Before You Go – Compare And Save!

For many people, Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list destination. Getting to the state can be costly in and of itself, and traveling from one location to another can be downright expensive. Budgeting for your trip is essential for avoiding last-minute surprises. Fortunately, it’s easy to compare one Alaska tour package cost against another to ensure you get the most bang for your buck during your travels.

Get Outside And Explore Alaska

If you are the type of traveler who likes having all of your trip logistics handled, rather than planning everything by yourself – you’re in luck! Many reputable tour operators offer adventure-bound Alaska tours. These tour packages include everything from transportation to lodging to food and activities. Of course, prices vary by package, but if you are concerned about your Alaska tour package cost a guided tour will spell everything out upfront so you will not be the victim of sticker shop during your travels.

The following factors can influence the cost of an Alaskan tour package:

• Time of year: High season vs. low season
• Duration of the tour: Longer tours may be more expensive
• Inclusions: Accommodation, meals, activities, transportation
•  Class of accommodation: Budget vs. luxury options
• Transportation method: Cruises, trains, or flights
• Activities included: Helicopter tours, wildlife viewing, dog sledding, etc.

Different tour companies specialize in different experiences, so it’s a good idea to have a general idea of what you want to do and see in Alaska before you reserve your Alaska discovery tour. This can help ensure you choose a tour that aligns with your preferences and interests, whether you're into wildlife viewing, glacier hiking, or cultural experiences. Do you want to travel through Alaska’s many waterways on a luxurious cruise ship? Or would you rather traverse the countryside by train and take in breathtaking mountain views? Once you decide, you can pick the tour that is right for you!

Cruising The Alaska Coastline

A cruise in Alaska can certainly be a luxurious experience, but it’s also a great way to be an active participant in all that Alaska has to offer! Cruises offer travelers a chance to voyage into majestic fjords, come face to face with glaciers, and kayak along Alaska’s coastline in search of marine life. Many cruises even include expert guides, who can teach you about whale behavior or help you spot whales! These guides are well-versed in marine biology and are always eager to share their knowledge with curious passengers on board.

If you’re interested in exploring Alaska from a cruise ship, Alaska discovery tours come in an amazing variety! The most common lasts seven days and ranges from $5,000 - $8,000. (Not including airfare.) There are, however, a few packages that last anywhere from 15-20 days, but you can expect that Alaska tour package cost to be much higher. Here are a few examples of the types of cruises you might consider:

Alaska Cruise #1 – Explore Southeast Alaska

• Hike through lush forests and muskegs, kayak into secluded inlets, and cruise through icebergs while searching for marine life.
• Spend a full day exploring Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. (The cruise operator will obtain the permit needed to enter the park.)
• Enjoy a visit from specialists with the Alaska Whale Foundation, who will offer an educational presentation about the local whale population.

Alaska Cruise #2 – Travel The Inside Passage

• Hike through forests of towering trees, kayak in glacier-carved fjords, and raft from an ancient Alaska native village.
• Kayak or paddleboard along the rugged coastlines of Chichagof Island, home to one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world.
• Hike through the temperate rainforest on Baranof Island while looking for bald eagles among the spruce trees.
• Explore Haines by raft, bicycle, or foot. The trip even includes a flightseeing tour over Glacier Bay National Park.

Alaska Cruise #3 – Visit Southeast Alaska

• Sail through Behm Canal into Misty Fjords National Monument in search of humpbacks, orcas, and sea lions.
• Hike around small, uninhabited islands and go tidepooling along craggy shores.
• Scan the shorelines to spot black bears, wolves, and bald eagles in search of salmon.
• Visit Wrangell Island and explore a tribal house and native petroglyphs on the beach.

Riding The Rails Through The Alaska BackCountry

If adventure-bound Alaska tours by ship are not your idea of a good vacation, you can always see Alaska by train! A trip on the Alaska Railroad will allow you to experience the massive glaciers, majestic mountains, and vast national parks scattered across the Last Frontier. You can even choose a travel package that suits your preferences – anything from a day-long trip to a week-long excursion across the country.

Along the way, you can see cities such as Juneau, Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Fairbanks and have access to national treasures like Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park. You can also see:

• Breathtaking landscapes: Alaska train tours offer stunning views of mountains, glaciers, rivers, and wildlife.
• Wildlife: You may spot bears, moose, eagles, and other animals along the train route.
• Remote wilderness: Experience the untouched beauty of Alaska's wilderness from the comfort of a train.
• Historic sites: Some train tours pass by historic sites, gold rush towns, and other points of interest.
• Glaciers: Depending on the route, you may have the opportunity to see impressive glaciers from the train.
• Local culture: Learn about Alaska's indigenous cultures and communities through onboard guides and commentary.

The legendary Alaska Railroad was started in Seward in 1903 and extended only 50 miles north. Today, the rail line stretches 470 to Fairbanks through Denali National Park. Some credit this route for the boom in tourism for these two parks. Alaska tour package cost by rail is anywhere from $2,000 - $4,000 per person for a week-long experience. These adventure-bound Alaska Tours include stops for wildlife viewing, wilderness exploration, and aurora viewing packages.

Getting There - How To Get To Alaska!

Of course, before you board the cruise ship or hop aboard a train, you need to get to Alaska. Roundtrip flights can be costly, depending on your point of departure. From the Midwest, a roundtrip ticket during peak tourist season can cost anywhere from $950 - $1025. Even tickets for a flight during the shoulder season can be pricey – from $875 to just under a thousand dollars.

There are all-inclusive Alaska discovery tours that include airfare, but you need to make sure you read the fine print and compare costs before pulling your credit card out of your wallet. Some packages might have hidden fees or restrictions, so it's essential to carefully examine the terms and conditions to ensure you're getting the best deal for your Alaska adventure.

An Adventure On The Last Frontier

Now that you have your budget figured out and your trip booked, it's time to pack for the adventure of a lifetime! An adventure-bound Alaska tour may be expensive, but there are budget-friendly options for the conscientious traveler. Once you pick your tour package, you will be able to plan out a budget for your trip. So sit back and relax - the hard work is done! It's time to start packing for an adventure of a lifetime.