An Interior Tour of Alaska: Trip Review, Part 1
Greetings, Wanderers!
I hope this finds you brimming with excitement as the travel season is in full swing. In May, I returned home after a whirlwind tour of interior Alaska, from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Words and photos couldn’t do this trip justice – Alaska simply must be experienced to be truly understood – but I’m going to give it my best shot.
Highlights from My Alaskan Adventure
A Year-Round Destination
Alaska can truly be enjoyed throughout the year. In the winter, you can cozy up at a lodge, witness the Northern Lights, or catch the start of the Iditarod. In summer (June-August), you can cruise during the high season, reaching those coastal cities only accessible by boat. Fun fact: only 20% of Alaska is accessible by roads – even the capital, Juneau, can only be reached by air or sea. This is why cruising to Alaska is a must. Shoulder seasons (May & September) offer slightly better rates but with less staff. These months give you a chance to experience most of what the state has to offer without the hustle and bustle.
Discover the Spirit of "The Last Frontier”
Alaska truly is "The Last Frontier." With limited luxury properties throughout the state, I was fortunate to spend time at a few, including Alaska’s only ski resort, Alyeska. Due to the limited roads and diverse landscape, transportation here varies from multiple airports and seaplanes to trains. You’ll want to try something new! On my bucket list: a seaplane (seen left). Between accommodations and transportation, be prepared for casual attire and a good packing list – something I ensure all my clients have before heading out.
Culinary Delights
Alaska has an amazing culinary scene! While much of the food is imported, what they grow is fantastic, thanks to those long summer days. Check out the wild berries in August and September, a hit with locals and bears alike. With plentiful seafood, I had the best salmon at the Alaska Salmon Bake in Fairbanks and the best halibut at Glacier Brewhouse in Anchorage (along with some great craft beer!).
Immerse Yourself in Culture
Glaciers, mountains, wildlife, and culture – Alaska offers it all. About 20% of the state’s population are Alaska Natives, with five groups of indigenous people. Each region has its own unique history, but a great place to start learning is at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. While there, I listened to a Native Athabaskan speak of her childhood in Alaska, watched a dance performance, walked through life-sized reproductions of traditional Native dwellings, and admired crafts and handiwork from Native artists.
Don’t Skip a Land Tour
If you’re going to travel all the way to Alaska, fully experience the state by visiting both land and sea. This will give you the best of both worlds: the small seaside towns only accessible by ship, and the grand expanse of mountain ranges and glaciers only accessible by train or bus. More mountains, more wildlife, more culture.
Choose Your Adventure Wisely
There are many options available, which can be overwhelming if you’ve tried to book online. With land tours, you can go straight to Denali National Park for a quick two-day jaunt, or explore more adventurous destinations like Seward and Talkeetna. Expect the full Alaska experience to take about two weeks.
I’m prepared to help you select the best for YOU.
That’s all for now, folks! Look out for Part Two, where I discuss wildlife, sea life, and national parks. If you’re inspired to visit Alaska, head HERE and we can start planning your 2025 Alaska cruise tour!
-Hannah
