Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much time do I need for an Alaskan vacation?

A:This will help you decide the best way to get to and from Alaska, how to get around the state and what you want to do or see. From any vantage point: air, water, land — your horizons are unlimited.

For any length of trip, there is a wide variety of package tour companies that can put together care-free itineraries for you.
 
    • Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, is just 3 1/2 hours from Seattle by air
    • The capital, Juneau, is only 2 1/2 hours from Seattle by air
    • Alaska’s vast interior is only 45 minutes by air from Anchorage
    • Alaska is within 9 hours of 95 percent of the world’s major hubs by air
    • It’s easy to get here — there are direct or one-stop flights from most major U.S. cities
 
To maximize your experiences, you may want to consider the following options based on the amount of time you are going to spend.
 
    • 7 Days or Less
    - Fly to and from Alaska
    - Focus on one activity
    - Focus on one region and take lots of day trips
 
    • 7 to 14 Days
    You can combine a number of options including:
    - Fly round trip
    - Take a cruise ship or the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry one way and return home via air
    - Shore excursions from various ports
    - Day excursions and land tours
    - Railroad trips and fly to one of the state’s remote regions to learn more about Alaska’s rich culture
 
    •21 Days or More
    An array of opportunities await including:
    - Fly round trip
    - Shore excursions from various ports
    - Day excursions and land tours
    - Railroad trips and fly to one of the state’s remote regions to learn more about Alaska’s rich culture
    - Drive to and from Alaska in an RV and see several regions of the state by road, air or day boat
    - Motorcoach tour and cruise tours, as well as rail journeys.

Q: What kind of wildlife will I be able to see in Alaska, and where?

A: Alaska's wildlife is as varied as the land itself. Near Haines you can see as many as 3,500 bald eagles gather each winter to feed on salmon. Moose can be seen throughout the South-central region, and are common in Denali National Park and northeast Fairbanks. They also frequent the roadsides of Nome. Caribou outnumber Alaskans. The largest herds spend summers north of the Brooks Range. Denali Park and the Dalton Highway are also good viewing areas. The best places to see Dall sheep include Chugach State Park, the Seward Highway, the Copper River Highway, and Denali National Park. Mountain goats live on the steep hillsides of the Inside Passage near Mendenhall Glacier and Glacier Bay and on the mountains around Prince William Sound and Seward. Alaska may be the world's best place to observe bears. Admiralty Island National Monument in the Inside Passage is home to more brown bears than the rest of the other 49 states combined. Denali and Katmai national parks also provide prime viewing opportunities for brown bears.

Q: I am interested in seeing whales and other marine mammals.  What are the best places in Alaska to see them?

A: Migrating gray whales pass near Kodiak in March. Glacier Bay in the Inside Passage, and Prince William Sound, are ideal places to see humpback whales between June and September. From late May through October, white beluga whales follow fish into the mouth of the Kenai River. Belugas also appear in Cook Inlet near Anchorage. In Nome, walrus and other marine mammals can be seen during May. In spring and summer, seals and sea lions hunt small fish in the Inside Passage, while killer whales (orcas) stalk the seals and sea lions. The Pribilof Islands in Southwest are famous for colonies of fur seals.

Q: I am interested in bird watching, and heard Alaska is a good place to see them. Any recommendations?

A: Over 355 bird species live in Alaska. In the Inside Passage and South-central, bald eagles follow the salmon runs. In December, eagles congregate in Pasagshak and Kodiak. Up to 3,500 bald eagles feed on late runs of salmon in the Chilkat River near Haines. Throughout winter, eider, old squaw, scoters, and other ducks may be seen around Chiniak Bay on Kodiak Island. Up to 20 million shore birds and waterfowl pass through the Copper River Delta near Cordova in the spring and fall. Creamer's Field in Fairbanks, and Potter's Marsh in Anchorage, are also good viewing locations.

Between May and August, the Nome area hosts a variety of Asiatic birds, shorebirds, and raptors. For puffins and other sea birds, visit Prince William Sound, St. Lazaria Island near Sitka, Kenai Fjords National Park near Seward, the Barren Islands near Homer, the Pribilof Islands, Unalaska in the Aleutian Islands and many other coastal areas.

Q: How do I check pricing & availability of a package listed on the site?

Q: What is the difference between the different tour types?

A: Make the most of your money & purchase a tour package for your next vacation. We are pleased to offer a variety of tours to fit all budgets & desires. The tour companies we work with have tours that range from the budget category with basic sightseeing and some meals, to luxury tours where everything is included. Escorted tours offer better rates than if you were to travel on your own, and the local guides with years of experiences help you discover more sights and understand the culture more than you could by traveling on your own.

