These are some sights that you simply can’t miss. (Also, they’re my personal favorites because I’m writing the article and I get to choose.)

Lumberjack Shows

Some folks seem to resist doing touristy things when they’re traveling. I can understand the feeling a bit, but I would recommend that, at least sometimes, you just let yourself do the touristy thing because it’s usually fun. Lumberjack shows definitely fall into the category of touristy and also into the category of fun.

I haven’t been able to go to one yet, but I will be when I go on an Alaskan cruise with Virgin Voyages later this year and that’s got me really excited! I love watching lumberjack competitions. The skill, physicality, and absolutely ridiculous nature of them are perfect. If you grew up in the 90s, like me, Lumberjack shows are a bit like an adult version of Nickelodeon’s GUTS.

Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show and it’s the classic display of axe swingin’. There’s also six foot saws, log floats, and massive chainsaws. It’s touristy as all get out and you won’t regret going.

Whale Watching

In the chilly waters of Alaska there are eight whale species that you might see. Humpback, Gray, Right, Orca, Minke, Beluga, Bowhead, and Blue whales all live beneath the waves up there. Of course, as an avid Star Trek IV fan, humpbacks pique my interest the most, but seeing any of these would be amazing.

The whale watching tour I had in Juneau was absolutely one of the best Alaskan cruise excursions!

This is one of the photos I took the last time I was whale watching in Juneau. In the late spring and early summer, humpbacks are arriving from their annual migration from the waters around Hawaii. They also bring their newborn calves with them and you might get a chance, like I did, to see them playing in the water.

There’s no shortage of opportunities to whale watch when you’re on the Alaskan coastline. Every town that you stop at will have some opportunity to go sightseeing for some cetaceans. Most of the whale watching excursions combine it with something else, like going to a glacier. Speaking of glaciers…

Mendenhall Glacier

Mendenhall glacier, which sits just outside of Juneau, is something that has to be seen to be believed. I can describe it to you, but it won’t do it justice. The total size of the glacier is just over 13.5 miles in length and, though the height is constantly varying, the face of the glacier is around 100 feet tall. It sits inside the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, a region of more than 5,800 acres nested in the larger Tongass National Forest.

I visited Mendenhall glacier immediately after I went whale watching.

Near the glacier’s terminus is a waterfall known as Nugget falls, which is, somewhat unbelievably, fed by another glacier, the Nugget glacier. This isn’t a small waterfall either at over 377 feet high, making it more than twice as high as Niagara. Next to Mendenhall, it looks like a quaint tumbling of water.

Mendenhall glacier, which sits just outside of Juneau, is something that has to be seen to be believed. I can describe it to you, but it won’t do it justice. The total size of the glacier is just over 13.5 miles in length and, though the height is constantly varying, the face of the glacier is around 100 feet tall. It sits inside the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, a region of more than 5,800 acres nested in the larger Tongass National Forest.

Near the glacier’s terminus is a waterfall known as Nugget falls, which is, somewhat unbelievably, fed by another glacier, the Nugget glacier. This isn’t a small waterfall either at over 377 feet high, making it more than twice as high as Niagara. Next to Mendenhall, it looks like a quaint tumbling of water.

There’s a visitor center where you can learn about the glacier’s history and it’s retreat due to global warming from climate change. For those inclined to walk, there are hiking trails that go right up to Nugget falls and get closer to the glacier face. You can also book a kayaking tour onto Lake Mendenhall and see the amazing wall of ice  from the water.

White Pass and Yukon Route Train

Located in Skagway, it’s likely the biggest single attraction in the small town. There are multiple trains running several times throughout the day. Riding the rail will entail a telling of the history of it’s construction, of Skagway itself, and the surrounding area. Lest you be wary of a boring lecture, the story of Skagway is far from that. The grizzled tale involves a crime boss and conman, an engineering marvel, a town all but held hostage by a “military company” during the Spanish-American War, falling boulders the size of a house, and a bloody and desperate gold rush that fueled it all.

The best Alaskan cruise excursions bring you views like this.

History aside, the views afforded by the ride are unparalleled and worth a trip to Alaska on their own. The train takes you high into the mountains surrounding the small town as the rail goes from the Skagway port and climbs over 2800 feet to reach the summit of White Pass and cross, briefly, into Canada’s Yukon.

After the ride is over, you can visit the original White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad administration building which is now the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park museum. Inside, you can learn even more about the stunning history of the town and its historic sites.

Helicopter and Airplane Sightseeing

There are two hotspots for aerial sightseeing, Juneau and Skagway. Each offers many options of airborne touring, soaring above glaciers, mountains, bays, and rivers. They all have guides to tell you about what you’re seeing and it’s importance to the area. Few places around the world offer so many chances to fly aboard a helicopter, even for a short period of time. In Alaska, however, you’re spoiled for choice.

Admittedly, I’ve not yet had the chance to do a helicopter tour, despite a long-lived desire to take one. These are, after all, one of the more expensive activities that you can participate in, which is a consideration when you’re making vacation plans. The opportunities to soar above the land are never more plentiful than in Alaska, though, and if it’s something that you want to experience, I would say that this is something that you really should consider.

Rainforest Hikes

When most people think of a rainforest, they think of the Amazon. It’s the most famous and it’s exactly what you’d expect from a tropical rainforest. Hot and humid, a thick canopy of leaves above your head, vines, rivers, the quintessential jungle. That’s not the only kind of rainforest, there’s also a temperate rainforest and that’s exactly what is found in Alaska.

The Tongass National Forest is the largest U.S. National Forest, making up a space larger than 10 U.S. states and 75 U.N. nations. Most of the national forest is a temperate rain forest, keeping more mild temperatures than surrounding areas. Sitka, for example, rarely experiences below freezing weather or temperatures above 60° F (15° C). It does rain a lot though. It’s a rainforest, so… that’s sort of what it does.

The roots of a living tree I walked under. Where else can you experience this?

Sitka offers some truly spectacular guided hiking opportunities where you will see things that you didn’t know could exist. On my two hour and change hike, I walked under the roots of a living tree, saw bald eagles diving for fish, climbed to a meadow that felt like it was transported straight out of Middle Earth, and learned about bears purposely giving themselves natural stool softeners. I promise you, I am not making that up.

