Fascinating Alaska and Why You Have to Go

Quick answer: Alaska is worth visiting for the Northern Lights, glaciers that calve into the sea, untouched wilderness packed with bears, whales and moose, and adventures from zip-lining to dog sledding. It may not be a beach destination, but choosing Alaska for your next vacation is not a decision you’ll regret.

When people picture a perfect vacation, most think of somewhere warm with a beach or pool, so Alaska is rarely the first place that comes to mind. Yet its unspoiled wilderness and breathtaking scenery make it a fascinating alternative. Here are the reasons why you have to go.

1. See the Northern Lights in Alaska

If you love romantic and mysterious sights, make sure to observe the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) at least once during your stay. Alaska is known for this natural phenomenon, visible on clear winter nights between September and April, usually after midnight.

It’s a great late-night adventure, and if you’re lucky you might even hear the crackling sound that is sometimes reported alongside these ribbons of colour. Bundle up against the cold and enjoy the light show under the Alaskan sky.

2. Watch the Glaciers Calve

If you’ve ever wanted to see the true power of nature up close, exciting Alaska holidays can offer just that. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a vast wilderness with more than 50 glaciers and wildlife such as bears, sea lions and whales.

What you really want to see there is “calving”. With a thundering sound, giant blocks of ice break loose from the glaciers and crash into the water below. Fun fact: a baseball-sized piece of glacial ice weighs roughly half a pound, so imagine the impact when a huge chunk hits the water.

3. Explore the Wilderness and Wildlife

Tall mountains, waterfalls, glaciers and crystal-clear lakes make the Alaskan wilderness unlike anything you’ve seen before. You probably won’t have time to explore all of its untouched nature, but take as many photos as you can to show your friends why they should visit this heaven on earth too.

Animal lovers are sure to encounter at least one magnificent wild animal in Alaska:

• Bears: sign up for a bear-viewing tour and see these gorgeous creatures (from a safe distance, of course).
• Whales: there are many chances to see them, and not just below the surface; they love breaching out of the water.
• Moose: easy to spot, even in some cities. They are used to people and generally aren’t aggressive, but getting too close or feeding them is not advisable.

4. Try Unique Alaskan Adventures

Alaska is full of adventures waiting for you. If you’re not afraid of heights, zip-line through the rainforests, or fly by plane or helicopter over seemingly endless glaciers and mountains and see peaks nobody has ever conquered.

Dog people can learn how to ride a dog sledge and race across the snow. For something more relaxing, go fishing for tasty salmon or take a road trip through unforgettable landscapes.

And if wilderness and adventure aren’t your thing, how about shopping? Alaska has no state-collected sales tax, although some towns add their own local tax. Fast or slow, there’s something in Alaska for everybody, so being bored is one thing you won’t have to worry about.

5. Feel the “Alaska Factor”

Locals talk about the “Alaska Factor”: the feeling you get when driving the highways for hours or hiking across the tundra and it seems Alaska never ends. It would take years to experience everything the state has to offer.

Long Alaskan summer days add to it. You may feel you have all the time in the world, yet still can’t manage to do everything, and for some people that can be overwhelming.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can you see the Northern Lights in Alaska?

On clear winter nights between September and April, usually after midnight.

What wildlife can you see in Alaska?

Bears, whales, moose and, in Glacier Bay, sea lions, among many others.

Is Alaska worth visiting if you don’t like the cold?

Yes. Summer brings long days for hiking, fishing, road trips and wildlife tours, and there’s even tax-free state shopping.

Conclusion

If you want a place filled with natural beauty, adventure, wild animals and breathtaking scenery, look no further than Alaska. You don’t need swimming and sunbathing to have the time of your life: Alaska is an outdoor paradise that belongs on everybody’s bucket list.

Author’s Bio

Roxana is a Sydney based travel enthusiast with a passion for writing. She loves fashion and has an eye for anything visually appealing and aesthetical. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. You can find her articles on HighStyleLife.

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