Road Trip in Alaska: Plan Your Next Family Vacation

Why a Road Trip in Alaska?

There are so many reasons to take a road trip in Alaska! But let’s stick to the top four so you can move on to everything else you must know about taking a road trip in Alaska for your next family vacation.

Take Time to Stop and Smell the Roses

Okay, so you won’t always be seeing roses in Alaska during a road trip. But a road trip in Alaska will allow you to stop to see everything you spot along the way. And to do whatever you want when you want.

You won’t need to keep to a specific schedule. That means you can spend more time in one place and less time in another. It will all be dependent on what everyone in your family wants to do.

Change Your Plans Whenever

Do you know how you always think it will take less time to do something and more time to do other things? Well, a road trip in Alaska will allow you to change your plans whenever you need to.

Therefore, you can skip over places that don’t look as interesting as you thought and add time to the ones your family decides they love.

Visit Non-Touristy Destinations

Cruises and tour groups will almost always take you to all the touristy places in Alaska. When you venture out on a road trip in Alaska, you can choose to visit all the non-touristy destinations.

And don’t worry, I will help you find the ones that your family will truly love! To get a head start, check out these festivals that Alaskans love.

Take Pictures and Videos at Every Stop

Since you won’t be on a strict schedule, you will be free to take pictures and videos at every stop you make during your family vacation in Alaska. Think of all the memories you will have to look back on with your family in the future!

Check out these bucket list destinations in Alaska you can visit during your next family vacation. 

What to Pack for Your Road Trip in Alaska?

The weather in Alaska can change without warning. Therefore, you must be ready for almost anything on your road trip.

The mornings could be cool, where the afternoons can be a little warmer during the summer. Of course, evenings will cool back down again.

And don’t forget the rain. The winter months will bring sun with snow and ice. Layers will be handy and necessary when you are out and about in Alaska.

Elite Travel Journeys Go-To Items for a Road Trip in Alaska:

• Fleece Jackets and Waterproof Jackets
• Quick Dry Hiking Pants
• Hiking Poles – Lightweight and Collapsible are Perfect for Packing
• Hiking Shoes (Waterproof) and Warm Boots
• Binoculars
• Hats, Gloves, and Scarves
• Blankets – to Keep in the Car Just in Case of an Emergency
• Sunglasses
• Wool Socks
• Thermals
• Mosquito Repellant
• Device with GPS
• Camera with Charger and Multiple Memory Cards
• Sunscreen
• First Aid Kit
• Bottled Water and Snacks

What is the Best Month for an Alaska Road Trip Vacation?

Many people ask me, “When is the best time to plan an Alaskan road trip?”. Well, you can begin the planning process at any time. However, you will want to consider a few things before determining which month of the year you want to visit this amazing destination for your family vacation!

The best month to visit Alaska is actually June and July. But for the truly best time, I recommend going between the middle of June and the middle of July. There are so many reasons why I recommend these dates. But the first one is the fact that the longest day of the year is June 21^st. And up in Alaska, that means between eighteen and twenty-two hours of daylight, depending on where you are in the state. Those longer days mean more time to explore this gorgeous area.

Now, if you want to see something specific in Alaska, you will need to really plan your Alaskan road trip carefully. The Northern Lights can be seen from the middle of August through the beginning of April.

Viewing the wildlife is best from May through September. However, May is the best time, because the foliage isn’t lush yet. To learn more about seeing wildlife in Alaska, see my post about spotting wildlife here.

There are numerous festivals in the state of Alaska each year. The Alaska State Fair is held at the end of August. But if you want to attend the Seward 4^th of July Celebration, Honey Jam, Sitka WhaleFest, or other events, we will need to plan your road trip in Alaska according to the festival dates.

Reasons to visit Alaska during the fall. 

How Many Days Should I Spend in Alaska?

I recommend spending ten days in Alaska if you truly want to get the most out of your road trip. You can spend between five or seven days, but you won’t be able to see as much during your visit. Of course, you can spend two, three, or four weeks in this state on an extended family vacation and see so much more!

Check out this 8-day itinerary for an amazing family vacation in Alaska. 

