I’ve visited Alaska twice in the past year, though only one of those trips was intentional. At times, my first Alaska experience was dreamlike; the second was most certainly a nightmare.
“We’re going to divert to Anchorage,” the geriatric American Airlines flight attendant announced about five hours into a planned flight from Dallas to Tokyo-Haneda, a slight tinge of relief in her voice. “You will need to deplane once we’re at the gate.”
Unfortunately for passengers, the flip-side of a past-its-prime cabin crew being able to get some needed sleep was that we’d all need to push back our arrival time in Tokyo by a day, never mind compete for limited hotel inventory in Alaska’s largest city. Stepping off the jet bridge into the airport, somewhat to my surprise, I felt a slight tinge of…nostalgia?
Why Alaska Leaves Me Cold
Now, part of this was because I knew Anchorage Airport well. I departed Alaska the first time on a non-rev ticket, you see, and needed to spend the better part of the day cooped up inside the facility. When gate staff told us we needed to go to the check-in counter to secure hotel vouchers, I knew exactly where to head. “Hello old friend,” I muttered under my breath, as I passed the terrifying, taxidermied grizzly bear that stands near the terminal exit.
In spite of the familiarity I felt at the start of my diversion saga (which actually had a happy ending—the passenger whose onboard struck caused it did survive!), all of my gripes about Alaska remain. It’s cold, even during the “warmest” part of summer, and the state’s huge size makes it difficult to cover much ground quickly. This is to say nothing of how shitty (and limited in quantity) its hotels and rental cars are, in spite of being priced at a level that would make Norway blush.
5 Things I Loved About Alaska
The natural beauty
It should go without saying, but Alaska is one of the most beautiful places in the world. From snow-capped mountains everywhere you look to thundering waterfall and gentle streams, and from colorful wildflowers to massive skies that are gorgeous, even when they’re filled with clouds, Alaska is nothing short of stunning.
The serenity
Although your eventual Alaska itinerary might be stacked with things to do, I encourage you to leave some space. Indeed, whether you stop off the side of the road to enjoy a view, or sit in your hotel or Airbnb to ponder the moment, Alaska is one of my favorite places I’ve ever been for daydreaming and contemplation. It’s quiet—and mostly empty of people and animals.
The wildlife
Of course, there are plenty of animals. I tend to prefer the whales and sea lions I target on wildlife cruises, however, over ones I encounter unwittingly (such as the moose that darted across the road in front of me moments after I arrived in Anchorage). Alaskan wildlife, to be sure, can absolutely kill you—keep your distance, and be at least slightly afraid.
The straightforwardness
For better or for worse, and in no small part because of threats like grizzly bears and the staggering lack of roads outside the Anchorage-Fairbanks corridor, most things to do in Alaska require you to be very intentional. As a result, your itinerary will be necessarily straightforward—a glacier tour today; a fishing expedition tomorrow. There’s no a lot of ambiguity here.
The fact that it’s “domestic”
Now, as you’ll know if you read this site with any regularity, well over 90% of my travel is international, and much of that is long haul. Still, if you or anyone you plan to travel with doesn’t have a current passport, Alaska is an opportunity to enjoy a long haul experience without having to pass through immigration or customs.
Is Alaska Safe?
In the crime sense, Alaska is of course safe. While Anchorage feels rougher around the edge than you’d expect, there simply aren’t enough human beings outside the city for there to be substantial crime statewide. Actually, that might be true. Suddenly, I’m remembering that I made the acquaintance of a too-friendly (not in a gay way, sadly) man on the way to Seward. He practically insisted that I go fishing with him; I’m almost certainly he would’ve killed me if I’d done so.
To be sure, most of the hazards of traveling in Alaska are natural. If you encounter a grizzly bear anywhere outside of the airport foyer, your survival is a coin toss at best; this is to say nothing of how deadly moose can be if they encounter you, be that jumping out in front of your car, or ramming you on a hiking trail. In this regard, I’d almost say Alaska gives Australia a run for its money!
Other FAQ About Visiting Alaska
Is Alaska worth visiting?
Alaska is certainly worth visiting if you have a deep desire to go there, and especially if you plan to engage in an outdoor activity that’s difficulty to find elsewhere, such as background salmon fishing or (reliable) viewing of the Northern Lights. However, I’d advise against going to Alaska “just because,” unless like me you have a way to fly there literally for free.
Why is Alaska so expensive?
Technically, the reason Alaska is so expensive is because virtually everything people use there has to be flown in. However, given that this is simply not true (at least not to this extent) in other remote parts of the world, it makes me wonder if some combination of government incompetence and corruption isn’t to blame, especially since Alaska feels very poor, in spite of being one of America’s most expensive states.
What is so special about Alaska?
Alaska is the only place in the US where travelers can experience Arctic culture and scenery, and in spite of its many flaws, is one of the easiest entry points to the Arctic region anywhere in the world. Local Alaskan heritage is also unique and compelling, even if I’d argue that for what you pay, other northerly destinations around the world offer more bang for your buck.
The Bottom Line
Is Alaska worth visiting? It’s an open question for me. Obviously, the sheer beauty of America’s 49th state cannot be questioned, and there’s a palpable feeling of disconnection from the mainland—especially if your flight to Asia happens to divert there unexpectedly. On the other hand, literally everything there is expensive (I’m talking Switzerland prices, Norway prices even), even though experiences often feel decidedly third-world. To sum it up, while I’m glad I finally ticked Alaska off my bucket list, I’m simply not in a huge hurry to return. Need personalized help deciding where your next trip should take you? Consider hiring me as your Travel Coach!
