Travel Tips and Facts

Monday, September 21, 2009

Please share some of your unique ideas!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and home to approximately fifty percent of the entire population of the state. The city is situated on a triangular peninsula bordered on the east by the rugged Chugach Mountains, on the northwest by the Knik Arm, and on the southwest by the Turnagain Arm. Anchorage can trace its origins to the railroads, as it began as a tent city in 1915 for construction workers on the Alaska Railroad. In its first year, Anchorage grew to a population of 2,000; most of them railroad workers.

Saturday, August 01, 2009

Ketchikan is the fourth largest town in Alaska and home to some of the most fascinating native culture in the world. Perched on the shores of Ketchikan Creek and the Tongass Narrows, you will find excellent fishing, museums like Tongass Historical Museum and Dolly’s House, parks and cultural centers like Saxman, Totem Bight and the Totem Heritage Center. This town is deeply rooted in native culture and boasts the largest totem collection in the world, dance and craft demonstrations and artifact exhibits.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Denali National Park and Preserve is located in Interior Alaska and contains Mount McKinley, named after former US President William McKinley. It is one of the world’s greatest places for viewing wildlife and bird species amid a spectacular mountain backdrop. Wildlife viewing is a popular summertime activity at Denali, with grizzly bears, moose, caribou, dall sheep, foxes and wolves roaming in the park. Bird watchers have a vast array of over 130 species of birds that may be found in Denali at various times throughout the year. Wintertime recreation includes dog-sledding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling where allowed.

Monday, April 27, 2009

When traveling to Alaska, there are no assumptions as to what to pack.  The weather is unpredictable, so they key is, to be prepared for anything. The weather varies greatly in the summer and can go from warm and sunny to overcast and chilly within hours.   From May through September, temperatures range from 40°F to 70° F during the day and drop into the 30’s and 40’s at night.

Slacks/jeans, a sweater or fleece, a lightweight jacket and a raincoat are versatile clothes for touring in Alaska, and comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in are a must! If you plan to spend a lot of time on deck viewing glaciers and wildlife you should consider packing a pair of long johns, gloves, and a scarf. A warm coat and heavy socks are essential if your itinerary includes a visit to a glacier.

Dressing in layers will prepare you for both cool and warm weather.  In the mornings, you may start off wearing an undershirt, sweater, and rain jacket. Throughout the day you can add or subtract layers as the weather permits. 

Alaska is a more “relaxed” destination so casual and comfortable are the style preferences. Even in the best restaurants you will find people dressed in jeans.  Tennis shoes are a must but you may also want to bring climbing and hiking shoes for nature walks, hiking trails and to participate in rugged adventures.  Don't forget the rain gear because rain is common in Alaska during the summer months and it has the extra benefit of holding in body heat to keep you warm.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack:

• Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for on board
• Sturdy but comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken, or hiking boots for onshore
• Short and long-sleeved cotton shirts
• Shorts, slacks and jeans
• Tee shirts
• Thick socks
• Sweater or fleece
• Light and heavy-weight jackets
• Long johns, gloves, scarf and hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Camera, lenses, batteries and plenty of film
• Telephoto lens
• Copies of your travel documents that should be safely secured in your in-room safe while traveling

By packing properly you will enjoy a variety of seasons all wrapped up in one great vacation! Of course by checking with www.weather.com about a week before you go on your trip can help you determine what you need to take with you as well, but still take a few extra warm clothes just in case it rains or the temperature drops unexpectedly.