How Far Can You Drive into Alaska?

One of the things you will notice when you are planning your road trip in Alaska is that you can’t drive everywhere you want to. Not all communities and towns are connected by roadways. With that being said, there are approximately fifteen thousand miles of roads you can travel along.

You can reach many of the areas in the middle and southern parts of Alaska by car. Therefore, we can plan for you to visit Anchorage, Fairbanks, Denali, and many other destinations. Juneau is also accessible by car, but you must travel through part of Canada to get there.

Destinations in Alaska like Sitka, Bethel, and Dutch Harbor can only be reached via plane or ferry. No worries, I can easily arrange for that transportation when I am booking your trip.

Is the Alaska Highway Dangerous?

When it comes to driving in Alaska, many people ask me if the Alaska Highway is dangerous. The Alaska Highway is not dangerous. It is actually one of the most famous highways in the state, because of all the different things you can see along the way. This highway is approximately thirteen hundred miles in length, so you can drive along it for quite some time.

Just think of all the memories you can make with your family along that road! The laughs, the arguments, and the question, “Are we there yet?”, millions of times! I get all weepy eyed just thinking about those vacation drives with my kids!

What is the Best Vehicle to Drive in Alaska?

I recommend driving an SUV or a truck for your road trip in Alaska. You can drive a car, but you may not be able to reach everywhere you want to go. SUVs and trucks are known to be able to get up steeper inclines, as well as the rough terrain in some of Alaska’s backcountry areas.

Can You Sleep in Your Car on the Alaska Ferry?

If you do happen to take the Alaska Ferry to a destination you can reach by car, there are a few things you should know. The main one is that you will not be able to sleep in your car during the trip. Once your car is on the car deck, you must head to the upper decks and stay there until you reach your destination.

Driving Tour of Alaska

There are many different routes to take during a road trip in Alaska. Whereas one route may be perfect for some people, other travelers like yourself may prefer a different route. It is all about what you want your family to see and experience during your Alaskan vacation.

Alaska Loop Road Trip

The Alaska Loop Road is quite long, so you will want to plan on a few extra days if you are tackling it. The Alaska Loop will take you throughout the southcentral section of the state. It also includes stops within interior Alaska.

This trip will take you from Anchorage to Denali, Healy, Fairbanks, North Pole, Delta Junction, Tok, and the Matanuska Glacier. This is the main Alaska road trip from Anchorage that many people take when they visit Alaska. I can easily personalize the Alaska Loop Road trip to meet the needs of your family.

Kenai Peninsula Road Trip

An adventure along the Kenai Peninsula will have you and your family seeing a lot of southcentral Alaska. During your days on the road, you will find yourself stopping in areas like Whittier, Soldotna, Seward, Kenai, and Homer.

This adventure can be accomplished in a week. But extra days will be appreciated if you choose this route for your family vacation.

Alaska Road Trip from Anchorage – Scenic Drives to Consider

There are many scenic drives you can take from Anchorage. This means you can easily do a road trip in Alaska while having a home base in Anchorage every single night.

Here are my favorite scenic drives from Anchorage:

• Portage Valley and Whittier Tunnel
• Turnagain Arm Drive
• The Seward Highway
• Arctic Valley Road
• Old Glenn Highway
• Eklutna Lake
• Matanuska Glacier

What National Parks Can You Drive to in Alaska?

There are twenty-three national parks in Alaska. But did you know that most of them are so remote that you can only get to them via plane?

Thankfully, there are three national parks that you can drive to in Alaska. And the best part is they are exactly what you will be looking for during your Alaskan family vacation!

The three national parks you can drive to in Alaska include Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Denali is the most popular of the three, due to the massive mountain of the same name.

Many people ask the question, “How do you get to Glacier Bay National Park?”. They often ask this question when they realize it isn’t one of the national parks that can be driven to.

Well, don’t worry, because it isn’t a park you must skip over during your road trip to Alaska. All you need to do is put your car on the ferry and ride over to the park. You must visit Alaska during the summer months though for this adventure because that is the only time the ferry is running.

