summer vacation in Alaska is a good attitude! Be flexible, have some patience, create backup plans for times when rainy weather interrupts your plans, and enjoy your time in the Last Frontier!

Where can I find these must have Alaska travel items?

Lastly, I’ll give a short run down of where you can find these items. Some things you may want to bring with you if you already have them, and others you can purchase online to pack with you. You can also buy some of the less travel friendly items (e.g. sunscreen) when you arrive in Alaska, and yet other things (e.g. patience) will hopefully come with you for your whole vacation. See what suits you and your travel needs best, and purchase when and where it’s most convenient for you.

I hope this Alaska vacation packing list has helped you determine what you’ll need to enjoy your vacation to the fullest! 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!

An Alaskan’s Guide to the Iditarod and Fur Rondy

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If you’re reading this, I’m assuming you’re either planning a trip to Alaska to experience the Iditarod and the Fur Rendezvous, or you’re curious what all the hubbub over these celebrations is about. After going to theses events many times over the years, I can tell you attending the Iditarod starts (more about the two starts later), and the Fur Rendezvous events are worth the hype. Below, I’ll give you the inside scoop on the events and activities, and let you know what to wear and what to expect at these events. So, let’s sled on into an Alaskan’s guide to the Iditarod and Fur Rondy!

What is the Iditarod and Fur Rondy?

First things first, let’s go over what the Iditarod and Fur Rendezvous (Fur Rondy) are. These are two separate events that occur at the same time, and help all of us Alaskan’s get through the last part of the dark winter days because spring is near (or nearish!) when Fur Rondy is here!

The Iditarod start in Willow, Alaska.
The Iditarod starting line in Willow.

What to Expect at Fur Rondy

Fur Rondy events occur from the end of February to the beginning of March. This is a winter festival held in Anchorage that is comprised of a variety of entertaining and exciting events! It started in 1935 and continues to bring joy to Alaskan’s and visitors ever since. You can expect to see some unique events at this “only in Alaska” style celebration. Those include a snow sculpture contest, a winter carnival with rides, food, and more, blanket toss, a parade, fireworks, fur auctions, an outhouse race, running of the reindeer, and more!

My favorite Fur Rondy event is the Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market. This event is held at the Dimond Center Mall and features Alaska Native artists. You’ll be able to speak with the artists and purchase their handcrafted items such as masks, fur hats and gloves, ivory carvings, jewelry, beadwork, baskets, paintings, and more. As you can tell, there’s really a lot happening at this Alaskan celebration, so you can check out the events calendar here!

Alaska Native made artwork at Fur Rondy Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market.
Artwork at the market.

Iditarod History and the Two Starts

If you’ve ever watched Balto or Togo you probably know of the importance of sled dog teams in Alaska. The famous pups that made the serum trek to Nome saved many lives, and dog teams have been an integral part of transportation in Alaska. The Iditarod, “The Last Great Race”, keeps the spirit of mushing alive and well by having mushers from around the globe gather in Alaska and race from Willow to Nome.

The ceremonial Iditarod start in Anchorage, Alaska.
These sled dogs are ready to run at the Anchorage Iditarod start.

The Iditarod starts occur at the beginning of March. There are two options to see the start of the Iditarod. The first “start” is in downtown Anchorage. It’s a ceremonial start and runs through part of the city. You can view it right from the starting line downtown, or choose a place along the route to watch from. Many visitors choose to watch from downtown, while locals watch from the starting line or one of the many places along the route though Anchorage.

I’ve only watched the ceremonial start from downtown, and it’s fun to be a part of the hustle and bustle and excitement of it all. Plus, you get a first hand look at how the sled dogs (who I first thought would be big, fluffy huskies, but are actually sleek, smaller, and very enthusiastic pups), handlers, and mushers work together, and can feel the anticipation for the real start the following day.

The Iditarod’s real start is in Willow, which is about ninety minutes or so from Anchorage. Many Alaskan’s attend this event, and send the mushers and their furry teammates off with Alaskan hospitality. It’s one big, fun celebration. For as much as I love the downtown ceremonial start, I love the restart even more. Everyone is bundled up and sipping warm drinks while the adventurers mush off onto the trail of “The Last Great Race” and begin their journey.