The list continues through companies that will include nearly every conceivable activity as preplanned and prepaid. The deluxe tours which feature unique itineraries, most meals and sightseeing. We offer tours with a specialty focus such as hiking, biking, cruising, Oktoberfest, Christmas Markets and tours for the 18 - 35 year old. Each of the tour types have their own unique features and benefits and each meets the needs of a variety of travelers.

Budget Tours
The budget tours are offered by the large tour companies: Each company offers slightly different itineraries, but the general features are the same. The budget tour is best suited to the traveler who wishes to have a good basic introduction to travel in Europe but who also wishes to have option of selecting some of the sights to see while traveling. A budget tour will include basic sightseeing, some meals and hotels which are Tourist or Superior Tourist class, with rooms that offer private baths.

Please note that hotels in Europe are normally smaller than U.S. hotels. Hotel locations will not always be in the center of the major cities you will be seeing. Buses normally carry over 55 passengers on sold out tours. There is no wash room on-board the busses, but the tour makes frequent stops.

Budget tours appeal to all age ranges & are a great way for single travelers who are willing to share a room to not have to pay a single supplement. These tours allow you to see the real Europe for a down to earth price. The itineraries are similar to, but do not come in the extensive variety that the first class tours come in. A list of optional tours are included with your documents so that you will know what is offered and the cost in advance to traveling.

Budget tours typically run from $95 to $135 per person, per day for the land portion of the tour.

First Class Tours
The first class tours are offered by the sister companies of the budget tours. Each of these companies offers slightly different itineraries, but the general features are the same. First call operators travel to more than 70 countries, with escorted tours, independent hotel packages and leisure style vacations.

The first class tour is best suited to the traveler who wishes to have more of the activities preplanned and prepaid and includes more meals in the tour cost. The host hotels for the first class tours will have more features & be more similar to U.S.-style lodging.

These tours still allow for free time to explore on your own but allow the semi-adventurous traveler to see a great deal of Europe. In many of the cities your regular tour guide will be joined by a local guide who will bring the specialized knowledge that only a local can have.

Quite often the first class tours include two night stays at many locations to allow for maximum time in the location. While Globus offers perhaps the widest variety of tours, Trafalgar and Insight offer popular tours with different dates and stops. Hotel accommodations are always first class. The buses feature less passengers than the budget tours, to provide more comfort for the traveler. Washroom facilities are located on the busses. First class tours include more meals, normally providing buffet breakfast daily and 3 course dinners on selected nights. Optional excursions are available on these tours as listed in the individual itineraries. A comprehensive list of these tours are provided with your tour documents. Travel bags are given as part of package.

First class tours typically run from $165 to $275 per person, per day for the land portion of the tour.

Deluxe Tours
The deluxe tours offer the discerning traveler the opportunity to partake of an escorted tour that is not your usual tour. Deluxe tours offer smaller, quaint lodging that has modern features, including most if not all meals at fine restaurants. Deluxe tours offer inclusive sightseeing and features that are not available on the first class tour. On a deluxe tour you will experience a tour like you imagine in your dreams.

These tours include entertainment such as folklore shows, concerts & special events, no need for tipping and a good balance of unscheduled leisure time. These tours feature the concept of "lifeseeing," which focuses on the lifestyles and culture of Europe.

You will see the famous and sought after destinations, but also experience the delights of the small inn, quaint restaurant and culture of Europe. Dollar for dollar these tours will provide an excellent return on your purchase. These tours are for the travel lover, helping to make special memories to savor before the next experience. Even more than the first class tours, the deluxe tour will offer a variety of modes of transportation, including mountain railroads and river cruises to supplement the first-class motor-coach travel.

Deluxe tours typically run from $375 to $575 per person, per day for the land portion of the tour.

Young Adult Travel
For the young adult (ages 18 - 35) who wishes to travel with others. These tours are an alternative to the Eurail/Youth Hostel travel and feature many unique stops and activities.

For those in that age range we can also recommend a variety of other tours, should a specific itinerary be of interest. Do not feel that you will be surrounded by older people on many of those tours. The young adult tours appeal to those who want the piece of mind not possible with a youth hostel style trip. These tours stay in special villages and hotels as well as modest inns and pensions. Most of the rooms are twin rooms but occasionally there will be four to a room. These tours feature all breakfasts and about half of the dinners. Optional excursions, similar to those available on the other tours (like folklore dinners and lake cruises), are available as well as a few options of interest to young adults like white water rafting.

These tours typically run from $105 to $195 per person, per day for the land portion of the trip.

No matter which style or length of tour you wish to use, a tour specialist will provide you with information so that you are best prepared to make the right choices for your travel. Airfare is always available for tours and we will research all avenues to find the lowest available fare from your chosen city to your destination.

