Alaska Travel Specialists
Our Alaska specialists are experienced and passionate about the country - between them they have spent many weeks a year researching new experiences and ensuring everything is of the highest standard. They know Alaska inside out.
FionaAlaska Specialist01993 838 710
One of the best ways to appreciate the scale of the Alaskan wilderness is by small plane. Some of the best plane trips fly by Mount McKinley and over the Wrangell St Elias National Park.
Alaska travel specialist - Fiona
Practical Information
The majority of visitors to Alaska will see it from the decks of one of the huge cruise ships that head up its western coast.
Here at Audley we prefer a more intimate view of this state and have researched a host of accommodation options and experiences that enable you to explore this remarkable northern state in detail.
Accommodation in Alaska
Due to the remoteness and limited size of most communities, accommodation choices can be limited. However we have researched some delightful lodges, bed and breakfast properties and wilderness retreats to ensure you have a never to be forgotten trip.
With such a short summer season and so many small communities, early reservations are highly recommended. The state offers a variety of hotels, motels, character bed and breakfasts and delightful lodges often set amidst the most stunning scenery.
Our Alaska specialists have visited a huge range of properties to find those that best match your preferences and budget.
Getting about
Travel here lends itself to a variety of modes of transport. Whilst driving is a delight, travelling by train, light aircraft, ferry and cruise ship is a pleasure amidst such inspiring scenery.
Food and drink
Alaska doesn't have a distinctive cooking style, but its cuisine stands apart in its use of local ingredients. The abundance of fresh seafood is usually featured and there are over five species of salmon regularly found, along with a variety of local meats. North American breakfasts can be a real highlight and will often include eggs, pancakes and maple syrup or continental breakfasts that involve pastries, muffins and croissants.
Tipping
Tipping is a custom in Alaska and is expected, especially in bars and restaurants if you receive good service. The standard tip is usually 15%. It is also common practice to tip your taxi drivers and tour guides.
Money and expenses
The official currency is the US Dollar. US Dollar travellers' cheques can be exchanged at all major banks, international airports and foreign exchange bureaux. Some shops will also accept them as long as they are presented with your passport. All major credit cards are widely accepted and you will also be able to access US currency from ATM machines as long as you have your four digit pin-code. There is no state-wide tax on goods and services, however some communities, particularly in the southeast, impose their own sales tax of between 4 and 7%.
Under The Skin
Read
'Into the Wild': Jon Krakauer`s tragic story of a young American who travels to Alaska with romantic ideals of leading a self-sufficient, reclusive life in the wilderness. However, the harsh reality of living in Alaska has rather predictable consequences.
Listen
Alaskan native music can be sampled a various cultural centres throughout the state. There are over 20 different native regions, each with their own style of music. The University of Alaska in Fairbanks has a fine collection of native recordings that have been sampled over the past 100 years.
Watch
Most films and television programmes 'based' in Alaska are actually filmed in Canada or the lower 48. One prominent Alaskan film is the Academy Award winning classic 'Eskimo/Mala The Magnificent'... billed as the "The Biggest Picture Ever Made" at the time. When Eskimo was critically acclaimed and released worldwide, it made Inupiat Eskimo actor Ray Mala an international movie star, and was the first motion picture to be filmed in an all native language (Inupiat).
Eat
Try local wild caught salmon cooked on a cedar plank with a delicious maple glaze; Copper River Salmon is my personal favourite. On the Kenai Peninsula, it will be hard to pass on a lovely piece of fresh halibut with a twist of lemona nd cracked pepper. For a quick snack on the run, try one of the famous reindeer (caribou) sausages, sold by street vendors throughout downtown Anchorage.
Drink
The Alaskan Brewing Co. produce a fine selection of local beers including Alaskan Amber, Alaskan Pale, Alaskan Stout, Alaskan IPA and Smoked Porter.
Word
Alaska means 'Great Land' in Aleut.
Trademarks
Wilderness; grand landscapes; towering peaks; grizzly bears; crushing glaciers; more bears.
It is possible to purchase an Ulu, a type of Native Alaskan knife that has been used for over 5,000 years. One of the best places to pick one up is at the Ulu Factory in Anchorage.
