Greetings! I'm Mollie, a proud Alaskan resident and a passionate travel writer who's been lucky enough to call this majestic state home on and off for the past decade. I started my journey to Alaska as a seasonal worker, spending my summers in the Southeast and throughout Southcentral Alaska, and spending long vacations with my family throughout the Interior.
A few years ago, I made Alaska my year-round home after moving to the picturesque town of Kodiak. Throughout these years hopping throughout the Last Frontier, I can confidently say I've had my fair share of the Alaskan adventure.
As a writer, I'm often asked, "What's Alaska like?" A fair question, but hard to answer succinctly. Alaska is vast, wild, unpredictable, and breathtakingly beautiful. It's a place where the sun doesn't set in summer and barely rises in winter. It's home to stunning wildlife and landscapes so diverse and dramatic they seem almost fictional.
If you're planning an Alaskan trip, allow me to share my insider knowledge with these 10 essential tips. This way, you're not just visiting Alaska—you're experiencing it.
Layer Up!
Alaska’s weather can be unpredictable. Even during summer, temperatures might plummet. Pack layers, including waterproof and windproof outer layers, so you can adjust according to the climate. This is a place where you don’t want to choose fashion over function, and our dress code is always casual.
Embrace the Daylight (or Darkness)
If you visit in summer, especially in the northern parts, be prepared for the Midnight Sun where daylight can extend for almost 24 hours. Conversely, winter months bring the Polar Night with very limited daylight. In Alaska, we embrace each season to the utmost limit, hiking throughout the evening in the summer and skiing under lights in the winter. When you’re here, it is all about embracing the challenge – whether that is sunshine at midnight or rain everyday of your journey. Get outside, bring the right gear, and live it up on your Alaskan adventure!
Book in Advance and Be Flexible
Particularly in peak seasons, popular tours (like glacier walks, wildlife cruises, or dog sledding) can fill up quickly. Plan ahead to avoid disappointment, and be flexible with your plans! There is a saying that goes, “Summer is construction season in Alaska” – and it is very true! If you plan on packing in a lot on your trip, have some flexibility in your bookings or build in extra time between each destination to ensure any delays or weather delays don’t ruin your fun.
Bear Safety is a Must
Alaska is home to both grizzly and black bears. Learn about bear safety before your trip, including the big tips: carry bear spray, make noise while hiking, don’t run, and always secure your food. This will help you enjoy wildlife and keep everyone safe. Even if you’re walking around a town, always be prepared to encounter a bear (even in the winter, they’re still around.)
Respect the Land and Wildlife – Leave No Trace
Alaska’s wilderness is pristine and delicate. Always follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out everything you take, including toilet paper and food items. Remember, feeding wildlife can be dangerous both for you and the animals, even if they’re adorably cute. Also be sure to read up on wildlife and fishing regulations of where you are going. If you plan on fishing, you will need to purchase a fishing license ahead of time (even if you’re taking a charter).
Venture Beyond the Cruise Ports
Many visitors experience Alaska through cruise ship ports. While these towns offer a lot, consider renting a car or taking a local flight to explore off the beaten path. You can fit this into your day at port (if you’re taking a cruise) or look into adding a more unique destination on your itinerary if you’re doing it on your own (such as Kodiak – which only sees a small handful of cruises each year!). Not only will this help you avoid crowds and tourist prices, but it is also a great way to experience a more authentic Alaska.
Staying Connected is Easier Than You Think
Some remote areas may not have cell reception, but we’re not completely in the dark ages up here. AT&T and Verizon both have decent coverage in most communities and along the road, so you can still navigate with your phone and check in with the folks back home. You can also expect to have wifi at most of your hotels (unless you’re staying in a backcountry lodge). If you plan on hiking alone or miles away from trailheads, consider bringing an emergency beacon device, such as a Garmin InReach.
Indulge in Local Cuisine
Honest moment – I didn’t know there were different kinds of salmon until I first came to Alaska (there’s 5 different varieties in Alaska alone). Alaskans take pride in our locally sourced and caught fish, game, berries, and produce. We take so much pride in it that locals will often argue over topics like, which kind of salmon they like best and their preferred spruce tip syrup recipe. Check out the farmer’s markets and local shops while you are here to try true Alaskan delicacies, like salmonberry jelly, smoked sockeye filets, and moose chili.
Budget Wisely
Alaska can be expensive, from accommodations to activities to moving between destinations. Research and plan your budget ahead of time so you are not caught unaware. If you plan on traveling to remote villages, the North Slope, or along the Aleutian Islands, expect everything to be more expensive than the mainland (especially car rentals and groceries). With appropriate planning, you can fit an Alaskan trip into almost any budget.
Join the Locals
One of my favorite parts about living in Kodiak is the sense of community. Attend local events, visit farmers’ markets, or chat with residents at a local café. Almost every Alaskan community has a Facebook group where they share local events or group meet-ups. If you plan on spending some time in one area, definitely check to see if there is a community group you can join to stay updated on fun things happening in town. Alaskans are some of the friendliest people I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with, and you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to make friends here and get that perfect “local’s tour” – we know all the great spots!
As you set your compass to explore the vastness of the Last Frontier, I’ll leave you with a warning – Alaska will find a way into your heart. This is a land that lives to its own rhythm of time. It is a place where nature meets city, and community stretches across oceans and glaciers. Whether you're here for a week or a season, I promise, a piece of Alaska will stay with you forever. Here's to hoping our paths might cross in this vast expanse, and till then, may the Alaskan wilderness beckon your spirit wherever you may go!