There’s so Many Choices

This list is not exhaustive, not at all, but these are the types of things that I enjoy most or, in the case of helicopters and lumberjack shows, still want to experience. I know that when I first went to Alaska, I didn’t know what there was to do and I was a bit overwhelmed with the choices. I hope that this helps you a little in making a choice on what to do but know this, once you go to Alaska, you’ll want to go back.

The post The Best Alaskan Cruise Excursions appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

What’s the Weather Like?

No matter where you’re going, knowing what to pack revolves a lot around the weather and, unless you are a father in your late 50s or older, it’s unlikely that you keep track of the weather in any place other than where you live. Given that, and this is true, most of us do not live in Alaska, you probably don’t have any idea what the weather is like there. Good news, though, because I looked that up for you.

The Alaska Travel Industry Association has a page on their website dedicated to briefly describing the weather during different parts of the year. I’ve taken their descriptions, and other information I was able to find to create a very broad description of each month. It may surprise you that there’s quite a range of weather that you can experience throughout the Alaskan tourism season, which runs mid-May through mid-September.

Here’s how that breaks down:

Starting in May, the average daytime temps range from 40-55 degrees Fahrenheit or 4.5-13 degrees for my Celsius challenged friends. May skies are usually overcast or mostly cloudy with some scattered or light rain and 16-18 hours of daylight.

Typical Alaskan weather in May.

In June the average temperature ranges from 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit or 10-21 degrees Celsius. The skies are clearer and the days are drier. This time of year brings something special, specifically the summer solstice, where, in parts of Alaska, you will get 24 hours of sunlight. Having experienced close to that in Iceland, I can attest that it is truly amazing.

Moving on to July, which is the warmest month, you’ll feel temps ranging from 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit or 13-14 degrees Celsius. Although, some days it does get above 80 and even 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 26.5 to 32 degrees Celcius. Skies above will be mostly sunny and clear with 18-20 hours of daylight.

By August it’s cooling down a bit and fall is approaching. Temps are between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit or 10-15.5 degrees Celsius. The weather turns back to overcast and rainy but there’s still 14-16 hours of daylight.

Once September arrives, though, things start to get fairly chilly as the average temps are between 35-50 degrees Fahrenheit or 1.5-13 degrees Celsius. As autumn rolls in, it’s often rainy and frost regularly forms overnight.

Clothing Advice and List

When it comes to your clothing, knowing what to pack for Alaksa, much like ogres, is all about layers. Throughout the season you can see that there are temperature swings of 15°-20°F (5°-10°C) during the day. That means that you’re going to want a light jacket, possibly fleece, (like this one) on the outside and a lighter piece of clothing, like a long or short sleeved t-shirt under it.

Personally, during the shoulder months of May and September, I would advise taking a water resistant or waterproof jacket as your outer layer because it was often misting or lightly raining when I was there. Many, but not all, windbreakers are water shedding and could be a good fit for this.

High quality socks are also a good idea. I personally like using merino wool socks. They dry out quickly and keep you warm. Bringing premium socks is doubly important if you plan on doing any hiking or other vigorous outdoor activities. I suppose that during June and July, the type of sock you have probably matters less, given the drier weather, but the rest of the season you’ll find this advice helpful.

I would also recommend a hat of some sort. During the rainy parts of the season, a good water-shedding hat will keep your head dry and during the sunny parts of the season it’ll keep the sun out of your eyes – and there’s a lot of sun!

I use a hat like this because I prefer function over form for this sort of thing. Which is a polite way of saying I don’t mind looking dorky but being comfortable.

As for footwear, that’s very dependent on what you are planning on doing. If you are planning a hike, I recommend bringing a pair of hiking boots or shoes. The trails that you hike on are marked and well-trod, but they are not sidewalks or paved. Sneakers or running shoes are fine if you’re just walking around town or doing a crab or fish feast. Don’t bother with sandals or flip-flops, leave them at home.

• Light out layer, possibly fleece. You may water it to be waterproof if visiting in May or September.
• Good quality socks, I suggest merino wool, especially if you’re hiking or doing other vigorous outdoor activities.
• A hat. If you have a hat that sheds water, that’s a good trait, but during sun or rain, a hat is very beneficial.
• Bring appropriate shoes for your activities. If you are hiking, bring hiking footwear. If you’re not doing vigorous activities outside, sneakers are okay. Forget the sandals.

Cruise Specific Clothing

Most cruise goers have their cruising experience in warm climates, but Alaska isn’t that. There’s unlikely to be good weather for you to lay out on the deck. Most outdoor activities on the ship will be less comfortable than they are in the Caribbean, for example. Sun dresses and shorts are probably not the right choice. Jeans, slacks, cardigans, sweaters, those are better picks. Evening attire depends on the cruise line, but plan to incorporate warmer things in your outfit.

Pools are sometimes heated on cruise ships, but not always, so before you pack any swimwear, check the specific ship you are going on and see if that ship heats their pool or pools. If they aren’t heated, they are almost certainly not warm enough to be used comfortably in Alaska. However, if there are hot tubs on your ship, which there often are, those can be fun to use, especially if you like a little bit chilly air on your nose while the rest of you is warm in the water.

• Bring warmer clothes than you would on a Caribbean cruise.
• Long pants are a must and if you want to wear a dress or gown, bring a wrap of some sort to keep you a bit warmer up top.

Accessories

Alaska is one of the most stunning places that you’ll ever visit and there’s a few things that you may regret if you don’t bring them. Some of these are activity dependent (you don’t need trekking poles to ride on a scenic railway), so use your best judgement one what ones you will personally benefit from.

Binoculars

No matter what you’re doing in Alaska, you’ll want to be able to see things a little better and a good pair of binoculars is perfect for a trip like this. Some cruise lines will provide binoculars in cabins, but most do not, and the lines that do provide them don’t provide great ones either. No matter how you’re visiting Alaska, though, you’ll want a pair for yourself.

You don’t want to miss a sight like this,

To get an idea of what I’m talking about, here’s a link to my Alaska album. There’s a lot of photos in it, so jump around as you see fit. I was able to use my telephoto lens to bring all that nature a bit closer to me and I think you’ll want to do the same.

There’s a big quality difference between the $25-$50 range and when you jump up to $100+. If that’s worth it to you, I’ve read very good things about this pair from Vortex.

I don’t personally own a pair of these, but from what I’ve read in reviews, people’s experiences are quite positive. They provide a 10x magnification and a fairly wide viewing angle without being too heavy to hold. They should last for many, many years and come with a case and strap.

