Image: PHOTO: Emerald Lake Alaksa. (AngelSchwai / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: PHOTO: Emerald Lake Alaksa. (AngelSchwai / iStock / Getty Images Plus)
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Alaska Travel Guide 

The ultimate nature escape in the USA has to be Alaska - a state with arguably the most unique landscape, culture, and climate to the rest of the country. 

From glaciers to fjords, and lakes to forests, you will want to willingly get lost in the idyllic beauty of the place. Find out everything you need to know about this picturesque state in this Alaska travel guide. 

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Currency

The currency used in Alaska is US dollars. 

Wilderness Adventurer in Neka Bay, Alaska.

Wilderness Adventurer in Neka Bay, Alaska. (photo via UnCruise Adventures Media)

National Languages

The official language spoken in Alaska is English. 

Time Zone

Alaska has daylight savings between the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November when clocks are moved forward by one hour. 

Climate And Weather

Alaska has an Arctic climate so the winters are long and extremely cold, while the summers are short and only mildly warm. 

September is usually the wettest period in the year, and the driest is March. During the colder months, snowfall is common due to extremely low temperatures. 

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Getting Around Alaska

Alaska is a beautiful state with plenty of nature so the journeys are usually quite scenic. To get between cities, you can opt for plane travel for a quick journey. Ferries are also an option to get between states but can be lengthier. 

A budget-friendly option is to rent a car and drive around the state, which also allows you to see much of the scenic countryside. Buses/coaches are also an option for longer hauls, as well as shorter trips within cities. There are also taxis and Ubers that are readily available in the bigger cities. 

When To Visit Alaska

Alaska has a fairly cold climate that varies in extent throughout the year, but the summer months are the most pleasant time to visit due to the comfortable temperatures and increased daylight. 

If you are hoping to see the Northern Lights, then you should travel between August and April. 

Best Places To Stay In Alaska

Talkeetna, Alaska
Talkeetna, Alaska. (photo by Patrick Clarke)

  • Anchorage: The largest city in Alaska is known for its cultural sights and activities, historical landmarks, and natural sights. Anchorage is just a stone's throw away from mountains, glaciers, and wildlife so you can strike a perfect balance of nature and city. Our favorite sights here include the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre, Chugach State Park, and the Alaska Native Heritage Centre. 
  • Ketchikan: Ketchikan is a quaint part of Alaska that is set among breathtaking scenery. It is located at the entrance to the Inside Passage, which is a passage of water that weaves through remarkable mountains, glaciers, fjords, and other natural landscapes on both sides. The city is known for its magnificent backdrop, as well as being the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’. 
  • Seward: The port city of Seward is one of our favorite destinations in Alaska due to its local cultural scene and its proximity to exceptional wildlife. It is next to Kenai Fjords National Park, which we think is a must-visit for the fjords, glaciers, and islands that make up a sprawling 600,000-acre area. 

 

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