Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT VACATION TRAVEL TO ALASKA
HOW DO I CHOOSE A REPUTABLE
TOUR COMPANY?
Keep in mind that not
all tour companies are created equal.
Unfortunately, there is no standard of qualification
to set-up a tour business other than acquiring a
business license. Here are a few relevant questions
to ask when deciding what company to work with:
-
How long have you been in
business operating and selling tours in Alaska?
-
AlaskaTours.com is owned an operated by All Alaska
Tours, Inc. We have been in business
developing and operating tours throughout Alaska
since 1991.
-
Do you belong to professional travel
trade associations, such as the
National Tour
Association (NTA)?
Note: NTA requires current
financial statements and other assurances of
experience to join their organization as a Tour
Operator.
- All Alaska
Tours. Inc is a current Tour Operator member of the
National Tour Association,
as well as many other national and regional tourism
organizations. Through NTA, All Alaska Tours
is an authenticated .travel organization.
-
Are you a member of your local Better
Business Bureau?
- AlaskaTours.com is
a participant in the BBB Reliability Program and
Honor Roll member of the BBB.
WHY BOOK ONLINE WITH US?
-
We provide detailed travel
documents including a daily itinerary with local
information and attractions, hotel list, driving
directions (if applicable), and convenient vouchers.
-
Our trade partners include the
Alaska Travel Industry Association, as well as the
Anchorage, Fairbanks, Mat-Su and Juneau Convention &
Visitors Bureaus.
The mission of
Alaskatours.com is to offer the largest choice of
online vacation ideas at the best possible price and
with the highest level of service. Contact us
today at
mytrip@alaskatours.com
to
plan your Alaska vacation!
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DO YOUR PRICES INCLUDE TAX AND
FEES?
Yes. With the exception of our
Holland America cruise prices, all the prices listed
on our website include applicable taxes and fees,
including bed tax, sales tax, park admission fees,
and port charges. There is no state sales tax in
Alaska, but some cities have between 2% and 6% local
sales tax. Gratuities are
not included in our prices, so please plan
accordingly. Taxes for Holland America cruises are
listed separately.
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WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY
'INDEPENDENT TOURING'?
There
are numerous ways to tour Alaska: cruising, group
tours, and independent programs. Independent Touring
can include a rental car or scheduled transportation
such as rail, plane, bus, or ferry. While you may be
with a group during a day excursion or train ride,
you are not with the same group of people each day,
nor is there a tour leader with you. Independent
touring offers the flexibility of traveling at your
own pace, as well as allowing for customized
itineraries. It is also often a more economical and
leisurely way to travel.
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WHAT
ARE MY OPTIONS FOR AN ALASKAN CRUISE?
AlaskaTours.com offers
both
large and small ship cruises of the Inside
Passage, Prince William Sound and Glacier Bay National
Park.
Each type of cruise has its advantages. The large ships
are so stable, you hardly feel as if you’re moving. They
are elegant and have all the facilities onboard that you
would expect, such as a swimming pool, fitness center,
shopping, fine dining, and more. Entertainment is
provided onboard, as well as all your meals. The smaller
ships
typically have fewer than 100 people on-board, giving
the cruise a more personal feel.
They are less ritzy and offer fewer on-board amenities,
but are more personable than large ships. Due to their
small size, these ships can navigate right up to the
face of glaciers and into narrow passageways that the
larger ships cannot reach. This allows for visits to
less “touristy” towns and to be closer to the wildlife
along the way.
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SHOULD I DRIVE
OR TAKE THE TRAIN?
There are many travel methods for the large state of
Alaska. The two most popular ways to see the state are
by
renting a car or
riding the Alaska Railroad.
If you choose to rent a car, you have the advantage of
being masters of your own schedule. You will know where
you are staying at night, but you can make stops along
the road for scenic lookouts or interesting shops. If
you choose to go by railroad, you will be able to admire
the scenery without worrying about maps and
driving. Also, there will be a guide on-board to inform
you about the state and its history, point out wildlife
and answer questions.
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What are the benefits of
traveling with an 'Escorted Group'?
If you enjoy having a knowledgeable guide handle all the
details of your tour, then
Escorted Group Tours are for you. The group
size of no more than 50 people allows you to build
relationships with other travelers who share your
interests. Since your tour leader handles all the
arrangements, you can sit back, relax and enjoy your
vacation without having to worry about where you are
going next or when you need to be there. Informative
city tours and some meals and day excursions are also
included.
