USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “THE WEST” ALASKA

ALASKA A VACATION OF A LIFETIME

BY CLAY LARROY

Travel is so much more that simply hopping on a flight to a new destination. If you plan it correctly, it could be a thrilling time you'll never forget. Planning a trip is fun as there are tons of things to do and see. Do you know how to plan a trip effectively? Packing light is key to making your travels as easy and free of stress as possible. Bring one carryon bag that includes everything you need, not necessarily everything you want. Your smart packing will pay off when you are happily carrying one bag around on vacation instead of lugging around multiple bags. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Alaska Travel Guide      

Alaska Culture

Religion

Roman Catholics make of the largest group in Alaska, though it is considered one of the least religious states in the United States. After Catholicism, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Southern Baptist are the next largest. The state also has a fairly large Eastern Orthodox population due to its early Russian colonization.

Social Conventions

Because Alaska is one of the newest states, they have a still developing culture; many residents are originally from other states. The native cultures also remain a large part of the Alaskan culture overall, with indigenous peoples comprising nearly 15% of the population in 2011.

The "Eskimo kiss," where two people rub the tips of their noses together, originated from a traditional native greeting known as a kunik, an expression of affection between friends and family that involves pressing the nose and upper lip against the cheeks.

Language

English is the official language of Alaska, but because of its large native population, several other languages, including Yupik and Inupik, are also spoken. There are also Spanish and Tagalog speaking areas around the state.

Cruise cities in Alaska

Skagway

Skagway's exciting gold rush history and spectacular natural setting make it a popular cruise stop. After the Klondike gold strike in 1896, thousands of hopeful prospectors purchased their gear in Skagway and began the long tedious journey to the goldfields 689km (428 miles) north in the Yukon. In early 1898, Skagway grew from one cabin to a bustling and rowdy town of 10,000. The town retains much of its charm today and still resembles the lawless boomtown it was during the gold rush years with colorful saloons and wooden pavements.

Sightseeing

Walking tours led by a park ranger explore the Skagway Historic District where buildings have been restored to their glory days. Visitors can check out the town on a replica antique street car and enjoy honky-tonk music at the Red Onion Saloon. The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad travels through some of Alaska's most ruggedly beautiful terrain. Flight seeing, gold panning, dog sledding, kayaking and jeep tours are also available.

Highlights
- Gold Rush Cemetery
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park
- Skagway Trail of '98 Museum
- The Days of '98 Show with Soapy Smith

Tourist Information

Gold nugget jewelry; items carved from fossil ivory and jade; handmade clothing and toys; items made from skin, fur or bone; and woven baskets of beach grass, bark and baleen. Miniature hand-carved totem poles and smoked salmon are also popular souvenirs.

Eating Out

Salmon, halibut, trout and crab are popular menu choices. Clam chowder is another favorite. Alaskan delicacies include smoked salmon, wild berry products and reindeer sausage.

Juneau

Alaska's capital city lies along a narrow strip of land between the beautiful Gastineau Channel with snow-capped Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts as a backdrop. Juneau is the second largest city in the United States-not in population, but in geographic area covering more than 7,770sq km (3,000 sq miles). The city was named after gold prospector Joe Juneau, who along with Richard Harris, discovered gold there in 1880.

Sightseeing

The Juneau area is paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with wildlife viewing, sport fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, dog sledding and glacier flight seeing. Humpback whales, killer whales, porpoise, eagles and sea lions can be spotted in the water surrounding the city. Bus tours departing from the cruise ship dock cover points of interest in Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier and the Chapel-by-the-Lake at Auke Lake.

Highlights
- Alaska State Museum
- Macaulay Salmon Hatchery
- Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
- Mount Roberts Tramway
- Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church

Tourist Information

Gold nugget jewelry; items carved from ivory and jade; handmade clothing and toys; items made from skin, fur or bone; and woven baskets of beach grass, bark and baleen. Native sea-oil candles, beaded mittens, fur mukluks (boots) and miniature hand-carved totem poles are also popular souvenirs.

Eating Out

Salmon, halibut and crab are popular menu items. Clam chowder is another favorite. Alaskan delicacies include smoked salmon, wild berry products and reindeer sausage.

Ketchikan

Sitting on stilts at the base of the Tongass National Forest, Alaska's southernmost city is the self-proclaimed ‘Salmon Fishing Capital of the World'. The city's other claim to fame regards its 406-cm (160-inch) annual rainfall making it a contender for the United State's wettest city. The earliest visitors, the Tlingit natives, set up summer fish camps on the shores of Ketchikan Creek in what is now downtown.

Sightseeing

For a glimpse of Ketchikan's rough and tumble past, tour Creek Street Historic District, a pedestrian area consisting of wooden boardwalks. Once a bustling red-light district, now it is home to art galleries, restaurants and gift shops. The native heritage is represented in the many totem poles found in the community, which claims to have the most in the world. Flight seeing or boat trips to nearby Misty Fiords National Monument, sport fishing and bear viewing are popular activities.

Highlights
- Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
- Saxman Native Village
- SE Alaska Discovery Center
- Totem Bight State Historic Park
- Totem Heritage Center

Tourist Information

Art is the number one purchase. Ketchikan is recognized as one of the top 100 art communities in the United States. Many of the galleries are owned by local artists who display both Native Alaskan and contemporary art. Northwest coast Native Alaskan arts such as totems, cedar baskets and cedar stone carvings are also available.

Eating Out

Salmon, halibut, crab and fish and chips are popular menu choices. Clam and smoked salmon chowders are other favorites. Alaskan delicacies include smoked salmon, wild berry products and reindeer sausage.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

I like Alaska for the salmon fishing - it's fantastic there. I usually stay in a log cabin with no one around for miles. I like to go with friends, but I'm also happy to be on my own with nature.

 Vinnie Jones

Live, Love and Travel to create memories that will last a lifetime!