David Thacker
Alaska is noted as one of the world’s most spectacular wilderness destinations inclusive of abundant things to see and activities to engage with. If you’re a first-time traveler, planning can be quite overwhelming. And as you fly and explore its wide array of offerings, one of your travel companions will be the Alaska Airlines flight tracker. Rest assured that you’ll be notified real-time regarding any changes on your flight and other essential information about it. Worry no more since we’ve got you covered as we’ve listed below things to pack, best places to go and other significant things that you need to be aware of before making your way to one of the largest US state.
Where to go
If you only have a few days to explore Alaska, you need to be selective with your itinerary. If you’re flying to Anchorage, be sure to visit Denali National Park, Wrangell-Elias National Park, Prince William Sound, and Kenai Peninsula. Please be advised that all regions can be explored into a two-to-three-week itinerary. The majority of the visitors chose only two to three key areas to visit given a short time frame.
What to do
If you want to engage in various activities, Alaska is truly for you as it is known for its outdoor adventure, hiking, kayaking, glacier walking, and even flightseeing. If you want to explore Alaska’s rich glacial landscape, head over to Kenai Fjords National Park which is about two-and-a-half hours’ drive south of Anchorage. If you’re into kayaking experiences around the protected Resurrection Bay which is part of the national park, head over to Seward.
Wildlife you’ll appreciate
The majority of travelers make their way to Alaska to see wildlife and yes, it won’t leave you disappointed. One of the most accessible and best spots to observe brown bears is at the Kenai Peninsula. Another one is the Denali National Park and Wrangell-St Elias National Park. Here, you can see caribou, Dall’s sheep, and even moose. If in any case, you’re not able to spot them in any in the wild, consider visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Lastly, if you’re in search of marine life, head over to Prince William Sound, Kenai Fjords National Park or Glacier Bay National Park. The given places are known to be the key hotspots.
When to visit
The peak season is from mid-May to mid-September wherein the weather is generally warm, and wildlife is active. Besides, the majority of tourist services are operational. Also, winter months make way for other activities to be feasible like heli-skiing and dogsledding.
What to pack
Please be reminded that the weather in Alaska can change quickly even at the height of summer. Be sure to bring with you a wet weather gear, waterproof walking shoes and even plenty of layers. Here, snow reflects up to 80% of UV radiation so be sure to be vigilant with sunscreen, especially on glacier walks. If you’re planning to hike or camp, consider to purchase a bear spray, it works like capsicum spray.