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WHAT IS ALASKA LIKE?
Geography:
Alaska is impressive for its sheer size. It accounts
for one fifth of the United States' total land area
with more than 580,000 square miles. From
rainforests to deserts and gold-bearing river
valleys to the tallest peaks in America, Alaska’s
natural beauty is extensive. In fact, 17 of the 20
highest peaks in the United States are located in
Alaska, with Mount McKinley peaking at 20,320ft.
Wildlife:
A great variety of wildlife is found in Alaska. Some
of the largest land mammals, including moose,
caribou, and bears can be seen throughout the state.
Along the coastline, look for whales, porpoises, sea
lions, seals and otters. Dall sheep and mountain
goats can be seen nimbly scaling the steep roadside
cliffs. Alaska is also home to hundreds of bird
species, including the largest population of bald
eagles in the US. The protection of Alaskan wildlife
and its habitat is an important goal of both state
and federal governments. Currently, more than half
of all National Parks in the United States are found
in Alaska.
History:
It is believed that the
earliest inhabitants of Alaska were Asiatic groups
who crossed the Bering Land Bridge into what is now
western Alaska, near
Nome. The descendants
of these peoples are the present day Yup'ik,
Inupiaq, Aleut, Tlingit and Athabascan tribes. In
the mid 1700s, Russian sailors discovered the land
of the Aleuts and named it Alyeska. The Russians
laid claim to the lands that eventually stretched
from the Aleutians to Sitka. In 1867 Alaska was
purchased from Russia for a price of $7,200,000 or
less than 2 cents per acre. In January 1959, Alaska
became the 49th US State. Alaska is now home to
627,000 hardy residents.
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WHAT
IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
Weather in the North can be unpredictable.
Mid-June through mid-August is usually the warmest
time of year, especially in the Interior, where
temperatures can reach well above 80°F / 27°C; it is
not uncommon to see temperatures reach 90°F / 33° C
in Fairbanks. However, it is important to note that
evening temperatures can still be cool in the
summer.
The southern
coastal regions of Alaska can be wet and cloudy at
any time of year. Average summer temperatures range
from 40°F to 60°F (4° - 15°C).
In general, Alaska and Western Canada temperatures
average above 50°F / 10°C for at least four months
of the year (mid-May through mid-Sep). Winter
temperatures can be extreme, dropping to –50°F /
-45°C in the Interior. Typically, though, winter
temperatures range from 0°F / 18°C to -30°F / -35°C
from November to March. While it can rain throughout
the summer, May is the driest month and September is
the wettest.
Average High Temperatures in F°/C°
| |
April |
May |
June |
July |
Aug. |
Sept. |
|
Anchorage |
43 / 5 |
55 / 13 |
62 / 17 |
65 / 18 |
63 / 17 |
53 / 12 |
|
Barrow |
7 / -10 |
24 / -4 |
39 / 3 |
46 / 7 |
43 / 6 |
34 / 1 |
|
Dawson City, YT, Canada |
35 / 2 |
47 / 8 |
58 / 15 |
62 / 17 |
57 / 15 |
45 / 7 |
|
Fairbanks |
42 / 5 |
59 / 15 |
71 / 21 |
72 / 22 |
66 / 18 |
54 / 12 |
|
Juneau |
46 / 7 |
55 / 13 |
62 / 17 |
64 / 18 |
62 / 17 |
56 / 14 |
|
Kodiak |
41 / 5 |
47 / 8 |
54 / 12 |
58 / 15 |
60 / 16 |
54 / 12 |
|
Whitehorse, YT, Canada |
33 / 1 |
45 / 7 |
54 / 13 |
59 / 15 |
56 / 14 |
46 / 7 |
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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ALASKA?
The best time to visit Alaska depends on your
interests. Most tours are only offered during the
summer months from mid-May through mid-September,
with a limited amount offered in the winter. Summer
is the most popular time to visit, with July being
the busiest month. The warm weather and long
daylight hours allow you to enjoy all that
Alaska has to offer. In addition, services at the
state and national parks are open, fish are abundant
and the bears are out of hibernation.
From November through March, Alaska is a beautiful,
winter wonderland. Prices are lower and, with fewer
visitors, the availability is better. There are
numerous outdoor activities, such as dog sledding
and skiing, and the Aurora Borealis is visible. You
will also find many unique events, such as the
Iditarod and the World Ice Art Championships.
