After a lull during the holidays, Alaska travel planning for the summer ahead tends to pick up in a big way in January. Here's what you should book soon to avoid availability challenges in the new year.
Alaska Cruise Transfers
Inside Passage cruises that operate between Vancouver, BC, and Alaska start or end in either Seward or Whittier. Both are very small towns with limited transportation options. If you're booked on one of these cruises, you'll want to confirm your Anchorage transfer soon. Your options:
- Alaska Railroad - Either the Seward Coastal Classic or Whittier Glacier Discovery
- Park Connection Motorcoach - Special cruise departures on ship days
- One-way vehicle rental (Seward only) - With a pick up or drop off in Anchorage
- Pre- or post-cruise land package - See even more of Alaska with a corresponding land package. Transfer included in these itineraries, which are completely customizable
Dome Train Seats
These premium upper-level reserved seats go quick, especially on the Coastal Classic route between Anchorage and Seward (note cruise transfers above). The Alaska Railroad GoldStar service is the only dome train option there. Between Anchorage and Denali National Park there are three dome train options, so while these are just as popular there are more seats to go around. Quickly search for your options using the Alaska Transportation Finder.
Denali Park Hotels
Reserve your first-choice hotel in the Denali Park area soon. Top choices include:
- Denali Park Village - Standard rooms, river view rooms, and private cabins along the Nenana River about 10 minutes from the park entrance
- Denali Bluffs - Standard and deluxe rooms, which are the newest accommodations in the Denali Park area
- Grande Denali Lodge - Great views from this bluffside property with standard and view rooms
Denali Park Bus Tours
There's just one road into Denali National Park, and in the summer it's only accessible by guided tour. These tours are incredibly popular (and worthwhile!). By booking now you'll have your choice of tour type and time (either morning or afternoon, with specific departure times assigned closer to your reserved date).
Questions? Don't hesitate to give us a call at 800-208-0200.
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At Alaska Tour & Travel, we specialize in building custom trips for every timeline, personality, and budget. If you'd like to have an Alaskan plan your Alaska trip, give us a call at 800-208-0200.
Posted in: Local Advice