Alaska Travel Expert
Need Alaska travel advice? Ask Bob. His TV and print guides help thousands of visitors (and even adventurous locals), and his web site Alaska.org is a comprehensive trip-planning tool, where you do everything from pick the best whale-watching cruise, map a road trip, find the ultimate wilderness lodge or even track the Midnight Sun. Now’s your chance to ask him your question directly!
As a photographer, pilot, wilderness guide, skier, ocean swimmer and, now, family vacationer, he’s covered nearly every corner of Alaska—from the Eskimo villages of the Far North and the summit of Mt. McKinley to the cushy decks of a cruise ship.
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Archive
Taking the Denali Star Train - 10/30/2009 1:26 pm
How do we see Alaska northern lights? - 10/26/2009 3:03 pm
What are some good resources for people seeking seasonal jobs in Alaska? - 10/19/2009 12:15 pm
Is there a difference between a Kodiak bear and an Alaskan brown bear? - 10/12/2009 12:04 pm
Does Alaska really have six months of light and six months of darkness? - 10/2/2009 4:06 pm
What are my best bets for travelling if I am prone to motion sickness? - 9/29/2009 3:06 pm
When is the best time to fish for halibut? - 9/23/2009 3:33 pm
Bear Watching in Alaska - 9/22/2009 11:56 am
How easy is it to drive the Alcan? - 9/2/2009 1:12 pm
Any advice on parking our RV rental while on the road in Alaska? - 8/19/2009 1:29 pm
Can you give me some advice for a move to Alaska? - 8/12/2009 7:08 pm
What options do I have for Kenai river rafting trips? - 8/7/2009 6:48 pm
Is it acceptable to wear white slacks or capris in Aug/Sept in Alaska? - 8/6/2009 6:52 pm
Are there any current specials for the Glacier Bay Ferry Service? - 7/31/2009 11:08 am
Advice for family travel in Alaska - 7/28/2009 3:34 pm
Denali’s Less Crowded Hotels - 7/27/2009 2:12 pm
How do I avoid mosquitoes? - 7/15/2009 11:12 am
What are the best options to fly to Ketchikan, Alaska? - 7/14/2009 4:35 pm
What solo activities are available in Denali? - 7/13/2009 2:51 pm
What choices are there for guided hikes in Denali? - 7/6/2009 12:20 pm
Denali Bus Strike - 7/3/2009 12:18 pm
Denali Travel – Independent Vacations - 7/2/2009 6:33 pm
Taking the Denali Star Train
OCTOBER 30, 2009 - 1:26 PM
Q: Does the Denali Star Train that runs from Fairbanks to Anchorage go to the Anchorage Airport or just the Anchorage Train Depot? If it’s just the train depot, is any transportation available at the depot to get us to the airport? —Suzanne
A: Indeed, the Denali Star Train just goes to the train depot, but it’s easy to catch a cab from there to the airport. It takes about 12 to 15 minutes and costs about $20.
The Denali Star, meanwhile, is a great way to see the Alaskan interior, including four different climate and vegetation zones. On the way to Anchorage, it stops at Denali, Talkeetna and Wasilla: You’ll see
How do we see Alaska northern lights?
OCTOBER 26, 2009 - 3:03 PM
Q: My 84-year old mother wants to see the northern lights—she lives in California, and I’m in Oregon. What's the best way for us to do that (she's not physically able to get too adventurous)? A cruise? And what time of year is best? —Lorraine
A: The best time to see these natural light displays— aurora borealis, and also called northern lights—is winter.
While you can potentially see them all over the state, people who are serious about viewing them tend to go to Fairbanks, up north and inland, and even take excursions several hours north from there, offered by operators such as Northern Alaska Tour Company. It’s not adventure travel per se, but the excursions can be long and can get a little remote. If you can get in and out of a van or plane easily (NATC does both flight and van-based tours), you should be fine with Northern Alaska Tour Company, though they’re happy to talk to travelers about any comfort issues before booking. (For people who want to stay a little closer to Fairbanks, the Aurora Borealis Lodge, just outside the city, is a nice choice, too.)
