How will I get to Alaska?

Flying

Advantages- Most economical and fastest way to reach Alaska.

Disadvantages- missing the experience of driving the Alaska Highway (ALCAN).

Most tourist that choose to fly to Alaska, arrive at Anchorage. Anchorage is an excellent starting point for your Alaska vacation. From there, the Interior and South Central Regions of the state can be easily accessed. Anchorage has two main exit highways. The Seward highway, which provides access to the Kenai Peninsula, and the Glenn highway, which provides access to the Interior and the Matanuska and Susitna Valleys. These areas have some of the most majestic scenery anywhere.

Driving

Advantages- Driving the ALCAN is adventuresome and memorable to say the least.

Disadvantages- Expensive & time consuming. Many parts of the ALCAN are gravel. A cracked windshield is pretty much guaranteed. Canada has some very strict laws regarding what can be brought across the boarder especially regarding firearms.

Most tourist that choose to drive to Alaska, arrive at Tok. From there the Interior and South Central Regions of the state can be easily accessed.

Cruise Ship

Advantages- Fantastic Scenery of the coastline and Inside Passage.

Disadvantages- Somewhat expensive. Forced to travel with large groups. Somewhat inflexible itinerary. Much time is consumed aboard a cruise ship. It's hard to see the REAL Alaska from the deck of a cruise ship.

Most tourist that choose to cruise to Alaska, arrive at the South Eastern regions of the state such as Ketchikan and Juneau. Practically all the cruise ships provide shore bound excursions and inclusive tours.

What type of Vacation am I looking for?

Small Group Pre-Packaged Vacation

Advantages- Very economical by the inclusiveness of bundling packages such as wildlife viewing, flight seeing etc. Small group environment. Guides are provided.

Disadvantages- Somewhat inflexible itinerary. However, far more flexible than the larger group tours offered via cruise ship or rail.

Remote Lodge Vacation

Advantages- More time spent on activities rather than traveling. Provides the real Bush Alaska experience.

Disadvantages- Somewhat expensive.

Cruise Vacation

Advantages- Fantastic Scenery of the coastline and Inside Passage.

Disadvantages- Somewhat expensive. Forced to travel with large groups. Somewhat inflexible itinerary. Much time is consumed aboard a cruise ship. It's hard to see the REAL Alaska from the deck of a cruise ship.

Self-Guided Vacation

Advantages- Very flexible itinerary. This is the main reason so many people choose the self-guided vacation. However, it can be inflexible. Alaska has a short travel season. Most of the roadside lodges are booked up very early. The same goes for most of the other vendors i.e. flight seeing operators, rafters and so on. Rarely can you just stop in a town and find a place to sleep or a bush plane operator that isn't already booked. So if you're planning a self-guided trip, it is strongly advised that you book as early as possible.

What most self-guided vacationers do today is a mix and match vacation. First they book a pre-packaged tour or a remote lodge vacation the majority of their vacation. Then for the last few days they will rent an RV or a rental car and just drive around taking in the scenery. Many choose to camp out along Alaska's many campgrounds. There are a multitude of roadside streams available for fishing. However, make sure you read the fishing regulations carefully.

Disadvantages- Usually more expensive than a pre-packaged tour. No guides provided. A little more difficult to plan.

Alaska is huge. Many people make the mistake of trying to see the whole state in one trip. You can't experience all of Alaska in two weeks. Most tourist pick a region and enjoy all it has to offer.

What type of Activities & Tours am I looking for?

Fishing

Hunting

Flight Seeing

Rafting

Glacier Viewing

Native Culture

Wildlife Viewing etc...

What type of Alaskan Experience am I looking for?

Do I want to strap on a backpack and sleep in a tent?

Do I want to sleep in a cozy cabin?

Do I want to sleep in a luxury lodge?

Do I prefer a large group tour or small group tour?

Do I prefer a flexible itinerary or one that is flexible?

Do I prefer a self guided tour?

Do I want to see as much or the state as possible or do I just want to relax at a remote lodge?

Do I have the wilderness skills to travel in the Alaskan Bush alone?

What is my budget?

Do I prefer an outside agency plan my Alaska vacation or would I prefer a consultation by someone who actually lives in Alaska?

I have attempted to put together an online Alaskan vacation planner. The goal of this site is to provide you with the tools to plan your vacation yourself.

Alaska By Alaskans Alaska Adventure Vacation Guide
Visit http://www.alaskabyalaskans.com

Roger Sanders
Arrived in Alaska courtesy of the USAF. Alaskan resident since 1994. Owner Alaska By Alaskans Alaska Adventure Vacation Guide.