Now, if you are open to spending more and getting the benefits of image stabilization technology, then you can step up to this pair from Canon.

I own a pair of these (of slightly older model). I’ve used them for wildlife spotting and birding for about 10 years. The image stabilization tech is astoundingly cool, making gazing through them much easier, but the price was certainly a jump. Strictly speaking, I don’t think it’s necessary to buy these if you are not going to use them more than for this trip, but they are very fun.

No matter what you choose, you’ll thank yourself for picking up a pair.

Trekking Poles

Getting a nice pair of trekking poles can be very beneficial if you plan on traversing some more difficult or slippery terrain. The key to a good pole, though, is that it fits you. Adjustable poles make that easier, but you still need to know the range of height you need.

Here’s a simple guide:

To know if your poles are a good fit, the most common test is to bend your arm at the elbow out at a 90° angle from your body and make it parallel to the ground. Your pole should fit right into your hand and preserve that 90° angle while the tip rests on the ground. Since everyone is a different height, getting adjustable poles is very helpful for getting the sizing correct and giving you adjustability for different terrain.

I quite like this pair, which I own, but I would recommend that you go to a store to try the poles out in person if that’s possible for you to do.

They’re extremely lightweight, not even a pound, and they have helpful length markers so you can zero in the correct height for you quite quickly.

One thing to note about trekking poles. If you’re flying, these must go in checked baggage. Don’t try to put them in your carry-on, you won’t be allowed to fly with them.

Humidifier

This is likely only necessary when going to Alaska in May or September, but I assure you that it’s very helpful. I have an entire article on the best travel humidifiers here. Read it over and pick up the best one for your needs.

The post What to Pack For Alaska appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Set to sail out of New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle, the Brilliant Lady will be set to traverse the coasts of North America. As the first ship in the fleet that can pass through the Panama Canal, she can explore areas that Virgin hasn’t yet sailed.

There is more excitement as the Brilliant Lady will be sailing Alaska in 2026.

The newest sister ship arrives for Virgin.

New York and Miami

The Brilliant Lady starts her new voyages in New York City, setting out to Bermuda, Bahamas, Boston, Canada, and the Carolinas, bringing Virgin Voyage energy to whole new regions.

Finally, as winter arrives, Virgin’s new Brilliant Lady will make her way down to Miami to do some Caribbean sailings before making her way through the Panama Canal, a very popular itinerary.

Don’t miss out on her MerMaiden Voyage!

Los Angeles and Seattle

In 2026, the new Brilliant Lady will settle arrive at the west coast, doing sailings out of Los Angeles to Cabo and other western Mexican ports. As the Alaska sailing season kicks off, she’ll make her way up to Seattle where she’ll travel among whales and glaciers for the 2026 season.

While the Brilliant is exploring Alaska in 2026, the Valiant Lady will move into the Northeast U.S. ports.

The Brilliant Lady’s New Dining

The soon-to-be four Virgin ships are all built on the same model, with fairly small differences. The biggest change with the Brilliant Lady is the new take on the Razzle Dazzle restaurant. Scarlet Lady wowed us with Lucky Lotus, Virgin’s take on Chinese cuisine. On the Brilliant Lady we will be introduced to Rojo, Virgin’s new Spanish-inspired restaurant.

Classic Spanish fare like croquets, churros, and more take center stage with this new restaurant. Additionally, look out for Virgin’s new dinner show, Up With a Twist, that will be debuting on the new Brilliant Lady

You can never go hungry on Virgin Voyages

Entertainment on the Brilliant Lady

The shows on the different Lady ships are all different, and the Brilliant Lady is no exception. Expect new shows like Red Hot and Out of Time. As well as new pop-up entertainment around the ship.

Additionally, there are new parties to get excited about. Their new Electric Party will be a glowstick-inspired romp, complete with UV lighting to get that electric glow going. Additionally, there will be big changes to Scarlet Night, so get ready to experience something truly magical.

Cabin Changes on the Brilliant Lady

To squeeze through the Panama Canal, Virgin needed to move the lifeboats inward on the Brilliant Lady. As a result, there is a new category of cabin, the Slightly Smaller Sea Terrace. The balcony is considerably smaller. The comparative cabin sizes for a regular sea terrace and a slightly smaller sea terrace is the same. The difference is the balcony on a regular is 40 square feet but will be only 9 to 10 square feet on a slightly smaller. All slightly smaller sea terraces are on deck 8.

To make up for this shortcoming, Virgin put a second hammock on each slightly smaller balcony. A change that the hammock-lovers among us are very excited about. The price will be lower than a regular sea terrace.

If you are interested in booking a cruise on the new Brilliant Lady, feel free to reach out to us anytime!

The post Virgin Voyage’s New Brilliant Lady – What We Know So Far appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

From breathtaking natural beauty to amazing outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in Alaska. A good travel agent can help you select the perfect itinerary that suits your needs, budget, and interests.

Denali

Mt. Denali is North America’s highest peak and a must-visit for an Alaska dream trip. Denali National Park is vast, it’s America’s largest national park and is larger than the entire state of New Hampshire! There are tons of tours and excursions available. The Park Service even offers free sled dog demonstrations in the summer. “Flight-seeing” is a wonderful way to see incredible views you will always remember.

Finally, check out our guide to National Park passes.

Kenai Fjords

Another very popular area is Kenai Fjords. Almost 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield. A Kenai Fjords boat tour is one of the very best ways to see Kenai on your Alaska dream trip, and you might spot a whale or two!  You can also hike, mountain bike, take a “flight-seeing” trip and more. There are many great boat trips from Seward or even Anchorage. Some excursions include a dinner cruise or whale-watching. And from May to mid-June, orcas can be spotted.

Glacier Bay

One of the highlights for an Alaska dream trip is a cruise of Glacier Bay, but sadly, many visitors miss this incredible experience entirely. Glacier Bay as part of the U.S. National Park Service is strictly controlled. Only two ships per day from a few cruise lines are permitted.  You may even see seals perched on chunks of ice. You can still have a fabulous time without visiting Glacier Bay, but we always recommend it.

Fantastic Towns

All along the coast are towns with great history and character. Are you are fascinated by fishing, the Gold Rush, or Native American culture? There is something for you!