DeeDee Jonrowe at the Iditarod start in Willow, Alaska.
DeeDee Jonrowe at the Willow start.

What should I wear to the Iditarod start and Fur Rondy?

While we’re on the subject of bundling up and sipping warm drinks, I figured I’d touch on what you should wear to stay warm and comfortable at these events. First off, you’ll want to check the weather and take that into consideration. Secondly, take into account what weather you’re acclimated to, and plan accordingly. Some year’s the weather is warm enough to wear jeans and a base layer, and other years you want to wear a full snowsuit with a face mask to protect you from the wind! The weather can be so unpredictable that, as with any other activity in Alaska, it’s best to layer. For details on the best gear and ways to layer for winter weather, check out my winter clothing post here!

What activities are there at these events?

As I listed above, there are so many fun events and activities to participate in during Fur Rondy and the Iditarod. Below, I’ll recap some of my favorites!

Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championship

The only type of snow sculpture I can create is a snowman, so seeing the talent of these snow sculptors is amazing to me! This event is located close to the ceremonial Iditarod start in downtown Anchorage, and showcases a variety of creative snow sculptures that are a must see.

Snow sculptures in Anchorage, Alaska.
By the time we saw it the snow had melted a bit, but this pineapple was one of my favorites!

Fur Rondy Carnival

Also located downtown, this carnival is a winter treat for everyone. I think it’s so fun to see all the carnival rides and lights during winter, and it’s a really neat experience for visitors as well, since not often do you get to have a carnival in winter.

Fur Rondy winter carnival in Anchorage, Alaska.
Bundle up for some rides!

The Fur Auction

The fur auction is a really interesting event to see. It’s fun to watch people bid on items, see how much things go for, and check out the furs everyone wears to these events, which are held in downtown Anchorage.

The Fur Rondy Fur Auction in Anchorage, Alaska.
A busy, bluebird day at the Fur Auction.

Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market

I can’t say enough good things about this market. It’s really a must visit event. Seeing the art is one thing, but getting to meet the artists really is the cherry on top! Plus, you know you’re getting authentic Alaskan items, which are often hard to come by. For more information on great Alaska items to purchase and where to buy them, check out my post here!

Alaska Native made fur hats the the Native Arts Market.
Beautiful Native-made fur hats at the market.

The Iditarod Starts

Don’t miss the Iditarod start! Whether you make it to the start or the restart (or even both!), you’re in for a great time and a real Alaskan experience!

I hope this guide to the Iditarod and Fur Rondy has helped you in your Alaska activity and travel planning. These are all events that I love and enjoy, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

If you have questions about traveling to Alaska, or the Iditarod and Fur Rondy, 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!

6 Mistakes to Avoid when Visiting Alaska for the First Time

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You’ve saved and saved, and now you’re planning your dream trip to the majestic wilderness of Alaska. Road trips through waterfall walled canyons, plentiful moose sightings, and hikes through untouched mountains fill your mind. But, to truly enjoy your time in the breathtaking Last Frontier, there are a few mistakes you’ll want avoid making.

One of the many waterfalls in Keystone Canyon.

What should I avoid when visiting Alaska?

There are a few things you should avoid or account for when visiting Alaska. Don’t worry, though, these aren’t trip ruining mistakes. With the right attitude, no trip to my home state can truly be bad. These are just some suggestions and guidelines to help you enjoy Alaska to the fullest.

I want your dream vacation to become one of your favorite memories. It’s my favorite place to be, and I’m hoping it will become one of your’s, too. So without further ado, here are a list of mistakes to avoid when visiting Alaska.

Underestimating the Size

Don’t underestimate the truly vast size of Alaska. It’s the largest of the United States, coming in at over 2.5 times the size of Texas! This is a very important fact to keep in mind when visiting Alaska, especially if you plan on doing a bit of traveling around the state.

It may sound fun to travel from Anchorage down to the Kenai Peninsula, and then make a quick drive to Denali National Park and Fairbanks during a five day trip. It doesn’t look too bad on the map, right? Well, maps can be a bit deceiving. That would be like driving through multiple states, and when you factor in construction season, weather, road closures, and extra traffic from visitors (learn more about those variables here), it’s quite the trek. Most of that time would be spent viewing Alaska from the inside of a vehicle, and although the drives here are extraordinary that’s not what you want to spend your vacation doing. So, all said and done, consider the size of Alaska and plan accordingly with the amount of time you’ll be visiting.

