Alaska Tour Packages Help Make Memories

Alaska is unique among the 50 U.S. states. Its landscape is rugged, the wilderness encompasses a huge portion of the state, and its terrain remains largely impassable. There are very few roads within Alaska’s borders, and many of the more remote areas can only be accessed by boat or floatplane. That makes Alaska attractive to adventure seekers, but it also means that getting around on vacation can be something of a challenge!

While an intrepid tourist could explore Alaska on their own, booking with a tour operator that offers Alaska tour packages tailored to your specific interests is always a good idea. Having an expert guide take the lead is one of the best ways to tour Alaska. It just makes it easier to get from place to place, and having a local along on your trip means you will be able to glean an in-depth perspective about the fascinating natural and cultural spaces that surround you.

Why Book Alaskan Tours And Packages?

Tour guides know the lay of the land, the best places to go for wildlife viewing, and the hidden dangers that can escape a tourist’s notice. They can also answer your questions about local flora and fauna, have experience navigating the roads and rivers of Alaska, and can get you back to your lodge or campsite after a day of sightseeing. As an added bonus, tour guides can share their personal stories and experiences about life in Alaska, which will give you a glimpse of what it’s like to live in such a unique place.

To ensure a stress-free vacation, hire a professional guide. Most tour operators offer Alaska tour packages that range from all-inclusive vacations to shorter half or full-day adventures. Reserving a spot with one of the best small group tours of Alaska can take away the anxiety of being in an unknown place! Your guide will be knowledgeable all about the history, terrain, weather conditions, and cultures or traditions in the area you are exploring.

Top Five Alaska Tour Packages For Tourists

There are many kinds of Alaskan tours for visitors, but the best small group tours of Alaska are offered by Alaska tour operators. Here are some of the best types of Alaska tour packages to explore this great state!

Alaska Tours #1

Explore the Last Frontier on foot! For an active Alaskan adventure, lace up your boots and get ready to experience Alaska like a local. Exploring on foot allows you to experience a place fully, and is one of the best ways to tour Alaska. It engages your senses and lets you absorb the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of your surroundings. For example, don’t just “ooh” and “ahh” over the glacier in the distance from a tour bus; slip on a pair of microspikes and step out onto the ice for a glacier hike. Your guide can explain the various glacier features while you explore them up close! Or, walk through a historic mining area and take a short hike to see where the miners of the past searched for their fortune. Depending on where you vacation, you can enjoy a hike along Exit Glacier to see the Harding Icefield, or tour working farms in Palmer, Anchorage, and Talkeetna. Most of these guided tours include excellent narration and are a wonderful opportunity to learn about the unique challenges Alaskans had to overcome when settling in this wild land. Many cities include specialized walking tours that cater to specific interests like food, cultural activities, heritage tours, etc.  Not to mention that hiking is a great way to explore the native landscape and simply enjoy the beauty of Alaska.

Alaska Tours #2

Fly behind a dog sled! Dog sledding is not just a tradition in this great state, it’s an obsession. One of the most uniquely Alaskan ways to experience the countryside is to glide over the pristine snow behind an experienced dog team. Dog sledding is a phenomenon year-round, with three different types of experiences offered depending on the time of year.

• Cart sledding (summer) – visit a kennel, where you can meet team members and their pups. Visitors typically will ride on one of the wheeled carts (on the ground, not the snow) that the dogs use for training during the off-season.
• Glacier riding (summer) – this trip is a combination of flying and sledding. Tour operators land guests on a glacier, where you can experience the thrill of dog sledding even in the warmer months.
• Dog mushing (winter) – from November – March, visitors can try their hand at true Alaskan dogsledding. Some tours even allow you the option of riding in the sled or taking a turn driving the mush dogs through a winter wonderland.

Dog sledding tours depart from Juneau, Seward, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Skagway, and Denali National Park, among other cities. This is one way to get a unique perspective of the land!