Juneau is a great place for a helicopter tour to walk on a glacier during your Alaska dream trip. It’s the state capital yet you can only get there by air or boat. The Mendenhall Glacier is the only glacier in Southeast Alaska accessible by road. We have experienced fantastic whale-watching in Juneau.

Charming Ketchikan has a wealth of native culture and a visit to the Totem Heritage Center is memorable. There is an abundance of salmon and eagles. You can fish, kayak, or take a tour and perhaps see seals, sea lions, and whales. Or snorkel with a ton of underwater sea life.

Sitka may be the most beautiful of the Southeast Alaska communities. Its Russian history is fascinating as evidenced by St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral.

Check it out Sitka’s official tourist site. You are almost certain to see bald eagles. Interesting facts about Sitka: No mosquitos or rats or mice.

Skagway is Alaska’s top tourist destination. The White Pass and Yukon Route railroad, is a traveler favorite.

On your Alaska dream trip, you can ride the rails on a real gold-rush era railroad from Skagway into the heart of the Yukon. And, yes, the area is, in part, a national park.

Finally, most visitors will visit Anchorage. It may not seem like it, but it’s a big city by Alaska standards.

There are day-long tours to the Kenai area that are very worthwhile. However, closer, and very popular places to visit are Chugach State Park and the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge is a bird-lover’s paradise. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of some popular Anchorage area tours.

Planning Your Alaska Dream Trip: All the Ways to Visit Alaska

There are several ways to visit Alaska.  The simplest is to fly there and back. No passport required. You can rent a car, take guided vacations, ride the famous trains, or some of each! You can even stay at some cool Alaska Wilderness lodges and take the domed trains with their magnificent views. However, you won’t see the cool towns and beauty of the Inside Passage.

The Most Affordable Way to visit Alaska is an Ocean Cruise.

Generally, you can take cruises out of Seattle, Vancouver, Whittier, or Seward. Cruises also run from San Francisco. Your transportation, accommodation, meals and entertainment are covered. We recommend one-way cruises as you will spend more time sightseeing than on a round-trip cruise. Almost every major cruise company has Alaska cruises available.  It can be confusing choosing the best one but we’re here to help.

Other ways are to take ferries from Seattle or to drive yourself through Canada.

We think the best Alaska dream trip is to pair a one-way cruise with a cruise tour. You cruise from Vancouver to Alaska and then the cruise line transports you to fabulous Alaskan lodges.  They usually include the famous glass-domed trains and guided tours. There are many multi-day options available. If you have the time and the money, it is the best!

Alaska Souvenirs and Art

On our past visits, we bought have some great Alaskan art that we cherish. Certainly you will want to explore and shop. Although there are countless shops, you should also consider the museum shops as great places to buy something to bring home.

Alaska has over 60 museums and cultural centers covering its history: the Russian occupation, gold booms – and busts as told in art and artifacts. Of course, the art of the Alaska native cultures is especially interesting. Beadwork, masks, carving, and basketry are some of the favorite collectable items. 

Tip: When you shop in Alaska, be sure to look for the silver hand logo which denotes the object was created by an Alaskan native artist using local materials.

More to Read

Visiting Seattle

Visiting Victoria

If you need help with airfare, check out our 6 Insider Secrets to Getting the Best Price for Airfare.

Visiting National Parks? Here’s our Guide.

The post Planning Your Alaska Dream Trip 2025 appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Research shows that the average person who plans their own trip spends over 30 hours researching it. That’s almost a whole work week and many people spend more time than that! As travel agents, we devote ourselves to knowing which cruise will be the best cruise for each client, while also saving them time and money.

How can you avoid wasting time and money on your cruise planning, and get to relaxing sooner? Here are some amazing cruise planning tips.

There are 18 cruise lines and almost 800 cruises in Alaska alone – that’s a lot to research. Save yourself time by working with an expert to pick your cruise..

Tip 1: Before You Choose a Cruise, Think!

The most important cruise planning tip is to think before you book! Don’t jump at the first low price or pretty social media post. Ask yourself, what are you looking to get from your cruise. Are you looking for the best cruise line for your family? Or perhaps a romantic trip for two with no kids? Is there a destination you have in mind?

The most important question to ask yourself is what is your budget? Since the pandemic, many travelers have decided to upgrade their travel and splurge on something they might not have before. But it’s about what works for you! We often see people jump at a low advertised price without realizing they will end up paying more in the end than if they had booked a higher priced cruise that included more. We often prepare spreadsheets for our clients so they can compare apples-to-apples.

If you are using a travel advisor, and you should, tell them clearly what you want so they can help you plan your perfect trip.

Questions to answer for planning your cruise:

• Who is traveling? There are cruise lines that specialize in kids and others that don’t allow children. Will it be multi-generational? Cruising solo is popular, is that you?
• Are you restricted to certain dates? If so, you might want to engage a travel agent (also known as a travel advisor), at no cost to you, who can quickly scan your date range and tell you what is available.
• Do you have certain destinations in mind or do you just want to cruise? Alaska is extremely popular and there is much to know to maximize your experience.
• Do you have a budget? See Tip 2.
• When you stay in a hotel do you stay at a Four Seasons, a Motel 6, or something in between? Cruiselines have the same types of differences in luxury and quality. As part of your research, make sure you know you are getting the cruise you want. The more you tell your travel advisor, the better they can match you to the right cruise.
• Make a list of what you will want, such as:
  • Wi-fi
  • Specialty dining
  • Drinks (many lines charge extra for soft drinks as well as wine, alcohol, etc.)
  • Gratuities. While technically optional, you should pay them. They can be as high as $20 per person per day as only a few crusielines include them in the price.
  • Spa services
  • Shore excursions
  • Room service. Many lines charge extra for this.

Tip 2: Consider Value Over Price For A Cruise

All too often, travelers get drawn in by a low advertised price, only to find out at the end of the cruise they owe money for all sorts of things. Watch for items like crew gratuities, wi-fi, soft drinks, even coffees and dining! These costs all add up, and this doesn’t even include shore excursions. This doesn’t mean cruising isn’t a good value–it is!

Speaking of the value of cruising, we often see people who have sticker shock over the price of a cruise. Then they compare a comparable land vacation and realize the value of a cruise.

If you’re planning a cruise, that more expensive looking choice may be a better value. Look behind the curtain of a “good deal” and make an informed decision. We’ve seen far too many people book a “cheap” cruise, then end up spending more money on all the extras, than if they had booked a “more expensive” cruise that included more. Don’t let that happen to you.

