Alaska - Brief Travel Guide

WHAT TO SEE, TO DO AND WHERE: Mount McKinley is the highest mountain in North America (6,194 m or 20,306 feet), 150 miles from Fairbanks. Mountain climbing season is very short because of cold weather, strong winds and avalanche hazards. Nearly 1,000 people each season attempt the mountain, the best climbing conditions are in June.The peak is located in Denali National Park that offers superb mountain scenery and incomparable wildlife viewing, from 400-kg (900 lbs) grizzlies to Alaska state birds, willow ptarmigans, from Dall sheep to porcupines.

Many visitors come to Alaska in winter to see Aurora Borealis when Northern Lights glow in all its glory. Birdwatching is also very popular among Alaska visitors, over 250 bird species inhabit the area, especially the southwest region. You can find all Alaska nature watch viewing sites including detail maps here. Whale watching boat trips allow the visitors an opportunity to observe and photograph Beluga, Orca, Humpback and Gray whales, along with many other marine mammals, in their natural environment. Available Alaska whale watching tours are listed by geographic region here. There many miles of trails for backpackers- from the pristine glaciers and fjords of remote Wrangell-St Elias National Park to the famous Chilkoot Trail where you follow the footsteps of the Klondike gold prospectors on this demanding 33-mile route near Skagway. It is a difficult hike and usually takes three to five days.

The Alaska Trail system has over 40 both land and water-based trails with recognized recreational, scenic, and historic value. If you travel by RV or motorcoach, you need to know where to camp. Alaska RV parks index comes in handy.

Do not also forget to visit Talkeetna - every Alaska visitor's favorite small town is the base for superb flightseeing trips around Mount McKinley. Alaska's capital Juneau is worth seeing. Founded as a roughneck mining town in 1880, Juneau is very much urbane these days. The city is also close to breathtaking glacier lookouts. If you enjoy driving, challenge the lonely Dalton Highway , a 500-mile road leading from Fairbanks to the Arctic Ocean. On the way you can try recreational gold panning on any Federal stream segments along the Dalton highway south of Atigun Pass. For those looking for downhill skiing opportunities, Alyeska Ski Resort, located 40 miles south of Anchorage, offers 3 double chairs, 2 fixed quads, 1 high-speed detachable quad and a 60-passenger tram to move you 840 m (2,800 feet) above scenic landscapes. For cross-country skiing fans Alaska's many trails are available to trek through mountain valleys or to ski beside the ocean.

Annual sled dog races (dog mushing) is Alaska's official sport that attract participants and spectators from all over the world. The most famous race, Iditarod, runs for 1680 km (1,049 miles) from Anchorage to Nom and lasts 9 days starting on the first Saturday in March. Throughout the year many Alaska's communities host festivals and carnivals, there are interesting events for everyone. One of them is World Ice Art Championships held at Fairbanks in February-March where competitors carve magnificent sculptures from blocks of ice. Among other outdoor activities we would like to mention are boating on Alaska waterways, snowmachining and ATV-ing. We also devoted three separate web pages to Alaska Sport Fishing , Hunting and Cruises.

WHEN TO GO: Alaskan summers are cool, the average temperature is +14 deg.C (58 F) in summer and -12 deg.C (11 F) in winter. It receives midnight sunshine in May- July and goes into 24-hour darkness during the part of winter. May to September are the best months to visit for warm time activities. You can check next week weather forecast for Anchorage here.

GETTING THERE: There are many direct or one-stop flights from major US cities. The largest Alaska's city, Anchorage, is under 4 hours from Seattle by air. Anchorage is 2,463 road miles from Seattle, 3,608 miles from Los Angeles. It is more convenient to fly to Anchorage and rent a car or RV on the spot. To travel by water you can take a cruise to Alaska or use the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry.

TRAVEL TIPS: Northern weather can be unpredictable. Consider taking with you and wearing multiple layers of clothes in response to a wide variety of temperatures and weather conditions. Alaska is more expensive than most other states: apart from two dozen hostels there's little budget accommodation, and eating and drinking will set you back at least twenty percent more than in the Lower states. Still, experiencing Alaska on a low budget is possible, though it requires planning and off-peak travel. From June to August room prices are very high. May and September, when tariffs are relaxed and the weather only slightly chillier, are just as good times to go, and in April or October you'll have the place to yourself, together with a smaller range of places to stay and eat. Winter months are becoming increasingly popular, particularly for the spectacular aurora borealis . At this time of year hotel rates drop by as much as half.

