The Essentials You Should Be Packing For A Summer Trip To Alaska

2022-06-25 03:07:34 By : Ms. Jane Guo

The Alaskan terrain and climate are not to be belittled so first-time travelers should pack the essentials.

Alaska is not a hostile place, even though it’s icy. The state is considered the United States’ Last Frontier because of its stunning wilderness, some of which remained unexplored; it’s a place for a rough road experience; the wildlife is brimming; and it has Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. Alaska, basically, is a place of adventure – an outdoorsman’s home away from home.

It's home to a few national forests, wildlife refuges, and national parks since half of its public land are federally-owned. With such destinations, it’s no wonder why the state is visited by more than two million people per year, the majority are cruise line passengers. Thanks to its landscapes and nature activities, tourists will not have a boring time in Alaska, whatever they plan to do, or even if they will just stare at mountains and glaciers.

Alaska is proud of its attractions that are not seen anywhere in the country. As such, its nature spots are well-protected, so not only more tourists but the future generations can enjoy it, too. Being The Last Frontier, it’s just natural for Alaska to have awe-inspiring attractions, and travelers just need to pack the right things, so they can make the most out of their adventures.

Though Alaska was once dubbed the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun,’ it’s not always ice-cold in some parts of the state. When summer comes, it’s warm and dry, but July and August are particularly rainy months. Traveling in Alaska means checking out the weather and deciding on the best itinerary for the season.

Layering is the key when visiting Alaska in winter, especially when travelers plan to do some snow activities or check out glaciers. There are many places to appreciate in Alaska, most of them best viewed when there’s a sea of white.

Those coming from areas where snow is a stranger might underestimate Alaskan winter, so to avoid any surprises – and hypothermia – travelers should be ready for it, even frequent visitors. For starters, they should consider buying thermal underwear, preferably the long ones. Aside from thick jackets, a high-quality parka is a must. Need not say more, travelers should also bring their best winter hiking boots matched by durable socks. Add snow gloves and mittens, and the needed protection is almost complete. Snow pants and a warm top layer should be packed, too. The last two items are equally important as well: sunscreen and sunglasses. The checklist is done, and it’s time for tourists to have a winter adventure.

Even during the summer months (May to September), the weather in Alaska is unpredictable, so tourists should prepare for the possibility of sudden snowfall. Then there’s the chance of rain. Maybe that’s where the fun of an Alaskan adventure lies – Mother Nature playing with the guests.

Again, layering is a must, so travelers should be ready with their thermal underwear, a sweatshirt, and a set of long-sleeved clothes and T-shirts when the sun is eager to say hi. Aside from leggings or jeans, quick-dry hiking pants would be ideal when matched by durable hiking boots. Even if hiking is not part of the plan, the mountains and valleys just look enticing.

A jacket or a puffer vest should be considered, too, alongside a raincoat, cap, and gloves. Other stuff to consider bringing include water shoes or sandals. It’s an adventure out there, so tourists should come prepared.

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Whatever the season, hiking in Alaska is always fun-filled because of the panoramic views and awe-inspiring nature spots. It’s sometimes hard to imagine such magnificence is just within reach, yet often overlooked.

Travelers should take their hiking pack when visiting Alaska because the call of the wild is strong on this side of the world. It’s a bummer if tourists are enticed by Mother Nature’s wonders, yet they don't have their hiking gear.

The basics include a raincoat, extra shirts, gloves, neck gaiter, and a hat. Lightweight hiking boots are ideal, or trail running shoes. Hikers should practice layering, too. The base should be comfortable fabric, maybe moisture-wicking, an insulating layer, and the outside layer can be waterproof clothing. When it's extra sunny, hikers can opt for long-sleeved shirts. Hiking sticks are optional. A bear spray, meanwhile, can come in handy.

Cruise ships frequent Alaska, and rightly so because it’s a refuge for weary travelers and a place where relaxation is not just a travel perk but a lifestyle. Many Alaskan tours are worth the money, cruise passengers or not. Visitors just need to have that eagerness to be out there.

For starters, cruise passengers should ready their walking shoes, a warm jacket, rain gear, and a backpack. The last one should at least include a hat, sunglasses, an extra shirt, and an extra jacket, among other essentials. After all, when the cruise ship docks, it's an excursion galore for the passengers. Depending on the season, tourists should consider bringing base layers.

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There are many things to do in Alaska like wildlife viewing, so camouflaged clothing should be brought; biking, so there should be cycling gear, the same for fishing; then there are cultural tours, so a notebook can be packed, too.

One thing that should not be forgotten is the camera. There’s a barrage of Instagrammable spots in the state. Most importantly, tourists should bring their intense desire to travel because once they leave Alaska, they’ll need more of that travel bug, so that they can visit again.