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.

The post Road Trip in Alaska: Plan Your Next Family Vacation appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

Reasons to Visit Alaska in the Fall

1. Fewer People

As I mentioned above, lots of people travel during the summer. This means that fall in Alaska offers fewer crowds. While you are wandering around, you will have a better chance of talking to the locals. You will also have time to truly appreciate the destinations and attractions you are visiting.

Don’t forget to check out the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature, as well as the Alaska Native Heritage Center during your visit!

Did you know that fewer crowds is one of the best reasons to visit Alaska in the fall?

2. Appreciate the Changes of Color

You don’t need to travel too far to see the color changes during the fall. But in Alaska, the fall brings intense colors that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world! Everything seems to change color. Plus, you will notice those brilliant colors the moment you arrive.

Check out what you should know before taking a road trip in Alaska. 

3. Catch Wildlife Sightings Before Hibernation Begins – Best Reason to Visit Alaska in the Fall

Yes, the wildlife in Alaska is used to the colder temperatures. But that doesn’t mean that some of the animals wander around all winter long. Many of the animals will hibernate for at least short periods of time. Therefore, you might not see every animal if you wait until winter to vacation in Alaska.

4. Fewer Mosquitos – My Favorite Reason to Visit Alaska in the Fall

Okay, unless you are a fan of mosquitos, you are going to love having fewer of them around when you vacation in Alaska in the fall. I am not a fan of these tiny little bugs. And Alaska has thirty-five different mosquito species! Yikes!

Thankfully, they almost disappear during the autumn in Alaska.

5. The State Fair

As long as you plan your vacation in Alaska for the beginning of September, you have an excellent chance of attending the Alaska State Fair.

This state fair in Alaska is held in Palmer. It is an excellent way to spend time with the locals.

You must consult the food map, so you don’t miss out on the tasty reindeer dogs and other local cuisine. Your time at the fair will also include seeing the largest pumpkins and cabbages in the world. Add in the comedy and musical acts and you will remember your time in Alaska forever!

These are five incredible reasons to visit Alaska in the fall. I can share even more reasons with you when we chat about me planning your next Alaskan family vacation.

So, are you ready to book a family vacation in Alaska?

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 directed to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to plan a family vacation in Alaska just yet, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive 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.

The post 7 Quirky Festivals and Celebrations in Alaska appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.