33 Crucial Things to Know Before Visiting Alaska
- The northern lights are not visible year-round.
- Sometimes the northern lights show up only on camera.
- You can only drive up to a certain point into Denali.
- The largest national park in the United States is in Alaska.
- The rain is sporadic and unpredictable.
How should I prepare for Alaska?
Add a top layer of a lightweight or heavy weight (depending on the weather) coat to keep you warm. You’ll also want to bring heavy weight pants rated for the extreme elements. To help keep your legs warm, add fleece-lined leggings, poly pro long underwear or thermals under your outer layer.
What should you avoid in Alaska?
20 Things Everyone In Alaska Should Avoid At All Costs
- Farmed seafood. Flickr/fs999.
- Or buying fish in general.
- Even feeding your dogs farmed fish.
- Eating hot dogs.
- Camping without a view.
- Snacking on chips from the lower 48.
- Shopping at big corporate box stores.
- Drinking wine that isn’t from Alaska.
What month is the best time to visit Alaska?
The spring and fall months in Alaska offer unique opportunities and lower prices. In our opinion the best time to travel to Alaska is in June, July and August. The best month to visit Alaska is July, when travelers will experience the best combination of weather and wildlife.
How many days in Alaska is enough?
The sweet spot for an Alaska vacation is seven to 10 days. If you’re traveling on a land tour only, in seven days you can go all the way from Kenai Fjords National Park to Denali National Park with plenty of time for day-long guided excursions along the way.
Do and don’ts in Alaska?
Never keep food in a tent overnight (not even toothpaste or bug spray), and don’t camp along animal paths, especially near a lake or river. Bears use these trails. Do try the local berries, but avoid the poisonous baneberry—it looks like a red black-eyed pea when ripe.
Do I need cash in Alaska?
Money and Credit Cards
Most merchants, particularly in larger towns, accept credit cards. An emergency stash of cash is highly recommended, particularly if you plan to travel through small communities.
What are the dangers in Alaska?
Alaska is one of five Pacific states in the United States especially vulnerable to tsunamis, which can be triggered by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, submarine landslides, or onshore landslides.
How safe is Alaska for tourists?
While Alaska is a fairly safe place to visit, the five safest cities (2021) are Unalaska, Sitka, Homer, Palmer, and Soldotna. Only 34% of Alaska residents are concerned that crime could occur daily with most Alaskans being worried about package theft.
Is it expensive to go to Alaska?
You should plan to spend around $195 per day on your vacation in Alaska, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $45 on meals for one day and $41 on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Alaska for a couple is $217.
What is the coldest month in Alaska?
January
Anchorage’s coldest month is January when the average temperature overnight is 9.3°F.
What month is best to see northern lights in Alaska?
BEST TIME TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN ALASKA
The northern lights occur all four seasons of the year, although they are harder to see under the Midnight Sun. The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is between August and April, when less daylight leads to darker night skies.
What is the hottest month in Alaska?
July
July 2019 and last 12-month period
The average temperature for July across the contiguous U.S. was 74.6 degrees F (1.0 degree above the 20th-century average). Alaska marked its hottest July and hottest month on record with an average temperature of 58.1 degrees (5.4 degrees above average).
How can I explore Alaska by myself?
QUICK LOOK
- Visiting Alaska without a cruise is a unique option for the more independent traveler.
- See remote parts of the state by plane, train, or campervan.
- Avoid the crowds and diffuse seasonal mass-overtourism.
- Book independent excursions or all-inclusive packages with local companies.
Is it better to fly into Fairbanks or Anchorage?
Flights to Anchorage are much more frequent and typically cheaper than Fairbanks. In terms of hotels and accommodations, Fairbanks will be slightly higher as there aren’t as many options. Food costs will be about the same or slightly higher in Fairbanks simply due to its location so far north compared to Anchorage.
How do people spend a week in Alaska?
How to Spend One Week in Alaska
- 01 of 07. Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage.
- 02 of 07. Day 2: Head to Seward.
- 03 of 07. Day 3: Pay a Visit to Kenai Fjords National Park.
- 04 of 07. Day 4: Head North to Talkeetna.
- 05 of 07. Day 5: Spend the Day in Denali National Park.
- 06 of 07. Day 6: Relax in Fairbanks.
- 07 of 07. Day 7: Back to Anchorage.
Why is crime so high in Alaska?
The wide and difficult terrain in Alaska is a huge challenge for law enforcement. There are many villages and communities located in extremely remote areas, with some only accessible by boat or plane.
What is the most visited place in Alaska?
One of the famous and most popular places to visit in Alaska is the Denali National Park.
Do I need a passport to go to Alaska?
Do I need a passport to go to Alaska? United States residents do not need a passport to go to Alaska, but soon they will need a REAL ID. Beginning May 3, 2023, U.S. citizens aged 18 and up traveling by air within the United States will need REAL ID-compliant identification to go through airport security checkpoints.
What is the language spoken in Alaska?
English
By far, English is the language that’s mostly spoken in Alaska, with about 84% of the population saying English is their primary language. So, how many people speak each language other than English?
How expensive is Alaska?
Can You Afford the Average Cost of Living in Alaska? Yes, you can afford the average cost of living in Alaska if you make more than $48,739 per year. With that said, Alaska is one of the most expensive states to live in.