What to Know Before Visiting Alaska: 14 Tips to Prepare You in 2026

Alaska is the gem of the United States and is one of the places everyone should save up for and experience. It is honestly amazing. With stunning mountain ranges, epic glaciers, delicious food, and the ability to try new excursions not offered in the lower 48, visiting Alaska is a life-changing experience.

But it’s not exactly a straightforward trip. There’s a lot to research and learn before visiting to make the most of your time. Inside, you’ll read some of my tips from my three trips to the Last Frontier.

Your Trip Will Be Expensive

Alaska is one of the most expensive states in the country to visit. (Hawaii is likely the other.) With a short tourism season, businesses have to make their money in just a few months. It can easily cost $7,000-$10,000 for a week in Alaska if you take tours, stay in decent hotels, and eat out every day. 

The State Is Bigger Than You Think

It’s hard to conceptualize just how big this state is. But my gosh, is it huge! It’s two and a half times the size of Texas and 20% of the lower 48. A short road trip is 4-6 hours, which for some East Coasters could get you through a half dozen states. So, as you plan your trip, don’t bite off more than you can chew. Give yourself ample time to get from A to B, as you’ll likely want to pull over throughout the drive.

You cannot fly with Bear Spray

Flying with bear spray is illegal, so when you land in Alaska, you’ll want to head to REI or another outdoor store to pick it up. And yes, if you plan to do ANY hiking in the Last Frontier, it’s crucial to have it on you. If not, you risk your life.

Hiking on the Tundra is Slow and Exhausting

The odds are that this doesn’t apply to many people, but it’ll be slow-moving if you plan to hike on the tundra. The best comparison I can give is it is like walking on a wet sponge on top of a basketball. As a result, your miles will take much longer than you expect. And you’ll be much more tired than when walking on dirt. If you have backpacking plans – say, in Denali National Park – plan for shorter days than you normally would, or you’ll be exhausted or pitching a tent somewhere you didn’t anticipate.

Cruises Don’t Provide a True Alaska Experience

I’m sure the Alaska cruise industry will hate me for saying this, but if you want to truly experience Alaska, a cruise is not the way to do it. You need to get on land, drive, watch wildlife and the mountains, and see firsthand what Alaka is truly like! There are definitely pros to cruises, for sure. Take the Inside Passage, for example. That’s a great opportunity to hop on a boat for a week. But to really get a sense of Alaska, you need to be on the ground. 

Summer Starts Memorial Day Weekend

In 2021, we landed in Alaska on May 14. Many campgrounds were still closed (or snowed in), and many tours weren’t operating. Plus, the salmon hadn’t started running, which kickstarts much of Alaska’s summer. When we talked to locals, they said summer doesn’t really begin until Memorial Day. And lo and behold, two weeks later, you could tell things were ramping up.

Aurora Season is from September Through April

If you visit Alaska in the summer, there’s no chance of seeing the Aurora. With daylight that pretty much never sleeps, there’s no opportunity to see the magic in the sky. But come September, the days shorten, and you’ll begin aurora season. I suggest heading to Fairbanks and seeing the best sights you’ve ever seen! It’s an incredible place in the winter. Just know it’ll be colder than you’ve ever experienced. I enjoyed -25F lows and it’s something I’ll never forget. 

More from this section

6 Reasons Hamburg Is One of Europe's Most Exciting Food Cities Right Now

Woman’s numb face was sign of brain tumor

Detroit’s high property taxes are driving a housing affordability crisis – how can city leaders bring down costs?

To see Katmai or Lake Clark National Park, you need to book a flight (or boat ride)

Katmai National Park and Lake Clark National Park are two of the least-visited parks in the USA. And there’s a reason why. They require a flight (or boat, though this is less done). So, if you want to cross some unique places, make sure to budget a flight that will cost over $500 per person, if not more.

Rental Cars Aren’t Allowed on Some Roads

If you’re renting a car or camper van, double-check what roads you’re allowed to drive on. Many will not let you drive the road in Wrangell St. Elias to McCarthy (though I highly recommend it), nor will they let you drive the Denali Highway from Paxson to Cantwell (I also recommend it). Knowing what you can and can’t do will save you a lot of headaches and money.

The Kenai Fjords Boat Cruise is an Epic Time

Leaving from Seward, this was 1A on our top things to do in Alaska. It was a six-plus hour-long cruise that showcased glaciers, orcas, humpbacks, more birds than I could ever name, sea stacks, and a weird optical illusion. I can’t recommend it enough, and I still think back on it all the time!

For Summer Travel, Fairbanks isn’t Necessary Unless Heading into the Arctic Circle

While I mentioned Fairbanks earlier for the Aurora, you don’t need to go during the summertime unless you plan on visiting Gates of the Arctic National Park or the Arctic Circle. My parents went during the summer and said it was skippable—especially if you’re looking for more time in nearby Denali. It’s a cool place, and there’s stuff to do, but considering you have limited time, it’s not a ‘must-visit.’

Drive Slowly to Protect Yourself and Wildlife

You never know when a deer, moose, or bear could cross the road. Stay alert while driving and stick to the speed limit. If you hit a full-grown moose, bad things are in store for you. And due to the abundance of wildlife in the state, when you drive slowly, there’s a better chance you’ll see them and get a chance to take photos. 

Be Prepared for Mosquitoes

Summer is mosquito season in Alaska. From May through August, it can be terrible. Bring plenty of bug repellent, wear long sleeves, and pray they don’t like your blood! That said, it is much more prevalent inland. If you stay near the coast with a breeze, it’ll be more manageable. 

Bear Watching is Pricey but Incredibly Worth It

1B in Alaska was seeing coastal brown bears in Lake Clark. It was one of the most incredible feelings, and I was so happy we did it. I will note that it was not cheap. For two adults, it could easily run you $1,500 per day. If this is on your bucket list, start saving up – but you won’t regret it!

This first appeared on Explorewithalec.com