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Alaska

Land of superlatives and adventure

Alaska is a vast territory in the United States known for its dramatic landscapes and extreme weather. The state has long, cold winters and short summers with abundant daylight. Mountains, glaciers, forests and coastlines cover much of Alaska’s land. Many people live near the ocean or major rivers where fishing and shipping are important to the economy. Wildlife such as bears, whales and moose can be found throughout natural areas. Visitors often come for outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife watching and exploring remote regions.

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State/Prefecture in United States

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 6.8

General Safety:	6
Health & medical:	8
Accessibility:	7
Tap water:	9

Read details

5/5

English is the primary language spoken throughout Alaska. All service providers, attractions, and businesses operate in English. In some remote Native communities, indigenous languages may be spoken, but English is universally understood in tourist areas.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Alaska Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

World-class for wilderness and wildlife. Cruise glacier fjords, hike vast national parks, watch bears and whales and experience remote outdoor adventures.

Place score

8.9

Best at:

Mountains

Natural sites

Hiking

Wildlife

Secluded

Personal score

Suited for

👶 8

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

❤️ 8

Couples

♻️ 8

Sustainability

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Alaska, United States

❄️

Jan

❄️

Feb

❄️

Mar

❄️

Apr

🌤️

May

🌤️

Jun

🌤️

Jul

🌥️

Aug

🌤️

Sep

❄️

Oct

🌨️

Nov

❄️

Dec

High season:	June - Aug.
Shoulder season:	Feb. - March, May, Sep.
Crowdedness:	4 (Moderate tourist numbers)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Climate varies by region: Southcentral and Interior best June to August, Inside Passage rainy year-round, Arctic north has midnight sun late May to late July

Most tours, lodges and Denali park road services run mid-May to mid-September; aurora season late August to mid-April, best around Fairbanks

Iditarod sled dog race starts the first Saturday in March

Don't miss

🌌 Watch the northern lights dance above Fairbanks
🛳️ Cruise through glacier-filled waters in Glacier Bay National Park
🐻 See wild bears fishing for salmon in Katmai
🚂 Ride the Alaska Railroad through dramatic mountain landscapes
⛰️ Hike Denali National Park to glimpse North America’s tallest peak

You've been here?

Why travel to Alaska?

Alaska offers that increasingly rare opportunity to experience true wilderness on an epic scale. This is a land where you can watch glaciers calve into the sea, spot bears fishing for salmon and hike through landscapes that have remained largely unchanged for millennia. The state's diverse regions provide distinctly different experiences – from the temperate rainforests and marine wildlife of the Inside Passage to the vast tundra and Arctic landscapes of the far north. What makes Alaska truly special is how accessible its wilderness can be, despite its remoteness. Cruise ships navigate the stunning Inside Passage, the Alaska Railroad connects major destinations and bush planes land on remote lakes and glaciers. However, this accessibility comes with caveats – the prime tourist season is short (late May to mid-September), prices are high and weather can be unpredictable. Winter brings extreme cold and limited daylight, though it also offers spectacular northern lights viewing from late August through early April. Despite these challenges, Alaska rewards visitors with experiences that simply can't be found elsewhere in the United States.

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 Juneau
A capital city on Alaska’s western coast offers a mix of historic wooden architecture and modern amenities amid rugged coastal scenery. Visitors can explore the waterfront, local museums and nearby wilderness trails for wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures.
2 Denali National Park
A vast wilderness where towering peaks, deep valleys and rugged glaciers define the landscape. Wildlife thrives in this remote haven, offering unforgettable encounters with bears, moose and caribou across miles of untouched terrain and dramatic mountain vistas.
3 Glacier Bay National Park
A remote, pristine wilderness in southeastern Alaska featuring dramatic tidewater glaciers and abundant wildlife. The park protects vast marine ecosystems and offers unforgettable boat tours through icy fjords teeming with whales and sea lions.
4 Fairbanks
A city in Alaska’s interior known for its extreme seasons and northern lights viewing opportunities. It offers access to vast wilderness, wildlife tours and cultural events that highlight the region’s native heritage and rugged landscape.
5 Katmai National Park
A vast, rugged wilderness in south-central Alaska where the Katmai Volcano dominates the landscape. Famous for its brown bear population and hot springs, this national park offers dramatic mountain views and remote river valleys teeming with wildlife.
6 Kenai Fjords National Park
This remote park on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula offers towering glaciers and abundant wildlife. Hikers can glide through tidewater fjords, spotting humpback whales and brown bears, while early‑summer crowds thin, making it ideal for quiet exploration.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Anchorage Museum
2 Alaska Native Heritage Center
3 Alaska SeaLife Center
4 Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
5 Totem Bight Historical State Park