Mile 123 of the Denali Highway. Plan extra time for more remote roads as they are not usually paved.

Forgetting Layers

As I’m sure you’ve heard, weather in Alaska is unpredictable, so layering is your best friend when packing for your Alaska vacation. Having a variety of layers will help you stay comfortable no matter what weather you encounter or what season you visit during. This will help ensure that you can enjoy the activities you’ve dreamed of without being too hot, cold, or wet.

Downtown Anchorage during the Iditarod Start. Time to put those layers on!

Being Unprepared for the Season

This ties into a couple other points, but it’s important to be prepared for the season you’re visiting in. If you show up in the summer, expect road construction. If you visit during the summer through early fall, be prepared for mosquitoes. If you visit during the winter, know that daylight hours are lean. This goes for clothing as well, as I stated above, and also time on the road.

The time it takes to go from town to town will change per season as well. Things slow down in winter with the snow and ice. Fall is a more normal pace, but still has some construction. Summertime can be a mixed bag. Because of the midnight sun you can travel in the light a majority of the day, but all of the visitor traffic can often make road trips slow going. Those are just a few things to think about for the different periods you may be traveling during.

Expecting Public Transportation

Alaska is not known for its public transportation system. Surprisingly, many people think it’s easy to hop a bus and head to the next town a couple hundred miles away. There are so many other visitors heading in that direction, so of course there’s a bus right? Nope. You won’t be seeing any Graylines here.

Although there may be tour buses and some shuttles, there are no major buses that will take you around the state at scheduled times. There are, however, Ubers, taxis, rental cars and RVs (the most popular options), the ferry, the Alaska Railroad, and some city buses. Not all of those are consistent and reliable options, though, and some are very seasonal so check into schedules when planning your trip.

Not Making Reservations

Skipping over making reservations and not planning early can leave you in the lurch for some of the bucket list activities you may want to enjoy. If you’re set on doing an aurora tour, jet skiing around glaciers, zip lining, going on a fishing charter or day cruise, or mushing with sled dogs, you may want to look into getting a reservation. The same goes for lodging and rental cars/RVs as well.

Although there are things you can schedule last minute, it’s best to call ahead of time and check. We get an immense amount of visitors here every year who likely want to do the same activities you do and stay at the same places you want to stay. Thus, things book up quickly and reservations are out over a year in advance sometimes.

Fishing trips book up quickly. Book in advance to make sure you get a spot!

But, if your trip is coming up soon and you haven’t made any reservations, or if you’re just winging it day by day, don’t fret! You can sometimes book activities and other reservations on short notice and also check for cancellations. If an activity or place you wanted to experience doesn’t work out, don’t worry! Alaska has a plethora of beautiful places and epic activities to enjoy, so pivot and find a new experience you may not have thought of otherwise!

Thinking You’re the Only Ones

Alaska is a bucket list destination, so naturally there is a large number of people that travel here. But the thing is, as large as our state is it’s just not built for a lot of people. We have a small road system. Our towns aren’t built for populations to double and triple over the summer. We don’t always have the workforce to fill the positions needed to accommodate visitors.

Some visitors get frustrated with long lines and slow food service. Others can’t believe the traffic would be so slow, or that places would run out of food or rooms. And it’s not that we’re not happy you’re here! We really are (most of the time 😉 ) happy to have people come enjoy the beautiful 49th state. Who wouldn’t want to visit Alaska, after all? It’s just hard to prepare for such an influx of people when there really isn’t the infrastructure or workforce to support that. It also takes time for supplies to get here, and things are often late to arrive. Even if business are prepared, other things may be running late. So, if things are slow try your best to go with the flow. That’s what we do. You’ll have a much happier trip overall.

In summertime you’ll see traffic backed up even in “the middle of nowhere”.

These mistakes to avoid when visiting Alaska are suggestions that I feel will help make your dream vacation go as smooth as possible. Many travelers only make it to Alaska once, and I want your trip to be all you hoped it would be. Although no trip is exactly “perfect”, a vacation to Alaska is about as close as you can get, and I hope you have a wonderful time visiting the Last Frontier.