It can be a little nerve-wracking to go driving in a state you are not that familiar with. Especially one like Alaska, where the next “rest stop” could be hundreds of miles down the road! However, when I plan a road trip in Alaska for you, I will give you everything you need to know to have an amazing time with your family.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your next trip to Alaska or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready to reach out to me, that’s ok. Let me show you my 3 Insider Ways to Travel to Alaska where you will learn some of the best ways to see Alaska. Just click here.

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A Walking Tour of Anchorage: Discover Authentic Alaska

The Mayor’s Walk of Anchorage

This walking tour of Anchorage is led by the former mayors of the city. So, no matter which mayor is leading your tour group, they will have you learning all about the history and traditions of Anchorage.

A couple of the topics included in the tour include:

• The 1964 earthquake
• How oil was an important part of the area moving forward in the modern world

Learn how you can discover the best of Alaska in 8 days!

Alaska Farm Tours

There is an Alaskan Farm Tour in Anchorage. But you will also find them in Talkeetna and Palmer. This walking tour in Anchorage will have you wandering around farms. Plus, you will taste some of the items that are grown in the soil.

You will hear an abundance of farming stories during your visits to the farms. Before you leave the farms, you must purchase items like birch syrup and Alaska beer. You definitely won’t be disappointed when you enjoy them back home!

Ghost Tours of Anchorage

Ghosts are everywhere in Anchorage. So, why shouldn’t your family experience some paranormal activities while in Alaska?!

This walking tour in Anchorage will have you visiting many of the haunted sites in the city. The stories can be spooky. But the chills you get will have you wanting more.

Walking Around Lake Hood Floatplane Base

Does anyone in your family love airplanes and aviation? If they do, I recommend taking the walking tour of Lake Hood Floatplane Base. Approximately two hundred seaplanes take off and land at this base every single day.

That means you will see quite a few as you are on this walking tour of Anchorage. At the same time, you will visit numerous historical features. I recommend listening closely as you hear the history of the area.

Check out these bucket list destinations in Alaska for your next family vacation.

Walking Adventure in Historic Downtown Anchorage, AK

As you are walking through the historic downtown area of Anchorage, you may miss out on so much if you are not taking the walking tour. The Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau and the website Alaska.org created this official walking tour of Anchorage.

A few points of interest during this walking tour of Anchorage include:

• A log cabin
• The historic Anchorage Hotel
• Delaney Park
• The Oscar Anderson House

These are the best walking tours of Anchorage. You must take at least one of them when you are discovering Alaska with your family. These walks are perfect for seeing the sights and making a few memories with the people you love. So, imagine visiting one of the best family travel destinations and having authentic experiences like these walking tours in Anchorage! Talk about family friendly activities that will get your brain thinking about other family vacation ideas everyone will love.

So, are you ready to book a family vacation in Alaska and take one of these walking tours?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to book a family vacation in Alaska, complete with a walking tour, you can sign up for my newsletter here. These newsletters are packed with travel ideas, so you can find the perfect vacation for your family!

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A Guide to Northern Lights in North America

Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks is known as Aurora City. The reason for this is the town is located directly underneath the Auroral Oval. Another reason is Fairbanks hardly ever have precipitation. So, the sky is almost always clear on the nights when the Northern Lights are out in abundance.

The only times you can experience the Northern Lights in Fairbanks is from the month of August through April. As long as your family vacation in Fairbanks is at least three nights long, you have a ninety percent chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

You can see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks on your own. Or I can plan for your family to take one of the many fabulous tours.

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

Yellowknife is also located directly underneath the Auroral Oval. If you want to have one of the best chances to see the Northern Lights during your family vacation, you may want to choose this destination. Especially since there are more than two hundred nights to see the spectacular lights every year.

If you choose to visit between the middle of August through the end of September or from the middle of November until early April, you can see the lights. The first couple of months is seasonably warm, while the latter months are much colder and snowier.

Churchill, MB, Canada

Over in the Canadian town of Churchill, you can see the Northern Lights during a few months of the year. The best months to see the lights are between August and September or the end of January through April.

