How to Prepare for Summer Traveling in Alaska
Summer and Alaska: the words seem to go together like oil and water. When we think of summertime, images of swimming pools, campsites, and beaches pop into our heads. And when we think of Alaska, usually ice, snow, and igloos come to mind. But how about Alaska travel in summer? You might be surprised by how thrilling traveling through Alaska can be. There is plenty to do and see, and you will probably not need a parka or snowshoes. Following some basic guidelines can make your summer traveling in Alaska, one of the most memorable experiences in your life:
1. Think outside of the igloo
Igloos are ingenious creations of native Alaskans, but you will have several options when traveling in Alaska during the summertime:
Campgrounds: These provide you with countless breathtaking views of Mother Nature. In Alaska, the amenities of the campgrounds range from backcountry do-it-yourself campgrounds, to ones that basically offer the same amenities as in the continental U.S. However, wherever your camp site is, keep garbage and food far enough from your campsite, so your Alaska bear watching does not involve seeing a huge Grizzly rummaging through your Coleman cooler or garbage bag.
Bed and breakfasts`: This type of lodging ranges significantly in price, and is much more expensive in the summer, than in the winter. In particular, you can find tons of bed and breakfasts in South-central Alaska.
Motels and hotels: You can locate loads of hotels in Anchorage, including those of major U.S. chains. Motels and hotels are also situated in Homer and Seward.
Lodges: If you want a combination of tasty meals and comfy accommodations, then consider staying at a lodge. The majority of them can only be accessed by small planes or boats, although some are nearby roads.
2. Enjoy the long days of Alaska’s short summer
When visiting Alaska in the summertime, keep in mind that while the days are long and the temperatures moderate during summertime, the season only lasts from June until September—the rest of the year is frigid. When you see snow high on the slopes of Alaska’s mountains, in the early part of September–winter is dawning.
3. Choose to travel by car, train or plane.
There are a ton of places to visit in Alaska, during the summertime. Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Seward are some major must-see areas in Alaska. The very existence of The Alaska Marine Highway reminds us that numerous areas in Alaska can only be accessed by water or air. In fact, the capital of the state, Juneau, has that characteristic.
On the other hand, you can get to certain areas in Alaska, by car or truck. These areas include:
- Anchorage
- Fairbanks
- Haines
- Homer
- Seward
- Skagway
- Talkeetna
- Valdez
In Anchorage and Fairbanks in particular, it is wise to rent a car or an RV, while traveling in Alaska. For instance, the roads between Anchorage and Seward and from Anchorage to Denali National Park are excellent, and provide the driver and passengers with a breathtaking view.
On the other hand, several areas in Alaska cannot be reached by the state’s road system, but perhaps you can get through via Alaskan cruises. These areas include: northern, western, southeastern (i.e. Sitka and Ketchikan) and the Aleutian islands.
4. Bring summer t-shirts and summer sweaters
The idea of an Alaskan summer may seem like an oxymoron, but there are indeed summers in Alaska. Typically, the temperatures in Anchorage range from the 60s to the low 70s. Only once in a blue moon does the temperature hit 80 degrees. When there is no wind, a temperature of roughly 60 degrees Fahrenheit is comfy. It is important to keep in mind that summer days in Alaska are extremely long. In fact, evenings are not too dark in the latter part of June.
The weather in Alaska is fairly casual, which is understandable, considering that it is mostly rural. So bring plenty of t-shirts, shorts, jeans, boots, and sneakers for your summertime gear. If you are going to spend some time in larger towns, such as Anchorage, it would be perfectly okay for males to wear a sport shirt and jeans, and females to wear an informal blouse and slacks.
Also, a sweater and lightweight jacket can come in handy during crisp evenings. The jacket should be waterproof, and a rain hat would be a wise addition. Roughly every one- in-four summers in Alaska tends to be primarily rainy. The rainiest month is usually August. Rainfalls in Anchorage tend to be mild; however, they can be somewhat windy in other areas (i.e. Portage Glacier).
Whether you want to visit Alaska by rail, by vehicle or by plane, summertime is the perfect time to travel in Alaska. After making your travel and lodging arrangements, and packing the right clothes for the trip, you are ready to enjoy that state known as the “Last Frontier.”
Tags: Alaska Marine Highway | Alaska Marine Highway | Alaska bear watching | Alaska bear watching | Alaskan cruises | Alaskan cruises | Alaska by rail | Alaska by rail | Alaska travel | Alaska travel