How to Prepare for Rainy Days on Your Alaska Vacation

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I guess it’s only fitting that I start writing this while it’s pouring rain outside. Today I’ve seen sun, wind, clouds, and pouring rain within the past few hours. Just another average weather day in Alaska! But, what can you do to prepare for these rainy days on your Alaska vacation and continue to enjoy your time in the 49th State? Well, being a born and raised Alaskan has given me some insight into how to best deal with inclement weather, and I’ll share those tips below.

Kayaking the Moose River in Sterling, Alaska.
One minute you’re kayaking in sun, and the next you’re warming up by the fire after a rain.

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What is the weather usually like in Alaska?

To sum it up in one word, Alaskan weather is unpredictable. You can start off your day kayaking in shorts. A few hours later you’re bundled up in a sweatshirt, raincoat, and pants trying to warm up by a campfire. It’s a mixed bag and you never know what you’ll be getting. But, that shouldn’t dissuade you from getting out and having an adventure!

A lot of the weather you’ll experience will obviously depend on what season you visit and which part(s) of Alaska you travel to. But, how you prepare for the rain will remain much the same. With the right clothes, attitude, and backup plans you can make a rainy day a bright spot in your trip. As I said in my post about things to consider when planning an Alaska vacation, 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!

A rainbow after some rainy weather in Alaska.
Looking for the sunshine and that pot of gold!

What activities may be cancelled or delayed due to rainy days on my Alaska vacation?

Inclement weather can change some of your planned activities on your Alaska vacation. If you have a flightseeing tour to explore surrounding glaciers and mountains, bad weather could cancel or postpone your flight. Rough seas can occasionally cause glacier and wildlife cruises and fishing charters to be rescheduled, and dangerous weather conditions may have you canceling your hiking plans. Those are a few of the activities that may be cancelled or rescheduled due to poor weather conditions.

When will I know if my activities are cancelled due to weather?

Unfortunately, with the rapidly changing weather, you may not know about your cancelled excursion until last minute. The ever changing weather can also be a positive thing, though. One minute you may find out your flightseeing tour is cancelled, and an hour later the clouds could clear and give you safe flying weather to go on your adventure! But, if the weather doesn’t clear and your plans get changed this is where having a backup plan comes in handy.

Our glacier and wildlife cruise boat for the day.

How do I plan for a change in my Alaska vacation plans?

Planning for a hiccup in your travel plans is no different than planning for hiccups in daily life. You either have a backup plan or just wing it! Personally, I would do a little research and have a “plan B”. Let’s say you’ve got a flightseeing tour planned one day and a hike a couple days later. Before you leave for your vacation, check out some other popular activities in the area incase you need an alternate option due to weather. Alaska is full of adventure, so even on those days where the weather isn’t cooperating you can still find a variety of things to do!

What should I wear to enjoy my time outside even on inclement weather days?

Most Alaskan’s get outside in almost all weather conditions. If we didn’t, we’d be stuck inside a lot! To take advantage of all Alaska has to offer, in any type of weather, we wear layers. If your plans get cancelled due to weather, just layer up and give your backup plan a try, or check with locals to find a different activity to do. This summer packing list will give you some ideas of what to pack to enjoy your trip to the fullest, no matter the weather. Having a raincoat, warm socks, waterproof shoes (or a spare pair of shoes incase ones gets wet), a hat, and even HotHands will help keep you warm on those chilly, drizzly days.

Wearing layers on a windy glacier and wildlife cruise kept us warm.
Layering up can keep you enjoying the outdoors on cold and windy days.

What activities are best for rainy days in Alaska?

On rainy days you can layer up and head outside to spot wildlife, fish along lakes and rivers, view glaciers, visit the Reindeer Farm, Muskox Farm, AWCC, and more! Check out Alyeska and its Nordic Spa, or spend some time indoors at local gift shops (Check out our list of the perfect Alaskan souvenirs here!), museums, and educational centers such as the SeaLife Center.

No matter the weather there is always something exciting and adventurous to do in our great state! Just remember, just because the weather may be gloomy doesn’t mean you have to be! Go out, find adventure, and create lasting memories even when the Midnight Sun may not be shining!

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!