5 Things We Learned on a Trip to Alaska
Home to brown bears, streams full of salmon, mighty mountain peaks, and some of the lushest and most untouched landscape in the Americas, Alaska is a bucket-list destination that isn’t too far from home. Although it’s easy to fly to Alaska, it’s not a state that many people who don’t live there know that much about. That’s where our Destination Specialists can help you out. Their practical knowledge can fill the gaps and help you share expert advice with your clients who want to experience Alaska for themselves.
Kim Cuthbertson and Aylin Esin, two of our Destination Specialists, recently visited Alaska on a work trip and have come back with insights to share with the rest of the world. They explored the cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks and the state’s wilderness from Talkeetna to Denali. You can check out the GowayPro Instagram to get video highlights from their trip. Keep reading for a brief rundown of some of the top things we learned about planning an Alaska vacation.
1. Alaska is not too cold and not just a cruise destination
Misconceptions run strong when it comes to the 49th state. Chief among these misconceptions is that Alaska is only made for cruises. Sure, it’s a good cruise destination. It’s hard to match the thrill of seeing hundreds of bald eagles along the coastline in the winter. But it’s by no means a one experience destination. And it’s not cold all year long! Alaska is an exceptional place to explore in the summer. There’s a lot to do on land, including jeep excursions and rainforest walks (yes, Alaska has rainforests). During summer, the weather is accommodating and can get surprisingly warm in parts (just don’t expect the tropics).
2. Alaska is made for rail adventures.
One of the best ways to explore Alaska is by train. Our team rode the Alaska Railroad between Anchorage and Fairbanks, enjoying the exceptional GoldStar Service and the great views of the wild from the glass-dome cars and private viewing decks. The team reports that riding the railroad was very comfortable, with great commentary throughout. The entire journey is like an excursion in itself. Alaska is a place where your clients want to see the wonders of the wild, and trains afford some of the best views of mountains and animals. Our popular Alaska by Train vacation package is a great option for first-time visitors.
3. The landscapes are amazing.
The glaciers and mountains of Alaska are next level. Lying to the north of Anchorage, Denali is the largest mountain in North America and home to one of the most beautiful national parks your clients can ever visit. It’s where your clients can safely spot bears, moose, sheep, caribou, and wolves or simply bask in the majesty of the mighty peak that rises 6,190 m (20,310 ft) above sea level. The Kenai Peninsula lies to the south of Anchorage and is a wonderful place to spend a few days at a quiet lodge and explore the coastline on small-ship cruises and excursions. Your clients can spot orcas, otters, and even migrating humpback whales in the summer. Alaska also gets the Northern Lights in winter, transforming the night sky into a landscape of dancing colours.
4. Anchorage is an appealing base of operations.
While the natural sites are the main attractions, don’t sleep on the city of Anchorage. The state’s largest city is a great place for your clients to spend a couple days at either end of their visit. The city of around 300,000 has a comfortable atmosphere and robust bar and restaurant scene. It’s also an easy place to stay and head on day trips that take you to a diverse set of natural environments. Drive an hour or two outside the city and you’ll reach wild rivers where brown bears hunt, rainforests that are perfect for hiking, and icebergs that you can kayak up to. You can also take flightseeing safaris right from Anchorage to spot brown bears and mountain ranges or enjoy a glacier cruise that showcases some of the most beautiful glaciers in North America. There are dozens of convenient day trips available right from Anchorage, so don’t feel like your clients need to flee the city to see the wild on an Alaskan vacation.
5. Travellers should be prepared for weather changes and outdoor adventures.
This should come as no surprise to people, but it’s still smart to tell your clients to prepare for rapid weather changes when travelling through Alaska. The weather can change drastically in a single day, so they want to dress appropriately, bring layers, and have several options on hand. Your clients will enjoy all the comforts of home while travelling, but they need to be aware of the weather and plan accordingly.