We prepare spreadsheets for our clients who are choosing between different cruises so they can see the actual cost and value of each.

Several cruise lines engage in more honest pricing. They will include beverages, Wi-Fi, port fees, crew gratuities, specialty restaurants, and sometimes even shore excursions. Booking a cruise with one of them can result in a much better and more relaxing experience.

Virgin Voyages includes more with Fair and Flexible pricing

Tip 3: How to Choose a Cruise to Get the Best Price?

This is one of our best cruise planning tips. While last minute deals still exist, nowadays the cruise lines often make the best offers to those who book early. We always suggest booking as early as you can with a refundable deposit. With a refundable deposit, it’s easier to get the price reduced if the price drops later. Or, worst case, cancel the booking and start a new one.

Tip 4: Booking The Cruise

Once you’ve decided what cruise you want to take and when you want to take it, now it’s time to book it. That’s not where the stress ends though.

When COVID hit in 2020, we had quite a few clients booked on cruises. Some of these cruises cost tens of thousands of dollars! Worse, they had not purchased travel insurance. After lots of work and hours on hold, we were able to get all of our clients a refund. People who had booked cruises themselves, had to fight for refunds on their own.

Good travel agents fight for their clients in those situations. Car crashes, job loss, and personal or family illness can happen to anyone. By working with us, we can make it easier for you to recover your money if something goes wrong with your trip. And of course it is why we always recommend purchasing trip protection.

Many people are not aware that it doesn’t cost you anything extra to book with a travel agent. There are exceptions to that, as some travel agents do charge an upfront planning fee, but many, like us, do not. In addition, the travel agent will have your back if things don’t go right.

Working with a travel advisor can be the best way to choose a cruise.

Tip 5: Best Cruises for Families

We think a cruise is the perfect way for a group of friends and family to travel together. We’ve done it many times. Everyone gets to the same place at the same time. On board, you can spend as much, or as little, time together as you wish.

It’s great for multi-generational travel as the kids can have fun all day in the children’s program while Mom and Dad visit the spa and Grandma and the aunties play pickleball or take a painting class. Or, all the adults can just sip margaritas by the pool. Some groups only see each other at dinner because they are so busy with their own activities.  And the children’s programs are so much fun it can be hard to get the kids to leave at the end of the day.

The ship’s photographers will be happy to take as many pictures of your group as want with no sitting fees. You only pay for the pictures you want. No obligation!

Finally, if your group is large enough, there may be extra perks and discounts available. A good travel agent can not only help you choose a cruise but can save you many headaches by keeping track of what all the aunts and uncles and nephews and nieces want.

Popular cruises for families are the Royal Caribbean (RCCL) and the Disney Cruise Line (of course). But don’t overlook cruises like Celebrity and Princess who have excellent children and teen programs. Princess especially in great for Alaska and we consider the Princess Plus program to be one of the best values in cruising.

Tip 6: Cabin Selection on a Cruise

Some people care passionately about their cabin location, others not so much. If you don’t care, you can often choose to book a “guarantee” cabin at a slightly lower price. This means they guarantee you a cabin in that category such as a balcony or suite, but you won’t know which exact one it is until just before you board.

When choosing a cabin, here are some things to think about:

• Who will share what kinds of cabins? If the kids are teens, you can book a balcony cabin for the parents and an inside cabin, across the hall, for the kids.
• Do you need the cabins to be close together? Do you need the cabins to have a connecting door?
• Does the cruise ship sail up a coastline? (We’re looking at you, Alaska) If it does, then one side of the ship is going to have far better cabin views than others.

Tip 7: Best Cruises for Adults

Cruise planning tips for sailing without children. Two cruise lines do not allow children at all: Virgin Voyages and Viking Ocean.

Other cruise lines allow children but you will find fewer, depending on the season and itinerary. These include Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, and Oceania. We like Azamara for its extended stays at many ports.

Newcomer Virgin Voyages is winning every award in sight and is winning over veteran cruisers from other lines. Check out our posts about sailing on Virgin.

We also are big fans of Cunard, which offers a sophisticated experience. You can actually sail between New York and England, often for less than the price of flying business class. Seven nights of great food, entertainment and accomodation–and no jet lag!

Tip 8: Upgrades

In the not-too-distant-past, veteran cruisers would sometimes experience the “Upgrade Fairy,” meaning the cruise line gave them a free upgrade. Nowadays, that is incredibly rare. More and more cruise lines have programs in which you make blind bids on upgrades should they become available. Some examples are Princess Upgrades, Royal Caribbean’s Royal Up, Virgin’s Level Up, and Celebrity’s Move Up.

We hope these cruise planning tips help you choose your cruise. If you need suggestions for getting the price on airfare, check out this post.

Check out this recent New York Times article describing why so many people of all ages are taking their first cruise.

If Athens is on your itinerary, be sure to read our article about one of the best museums in the world, the Acropolis Museum.

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

Every week we share our favorite travel secrets and tips. You can view them all here.

The post Amazing Cruise Planning Tips appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Okay… we. We don’t actually say that. Still, booking a cruise during Wave Season makes a lot of sense. The cruise lines all roll out strong offers for January through March when most travelers book for the year. It’s consistently the best time to book.

There are plenty of sales that are being offered, but we want to highlight the promotions that we think our clients will have the most interest in. The are presented in alphabetical order, of course.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Offer: Save up to 30%, a value of up to $10,000 per stateroom. The sale also adds up to $600 onboard credit on select expeditions. Solo travelers also enjoy a Single Supplement from only 125% on many expeditions.

Eligibility: The offer is valid on select 2025 and 2026 expedition sailings. Must book by February 3^rd.

Our opinion: Atlas is a new line and we don’t have a long history to compare and see how “good” of a deal this is. However, we can say that for solo travelers this is quite a nice offer and if you’ve been thinking of trying Atlas, $600 in credit is not a bad deal.

Azamara

Offer: The luxury cruise line known for longer port visits is offering up to $1000 in onboard credit. How much credit you receive is based on which category of stateroom you book. The higher tier of room booked, i.e. suites, the more credit is offered. Lower tiers, such as interior rooms, get less, to a minimum of $200.

Eligibility: The offer is valid on select 2025 sailings and you must book by February 28^th.

