An Alaska vacation is an exceptional experience that could change your life: many who come to visit end up staying for good! Alaska is a land of pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife, and an Alaska vacation is all about the outdoors; seeing it, feeling it, and experiencing it. For those who step out from their cubicle and expose themselves to Alaska's charms, the experience can be almost overwhelming. For many it is hard to believe that this much raw nature still exists and can be seen and experienced relatively easily. An Alaska vacation may not be top of the list for many people, but for those who are ready for it, it is the trip of a lifetime.
About Alaska
Alaska is not only a wild and beautiful state, it is more than twice the size of Texas. In fact, Alaska is about one-fifth of the total United States, more than 585,000 square miles, with over 40% of the entire coastline. There are 8 national parks, dozens of wildlife refuges, and millions of acres of wilderness. Alaska is sparsely populated, with less than 700,000 people living in a handful of small cities and communities. The feeling of isolation is one of the many things that people who love the north come to Alaska for.
What to do in Alaska?
The list of activities available to visitors to Alaska is nearly endless. Most, however, revolve around the outdoors. Of course, there are some cultural things to see and do as well, including many fine museums and historical sites, as well as art galleries and even theatre. But it is the great outdoors that dominates this land, and most likely what will dominate your memories of this beautiful place.
Sight-seeing is of course top of the list in visitor activities, if only because it is impossible to avoid being exposed to breathtaking mountains, glaciers, rugged coastlines and tundra. Wildlife viewing is a close second, with frequent sightings of abundant large mammals like grizzly bears, whales, caribou, dall sheep, and moose. Cruises to Alaska are a great way to see the coastline, with massive glaciers slowly breaking off into the sea.
For the more adventurous, Alaska is full of possibility, from hiking and sea-kayaking, to whitewater rafting and 'flightseeing' over the incredible Denali National Park. The roads are by and large good, and RV'ing is a popular way to see the beauty of the state. Campsites dot the land, and are a great way to visit for those who are budget conscious.
Alaska fishing is quite possibly the best fishing in the world. Salmon, Halibut and Trout fishing are the most popular, but there are many varieties of fish teeming in the hundreds of rivers and thousands of streams that flow throughout the land. Nothing beats fishing in a secluded lake full of tasty fish with a spectacular backdrop of mountains to set the stage.
An Alaska vacation is something well-worth considering for everyone except those who are completely intolerant of the wild. There is so much to see and do, that an entire summer is simply not time enough. Even families with young children will find much to delight youngsters, and retired folks will appreciate the pace and community of many of the popular destinations. The only real drawback to an Alaska adventure is that the sheer beauty and adventure of the place may make if very difficult to head for home. Who knows, you may well end up being one of those who came for a visit, and then never left!
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