Alaska Vacation Options: An Overview

Alaska vacation options are as varied as the state itself, from cruising the temperate rain forest, breathtaking glaciers, and stunning fjords of the Inside Passage in southern Alaska to touring the vast, rugged interior of the north.

Everyone from seniors to families with children and all those in between will find plenty to do and see in this amazing region. There are truly activities on an Alaska vacation for people of all physical abilities and budgets.

I fell in love with Alaska on my very first visit, which began in the far southern section of the state, on a cruise of the spectacular chain of islands, peninsulas, and fjords known as the Inside Passage.

Alaskan cruises usually follow one of two 7 day itineraries: either they start in Vancouver or Seattle and end in Anchorage, or they go the reverse route, starting in Anchorage and ending in Vancouver or Seattle.

Other ships depart from San Francisco, sailing mainly round trip itineraries through the Inside Passage and back. For more information on Alaska cruises out of San Francisco, click here.

Most routes hit most of the same major ports and points of interest, so it really doesn't matter which port you start your voyage from.

Alaska cruise ships have a wonderful variety of activities and entertainment on board, so you will never lack for something to do, even while you are in the open ocean during your days at sea.

In addition to the northbound and southbound itineraries, there is a third route that some ships take that stays almost entirely within the calm, protected waters of the Inside Passage, starting in Vancouver, Seattle or San Francisco, following the Inside Passage north to the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park, then back south to Vancouver.

Since this route avoids the often choppy waters of the Gulf of Alaska, it is an option to consider for anyone who has difficulties with sea sickness.

To find out the best times to cruise, click here.

On my first Alaska vacation, I went on a cruise that took me from Vancouver, up the Inside Passage to the island city of Ketchikan.

From there, we went on to the beautiful capitol city of Juneau, the historic gold rush town of Skagway, Glacier Bay National Park, and College Fjord, our cruise finally ending near Anchorage.

I was struck by the sheer beauty of this region. It really exceeded my expectations and blew me away. My Alaska travel and cruise experience was truly amazing.

In addition, Alaska cruise weather is cool, refreshing, and a welcome relief from summer heat.

To read my Alaska cruise review, click here. You can read my Princess cruise review here. And my Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise review is here.

The sheer amount of amazing wildlife that you see in the interior amazed me, and the site of Denali/Mt. McKinley rising up over 20,000 feet from the surrounding forests of the central Alaskan plateau is something I know I will never forget.

Another option for Alaskan vacations is to take a smaller cruise or a ferry out of Juneau or Anchorage.

From Juneau, numerous short cruises, ferry rides, heli-tours, and sea plane rides are available to access the incredible natural beauty of the Inside Passage rain forest and the adjacent Yukon Territory.

From Anchorage or Seward, short cruises are also available to the beautiful College Fjord.

Alaska vacation opportunities abound for people of all ages, from families to senior citizens to extreme adventure seekers.

Alaska will surprise you in many ways. It's certainly not the frozen wasteland you might envision.

In fact, it can be downright warm in parts of Alaska in the summer - you might even want to wear shorts. To learn more about Alaska cruise wear, click here. And if you need help in knowing what to pack, click here.

No matter who you are, your Alaska vacation might well be the most memorable trip you ever take.

I certainly will never forget my first trip to this wonderful place.

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