Our opinion: We like this sale because it’s straightforward. Onboard credit is a known quantity and that’s always a good thing.

Cunard

Offer: Up to $800 Onboard Credit per stateroom. Plus, a Drinks Package and Hotel and Dining Service Charges are included when you book a Grills Suite.

Eligibility: The offer is valid on all of Cunard’s sailings, but you must book by March 26^th.

Our opinion: Once again, we like this sale because it’s straightforward. The suites earn more credit, but the offer is solid for all categories of stateroom. For a line that costs less than people often imagine, this is a handsome offer.

Princess

Offer: Up to 40% off and up to $200 onboard credit, plus FREE room upgrades and FREE 3rd & 4th guests.

Eligibility: The promotion ends February 28, 2025

Our opinion: The real deal here is the 3^rd and 4^th sailors are free. This means that a family of four can sail Princess for much less during this sale. It’s a great way to take a family vacation and we are impressed with Princess’ kids programs, which is often celebrated by family travelers.

Regent Seven Seas

Offer: Free 2-Category Suite Upgrade, 50% Reduced Deposits, and 20% Savings on Select Voyages

Eligibility: Available on all ships and destinations. Promotion ends February 28, 2025

Our opinion: Regent is the ultimate in all-inclusive cruising and this sale is allowing you to upgrade your suite while booking at a lower suite’s fare. Let’s be honest, if you’re booking Regent, you probably aren’t worried about a sale. Still, the offer is nice.

Seabourn:

Offer: Up to 15% savings, with up to $1,000 USD in shipboard credit per suite, along with reduced deposits on Seabourn Ocean voyages and Expeditions to all seven continents.

Eligibility: The promotion ends February 18, 2025

Our opinion: For those interested in sailing to exotic locations, like Antarctica, or trying a truly luxury cruise, this is a good time to do it. Like we’ve said repeatedly, onboard credit is a dependable offer because you know what you’re getting, and a low deposit isn’t a bad thing either.

Viking:

Offer: Viking is offering reduced fares on river, ocean, and expeditions cruises. There are also additional perks available on select sailings, including free international airfare and a deposit of $25.

Eligibility: Offer ends on January 31^st, 2025.

Our opinion: We can’t say too much about the reduced rates, because rates are always changing, but if you select a cruise with the free airfare, that’s a good deal. Airfare is pricy and that’s a way to save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

If you would like to book Viking ocean with us as your travel advisor, use this link.

Virgin:

Offer: 80% off a 2nd Sailor and up to USD $300 in Bar Tab based on voyage length, with longer voyages awarding more credit.

Eligibility: Available on all 2025 and 2026 voyages. Offer ends on January 30^th, 2025.

Our opinion: Getting any amount of Bar Tab is always good and a very popular promotion for the company. Having sailed Virgin quite a bit myself, $300 can go a long way in drinks.

If you would like to book Virgin with us as your travel advisor, you this link.

Windstar

Offer: Windstar is offering an interesting sale. If you book with them you’ll have a choice of three options; onboard credit of up to $1,000 per suite; a night at a hotel before or after your cruise; a complimentary All-Inclusive experience (only available when booking a  Premium Suite).

Eligibility: Offer ends on March 31^st, 2025.

Our opinion: Since you always want to arrive at least one day before a cruise leaves, this seems like a can’t lose deal. When a luxury cruise line is offering to put you up in a hotel for a night before, take it.

As I said, there are dozens of Wave Season sales from different lines and the ones presented above are from the lines our clients sail the most. If you are interested in offers from lines not listed above, please reach out to us. During Wave Season, many lines run a series of flash sales rather than static offers, making it difficult to present them here.

The post We Love These Wave Season Sales appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Dive in and discover new deals that will help you cruise on the cruise line that keeps winning award after award. There are Virgin Voyages deals galore that can be stacked: Free Bar Tab, 80% off the second sailor, solo deals on virgin voyages, and a bigger paid in full discount.

Best of all, you can combine them!

Relax and Refresh on Virgin

Virgin Voyages Deals: The WAVE Season Sale that Lasts until January

Veteran cruisers know that Wave Season, when some of the best offers of the year occur, starts in January. However, always willing to break the rules, Virgin has jumped ahead of the line and begun their Wave Season offer right now. And it can be combined with some of their other amazing deals.

With The Wave you get BOTH:

• 80% Off for a Second Sailor on eligible cabins
• Free Bar Tab – Up to $300 in Free Drinks depending on the length of your cruise

You can use this credit to enjoy premium cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees and more.

Check with us for restrictions and pricing

AND these offers can be combined with the use of a My Next Virgin Voyage (MNVV) certificate—and we have some for you. It also combines with the Pay in Full Offer. What’s an MNVV? Keep reading.

Virgin’s Food Wins Major Awards and You Never Pay Extra for Specialty Dining

Another Virgin Voyages Deal: Up to 10% Savings If You Pay-in-Full

If you choose to pay the full balance at the time of booking you save up to 10% more off your cruise fare. This option can be combined with the Wave 2025 offer but is only available on select cabin types and itineraries.

To qualify for the Pay in Full Discount, a booking must meet these requirements:

• Be fully paid, covering the complete invoice amount (including voyage fare, taxes, and fees), within two hours of making the reservation.
• Be made at least 180 days before the sail date.
• Eligible Cabins for the “Paid in Full Discount” Offer are:
  XL Sea Terrace, Central Sea Terrace, The Sea Terrace, Limited View Sea Terrace, The Sea View, and The Insider. Lock-it-in cabins are excluded.

The “Paid in Full Discount” Offer is combinable with the Wave 2025, My Next Virgin Voyage (MNVV), and Affinity Circles (Groups).

Virgin Arrives in Alaska!

Virgin’s newest ship, the Brilliant lady will set sail for Alaska in and you can grab a cabin now. Sailings from seven to twelve days out of Seattle and Vancouver from May through September 2026. And don’t forget Virgin will start sailings from Los Angeles too!

Have a Whale of a Time with Virgin

My Next Virgin Voyage Certificates (MNVV)

My Next Virgin Voyages (MNVV) certificates are one of the best deals you can get in cruising. They are certificates you can only purchase while sailing on Virgin. However, because they can be transferred to another person once, and because they represent such great perks, we buy up batches when we sail with Virgin so that we can share them with our clients. These certificates involve a $300 deposit that is applied to the cruise price.

