Planning A Trip To Alaska? Advice From A Local Guide

Planning A Trip To Alaska

For many people, a trip to Alaska makes their short list of places to visit. The rugged wilderness of the American last frontier. The untamed wildlife. Snow-capped mountains and ancient glaciers. What’s not to love? Except for the mosquitos, of course. No one loves mosquitos.

Don’t leave anything to chance for a bucket list destination like Alaska. While a trip in the lower 48 United States can be experienced by “winging it” after you arrive, a trip to Alaska, the land of the midnight sun, is not that type of trip.

Planning a trip to Alaska requires a bit more planning. Will you take a cruise, travel by car, or ride the Alaska railroad? Go hiking off the beaten path, take a scheduled bus tour or a little bit of both? What sort of activities and excursions will you take once you get there? These are a few decisions that need to be made about when people visit the Alaskan wilderness.

How To Plan An Alaska Vacation

Travel By Cruise Ships Through Southeast Alaska

How do you usually like to travel? What is your idea of a great vacation? If you want to get away from daily chores like cooking and dishwashing, then planning a weeklong camping trip where you are cooking and washing dishes every day might not be for you. You might prefer a week-long Alaska cruise with meals served at your table and breathtaking scenery outside your window.

Take A Relaxing Day Trip In The Larger Cities

If you believe vacations are a time to sit back, relax and read a good book, then an extensive backpacking Alaska itinerary might not be for you. Perhaps time spent in a cabin or wilderness lodge might be more to your liking. You might consider staying in one of the larger cities with full-service hotels and taking sightseeing day trips. 

Plan Your Perfect Alaska Trip

For active travelers who don’t want to miss a single action-packed activity, a vacation in Alaska offers more to see and do than can be done in one trip. Prepare a list of activities in advance, and make reservations to avoid missing out.

Plan a trip you are excited about. A greater extension of your daily life, so you can return with fond memories. Don’t plan a trip that is more work than you want. You wouldn’t want to return home in need of another vacation.

Be Respectful Of The Weather At All Times

Why Do People Visit Alaska In Winter?

Alaska is beautiful all the time, but especially in the winter months. If you are visiting Alaska in winter, then you already know that weather is a big deal. Multiple layers of warm, breathable clothing, a heavy parka, and warm, weatherproof boots are already on your packing list.

How Do You Pack For Summer Travel?

Multiple layers are once again the key. However, this time instead of the heavy boots and big parka, you can pack lighter-weight clothing. A lightweight puffy coat and a waterproof windbreaker are necessities. Weather changes quickly in Alaska, and you want to prepare for any possibilities. Good hiking boots or shoes are still needed if you plan to go hiking, but comfortable walking shoes will suffice for everything else.

Sunscreen Is A Must In Summer

Yes, really. The sun is just as powerful, and you can still get a sunburn, especially if you will be going to an area with snow. The sun reflects off the snow, and you can end up with a painful sunburn, even when it’s cold. Bring sunscreen and a wide brim hat.

Don’t forget the mosquito repellent! Those irritating little blood suckers are highly active from late June through late August. Plan to wear long sleeves outside, especially at night. Bring the mosquito repellent that works best for you, and don’t let them spoil your entire trip.

Visit At Least One Of The National Parks

Alaska has an impressive eight national parks. It would be a shame to travel all that way and not visit at least one of them.

Many of them are accessible only by small plane. Flightseeing tours and air taxis can take travelers into:

  • Gates of the Arctic National Park

  • Katmai National Park

  • Kobuk Valley National Park

  • Lake Clark National Park

Other parks can be accessed by car, cruise ship, ferry, bus, Alaska Railroad, or a combination. These parks include:

  • Glacier Bay National Park

  • Denali National Park

  • Wrangell St Elias National Park

  • Kenai Fjords National Park

Get Help From An Alaska Tour Operator For Your Custom Itinerary

An experienced tour company makes all the difference in your perfect Alaska itinerary

planning. Whether you travel to Alaska by plane, train, car, RV, or cruise ship, work with experienced local guides who offer a personal experience and can create the best Alaska itinerary for you.