What are some good resources for people seeking seasonal jobs in Alaska?
OCTOBER 19, 2009 - 12:15 PM
Q: I am planning an adventure to Alaska for the entire summer of 2010. I am 20 years old, energetic and hard-working. Could you point me in the right direction for resources and planning travel advice for people looking for seasonal employment in Alaska? —Charles
A: Charles, since so much happens in Alaska during the summer months, there are lots of good seasonal Alaska jobs. If you want to work in the visitors industry—as a guide, in customer service or even in housekeeping—there are two main websites to look at: alaskatourismjobs.com, which is operated by the official state tourism board, and CoolWorks.com.
Is there a difference between a Kodiak bear and an Alaskan brown bear?
OCTOBER 12, 2009 - 12:04 PM
Q: What’s the difference between a Kodiak bear and an Alaskan brown bear? I often hear brown bears called Kodiaks but assumed there was some difference.
A: According to the folks at the Visitors Bureau for Kodiak Island, off southern Alaska, there is indeed a distinct difference. Their bears first crossed over to Kodiak on a land bridge about 12,000 years ago, and when the land bridge disappeared, the bears got stranded. Today Kodiaks are genetically and anatomically different than other Alaskan brown bears. Most important, they're a bit larger—up to 1,500 pounds in males, or 100 pounds heavier than the biggest "plain" Alaskan brown bears. Kodiak's spokesperson commented that their local bears are "very well fed" from the abundant salmon streams and berry bushes. "They have no complaints," she says
You have two options for seeing and photographing the Kodiaks:
Does Alaska really have six months of light and six months of darkness?
OCTOBER 2, 2009 - 4:06 PM
Q: Is it true that Alaska has six months of light and six months of darkness? —Alex
A: Alex, luckily those extremes only happen at the North Pole and the South Pole. As you move away from the poles and towards the equator, daylight swings become less pronounced.
That said, Alaska still gets fairly extreme. For example, Barrow—one of the northernmost towns in Alaska—has about two months of darkness in the winter, from about November 18 to January 22. But in the summer, the sun doesn't completely set for about 82 days, from roughly May 11 until July 31.
What are my best bets for travelling if I am prone to motion sickness?
SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 - 3:06 PM
Q: I’m taking an Alaskan cruise—either an Inside Passage or a glacier cruise—and I get motion sickness very easily. I have heard the cruise is not rocky and I don't have to worry, but I am very leery of taking the train and most certainly the Denali Park bus. Any comments or suggestions? —Deb
A: Deb, you’re smart to plan ahead—doing so can seriously help you avoid those queasy moments (or even full days).
We checked with a friend at the Alaska Railroad—who, as luck would have it, has your same problem. She says she’s usually been just fine on the Alaska Railroad, so long as she stayed in the Adventure Class or the lower-level GoldStar class cars. The GoldStar even has an open-air platform—and many people find that fresh air can help keep motion sickness at bay.
When is the best time to fish for halibut?
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009 - 3:33 PM
Q: We are planning a cruise to Alaska, and our timeframe is pretty open. Some of the guys would like to fish halibut while we’re there. When is fishing for halibut the best? —Liz
A: Liz, the prime halibut season coincides nicely with Alaska’s peak travel season: June, July, and August. Halibut fishing is most popular in the Cook Inlet region of Alaska, a region which encompasses Anchorage, Homer, Seward, Whittier and other towns you’ll probably want to visit anyways, due to their proximity to Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali national Park. Kodiak Island is also a prime halibut fishing location. By fall, the halibut head back out to sea to spawn.
Bear Watching in Alaska
SEPTEMBER 22, 2009 - 11:56 AM
Q: Hi Bob—I would like to get some good close-up photos of your giant brown bears! How would I go about doing this? —Daniel
A: Daniel, get ready for some big bears. Alaskan brown bears can top 1,400 pounds among males. You won’t see these bears along the roads of Alaska, the way you might see moose or other wildlife. One possible exception: in Denali, you might have some casual sightings, but likely from far away. To get up close you have two solid options:
How easy is it to drive the Alcan?
