How To Plan a Land Vacation to Alaska
- 1). Study up on Alaska to decide what areas you want to visit. Alaska is a large state and depending on your time frame, you might not get to see it all. Decide what time of year you want to visit. Early May to late September are the best months to avoid snow on the road. Winter can be a good time to visit as well, especially if you want to see the Northern Lights. Traveling during the winter months in Alaska will take more preparation, because you will be experiencing freezing temperatures.
- 2). Decide if you will drive to Alaska or if you want to travel Alaska by railroad. If you plan on traveling by rail, check with Alaskan Railroads to see which cities the company services to decide where it will be most convenient for you to fly into. Flying into Alaska and traveling by rail is a good option if your time is limited. Rail tours are offered year round, although on a more limited schedule.
- 3). Obtain the most current road maps of Alaska if you are driving. A travel guide such as The Milepost specializes in providing current information relative to driving in Alaska. Plan extra time if you are driving because distances between cities can be vast.
- 4). Assess the condition of your vehicle. If you have an RV, study up on campgrounds that offer RV hook-ups. If your car or RV is not in good mechanical condition, think about your options. You can fly into Alaska and rent a car or RV if your vehicle is in poor condition. If you want to take your own vehicle, take it to a mechanic and make sure it is prepared for winter conditions. Even in summer months you might experience snow when driving.
- 5). Decide how much time you have for the trip. If you are are short on time but there is much land you want to cover, you can bypass lengthy stretches of road by taking the ferry from port to port.
- 6). Check your camping gear to make sure it is rated to Alaskan weather. Down-filled sleeping bags and an electric engine heater are good to have, whether or not you plan on camping. You might have to spend the night on the side of the road, and temperatures can dip into freezing even in the summer. Make sure you have proper clothing, especially foot wear. If you are planning on hiking, having wool socks and a good pair of waterproof hiking boots is necessary.
- 7). Plan your drive using the road maps and decide if you will need to spend the night between towns. Campgrounds are set up at regular intervals along the highway so you can plan on camping on long stretches of highway. Use a current guidebook to know where gas stations and services are located.
- 8). Make an itinerary of towns you will stop in, and approximate driving times between stops.
