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Alaska

Few roads, huge landscapes and wildlife everywhere. Here is how to plan an Alaska road trip, and whether it is right for you.

Budget per couple$700-$1,100 a day
When to goAlaska does have quite the tourist season from June to August.
Getting aroundWe opted for transportation that doubled as accommodation as we traveled through Canada into Alaska.

Travel tips

What to know before you go

Straight from our notes on Alaska: costs, getting around, where to stay and what to skip.

Per day. Prices from our trips; check current rates before you book.

transportation
We opted for transportation that doubled as accommodation as we traveled through Canada into Alaska. If this isn't your cup of tea, look for flights into Anchorage which offers you the best variety of options as well as most likely the cheapest flights. There is also a ship you can take from Seattle right to Alaska if that's more your style!
Once in Alaska, there are a variety of ways to get around. Renting a car is always a good option if where you're wanting to head to is a bit off the beaten path. There is also a train system that runs through Alaska and is catered towards tourists!
Taxis and rideshares are not going to be as common so we don't recommend relying on that as your form of transportation.
Alaska is BIG. Be sure to keep this in mind when planning travel times between destinations.
when to visit
Alaska does have quite the tourist season from June to August. This is when the parks will be busiest and the prices for just about everything will raise. The shoulder season in May and September will give you just as optimal weather without the prices and crowds.
safety
If planning on doing a lot of hiking, typical wilderness safety should be practiced. Be sure to read campground and trail rules thoroughly and to have a plan in case of an emergency. Always be sure to tell people when and where you are headed to just in case.
While hitchhiking is common in Alaska, we definitely recommend being cautious and staying away from such situations especially if traveling alone.
where to stay
We stayed in our RV the entire time and camped all around
language
English is spoken in Alaska but there are also 20 Alaskan Native languages spoken as well.
what can you skip
Halibut Fishing in Homer
trip resources
Having an RV to stay in a was a great way to save money while traveling around Alaska. While there are accommodations, you'll mostly be seeing hotels which can be pricey. Hostels and Airbnbs are becoming a bit more popular, but less reliable if you're looking to stay outside of the main cities. If you're up for the adventure, look into camping! Be sure to make reservations well in advance, though.
There is plenty to do in Alaska especially in the outdoors! Besides the many parks, you'll be amazed at the number of activities you'll find. Fishing, glacier hiking, skiing/snowboarding, just to name a few! Research where you're headed to find the top activities to do in that area.
what to pack
Even in the summer, Alaska is going to be pretty chilly especially if the sun isn't out. Layers are going to be your best friend! Having to pack for all sorts of weather, and gear as well depending on what your planning to do, it's important to pack smart! Check out trippedtravelgear.com for travel compression cubes. They'll help you stay organized as well as packing for optimal space saving!
what to eat
Alaskan fish is incredible! The fresh salmon is the most widely known, but try the halibut and crab as well. If seafood isn't your thing, try the ever-popular reindeer. Wanting to crack open a cold one? You'll be happy to know that a ton of independent breweries have been popping up all over Alaska!

Packing list

What to pack for Alaska

Packing lists on video for this trip, plus the carry-on gear we designed after years on the road.

Shop Tripped
How to pack a suitcase to maximize space
Packing cubes vs compression cubes

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Plan your trip

Pick your dates, set a budget and book things in the right order, so you know what the trip costs before you pay for any of it.