Q: When & how will I receive my travel documents for my trip?

A: Your travel documents will arrive approximately two weeks prior to your
departure date via FedEx or Airborne Express.

Q: Is there a fee a fee to book with our agency?

A: We do not assess any fees or charges for services. The rates quoted are those established by the suppliers. In many cases, there will special discount offers available when booking through us. Please call for details.

Q: Is the transportation included between the airport and hotels?

A: In most instances if the airfare is booked with the package transfers are complimentary. If you make your own air arrangements, there may be a charge incurred to use the group transfers.

Q: Do you offer travel insurance with your packages?

A: Each supplier offers travel insurance with their itineraries. We also offer separate coverage through outside companies offering a broad range of protection for situations such as medical emergencies, weather, luggage loss or delays, and other coverage. Both options will be discussed with you prior to booking to see which would provide the best coverage, at the best price.

Q: Do you handle group travel?

A: Yes. Please call our office with group travel inquiries. We will assist you in booking the best price for your group. Group leaders receive travel benefits. Call at 1-866-475-7023.

Q: What is the Weather like in Alaska?

A: Alaska's climate also runs the gamut, encompassing five different climatic regions that range from prohibitively icy to mild and pleasant. The entire state experiences very cold winters, with temperatures dropping between -23C and -34C (-10F and - 30F) in the interior plains. During the summer, the warmest areas are the interior basin and central plains, with temperatures averaging between 7C and 24C (45F and 75F). The North Slope region is blanketed with ice and snow year-round; sometimes during the summer months, when the sun shines 24 hours a day, a strange phenomenon occurs: The accumulation of energy creates temperatures of up to 32C (90F). About one-third of the state is covered in permafrost.

Climate:

Q: What documentation is required when visiting Alaska?

A: Visitors to the United States need a valid passport and a non-immigrant visitor's visa, which can be obtained from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. However, for visits of less than 90 days, citizens of the countries listed below need only a passport and a visa waiver form, which can be obtained from the airline during your flight: Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.  Appropriate documentation is the responsibility of the passenger, and we always suggest that non-U.S. citizens contact their local consultant to discuss the most current entry requirements.

Q: Will I be traveling with people from other countries?

A: We sell tours to more than 38 countries around the world. It is therefore quite typical to find 6-10 different nationalities on any one tour. You'll forge new friendships with other guests from Australia, America, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, Japan, UK etc.

Q: What are the Tour Directors like?

A: Tour Directors come from a variety of backgrounds and include former teachers, sales managers and lecturers who all share the passion for travel. They have a minimum of five years experience as Tour Directors behind them, and have all been thoroughly trained, making them the best of the world’s elite travel professionals.

Q: What should I pack?

A: This will depend on your personal preferences, where you are traveling, and on the time of year. A waterproof jacket is suggested because you will be outside often. Bring clothing that is comfortable and can be layered as the temperatures range from 30 to 65 degrees in the popular travel months. It is advisable to bring at least one ‘smart’ outfit for special evenings. Always pack enough clothes and wear pieces that you feel comfortable in. Items that are casual and lightweight, requiring little or no ironing are recommended.

Q: How far in advance should I make my travel plans?

A: Reservations including airfare must be made at least 21 days prior to travel. Land only bookings can be made up to 10 days prior to travel.  Because the peak travel season is limited, tours sell out quickly, so we recommend booking at least 3 to 4 months in advance.

Q: What else should I know?

A: Here is a little more information about Alaska that will help make your trip more enjoyable:

Clothing
When packing for Alaska you want to pack for both rain and sunshine. Layers is the best way to go. Alaska is very causal. Jeans, slacks, sweaters, sweatshirts, t-shirts, rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes.

Currency
Alaska is the 49th state in the US. We do take US Currency, we also take personal checks for deposits and final payments on tour packages and major credit cards like discover, visa and master card.

Passport & Visas
Crossing the Border: U.S. and Canadian residents do not need passports or visas to travel through Canada and Alaska, but should carry a driver's license or voter's registration. Identification is also required for all minors traveling in your party. Persons under 18 years of age not accompanied by their parents should carry a letter from their parents granting permission to travel to Canada.

Daylight in Summer
May - between 17 and 18 hours
June - between 19 and 21 hours
July - between 18 and 20 hours
August - between 15 and 16 hours
September - between 12 and 13 hours

Language
Almost all Alaska residents speak English, but there are many languages here. For example, there are 21 Native languages spoken around the state.

Electricity
The electric current is standard U.S. 110-115V, 60AC.

Holidays
Alaska observes all major U.S. holidays, as well as Seward's Day on the last Monday in March, and Alaska Day on October 18.