Alaska Vacation Ideas: Things To Know Before You Go

With its breathtaking landscapes, magnificent wildlife and a wide range of extraordinary outdoor experiences, it’s no surprise that Alaska is a much sought-after destination.

This far-flung jewel of the United States has natural beauty, a deep Indigenous culture and fascinating history. Sprawled across close to two million square kilometers, the state is massive: for scale, Alaska is bigger than California, Texas and Montana combined! It’s made up of a dizzying array of landscapes — from subarctic plains and glistening fjords to dense evergreen forests and soaring mountain ranges.

At its core, it’s a place that will awaken the adventurer deep within you with its unbelievable sights and sounds. However, thanks to its size, rugged terrain and vast unpopulated areas, traveling to the region is far more complicated than most other North American locations.

To really do this spectacular region justice, pre-planning will go a long way. Our travel experts have a slew of fun Alaska vacation ideas, and they can help you plan your dream trip. From dealing with sudden adverse weather conditions to the best way to reach its most remote corners, we take you through a few things to know before going to Alaska.

Trips to Alaska are largely seasonal

If you’re hoping to book a spontaneous trip to Alaska, you might want to press pause. While some places, such as Anchorage and Fairbanks are great to visit all year round, other areas are seasonal and must be pre-planned.

Summer

The best time for an Alaskan adventure is widely considered to be between June and August. It’s the state’s summer season, when daily temperatures sit comfortably in the 60 degree Fahrenheit range, and the skies above its epic landscapes are often bright blue and clear. 

You can even experience daylight for up to 24 hours in the height of Alaska’s summer, giving you plenty of hours to enjoy its many opportunities for adventure. June and July are peak months for bear-watching, although excursions to see these majestic creatures have limited spots. Hotels also get booked up quickly during peak time, so it’s important to plan your Alaska vacation well in advance. 

Spring/Autumn

Would you rather see Alaska’s great wildernesses, including the epic Glacier Bay National Park, with fewer crowds? If you are looking for great Alaska vacation ideas, here’s an expert tip: travel there in late spring or early autumn. 

You’ll still benefit from good weather and have the chance to witness…