Alaska tours, Frequestly Asked Questions with answers regarding Alaskan tours.

It's a good idea to plan for four types of weather – warm, cool, cold, and (occasionally) wet. Alaska's vast size, varied topography, and geographical location can result in a wide range of conditions.

During the summer months, high temperatures in the inland town of Fairbanks near Denali National Park, can reach 90°F. Walking among the glaciers generally means cooler temps (with more breezes blowing). Further along the coast in Anchorage, the weather is normally pleasant and sunny but slightly cooler. Average temperatures across the state hover in the high-60s during peak season and the mid-50s in the spring and fall.

Dressing For Alaska
Touring Alaska's towns? An umbrella may be cumbersome. A raincoat, however, frees up your hands – perfect if you'll be carrying around a camera, purse or bottled water.

Dressing in layers is the way to go if you'll be exploring the Alaskan wilderness. Pack some short-sleeved shirts (though it's doubtful you'll have much need for more than one pair of shorts), sweaters, and sturdy, comfortable light hiking boots or rubber-soled walking shoes.

There is no need to bring formal wear as our tours are casual all the way. We want to show you the "Hands-on" Alaska we have come to know and love. If you are connecting with a crusie ship, you should bring a seperate bag with your formal wear that can be stored in the luggage trailer so you don't have to carry it every day.

If you are on the "Full Circle Alaska" tour, you will be provided a small tour bag, for the overnight at Kennicott. This bag cannnot be heavier than 30 pounds. We suggest one change of clothes, good shoes, rain gear, light jacket, camera gear, travel essentials for one day and a good book.

I.D. Proof of Citizenship
The U.S. Department of State recently announced an extension of the proposed implementation timeline for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. When enacted, travelers to and from a foreign country (including the Caribbean Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada) must have a valid passport or other secure, accepted document* to enter or re-enter the U.S. The revised proposed timeline is as follows:

January 23, 2007 – Valid passport required for all air travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region.
January 31, 2008 - U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. DHS also proposes to begin alternative procedures for U.S. and Canadian children at that time.
June 1, 2009 – Or at a later date to be determined, a valid passport or other accepted document* required for all travel to or from the U.S. (air, sea or land)

Although the requirement to possess a valid passport for sea and land border crossings has been extended to June 1, 2009 , the government can accelerate this date based on meeting certain criteria.

Please note that the effective date of January 23, 2007, has been delayed. However, at some point soon, all cruise guests entering or re-entering the United States by air are required to have valid passports. U.S. cruise guests who travel by air to embark in Vancouver for Alaska cruises and Canadian cruise guests who travel by air to embark in U.S. ports are required to have valid passports for all cruises terminating on or after January 23, 2007. Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain details regarding current passport requirements. Rail requires Photo ID.

Getting There
Purchasing Airfare & Transfers – On Your Own
As you will be buying your flights independently, you'll be responsible for arriving on time for all of your travel components. Allow extra time for each leg of your travel itinerary to help ensure that you don't miss the tour or your flight home.

Transfers between the airport and/or cruise pier (if you are arriving by ship or leaving Alaska by ship) are not included in the price of your tour package. We can help arrange complimentary transfers to a local hotel if arriving the night before. All of our tours begin in Anchorage unless customized. You may add transfers to your package for an additional cost (subject to availability). You air must arrive prior to 12:00 PM (Noon) on the day of you tour. If you cannot arrive on time, our agents can book a pre-tour night in Anchorage at a reduced cost. Similarly, if you need a post-tour night, we can arrange that upon request. Each of our tours arrive back into Anchorage at differnt times, so please ask you agent at time of booking.

printable format
The biggest factor to consider is Alaska's weather, of course. But activities at sea and ashore may also require special packing. The following checklist includes some additional suggestions to help you get started – it's by no means comprehensive, but it's a good place to begin.

Can I see the Northern Lights in the Summer?
Usually not because of the daylight. To see the Northern Lights it needs to be dark, cold and clear out. The best time to see them is in the winter between November - March.

Does Alaska take US Currency?
Alaska is the 49th state in the US . We do take US Currency, we also take personal checks for deposits and final payments on tour packages as well as two major credit cards - visa and master card.

How do I get to Alaska?
There are three different ways to get to Alaska . One way is flying from the lower 48 into Anchorage or Fairbanks . The second way is by cruise ship from Vancouver and the third way to get to Alaska is by driving the good old Alaska Highway. There is no rail system to Alaska. Alaska has one rail system from Fairbanks to Seward. We do not sell air, but we can help you with your itinerary details to make your purchase smooth.

How much do meals cost?
For the cost of meals it depends on where you eat and what you like, but on average meals can cost:
  Breakfast - $6.00 to $12.00 per person
  Lunch - $9.00 to $13.00 per person
  Dinner - $18.00 to $40.00 per person
We suggest brining an average of $35 - $50 a day pp for food on your tour.

How much does gas cost?
Gas can cost anywhere between $2.90 to $3.90 a gallon.

Is Denali and Mt. McKinley the same thing?
Yes. Denali the "High One" is the name Athabascan native people gave the massive peak that crowns the 600 mile long Alaska Range . Denali is also the name of an immense national park and preserve created from the former Mt. McKinley National Park . The changes in the names and boundaries that have occurred over the years can be confusing.

What does escorted vs. self-guided mean?
Escorted means you have a driver/guide on your tour. Self-guided means that you are not with the same group of people and one guide through out your trip.

What is the time difference in Alaska?
Alaska has its own time zone and we also have daylight savings. Alaska is:
  4 hours behind the Eastern Time Zone
  3 hours behind the Central Time Zone
  2 hours behind the Mountain Time Zone
  1 hour behind the Pacific Time Zone

What type of animals might I see in Denali?
Denali is known for its land wildlife such as:
  Caribou
  Wolf
  Moose
  Grizzly Bear
  Dall Sheep
  Arctic Ground Squirrel

What type of animals might I see in Kenai Fjords?
Kenai Fjords National Park is home to many animals such as:
  Sea Otters
  Orcas
  Humpback Whales
  Harbor Seals
  Steller Sea Lions
  Tufted Puffins
  Black Oyster Catcher
  Dall Sheep
  Black Bears

When should I make my reservations?
You should make your reservations as soon as you know your dates of travel. By doing this early you will not have any problems securing your preferred travel date, lodging and activites.

Tidal Safety
The tides of Cook Inlet have the second greatest tidal range in the world, with a maximum range approaching forty feet. While these tides are impressive to watch they can also be very dangerous. They boast powerful currents, some as fast as 20 miles per hour, and they come in very quick. The tidal flats are usually composed of gray clay that acts as a binding quicksand, which coupled with incoming high tides, makes for a dangerous combination. Most simply, DO NOT WALK OUT ONTO TIDAL FLATS.

Mosquitoes
Often jokingly referred to as Alaska’s "state bird", 25 species of them can be found in the state. They are present from April to September, but none carry disease. In Alaska, they are most often found on coastal flats and in forested valleys. The worst occurrences are in areas of slow moving or standing water. The insects are most active at dusk and dawn, but low temperatures and high winds will decrease their activity. It is always wise to wear protective clothing, like long sleeves, and use good insect repellent. Each of our vehicles have repellent in them, as well as mosquito zappers. Most of your activites offer a slightbreeze or open areas, minimizing any effects.