Everyday Alaska

Everyday Life in The Last Frontier

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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.

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 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!

12 Things to Consider When Planning Your Alaska Vacation

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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.

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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.

Kenai, Alaska sunset.
A Kenai sunset.

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!