• If you book a cruise of 4-5 days with your MNVV: You get $150 discount off the price of your cabin and $150 Sailor Loot (On Board Credit) 
• If you book a cruise of 6-8 days with your MNVV: You get $200 discount off the price of your cabin and $200 Sailor Loot (On Board Credit) 
• If you book a cruise of 9 days or more with your MNVV: You get $250 discount off the price of your cabin and $250 Sailor Loot (On Board Credit)

We have a limited supply of MNVVs, though we try to restock whenever we can. If you are interested in using one of our MNVVs, please reach out to us to learn more about the process.

Great Solo Deals from Virgin Voyages

Virgin has long been recognized by solo travelers as a great cruise line. The open accepting atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome. And now, finally, there are solo deals on Virgin Voyages–dozens of them.

The post Fantastic New Virgin Voyages Offers appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Eagerly Awaiting 2026

Virgin Voyage Alaska 2026 Season Details Revealed

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure as Virgin Voyages opens the door to its highly anticipated Alaska itineraries aboard the stunning Brilliant Lady! These wonderful 7 to 12-night voyages promise breathtaking scenery, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and immersive shore excursions that will leave you spellbound.

Here’s what you need to know about Virgin Voyages Alaska cruise.

Do You Have an Alaska Fron(tier) Pass?

For the last year, people had the opportunity to buy a $500 refundable deposit pass so they could early book Alaska 2026 before the general public. If you have a pass, you can get special savings from now until November 12th! To use the pass, reach out to your First Mate or call Virgin directly.

Click Me for Information on Alaskan Itineraries

Inaugural MerMaiden Voyage May 21–28, 2026

The Brilliant Lady embarks on her spectacular MerMaiden voyage from Seattle on May 21. This special journey will whisk you away to Ketchikan through the stunning Tongass National Forest, before making a stop in the culturally rich town of Sitka, which was famously the backdrop of the movie The Proposal!

The adventure continues through the breathtaking Tracy Arm Fjord and visits charming Prince Rupert in British Columbia, before returning to Seattle.

You Moose Go to Alaska

Twelve Nights: Alaska Awe from Vancouver to Seattle

The Alaska Awe sailing takes place May 11-21, 2026. It starts in beautiful Vancouver Canada and ends in Seattle, sailing the Inside Passage, to Ketchikan, Sitka, cruising Hubbard Glacier, Skagway (with a late-night visit!), Juneau, and Icy Point Straight.

Alaskan Glacier Blues & Coastal Views

Sail seven nights June 4-11 or in August round trip from Seattle. You sail the famed Inside Passage, visiting Ketchikan, Sitka, cruising Tracy Ann Fjord, visiting Prince Rupert B.C. before returning to Seattle.

Seattle, Juneau & Canadian Coasts

In May and August, you can sail round trip from Seattle for seven nights. You sail the famed Inside Passage, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, cruising Tracy Ann Fjord, visiting Prince Rupert B.C. before returning to Seattle.

Ketchikan

Inside Passage Alaska & Canadian Coasts

In June, enjoy twelve nights round trip from Seattle and seeing it all!

You will sail the famed Inside Passage, visiting Ketchikan, Sitka, sailing Hubbard Glacier, historic Skagway, Icy Straight Point, Haines, and visiting Prince Rupert and gorgeous Victoria B.C. before returning to Seattle. The trip will be more special with late night stops in Sitka, Skagway, Haines, Prince Rupert, and Victoria.

Foodies–This One’s For You: Inside Passage Eat & Drink Edition Virgin Voyage Alaska

The cruise line that has won every award in sight will host July seven night sailings from Seattle will feature special food and drink celebrating the region. Visits to Ketchikan, Sitka, Tracey Arm Fjord, and Prince Rupert will make this an amazing week.

Sitka, Hubbard Glacier, Ketchikan & More

September 3-11, the Brilliant Lady sails for eight nights from Seattle to Vancouver. You’ll also sail Icy Point Strait, Tracey Arm Fjord, and Ketchikan.

You’ll have a late-night visit in Sitka, which is only accessible by air or water. Sitka was originally inhabited by the Tlingit people, When Russians arrived and claimed the area, they named the area New Archangel, and it became the capital of Russian Alaska in 1808. Russia sold Alaska to the United States on October 18, 1867, with a transfer ceremony held in Sitka on Baranof Castle State Historic Site.

Here’s the Virgin Voyages Alaska 2026 Schedule

2026 Sailing Dates:

If you want to make an Alaskan booking, make sure to reach out to us and get everything in order!

The post Finally: Virgin Voyages Alaska appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Princess Cruises just announced changes to the much-loved Princess Premier package. But also, a new price.

Is the Princess Premier Package the Best Deal in Cruising?

We are no strangers to cruising, and we believe that Princess Plus and Princess Premier Packages are some of the best deals that you can get from all the cruise lines. They are daily packages that include drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities as well as a slew of other bonuses. We believe choosing one or the other is a great choice for any Princess Cruise. Believe me, we’ve explored every aspect of Princess.

That being said, Princess has recently enhanced their Premier Package. But with those bonuses comes a slightly increased cost. We’re here to tell you everything you need to know about these packages.

What is a Princess Plus and Princess Premier Package?

Princess Plus and Princess Premier are add-ons that you can get for any Princess Cruise voyage. Here is the breakdown of what they offer.

As you can see, you really get a lot of bang for your buck with these packages. Many cruise lines offer just drinks packages at higher prices!

So, What’s Changed?

The big changes are that Princess Premier previously limited the number of drinks, which is now unlimited. Before, you were allowed only two complementary Specialty Dining options per cruise. Now with the Princess Premier Package, you can go to the specialty restaurants every single night. You are now also allowed unlimited Casual Dining.

With these increased bonuses, however, Princess prices did increase from $80 to $90 per day. Despite this slight increase in price, the overall value of these packages can’t be found anywhere else.

We consider the Plus package value proposition to be fantastic for most travelers, as the price for tips ($16-$20 per person per day) and wi-fi alone (a minimum of $24.99 per day per device) costs up to $55 per day when purchased separately and that is without drinks or desserts or fitness. Whether the Premier is worth it to you depends greatly on your likely use.

For more information about cruising in general, check out our tips and suggestions! If you are interested in cruising, don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime.

Interested in other cruise news?