🎡Places for activities

1 Kenai Peninsula Borough
2 Homer
3 Kodiak Island Borough
4 Chugach State Park
5 Tongass National Forest

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Turnagain Arm
2 Mendenhall Glacier
3 College Fjord
4 Inside Passage
5 Brooks Range
6 Denali
7 Hubbard Glacier
8 Chugach Mountains
9 Prince William Sound

🛍️Shopping

1 Alaska Fur Gallery
2 Alaska Wild Berry Products
3 Anchorage Farmers Market
4 Sitka Rose Gallery

🎈Events

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race
Fur Rendezvous Festival
Alaska State Fair
Sitka Whale Fest
Glacier Bay National Park Centennial (2025)
Serum Run Centennial (2025)
World Eskimo-Indian Olympics
Kodiak Crab Festival
Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival
Alaska Folk Festival

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Visit May-September. Peak season offers midnight sun and best wildlife viewing.
Book flights, lodges and tours six months ahead; popular spots fill fast in summer.
Pack layers for unpredictable weather, rain gear, bug spray and bear spray for hikes.
Rent a car in Anchorage as base; day trips reveal glaciers, wildlife and Denali views easily.

How to travel to Alaska

Most visitors arrive in Alaska by air through Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport or Fairbanks International Airport, with direct flights available from major U.S. cities. During summer, cruise ships are extremely popular, particularly for exploring the Inside Passage from Seattle or Vancouver. The Alaska Marine Highway System provides ferry service from Bellingham, Washington. Driving to Alaska is possible via the Alaska Highway through Canada, a journey of about 1,500 miles from the continental U.S. border to Anchorage that requires a passport and careful planning for fuel, accommodations and potential road conditions.

Access summary

From Anchorage Airport (ANC): Rental car or shuttle into city, about 15–30 minutes.
From Seattle: Frequent direct flights to Anchorage, roughly 3–4 hours flying.
From Canada/Lower 48: Alaska Highway road trip through Yukon, often several long driving days.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Alaska

Alaska offers diverse accommodation options ranging from luxury wilderness lodges to basic cabins and campgrounds. In major cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks, you'll find standard hotels and motels, while smaller communities often have charming B&Bs. For a truly Alaskan experience, consider wilderness lodges, which provide comfortable bases for outdoor adventures, though they can be quite expensive. Public use cabins in state and national parks offer budget-friendly options but require advance reservations. During peak summer season (June-August), accommodations fill quickly and prices increase significantly, so booking 6-12 months ahead is recommended.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center

8.4

Alyeska Resort

8.9

Alex Hotel and Suites

6.9

The Lakefront Anchorage

8.0

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport

8.9

Pike's Waterfront Lodge

8.9

Wingate by Wyndham Anchorage Downtown-Ship Creek

7.4

The Wildbirch Hotel - JdV by Hyatt

8.6

Westmark Anchorage Hotel

7.5

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Anchorage Airport

8.9

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Alaska

Getting around Alaska often requires combining multiple transportation modes due to its vast size and limited road system. The Alaska Railroad connects Seward to Fairbanks via Anchorage, offering spectacular scenery along the way. The Alaska Marine Highway System (ferry service) is vital for coastal communities, particularly in the Inside Passage. For reaching remote areas, small aircraft are essential – bush planes with floats or skis can land on lakes, rivers and glaciers. If driving, the main highways are generally well-maintained, but distances are vast and services can be limited. The 1,000-mile circle tour from Anchorage is a popular driving route that takes about 10-15 days.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+12 %

Daily expenses in Alaska are around 12% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend more on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£118	£297	£551
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£75	£207	£282
🍝 Food per day	£37	£84	£241
🚕 Transportation per day	£6	£7	£28

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£33
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£16
🍟 Fast food combo	£11
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£13
☕ Cappuccino	£4.30
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£5.50

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.40
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£17
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.75

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£10.50
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£130
🤧 Cold medication	£7
💇 Basic haircut	£17

Safety information overview

General safety

Alaska is generally safe for tourists, but natural hazards require caution. Wildlife encounters, particularly with bears, demand proper precautions. Weather can change rapidly and remote areas have limited emergency services. Always inform someone of your plans when venturing into wilderness areas.

Health & Medical

Medical facilities in major cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks are excellent, but remote areas have limited or no healthcare access. Evacuation from wilderness areas can be extremely expensive. Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is strongly recommended. Hypothermia is a risk year-round despite summer warmth.

Accessibility

Accessibility varies widely across Alaska. Major cities and popular attractions have made significant improvements, but wilderness areas present substantial challenges for those with mobility issues. Many cruise options offer accessible experiences, while national parks have varying levels of accessible facilities. Always research specific destinations in advance.

Tap water

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Alaska's cities and established communities. In remote areas, water from streams and lakes should be treated before consumption. Staying hydrated is important, especially during summer activities, despite the cooler climate.