SEPTEMBER 2, 2009 - 1:12 PM
Q: We’re moving to Anchorage on about Sept 15th. We’re driving all the way on the Alcan and I'm pretty weather-scared. Any suggestions for this fraidy cat?—Jeane
A: Jeane, congratulations on the big move!
Don't worry about the Alcan—or, more officially, the Alaska Highway or Alaska-Canadian Highway. Built rather quickly during World War II, the highway starts in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and ends near Fairbanks—and it definitely used to be something to worry about, with large parts unpaved, as well as some narrow winding sections.
The lore about the road is very different from the reality now. I believe there's only one small section of dirt left, if any. Today, it's probably one of the most beautiful and meditative wilderness drives you can take anywhere. You'll find there are adequate services along the way, friendly people, and almost too many places to stop and take a picture.
Any advice on parking our RV rental while on the road in Alaska?
AUGUST 19, 2009 - 1:29 PM
Q: My wife and I are planning rent an R.V. to see all the sights south of Anchorage. I would also like to drive up the Richardson to see some sights we’d missed on our last trip. What's your opinion of parking the R.V. on the side of the road when we get tired, or should we always use an R.V. park? —Larry
A: Larry, renting an RV is a great way to see Alaska: You get a lot of freedom in terms of how you pace your trip and how much money you spend on food (most RVs come with fully-loaded kitchenettes and perhaps even fishing gear or a BBQ grill). And, of course, there’s no stress in ever finding a restroom along the highway.
Can you give me some advice for a move to Alaska?
AUGUST 12, 2009 - 7:08 PM
Q: I'm planning to make Alaska my new home. I would like to be in an area with good waves (for surfing) and good mountains (for climbing) not too far from each other. Here's the catch, I'm not independently wealthy so I either have to live in the woods or near a town (or city). Can you point me in the right direction? —Da Haj
A: Da Haj, Welcome! It's great to hear you're moving to Alaska. The truth is probably no place in America offers the quality of life you can find in Alaska. So I commend you for figuring out what only a fraction of a percent of Americans have figured out--Alaska's the place to be!
What options do I have for Kenai river rafting trips?
AUGUST 7, 2009 - 6:48 PM
Q: I am flying to Anchorage and renting a car, so I'm going to cities I can drive to. I want to take a Zodiac inflatable boat trip in Kenai but don't know who does this kind of small boat trip. —Pav
A: Pav, thanks for your question. Good choice on flying into Anchorage then renting a car. One of the places you can drive with a car (but not access by train) is Cooper Landing, in the middle of the Kenai Peninsula. It's right on the Kenai River. You can take float trips or fishing drift trips down the Kenai. The river is a gorgeous turquouise blue color.
Is it acceptable to wear white slacks or capris in Aug/Sept in Alaska?
AUGUST 6, 2009 - 6:52 PM
Q: Is it acceptable for a woman to wear white slacks or capris in August/September? —Gloria
A: Gloria, absolutely! Alaska is a casual place. You can wear whatever you want up here. We don't judge people based on their appearance in Alaska. It's probably the least conformist culture of any state in the country.
If your question has to do with temperature, you will also need warmer layers that time of year. If you want more information about the weather in any Alaska town, I encourage you to try the Alaska.org Weatherplanner.
Are there any current specials for the Glacier Bay Ferry Service?
JULY 31, 2009 - 11:08 AM
Q: I’m interested in taking the Glacier Bay Ferry Service from Juneau to Gustavus, and saw that in 2007 there were 2-for-1 specials for certain dates. Do such deals exist today? —Lloyd
A: I can see why you’re not finding answers: The only page I found about this service was for summer 2008. I’ve contacted the Glacier Bay Lodge, and they have apologized for the oversight on their website.