Alaska Tours #3

Ride in comfort! Sure, you can rent a car and drive yourself around Alaska, but then you’ll be focusing on maps and logistics rather than taking in the beauty of the countryside. Instead, why not take a bus or van tour? Some of the best small group tours of Alaska allow visitors to sit back and enjoy the views, while an experienced guide handles the driving. Whether you’re heading out to view the Auroras, see the wildlife, or visit a backcountry Alaskan town, Alaskan tours and tour guides can get you there safely! A fully-guided bus or van tour is an easy, enjoyable, and relaxing way to learn about the history, geology, wildlife, and ecosystems of Alaska. Some of the more popular guided bus and van tours explore the towns above the Arctic Circle, Denali National Park, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and more.

Alaska Tours #4

Soar above the landscape in a bush plane or float plane. It’s hard to imagine how vast Alaska is from the ground, but one of the best ways to gain a new perspective is to book a flight with an experienced tour operator. (And, in some cases, a flight is the only way to get to a certain destination.) Many floatplanes offer some of the best small group tours of Alaska that you will find. Most planes only carry up to seven passengers, so you are guaranteed a personalized experience. Fly over mountain ranges, bays, glaciers, rivers, and wildlife for a unique look at this great state!

Alaska Tour #5

Cruise Alaska for the adventure of a lifetime! Alaska is known for Alaskan tour packages that include luxury cruises, but cruising does not have to be synonymous with a big boat and over-scheduled days. Many boat operators offer visitors the chance to cruise down Alaska’s rivers, which offers tourists the opportunity to explore the heart of Alaska in a time-honored, historic way. Smaller boats with specialized cruises offer an affordable way to get deep into the wilderness without having to hike or take a plane. If you want to see Alaska by sea, but in a way that a big cruise ship won’t allow, consider some of the benefits of choosing Alaska boat tours:

• Smaller boats reach places that big ships can’t go – smaller boats are nimble and carry fewer passengers, offer more frequent and up-close opportunities for glacier viewing, and even make unplanned stops whenever local wildlife makes an appearance. They offer travelers a chance to explore secluded cloves, customized excursions, and more opportunities for wildlife viewing.
• Small boats offer personalized service – you won’t get big shows or an endless buffet, but small boats make up for all of that with a more personalized level of service and the chance to travel with other curious, like-minded adventurers!
• Smaller cruises offer guests a more hands-on experience – small ships often feature programs with naturalists and others who can discuss Alaska’s amazing culture. They also tend to focus on activities more than shopping; for example, passengers on one of these ships may disembark to bike through a local village or kayak around a glacier.

Some of the best small group tours of Alaska pack a big punch when it comes to adventure. So even if you are an avid do-it-yourselfer, consider reserving one of the many Alaska tour packages that are available to visitors. That way, you can leave the logistics to someone else and simply enjoy the fantastic experience that is Alaska.

The Best Way to Tour Alaska is With A Group

The best way to tour Alaska is with a group, as it offers numerous advantages that enhance the overall experience of exploring this majestic state. Traveling with a group allows you to share the breathtaking scenery and unique adventures with others, creating lasting memories together. Group tours often provide access to remote areas that might be challenging to reach independently, ensuring you don't miss out on any of Alaska's hidden gems. Additionally, guided tours come with expert knowledge about the region's history, wildlife, and geography, enriching your journey with fascinating insights. Moreover, group travel often includes logistical benefits such as pre-arranged transportation and accommodations, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings without worrying about the details.

Choosing the Right Group Tour for Your Alaska Adventure

Selecting the right group tour for your Alaskan adventure is crucial to maximizing your experience. Consider the type of activities and sights that interest you most, whether it's witnessing the Northern Lights, exploring Denali National Park, or cruising through the stunning fjords. Look for tours that align with your interests and activity level, ensuring that the itinerary matches your preferences, from leisurely sightseeing to more adventurous excursions like hiking or kayaking. It's also important to research the reputation of the tour operator, reading reviews and seeking recommendations to ensure high-quality service and knowledgeable guides. Additionally, consider the size of the group, as smaller groups often offer a more personalized experience, while larger groups may provide more social opportunities. By carefully choosing a tour that fits your interests and needs, you'll be well on your way to an unforgettable Alaskan journey.