PLANNING YOUR VACATION IN ALASKA
Things To See and Do In Alaska
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Getting There From Here
By Air
Alaska's major cities are served by several air carriers, including Alaska Airlines, United, Frontier, American, Northwest, Continental, Delta, and USAirways. There are several foreign carriers serving cities in Alaska, including China Airlines, Condor Airlines, and a couple of Russian carriers beginning service in spring and summer of 2008. Year-round direct service to Anchorage is from Seattle, Portland (Oregon), Salt Lake, Minneapolis, and Chicago; seasonal service is also from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, St. Louis, Detroit, and Newark. Flying to Fairbanks? Year-round travel is from Seattle, seasonal travel from Minneapolis is available. There are connecting flights to other major Alaskan cities such as Juneau, Ketchikan, Nome, Kotzebue from Anchorage.
By Sea
Alaska's has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined, so what better way to travel to and around Alaska, than by sea. You can get there by cruise ship or by ferry. There are both large and small cruise ships that will take you to and around various cities in Alaska. The smaller cruise ships are focused on more specific itineraries, such as photography or whale watching, while the large cruise ships focus on lavish entertainment, shopping, and tour networks in major cities. If you'd prefer to get there by ferry, you can board one in either Bellingham, Washington (north of Seattle), or in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Travel by ferry allows you to bring your car or RV along for the ride, and there are opportunities for side trips as well.
By Land
If you're really adventurous, you can travel to Alaska via the Alaska Highway. This highway begins in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. It's the only highway into Alaska, and while it's not the gleaming interstates that we may be accustomed to, it is also no longer the bumpy, partially dirt road of the past. There are no shortage of gas stations, motels and dining facilities along this route.
More detailed information on travel options is available at Alaska's official travel web site, TravelAlaska.com
I've Arrived, Now What Can I Do?
There's plenty to see and do in Alaska. You decide what interests you, then plan your trip to include any of your interests from the following activities:
Fishing
Wildlife Viewing
Hiking and Backcountry Experiences
Biking
Sightseeing Tours
Historical, Cultural or Educational Activities
Cruises, day or multi-day
Kayaking, Rafting, Canoeing
Helicopter and air tours
Shopping
Dining and Nightlife
As you can see, there is something for everyone in Alaska!
Hotels and Dining
No matter what your destination is in Alaska, you're sure to find lodging accomodations to suit your needs. You'll find your typical hotels and motels, both large and small; bed and breakfast lodging; wilderness lodges and resorts; vacation and cabin rentals; hostels; and campgrounds and RV parks. Since summer travel to Alaska is the most popular, reservations are a must if this is when you are coming.
You'll enjoy some of the best seafood in the world in Alaska. And most all of their restaurants, including those in hotels, will serve seafood dishes as well as other popular menu items. You'll find outdoor salmon bakes in many areas, too. Most hotels will also offer dining rooms and room service. And there are many fine restaurants in the major, and even small, Alaska cities, where seafood is a specialty, but other dishes are available, too.
Tour Packages
There are plenty of tour packages available, no matter what your interests are. Are you going to fish while there? Choose from many fishing packages for most every area. Do you want to explore some of Alaska's coastline? Choose from day or multi-day packages. There are rail tours, land tours, air tours, adventure tours, wildlife tours, and more to choose from. You will not lack for fun and adventure on your Alaska vacation.