See why cruise advertising is becoming clearer

What’s it Like to Sail Cunard?

The post New Premier Price for Princess Premier Package appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Nowadays, for the most part, the best prices and choices of cabins come to those who book a year or more ahead. Just ask someone who tried to book a cruise for this summer a few months ago. Nowadays Alaska cruise cabins fill quickly.

Cruise lines are announcing their 2026 Alaska sailings now and they will start filling quickly.

If you haven’t visited Alaska, you’re missing out! We have visited Alaska several times and can attest to its incredible natural beauty. Pictures are fantastic, but they do not let you experience the vastness you witness in person. So, we created our guide for planning your Alaska visit. We share the best time to visit Alaska and the best places to visit in Alaska.

Alaska Trains are very popular for good reason

From breathtaking natural beauty to amazing outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in Alaska. A good travel agent can help you select the perfect itinerary that suits your needs, budget, and interests. For the best prices and itineraries, start planning now.

Best Places to Visit in Alaska: Denali

Mt. Denali is North America’s highest peak and a must-visit for an Alaska dream trip. Denali National Park is vast, it’s America’s largest national park and is larger than the entire state of New Hampshire! There are tons of tours and excursions available. The Park Service even offers free sled dog demonstrations in the summer. “Flight-seeing” is a wonderful way to see incredible views you will always remember. Denali is certainly one of the best places to visit in Alaska.

Finally, check out our guide to National Park passes.

Best Places to Visit in Alaska: Kenai Fjords

Another very popular area is Kenai Fjords. Almost 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield. A Kenai Fjords boat tour is one of the very best ways to see Kenai on your Alaska dream trip, and you might spot a whale or two!  You can also hike, mountain bike, take a “flight-seeing” trip and more. There are many great boat trips from Seward or even Anchorage. Some excursions include a dinner cruise or whale-watching. And from May to mid-June, orcas can be spotted.

Best Places to Visit in Alaska: Glacier Bay

One of the best places to visit in Alaska is a cruise of Glacier Bay, but sadly, many visitors miss this incredible experience entirely. Glacier Bay, part of the U.S. National Park Service, is strictly controlled. Only two ships per day from a few cruise lines are permitted.  You may even see seals perched on chunks of ice. You can still have a fabulous time without visiting Glacier Bay, but we always recommend it.

Best Places to Visit in Alaska: Fantastic Towns

All along the coast are towns with great history and character. Are you are fascinated by fishing, the Gold Rush, or Native American culture? There is something for you!

Juneau is a great place for a helicopter tour to walk on a glacier during your Alaska dream trip. It’s the state capital yet you can only get there by air or boat. The Mendenhall Glacier is the only glacier in Southeast Alaska accessible by road.

Charming Ketchikan has a wealth of native culture and a visit to the Totem Heritage Center is memorable. There is an abundance of salmon and eagles. You can fish, kayak, or take a tour and perhaps see seals, sea lions, and whales. Or snorkel with a ton of underwater sealife.

Sitka might be the most beautiful of the Southeast Alaska communities. Its Russian history is fascinating as evidenced by St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral.

Skagway is Alaska’s top tourist destination. The White Pass and Yukon Route railroad, is a traveler favorite. On your Alaska dream trip, you can ride the rails on a real gold-rush era railroad from Skagway into the heart of the Yukon. And, yes, the area is, in part, a national park.

Finally, most visitors will visit Anchorage. It may not seem like it, but it’s a big city by Alaska standards.

There are day-long tours to the Kenai area that are very worthwhile. However, closer, and very popular places to visit are Chugach State Park and the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge is a bird-lover’s paradise. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of some popular Anchorage area tours.

Planning Your Alaska Dream Trip: All the Ways to Visit Alaska

There are many ways to visit Alaska. Of course, the best time to visit Alaska depends on what you want to see. The simplest way is to fly there and back. No passport required. You can rent a car, take guided vacations, ride the famous trains, or a bit of each! You can even stay at cool Alaska Wilderness lodges and take the domed trains with their magnificent views. However, you won’t see the cool towns of the Inside Passage, which we think are some of the best places to visit in Alaska. For that, you should take a cruise.

Consider a Special National Park Visit

Recently, we wrote about a special way to visit Glacier Bay National Park. You can enjoy peace, tranquility, hiking, and wonderful wildlife viewings.

The most affordable way to visit Alaska is an Ocean Cruise.

Generally, you can take cruises out of Seattle, Vancouver, Whittier, or Seward. Cruises also run from San Francisco. Your transportation, accommodation, meals and entertainment are covered. We recommend one-way cruises as you will spend more time sightseeing than on a round-trip cruise. Almost every major cruise company has Alaska cruises available.  It can be confusing choosing the best one but we’re here to help.

Other ways, much less frequently-used, are to take ferries from Seattle or to drive yourself through Canada.

We think the best Alaska dream trip is to pair a one-way cruise with a cruise tour. You cruise from Vancouver to Alaska and then the cruise line transports you to fabulous Alaskan lodges.  They usually include the famous glass-domed trains and guided tours. There are many multi-day options available. If you have the time and the money, it is the best!

If you want to take a cruise, the best time to visit Alaska is May through September. The weather can always be iffy, but even more so in May and September. On the other hand, the crowds and the prices are lower. June, July, and August are considered the prime months to cruise.

Alaska Souvenirs and Art

On our past visits, we purchased some great Alaskan art that we still cherish. Certainly you will want to explore and shop. Although there are countless shops, you should also consider the museum shops as great places to buy something to bring home.

Alaska has over 60 museums and cultural centers covering its history: the Russian occupation, gold booms – and busts as told in art and artifacts. Of course, the art of the Alaska native cultures is especially interesting. Beadwork, masks, carving, and basketry are some of the favorite collectable items. 

Tip: When you shop in Alaska, be sure to look for the silver hand logo which denotes the object was created by an Alaskan native artist using local materials.

The Aurora Borealis 

Want to See the Northern Lights?

The best time visit Alaska to see the Northern Lights is September through mid-April. For the best chance, head north to Fairbanks or beyond. Check out this great guide for planning a visit.

More

If you need help with airfare, check out our 6 Insider Secrets to Getting the Best Price for Airfare.

Visiting National Parks? Here’s our Guide.

Truly Visit Glacier Bay National Park

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

Every week we share our favorite travel secrets and tips. You can view them all here.

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