We wish you a nice and safe trip!

Visit us at: http://www.travelmake.com/alaska.html for more information on travel to Alaska.

http://www.travelmake.com - one of leading discount travel agencies, a source of useful travel information.

---

The Royal Barge Procession ? Splendor on the Chao Phraya River

The Royal Barge Procession in Bangkok, conducted on very rare... Read More

Hawaii Volcano Tour

A Hawaii volcano tour can be a most memorable experience,... Read More

The Classy Way to Do WA

Western Australia ? South-West Coast driving holiday. Great Australian Road... Read More

Adventure Travel on Horseback

When you think of "adventure travel," what crosses your mind?... Read More

Mount Chimborazo: Climbing Glaciers Near The Equator

The climb up the glaciers to the summit of Mount... Read More

Journey to Haypress Creek

It was the end of my first year as a... Read More

Tent and Outdoor Gear Care and Repair

TENT CAREYou should seal all floor seams and those seams... Read More

True North & Magnetic Declination - A Trick to Make it Stick

Magnetic declination is an essential principle to understand when navigating... Read More

Cheap Safari in Africa For $70 a Day - Heres How To Do It

You would think that a cheap safari in Africa for... Read More

Student Travel ? Backpacking In Europe

For the fortunate few, life isn't complete without a backpacking... Read More

Backyard Camping Trip

Are your kids begging you to take them camping, but... Read More

Stay Out of That Old Mine!

It seems like the most adventurous thing in the world.... Read More

The Benefits of Inflatable Fishing Boats

Inflatable fishing boats are great yacht tenders/camping boats that are... Read More

Kayak Travel and Trips

If you love the thrill and adventure of kayak travel,... Read More

Great Indian Holidays

Holidays in India, awesome in her size and diversity. This... Read More

Lake Winnipesaukee ? The Smile of the Great Spirit

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest and one of the deepest... Read More

The Kuan Yin Shrine, Bangkok ? the Goddess of Mercy on the Chao Phraya

The Kuan Yin Shrine in Bangkok is in an old... Read More

Zambezi Sharks Under Threat at Protea Banks

Sharklife.co.za has been fighting an ongoing for the protection of... Read More

Topographic Maps 101

The intricate details on a topographic map can be befuddling,... Read More

The Great Outdoors is to be Explored and Loved in all its fullness

The thing with enjoying the great outdoors is seeing aspects... Read More

Great Family Camping Trips Make Excellent Traditions

A wonderful way to invest in your families' treasure trove... Read More

Costa Rica White Water Rafting Trip

Costa Rica's mountainous topography and copious rainfall are both responsible... Read More

River Rafting in California

River rafting is a major attraction in California. The most... Read More

Your Virgin Bushwalk

Isn't it time you stepped out of the concrete jungle... Read More

Camping For Fun

Camping for fun is a great way to enjoy the... Read More

A Review of Inflatable Boat Manufacturers

There are many manufacturers of inflatable boats on the market... Read More

Be Sure to Buy the Best Discount Camping Gear Before Going on that Family Adventure

When you're on the Internet looking for discount camping gear,... Read More

Eight Tips For A Bug-Free Summer

(NC)-With approximately 42,000 mosquitoes for every person in Ontario, most... Read More

RV Vacations: Ten Tips

Perhaps you have wondered about taking an RV vacation. It... Read More

Sleeping Pads For Ultralight Backpackers

Ultralight backpackers want to give up weight, not comfort. Sleeping... Read More

Mammoth Cave: One of the Most Beautiful in Our National Park System

Directly south of Louisville, just off Interstate 65 and not... Read More

African Safari Gear Packing List - What To Take Along

The last thing you want on an African safari is... Read More

New Technologies in Camping and Outdoor Clothing Enhance the Outdoor Experience

Camping is an excellent way to explore and experience the... Read More