This is an excellent destination to see an abundance of wildlife during the day. So, if your family loves polar bears and other wildlife, this may be the perfect option for your next family vacation.

Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Idaho

Idaho is a state that normally gets a bad rap and is often known as potato country. But it is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in North America. Prime viewing time is between the months of September and March. While you can see the Northern Lights from a few different locations, Priest Lake is often the best. Just make sure you choose a clear, dry night to head out to see these magnificent lights in Idaho.

These are the best places to see the Northern Lights in North America. If these lights are on your travel bucket list, but you don’t want to travel too far to see them, choose one of these destinations. The result will be making ample memories with your family.

So, are you ready to check out the Northern Lights in North America on your next family vacation?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to check out the Northern Lights with your family on vacation, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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7 Quirky Festivals and Celebrations in Alaska

The Cordova Ice Worm Festival

The Cordova Ice Worm Festival has been held in Alaska since 1961.  A couple of the locals were looking for a way to break up the long winter months and they came up with the Ice Worm Festival. The most popular event is the Miss Ice Worm pageant. However, you will also get a few laughs at the beard contest and paper airplane competition.

Fur Rendezvous

The Fur Rendezvous has been held in Anchorage since 1935. The locals call this celebration the Fur Rondy. There are quite a few events held at this event. You may want to begin with the Rondy Costume crawl before heading over to the snow sculpture championship or the Fur Rondy Pin Swap. Other events include the Frostbite Footrace and the Rondy Carnival. You definitely won’t want to miss the Rondy Fireworks at the end of the ten days of fun.

Tripod Days

Over in Nenana, you will want to be around for Tripod Days. This event has been held in Nenana since 1906. No one ever knows for sure when the exact Tripod Days will be each year, so this is an Alaskan event that is difficult to plan ahead for.

A tripod is placed on the ice of the Tanana River. People then start to place bets on when the ice will begin to break up for the year. The ice normally doesn’t begin to break until the middle of April, but it could be later many years.

There is a line attached to the tripod and the nearby Ice Classic Tower. There is an actual clock inside the tower that will stop once the tripod moves the designated one hundred feet.

Chatanika Days

Chatanika Days are held in Fairbanks every winter. Multiple events take place during Chatanika Days. But the highlight is definitely the outhouse racing.

Wilderness Women Contest & Bachelor Auction & Ball

The Wilderness Women Contest & Bachelor Auction & Ball is held every year in Talkeetna. The Wilderness Women Contest is for all women age twenty-one and over. Those who enter the contest must have true Alaskan grit to win!

Over at the Bachelor Auction & Ball, you will watch Talkeetna bachelors get auctioned off to the highest bidder. The Bachelor Ball begins right after the auction ends.

World Ice Carving Championship

The World Ice Carving Championship is held every year in Fairbanks. This is the most intense ice carving event in the world. This competition is held at the Tanana Valley Fairgrounds. The event begins in the middle of February and continues until the middle of March. If the weather cooperates, the ice sculptures stay in place until the end of March.

Three ice carving events are part of this championship. They include the Multi-Block Classic, Double-Block Classic, and Single-Block Classic. There is an award ceremony after each one. You may also enjoy the Military Appreciation Day, Youth Classic, Kid’s Day, and UAF Day.

Chickenstock

Chickenstock is a strange festival that happens in the very small town of Chicken. This festival is held on a weekend during the month of June. Hundred of people arrive for this world music festival. While the bluegrass and folk music may seem normal, it is the people that make this event strange. Everyone is encouraged to dress up as chickens. And of course, the chicken dance is a must.

There are years when this festival gets even stranger too. During those years, a plane flies above and drops marshmallow Peeps down to the people dressed as chickens.

These are seven of the quirky festivals and celebrations in Alaska. I have to say, they are definitely unique and classic Alaska! I know I would love to attend at least one of them, but what about you?? Attending one of these festivals is easy when you do a road trip in Alaska. Check out my post Everything you Must Know About A Road Trip in Alaska to find out more.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for you in Alaska or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready to reach out to me, that’s ok. Let me show you my 3 Insider Ways To Travel To Alaska where you will learn some of the best ways to see Alaska. Just click here.

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