10 Top Tips for a GREAT Alaska Holiday!

Alaska . 2012 . Sep 15-25

Dear visitors, we are back from our Princess cruise trip to Alaska, the Land of the Midnight Sun! We had such an enjoyable time there that it is a near certainty that we will be making a trip there again in future!

Here's some preview photos that we would like to share with our readers! :)
There will be more to come in the following weeks.

In the next few weeks, we will be sharing our experiences of our Alaskan experience on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship as well as the 3 additional day tour that we took following the cruise.
 

 For our first article today, we would like to share some tips that a first time visitor to Alaska should take note of. :)

Tip No 1

Have a poncho with you at all times.  It could get real rainy especially in the inside passage (Southeast Alaska), and having a poncho with you means that your hands are free to snap those gorgeous pictures instead of carrying an umbrella.  In general, it gets rainier as the summer progresses, so you can expect a high chance of rain everyday in September.

Tip No 2

Layer your clothing.  Any native Alaskan will tell their visitors to dress in layers to fight the cold.  Long Johns (long and warm underwear), a fleece jacket and a water-proof windbreaker are a must in fall and winter.  Wear fleece-lined winter boots to keep your feet warm, or if they are not available, then some thick winter socks.   Gloves and winter hats are also necessary during late fall and winter.  Layering your clothes makes it easy for you to adjust to changes in temperature, whether you are walking along the streets at the downtown or hiking up the hills.

Tip No 3

Wear water resistant pants.  Again, due to the misty and rainy climate in Alaska, moisture could cling on to your clothes.  Thicker material such as jeans could get very difficult to dry due to the high humidity levels in Alaska, so clothing materials that does not absorb moisture or dries easily is a good plus point.

Tip No 4

Carry a heat pack with you.  This is especially true if you are heading towards higher altitudes or doing a whale or bear watching cruise.

Tip No 5

Bring insect repellants.  The moquitoes in Alaska are huge.  Perhaps it is the perfect combination of rainy weather and good nutrients around, but they can grow to be quite sizeable. They can be a real nuisance, constantly trying to land on your hands and face, so the easiest solution is to slap on some repellent to keep them away.

Tip No 6

Be careful and pay attention to your surroundings.  While some visitors go to Alaska to explore its wilderness, most forget that this is a natural environment where animals roam freely in their natural habitats.  Read up and familiarise yourself with the steps to take if you should encounter a wild animal during your hike.  Flash photography is a big no-no if you do not want to antagonise the wild animal.  Keep away from cubs if you see one – they may be adorable, but their Mama is probably monitoring your every action somewhere and will not hesitate to pounce on you if she perceives you to be getting too close to her cubs.

Tip No 7

Hire a guide or join a tour group.  Joining a day tour may be a source of extra cost and does not sound appealing to the adventurous.  However, it would also ensure that you do not get lost in the vast wilderness of Alaska.  Also, should you encounter any wild animals, you’ll have the benefit of safety in a group and the experience of a tour guide.  If the idea of joining a tour group puts you off, at least consider getting another person or couple to join you in your hiking trail, or let someone at the hotel know of your whereabouts.

Tip No 8

Bring a wide brim heat, a good sunscreen and sunglasses.  The sun’s rays and reflections off snow and glaciers could be very strong.  Cover your exposed skin with sunscreen at all times during the day.

Tip No 9

Always have your binoculars with you!  Well, admit it, most of us go to Alaska to soak in its unmatched beauty and majesty and get to see some wildlife at the same time.  A pair of binoculars would be a great help in magnifying those wildlife far away from you and too dangerous to approach.  Most nature-watchers will recommend a pair of 10x42 binoculars.  The first number refers to its magnification and the second number, the wideness of its lens.

Tip No10

Plan Ahead! Summer months are peak tourist season in Alaska due to its milder climate, so plan ahead for your trip as tours and accommodation can get fully booked.  In winter months, some facilities may be closed for safety reasons, so check for availability and opening hours.

Now that you are ready for your Alaska cruise. Read all about our Alaskan Cruise experience!

• All our Alaska Cruise Posts
• Alaska Cruise Menus

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