Regardless of when you visit Alaska, you are sure to
have an adventure to remember!
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WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
The general rule for Alaska is casual, comfortable
clothing that can be worn in layers. The first layer
should be something thin and next to the skin (try
to avoid cotton). The second layer adds warmth and
allows you the option of removing if it gets warmer
(mostly fleece or similar). The third layer should
protect you against rain and wind if necessary. For
day cruises into Prince William Sound and Kenai
Fjords National Park, for example, we recommend an
extra layer including a scarf, hat and gloves, as it
can be chilly on the boats. Comfortable walking
shoes or water repellent hiking boots are also
important. A
day pack is a particularly useful item to bring. Other
personal items we suggest are: small flashlight,
hair dryer (most hotels rooms do not have them),
insect repellent, binoculars, adequate supply of
prescription medication, photographic film and
camera. You will find a duffel bag or soft-sided
luggage is the most practical for Alaskan style of
traveling, particularly when in small planes and
boats. Restricting yourself to one piece of luggage
is recommended.
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WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?
Alaskatours.com has
access to a large inventory of hotels, lodges and
B&Bs throughout
Alaska.
With our tour packages, we offer the choice of
standard or upgraded accommodations. Depending on
the city, standard accommodations may be the only
option. The main difference between standard and
upgraded accommodations are the amenities offered.
For more information, please
click here.
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WHAT SHOULD I
KNOW IF I AM RENTING A CAR?
Alaskatours.com uses reputable, nationwide
car rental agencies, positioned throughout the state
for your convenience. All car rentals include
unlimited mileage and taxes. Additional insurance
coverage such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) /
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and additional
liability coverage is optional and can be purchased
directly from the rental agency. U.S. car insurance
policies that include comprehensive and collision
coverage usually cover rental cars in Alaska; please
check with your insurance provider to be sure. For
travelers without U.S. car insurance, please let us
know and we can add the required insurance for you.
Most of Alaska's roads are two- to
four-lane paved highways, but we also have smaller
dirt roads that are regularly graded. Winter driving
is safe - the main roads are cleared, though certain
highways are closed throughout the winter. Rental
car companies do not allow their cars to be driven
on the Denali Highway, Dalton Highway and McCarthy
Road. For current road conditions, you can call 511
once you reach Alaska or visit 511.alaska.gov.
NOTES: A valid driver's license
and credit card in the driver's name is required for ALL
drivers and must be shown when accepting the car.
Typically, drivers must be 25 years of age or older.
Canadian residents are not allowed to rent a car in the
U.S. and cross the boarder with it into Canada.
|
Car Category |
Accommodates |
Sample* models |
|
Compact |
4 -
5 adults; 1 large and 1 small suitcase |
Toyota Corolla |
|
Midsize |
4 -
5 adults; 1 large and 2 small suitcases |
Pontiac Grande Am |
|
Full-size |
5
adults; 2 large and 2 small suitcases |
Buick Century |
| SUV |
5
adults; 2 large and 2 small suitcases |
Ford Escape,
Ford Explorer |
|
Minivan |
up
to 5 adults with luggage |
Chevy Venture |
* This is a SAMPLE of the vehicle model/type for each
category. The actual vehicle model is not
guaranteed!
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WHAT TIME ZONE DOES ALASKA
USE?
Most of Alaska uses Alaska Time, which is one hour
earlier than Pacific Time and four hours earlier
than Eastern Time. Alaska participates in Day Light
Savings Time.
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When and where can I see the
Aurora Borealis / Northern Lights?
While the Aurora
Borealis (aka the Northern Lights) is active year
round, it is almost impossible to see during the
summer when Alaska experiences nearly constant
daylight. The best chance to see the aurora is in
northern areas during the winter months of October
through early April. Historically, the best viewing
has been from Fairbanks north and on dark nights
with clear skies. According to the Geophysical
Institute, the best months to see the Aurora are
February and March.
AlaskaTours.com
offers several
winter Aurora viewing tours.
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DO YOU OFFER ANY SPECIALS OR LAST-MINUTE DEALS?
Yes, we do offer specials and last-minute deals.
Please see the
Specials and Last Minute Deals
page for the latest special fares, cruise discounts
and promotions. This page is regularly updated to
keep you informed of the latest discounts.
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