Alaska, United States - Travel Guide

Alaska offers unparalleled natural beauty, from towering mountains and vast glaciers to abundant wildlife like bears, moose, and whales. It's an ideal destination for adventurers seeking outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, as well as those interested in unique cultural experiences.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$100/day

Mid-range$250/day

Luxury$400/day

Known For

JuneauAnchorageFairbanksDenaliSewardSitkaKetchikanGlacier BayInside PassageNorth PoleArctic CirclePrudhoe BayThe Last Frontier

🇺🇸 Country Information: United States

CapitalWashington

CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)

LanguageEnglish , Spanish,Chinese,French,Tagalog,Vietnamese,Korean,German,Arabic,Russian

Phone Code+1

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is customary for services (restaurants, bars, taxis, hair salons, etc
)
Restaurant waitstaff: 15
20% of the bill
Bar staff: $1
2 per drink or 15
20% of the bill
Taxi drivers: 15
20% of the fare
Hotel housekeepers: $2
5 per day

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted
Bringing cash is a personal preference, but credit/debit cards are sufficient for most transactions
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Casual dress is common, but smart casual is appreciated in upscale settings
Politeness and direct communication are generally valued
Punctuality for appointments is expected
Personal space is generally respected
Shaking hands is a common greeting
Eating customs are diverse, but typically involve using forks, knives, and spoons
It is common to make small talk with strangers
"Bless you" is said when someone sneezes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights vary by state, but federal protections are in place for marriage equality and some anti-discrimination laws. Public opinion is increasingly supportive.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 21
Marijuana laws vary by state (some states allow recreational or medicinal use, others do not)
Federal law prohibits marijuana use
Drug laws are strict, particularly for illicit substances

Special Laws

It is illegal to jaywalk in many areas
Open container laws for alcohol vary by state and city
Driving laws vary by state

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesYes (YES)

HelloHello (huh-LOH)

PleasePlease (PLEEZ)

Excuse meExcuse me (eks-KYOOS mee)

Thank youThank you (THANk yoo)

Climate

Generalized climate for the state of Alaska, which has diverse climates.

Climate Zone: Subarctic

Best Time to Visit

Super cold seasons: Nov
Mar
Floods: May
Sep

Getting There

Fly into Anchorage (ANC), Fairbanks (FAI), or Juneau (JNU) via major US airlines (variable cost/time depending on origin)
Cruise ships are a popular way to visit coastal areas from Seattle or Vancouver (7
14 days, $500
5000+)

Getting Around

Rental cars are essential for independent exploration
Taxis available in larger cities
Ride
sharing apps like Uber/Lyft are limited to Anchorage and Fairbanks
Buses primarily serve specific routes or tour operators
Alaska Railroad offers scenic journeys between major cities

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, polio, flu) recommended
Rabies vaccine recommended if interacting with wildlife
No specific altitude sickness meds typically needed unless planning high
altitude climbing
Consider bear spray and proper food storage in wilderness areas
Mosquito repellent highly recommended in summer

Staying Connected

eSIMs widely available
AT\&T, Verizon, T
Mobile are major carriers
Airalo and Nomad eSIM work well

Local Cuisine

Alaskan King Crab must_try

Known as the ocean’s red gold, this mighty crab is a prized delicacy from Alaska's cold waters. It is frequently served steamed or boiled, showcasing

Wild Salmon regional_speciality

Alaska's pristine waters yield some of the world's finest wild salmon, including five distinct species. The King (Chinook) variety is especially prize

Reindeer Sausage breakfast

A breakfast staple that offers a unique gamey flavor, distinct from traditional pork or beef sausage. It is commonly served alongside eggs and potatoe

Halibut regional_speciality

This gentle giant of Alaskan waters is a cornerstone of the state's cuisine, prized for its firm, white, mild-flavored flesh. It is versatile, often b

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Alaska Railroad Scenic Train Journeys Transport

Book 2–6 months in advance

Seats on popular routes like the Denali Star are limited, especially for premium class cars (GoldStar) during the peak summer season, and can sell out months ahead.

Alaskan Cruises and Small Ship Expeditions tour_or_activity

Book 3–12 months in advance

Alaska cruises, especially smaller, unique expedition cruises, have limited capacity and desirable cabin types sell out quickly, often offering better rates further out.

Denali National Park Bus Tickets (Tundra Wilderness Tour/Transit) Attraction

Book 2–6 months in advance

Private vehicle access is restricted past a certain point; bus tickets are required to go deep into Denali and see wildlife, and they sell out immediately upon release.

Katmai National Park Bear Viewing Tours (Fly-in) tour_or_activity

Book 3–9 months in advance

These tours involve limited capacity fly-in transport to remote locations and are extremely popular, selling out far in advance for peak bear-viewing seasons (salmon runs).

Popular Remote Wilderness Lodge Accommodation Accommodation

Book 3–12 months in advance

High-quality, remote lodges near popular areas like Denali or Kenai Peninsula have very limited room counts and high demand during the summer.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Glacier Landing Helicopter Tours tour_or_activity

Book 1–4 months in advance

These unique experiences (often including dog sledding) have limited slots per day, and the best times often book up during the high travel season.

Fun Facts

1. Alaska technically lies in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres because some of the Aleutian Islands cross the 180th meridian, which is the international date line.
2. If Manhattan, New York, had the same population density as Alaska, only about 16 people would be living on the island.
3. The Alaskan Railroad carries more than 400,000 passengers a year, and 82% of the state's communities don't have highway access, relying heavily on boat or plane for transportation.
4. The coldest recorded temperature in the United States, -80 degrees Fahrenheit, was set at Prospect Creek Camp in Alaska in 1971.

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