If you are in the Continental United States (Or Lower-48, as
Alaskans call it), there’s one thing to realize about Alaska. It’s extremely
far away. A plane trip from Los Angeles to Anchorage will take about a full six
hours of flight time, generally with at least one stop in Seattle.
If you are going for the whole summer vacation with hotel
and rental car, be prepared to spend some money as full packages can run
upwards of $2,000 to $3,000 per person. As a huge percentage of travel to
Alaska is done during the summer, be sure to plan well ahead to take advantage
of pre-season deals.
Still, the adventurous traveler can usually get to Alaska by
air for under $1,000. If money is an issue, make sure to find a travel agent to
help you plan your trip. You should be able to get a good deal.
Getting to Alaska: Driving
Yes, you can drive to Alaska. Yes, it takes a long time. And
finally, yes, it is worth it if you like amazingly scenic drives.
They call it the Alcan (Alaskan-Canadian) Highway. Cutting
all the way from British Columbia to Fairbanks, “driving the Alcan” as Alaskans
like to say, can be an experience of a lifetime. Remember, however, that a trip
all the way from Seattle to Fairbanks is more than 2,300 miles, so give
yourself at very least a week to make the trip, more if you want to stop and
enjoy places like Canada’s Yukon, and other stops along the way.
The highway itself is normally in good condition, but
remember, it runs through an area with harsh winters, so the roads can develop
potholes and other fractures rather quickly. Maintenance is an ongoing process
on the Alcan, so usually the roads are fine. An extremely reliable car is
pretty much mandatory, however.
Also, make sure you're aware of Canada's entrance
requirements as your drive will take you through there. You’ll need your
vehicle's registration and proof of insurance.