Travelers have long dreamed of witnessing the vast wilderness of the Great North and checking another state off their bucket list. The 49th state is home to the most pristine and beautiful landscapes in our country and this summer is the time for summer vacations to Alaska.
1. ALASKA IS A RECORD-SETTING STATE
Don’t let the map fool you, Alaska is the largest state. With almost twice the square miles of Texas, there’s more to see and do than you can imagine. It’s also the home to the tallest peak in North America, Mt. Denali, which tops out at just over 20,000 feet. Alaska also contains the largest of the United States’ National Parks, the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve. According to NationalParks.org, with 13.2 million acres, this park is larger than Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, and the country of Switzerland combined.
2. YOU CAN STILL TOUR ALASKA BY TRAIN
Train travel is one of the best ways to take in the journey as you venture from town to town in Alaska. With large windows, comfortable seating, and the flexibility to move around the car, train travel allows you to sit back, relax and take in the sights. With trusted cruise lines Holland America and Princess offering land packages with rail, seeing Alaska by train is one bucket-list item that can still be achieved this summer!
3. SEE AMAZING AND UNIQUE ANIMALS
Alaska is home to a diverse array of wildlife species, including bears, moose, caribou, wolves, whales, sea otters, and many others. It is also home to several rare and endangered species, such as the Steller sea lion, the North Pacific right whale, and the short-tailed albatross. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can see these animals in their natural habitats and seeing them in the wild is a rare and unforgettable experience.
4. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN ADRENALINE RUSH, THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE
Alaska is a great destination for adventure sports like kayaking, rafting, and dog-sledding! With more than 6,600 miles of coastline, Alaska is a paddler’s paradise. You can explore pristine waters, glacial fjords, and remote islands by kayak or canoe. Looking for something a little more adventurous? Alaska has some of the wildest whitewater rafting in North America, with rivers ranging from mild to extreme. My favorite activity in Alaska is dog sledding! Dog sledding is a quintessential Alaskan experience, and there are many opportunities to try it for yourself. You can take a guided tour or even learn to mush your own team of sled dogs.
Overall, Alaska has something to offer for everyone, whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or just getting away from it all. So why not consider making Alaska your destination this summer?