Alaska Travel Tips: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

January 14, 2025
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Alaska Travel Tips: The Last Frontier offers breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. However, it’s a destination that requires thoughtful planning and preparation.

Many travelers make common mistakes that can dampen their Alaskan adventure. To ensure your trip is as seamless as possible, here are five mistakes you should avoid.

1. Underestimating the Long Daylight Hours in Summer

During the summer months, Alaska experiences long daylight hours, with some areas seeing up to 22 hours of sunlight per day. While this is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts, it can disrupt your sleep if you’re not prepared. Failing to pack an eye mask or stay in accommodations with blackout curtains can leave you feeling fatigued during your trip.

Dusk/Dawn in Alaska

Tip: Invest in a high-quality sleep mask and bring along melatonin or other sleep aids if necessary. If you’re staying at Orca Island Cabins, you’re in luck! Our accommodations feature blackout curtains and we provide free sleep masks to help block out the light coming from the top of the dome in the yurt. 

2. Not Budgeting Properly for Increased Costs

Alaska is known for its natural beauty, but this remoteness comes with a cost. Groceries, gas, and accommodations can be significantly more expensive than in the lower 48 states. Visitors often underestimate these expenses, which can lead to financial stress during the trip. For example, in 2024, the average monthly cost of groceries per person in Alaska was $483.24, which is higher than the national average of $343 per month. This constitutes a 40% increase in necessary budget for things like groceries.

Tip: Research costs in advance and create a realistic budget. Consider booking accommodations and tours well in advance to lock in better rates. Tools like this Alaska Trip Cost Calculator can provide insights into local costs. So, expect to pay significantly more for everyday items and plan accordingly to avoid sticker shock.


3. Neglecting Basic Wilderness Safety Etiquette

Alaska is home to incredible wildlife, including bears and moose, and vast wilderness areas. Not familiarizing yourself with basic wilderness safety can put you and others in danger. For example, failing to make noise when hiking in bear country or not carrying bear spray could lead to dangerous encounters.

Brown Bear

Tip: Always follow Leave No Trace principles and familiarize yourself with local wildlife safety guidelines. A good starting point is the National Park Service’s bear safety tips.


4. Ignoring the Importance of Layered Clothing

Alaska’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature, wind, and precipitation. Visitors often pack inadequately, leaving themselves unprepared for cold mornings, warm afternoons, or unexpected rain showers. This can lead to discomfort during outdoor activities, so here are some tips to help keep you warm, dry and happy:

Tip: Dress in layers to stay comfortable and safe. Start with moisture-wicking base layers made from materials like merino wool to keep sweat off your skin. Add insulating mid-layers, such as fleece or wool blends, which are softer and less itchy while providing excellent warmth. For outer layers, choose a waterproof and windproof jacket and pants—rubber rain jackets or pants are the best choice for staying truly dry in Alaska’s persistent rain. If you plan on being outside a lot, investing in heavy-duty rain gear will make all the difference.

Footwear is equally important. Opt for sturdy, waterproof boots to navigate wet, uneven terrain. XtraTufs are a local favorite for a reason—they’re durable, waterproof, and designed for Alaska’s unique conditions. Prioritize function over style to ensure you’re prepared for whatever weather Alaska throws your way.


5. Overlooking the Need for Advanced Reservations

Alaska’s peak travel season is relatively short, typically from late May to early September, and during this time, popular accommodations, tours, and national parks fill up quickly. Travelers who wait until the last minute to book often find themselves scrambling or missing out on key experiences. Must-see locations like Denali National Park, Glacier Bay, and Kenai Fjords National Park are particularly in demand. For example, Kenai Fjords offers spectacular boat tours through its icy waters, where you can experience wildlife and stunning glaciers up close. 

Book tours through Kenai Fjords National Park here to secure your spot.

Orca Island Cabins

Tip: Plan and book your trip as early as possible, especially for those iconic spots where reservations are required months in advance. This is particularly important during peak times such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and the Fourth of July when crowds are at their highest.

Another helpful tip is to keep an eye on social media pages of accommodations and tour companies you’re interested in. Many businesses, like Orca Island Cabins, often share exclusive discounts and special offers on their social media, so staying connected could help you snag a great deal. With the high demand during peak travel times, being proactive with your bookings can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and memorable Alaskan adventure.


Final Thoughts

Alaska offers an unparalleled travel experience, but it’s not a place where you always want to wing it. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother, more enjoyable adventure.

While you’re marveling at towering glaciers, spotting grizzly bears, or hiking through pristine wilderness, remember that the summer months can bring a surge of tourists, and local businesses may be a bit understaffed. Patience is a virtue here—whether it’s waiting a bit longer for your morning coffee (20 minutes instead of 5) or dealing with a busy tour schedule. Local businesses and employees are doing their best to ensure you have a memorable experience, but we’re operating in a unique environment. So take a deep breath, enjoy the stunning scenery while you wait, and embrace the Last Frontier.

Ready to plan your trip? Check out resources like Travel Alaska for more tips and inspiration.

Happy travels!

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