The good news: The Lodge is indeed operating the Glacier Bay Ferry from Gustavus to Juneau, roundtrip, every Friday and Sunday evening. The 2-for-1 deal on ferry passage (about an $80 savings) is available with the purchase of a 2-night stay at the Glacier Bay Lodge. (If you fly into Juneau instead—using Alaska Airlines or a local air taxi service—you can also get a 2-for-1 deal on a whale-watching day cruise, assuming you stay two midweek nights at Glacier Bay Lodge.)
Advice for family travel in Alaska
JULY 28, 2009 - 3:34 PM
Q: Our family is considering Alaska. Where should I start when planning with children?
A: Alaska is very kid-friendly. Wildlife sightings and glacier viewing are as fun for a 5-year-old as they are for a 45-year-old. That said, 5 years is about the youngest age where a trip to Alaska makes sense, both in terms of making the most of the expenses and the ability to participate. Beyond age, consider a few factors as you lay out your plans.
Denali’s Less Crowded Hotels
JULY 27, 2009 - 2:12 PM
Q: I want to visit Denali and stay a few days in the area, but I’ve heard that the hotel zone just outside the Park is pretty crowded, and expensive, too. Where do you recommend I stay if I want to steer clear of the tourist throngs?
A: The area in the immediate vicinity of the Denali National Park entrance—nicknamed “Glitter Gulch”—has plenty going for it, mainly in terms of convenience. You have many lodging and dining options, and you’re in the heart of the action for activities in and around the Park. But not everyone wants to be surrounded by action, as it were. If you think the main areas around Yosemite and the Grand Canyon have too many people milling around, you probably won’t like Glitter Gulch.
So where to stay? Here are a few spots to consider:
How do I avoid mosquitoes?
JULY 15, 2009 - 11:12 AM
Q: I heard certain times of the year the mosquitoes are horrible. When is that? —Lynn
A: Lynn, the bugs seem to pick up around the first week in June and decrease the end of July / beginning of August. Bug intensity really depends on a lot of factors, including how wet the season has been. This year, due to the hot, dry weather, the bugs seem to be down a fair amount, at least here in Southcentral Alaska (Anchorage area).
I wrote a detailed page on Alaska.org about how to avoid and protect yourself from mosquitoes: Alaska mosquitoes.
What are the best options to fly to Ketchikan, Alaska?
JULY 14, 2009 - 4:35 PM
Q: My sister and nephew-in-law want to visit my nephew's brother in Ketchikan, Alaska. We're from Las Vegas, what is the easiest route and cheapest way to go there by air? Thank you and please let me know asap. —Mary
A: Mary, Alaska Airlines is the only carrier that flies into Ketchikan, thus your only choice. Sorry there are no other options! You might investigate flying another carrier from Vegas to Seattle, but once you switch in Seattle to Alaska Airlines, the overall fare may not be much different.
However, the good news is that Alaska Airlines has just announced 25% off on fares into Southeast Alaska for the rest of this summer.
What solo activities are available in Denali?
JULY 13, 2009 - 2:51 PM
Q: I’m excited to visit Denali this summer but I’m frustrated that every option I find for exploring the park involves some big group tour. I’d rather stay solo as much as I can—what do you suggest?
A: Denali National Park is massive—6 million acres—so it’s no surprise that a lot of people feel overwhelmed and prefer to have a guide (or, in most cases, a bus) take them in and then back out. Still, it’s not hard to chart your own Denali experience without being confined to a bus or a large group. Here are my suggestions:
What choices are there for guided hikes in Denali?
JULY 6, 2009 - 12:20 PM
Q: I’m a hiker, and would like to explore Denali on foot—but I’m not sure I want to go completely on my own. Are there hikes I can take with a guide that won’t make me feel like I’m part of a huge herd?
A: A guided hike is a great way to walk—or hike—that fine line between being off the beaten path but not being totally left to yourself, either. There are a few organizations that do 3-to4-hour guided hikes for groups as small as two, and as many as 12 people. One is Denali Park Resorts' Explore Denali hikes, which cost $80 per adult and $40 per child.
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