Alaska is a natural marvel that tops many travel bucket lists. This remote paradise, filled with vast wilderness, towering mountains, incredible wildlife, and a uniquely Alaskan culture, has plenty to offer. But how can you indulge in its wild beauty without spending a fortune?
In this guide we will unlock top tips for how to cut costs and enjoy a memorable trip to Alaska – on a budget!
Planning Your Trip: Timing is Everything
- The secret to budget travel often lies in timing your trip right. In Alaska, most travelers plan their trips during the summer (June - August). While summertime is an amazing time to visit, it also comes with peak season pricing and crowded destinations. To help avoid this pricing, consider the following options:
- Shoulder season travel: Travel during the shoulder seasons (May and September) when the weather is still nice but prices are dramatically lower compared to summer. Winter travel: Consider a winter trip to Alaska. From witnessing the Northern Lights to experiencing the joy of dog-sledding, there's a myriad of experiences awaiting off-season adventurers.
- Stay local: Focus on a specific area that you want to visit rather than trying to “see it all”. Alaska is a massive area, and trying to cover all of it will increase your budget and cut down on time you spend savoring the moment. Focus on a specific region, such as Southcentral or Southeast Alaska, that has the most things you want to see and keep your traveling localized to that region.
Traveling to Alaska on a Budget
Whether you choose to fly, ferry, or drive, options to reach Alaska are plentiful. Remember these key tips when you go to book your travel to the Last Frontier:
- Plan ahead: Flight prices can vary dramatically, but with early booking and a vigilant eye for deals, you can snag affordable fares.
- Book with airline miles: Alaska Airlines is one of the main providers throughout the state, and they offer large mileage bonuses for new cardholders each year. Consider signing up for an Alaska Airlines credit card to book your airline ticket with miles.
- Combine sightseeing and transportation: The Alaska Marine Highway System offers a robust ferry service from Washington up to Southcentral Alaska. Consider booking a ferry ticket to enjoy a cruise up the Inside Passage combined with your transportation costs. Additionally, consider bringing your own car on the ferry to save on rental car pricing and increase your flexibility once you arrive. Important note: While the ferry system offers a scenic ride, most routes are 10+ hours long. This is a great option if you have multiple weeks to travel, but not a great option if you are limited on time.
Affordable Alaska Stays
Alaska offers a variety of fun and unique lodging options once you arrive. While hotels may be easy, they are also one of the most expensive options for your trip. Consider the following options to cut costs on where you spend the night:
- AirBnB and HipCamp: Consider renting an entire home or glamping pod during your stay. If you are traveling with multiple people, renting a home is a great way to share costs and save on eating out. AirBnBs are located throughout the state, and also allow you to experience staying with a local. For more adventure, check out options on Hipcamp, which offers glamping options for budget-travelers.
- Go Camping: Tent camping is by far the cheapest and most flexible option for your Alaskan adventure. Campgrounds are found throughout the state and average around $10-30 a night. Dispersed camping (free camping with no utilities) is also available on national forest and BLM lands. Many campgrounds are first-come, first-serve, so you don’t have to worry about reservations (though these are available on ReserveAmerica.com).
- Rent an RV: Renting an RV is a great way to combine transportation costs and accommodation costs into one. While the initial cost of the RV rental may seem high, once you compare it to the cost of renting a car and staying in hotels each night, it can easily be half the cost. If you plan on renting an RV, try to reserve your camping sites ahead of time, as these sites may book up (especially on the weekends).
Budget Dining Options
Feasting in Alaska doesn’t have to cost a fortune. While you should definitely budget to eat out some nights and enjoy Alaska’s fantastic restaurant culture, check out the following to help keep costs low:
- Food trucks and local diners: Found throughout the state, food trucks and local diners offer daily specials and local ingredients, helping you to keep to your budget but enjoy local flavors.
- Self-catering: Cooking in your AirBnB or at your campsite can save you significant money. Local markets are teeming with fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies to try out.
- Catch your dinner: Many restaurants throughout the state will prepare and cook your fish for a small fee. If you plan on fishing, head over to a local seafood restaurant to enjoy your fresh catch – on a budget!
Budget-Friendly Activities
Alaska’s most stunning attractions can often come with a massive price tag. While sightseeing flights and chartered fishing trips are well worth the expense, these excursions may not fit every budget. Let’s break down some of Alaska’s top experiences and how you can enjoy them more cheaply:
- Bear Viewing: Bear viewing is a top activity for many travelers, and a day trip to Katmai National Park is one of the best ways to experience brown bears in the wild. However, these day trips can be extremely pricey. If you’re on a budget, head to Denali or Russian RIver Falls on the Kenai Peninsula to see bears from the road. While they are not guaranteed, these are top spots for brown bears throughout the summer. Alternatively, book an Alaskan Airlines flight over to Kodiak Island for a few days to see the rare Kodiak Brown Bears. These bears are common along the road and rivers throughout the summer.
- Fishing: Fishing is not only a beloved Alaskan hobby but also a wallet-friendly activity. While you can book a charter for a day of fun on the water, if you are looking to only salmon or trout fish, consider picking up some gear licenses from local outfitters. Once you’re ready, head to the Kenai River to try your hand at salmon fishing or one of the numerous lakes around the state for trout.
- Glacier Hiking: Glacier hiking is a top tier experience for every trip to Alaska. Helicopter and private plane flights can get you on top of the most remote glaciers in the world. If you still want to experience walking on a glacier and seeing it up close (but don’t have the money for a flight) head to Exit Glacier just south of Anchorage. A short, 1 mile hike from the parking lot will take you right up to a glacier. Just be sure to exercise caution and don’t tread too far.
Budget Transportation within Alaska
Navigating Alaska doesn’t have to be pricey. Consider the following when booking your trip:
- Use public transportation: Public transportation, especially in cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks, can save you a bundle and get you to all the main sites in the cities.
- Book with Turo: If you prefer the freedom of driving, consider peer-to-peer car rental apps like Turo, which can be more affordable than traditional agencies during the summer.
- Rent a car in the shoulder season: Car rentals skyrocket during the summer months, but are incredibly affordable in the off season. Book your trip for May or September to avoid the high prices.
- Drive yourself: If you’re looking for a big adventure, consider driving yourself up to Alaska. The Alaska-Canada Highway is one of the most impressive drives in the world, and can be an adventure all by itself. This is a great option if you plan on traveling around the state for a couple months. You can either sell your car at the end, take the ferry home with it, or drive back before winter.
Embarking on Your Alaskan Adventure
With careful planning, a trip to Alaska doesn't have to break the bank. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can delve into the breathtaking beauty and unique culture of Alaska without straining your wallet. Your dream of exploring the stunning landscapes, witnessing magnificent wildlife, and immersing yourself in the enchanting Alaskan atmosphere can become a reality today.
So, why wait? Start planning your affordable Alaskan adventure now!