Are you hoping to see the northern lights? The aurora borealis, also called the northern lights, can be elusive. Work with a knowledgeable tour guide to put together a plan that gives you the best chance for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Experienced Denali National Park Tour Company

Denali National Park is the busiest park in the state of Alaska. Work with a Denali package company that offers the excursions and activities you want. Especially during the busy summer months, don’t wait until you get there to start making reservations. It will likely be too late by then.

The experienced staff at Stampede Excursions know all the insider tips to help you plan an amazing trip!

Our knowledgeable guides are well-versed in Alaska’s history and culture. We offer a personalized experience with small group tours by land, water, or in the air in interior Alaska.

You can leave the details to us. Our number one priority is giving you an amazing experience without the usual stress of trip planning.

Go online or call us today. Our team is eager to help you!

Duration
Group Size
no limit

Anchorage Area Accommodations

Discover the Ultimate Alaska Adventure at one of Anchorage's Premier Hotels!

Nestled in the heart of Alaska, Anchorage offers breathtaking natural beauty and endless outdoor activities for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, our hotels in Anchorage provide the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and affordability.

Our hotel collection features spacious rooms equipped with all the modern amenities you need for a relaxing stay.

When you're ready to explore, you'll find plenty to see and do in Anchorage. Hike through Chugach State Park, witness the majesty of the Northern Lights, or go dog sledding through the Alaskan wilderness. And with the convenient location of our Anchorage hotels, you'll be just a short drive or walk away from all the best attractions and activities in the area.

So why wait? Book your room at one of Anchorage's premier hotels today and experience the adventure of a lifetime! With unbeatable prices, exceptional service, and a prime location, our hotels are the perfect choice for your next trip to Alaska. Contact us now to reserve your room and start your Alaskan adventure!

Duration
Group Size
no limit

Denali Area Accommodations

Discover the beauty of Alaska's wilderness at our curated hotel collection near Denali National Park and Healy, Alaska. With breathtaking views and easy access to the park's iconic attractions, our hotel partners offer the perfect base for your Alaskan adventure.

Find spacious rooms designed for comfort and convenience, modern amenities, and stunning mountain views in select rooms. Start each day with a delicious breakfast before setting out to explore the park's untamed wilderness. Hike along scenic trails, catch a glimpse of wildlife, and experience the thrill of river rafting and flightseeing tours.

After a day of outdoor adventure, return to your area hotel to relax in the comfort of your room. Our friendly staff is always on hand to help with recommendations for local restaurants and attractions to help make the most of your time in the Denali area.

Book your stay at a hotel or cabin near Denali National Park today and experience the ultimate Alaska vacation. With unbeatable rates and a prime location, our hotels are the perfect choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable wilderness experience.

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 14

Denali Aurora Quest

Search the skies for the Northern Lights on a guided 3-hour tour in the Denali area. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomenons, and Alaska is one of the best places in the world for viewing.

Duration
4 hours
Group Size
Up to 5

Denali Self-Guided Jeep Adventure

Avoid busses and crowds by taking the wheel of a Jeep Renegade to explore Denali on your terms! It’s part Jeep rental, part personal tour, and 100% fun! You choose your destination, stop when and where you want, and never feel rushed. The Denali region has one of the most majestic landscapes on Earth—Lush valleys carved during the last Ice Age, tremendous mountains that reach for the sky, glacier-fed whitewater rivers, and world-renown wildlife viewing, creating a synergy that captivates and astonishes around every twist of the road!

Duration
3 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
Up to 1

Denali ATV Adventure

Experience the beauty of Alaska on a Classic ATV Adventure! This is your chance to explore the backcountry like an Alaskan with stops to take pictures or enjoy the view. With a guide to lead the way, you're have an exciting and unique experience. Don't miss out on this chance to see Alaska as it was meant to be - rough and wild!

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 5

Treasure Hunt ATV Adventure

Take a trip into the wilds of Alaska with your personal private guide. Experience a fantastic adventure back in the wilderness hunting Alaskan treasure!