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Anchorage Travel Resources

Anchorage Travel Resources

Anchorage Alaska, USA Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for Your Journey

  • Google Maps

    Useful for navigation, finding local businesses, and offline maps where service is limited.

  • Ride-Share Apps

    Uber/Lyft options for convenient transportation within Anchorage.

  • Aurora Forecast

    For real-time Northern Lights activity predictions, specifically in winter.

  • AllTrails

    Detailed information on hiking trails, including maps and user reviews.

  • Local Weather Apps

    Stay updated on rapidly changing weather conditions in Anchorage.

Useful Websites for Deep Planning

  • Visit Anchorage

    The official tourism site, comprehensive for attractions, events, and dining.

  • Alaska Department of Fish & Game

    Information on licenses, wildlife viewing guidelines, and species data.

  • Alaska Railroad

    Schedules and booking for passenger service to various Alaskan destinations.

  • People Mover Transit

    Official site for Anchorage's public bus system, with routes and schedules.

  • Alaska 511

    Real-time road conditions, closures, and construction updates across Alaska.

Print Resources & Local Reads

Guidebooks and Maps

General guidebooks like Fodor's Alaska offer broad context. Purchase detailed local maps for hiking trails and city navigation.

Books on Alaska

Coming into the Country by John McPhee gives an immersive look at Alaskan life. Two Old Women by Velma Wallis shares a powerful Athabascan story.

Local Publications

The Anchorage Daily News for local events. Alaska Magazine for broader features. Free tourist publications at visitor centers.

Emergency & Safety Information

Essential Contacts

  • Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Call 911.
  • Providence Alaska Medical Center: 3200 Providence Dr, Anchorage.
  • Alaska Native Medical Center: 4315 Diplomacy Dr, Anchorage.
  • Contact your country's embassy or consulate for lost documents.

Safety Protocols

  • Lost documents: Report to police, then embassy/consulate for replacement travel documents.
  • Earthquake response: Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Follow local authority instructions.
  • Weather alerts: Stay informed about blizzards, extreme cold, or wildfire air quality alerts.
  • Wildlife encounters: Be bear and moose aware, never approach or feed animals.

Further Exploration

Visual Stories

  • Documentaries on Alaskan wildlife and landscapes.
  • Films like Into the Wild portray Alaskan wilderness.
  • These offer visual context and inspiration.
  • Explore the dramatic shifts between seasons.

Sounds & Art

  • Alaskan Native music with drumming and storytelling.
  • Contemporary Alaskan artists inspired by the landscape.
  • Local galleries feature unique Alaskan art.
  • Connect with the creative spirit of Alaska.

Community Insights

  • Subreddits like r/alaska and r/anchorage offer local tips.
  • Exercise caution; these are informal forums.
  • Language learning resources are not applicable for English speakers.
  • Engage with real experiences and advice.

Getting Ready for Adventure

Before You Go

Months Before

  • Passport and Visa/ESTA: Apply or renew passport. Check U.S. Visa/ESTA requirements. Allow ample processing time.
  • Flights: Book international and domestic flights to ANC, especially for peak summer.
  • Main Accommodations: Research and book your Anchorage lodging. Summer fills quickly.
  • Major Tours: Book Denali park tours, glacier cruises, or flightseeing. These book well in advance.

Month Before

  • Remaining Bookings: Book specific tours and activities requiring advance reservations.
  • Rental Car: Arrange your rental car. Confirm age requirements and documents.
  • Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance for medical emergencies, cancellations, lost luggage.
  • Health Consultation: Consult your doctor for health advice and vaccinations. Discuss medications.
  • Gear Acquisition: Obtain rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots, etc.

Week Before

  • Confirmations: Confirm all flight, accommodation, and tour bookings. Save digital copies.
  • Packing: Pack bags using layering principles. Include all clothing and gear.
  • Apps and Maps: Download essential apps and offline maps for limited service areas.
  • Bank Notification: Inform your bank of travel plans to prevent card freezes.
  • Home Arrangements: Arrange for pet care, house sitting, or mail holding.
  • (For U.S. Citizens) STEP Enrollment: Enroll with the U.S. Department of State for alerts.

Arrival Checklist

Initial Arrival Actions

  • Immigration/Customs: Clear procedures at ANC. Passport, visa/ESTA ready.
  • Baggage Claim: Collect checked luggage from carousel.
  • Transportation: Proceed to pre-arranged transportation to lodging.

Getting Oriented

  • Local Map: Pick up at airport visitor center or accommodation.
  • Check-in: Head to lodging to drop bags and settle in.
  • Brief Exploration: Take a short walk to familiarize with surroundings.

Arrival Essentials

Financial & Connectivity

Transportation to Lodging

  • Utilize pre-booked hotel shuttle, taxi, Uber/Lyft, or People Mover bus (Route 7A).
  • Have your route planned in advance.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs and Shipping

  1. Plan souvenir purchases, considering size and weight.
  2. For larger items, inquire about shipping via USPS or private carriers.
  3. Be aware of TSA restrictions for items. Bear spray cannot be carried or checked.
  4. Firearms require proper checking and declaration.
  5. Pack liquids according to carry-on or checked baggage rules.

Pre-Departure Steps

  1. VAT Refund Procedures: Not applicable in the U.S. (no national VAT/GST).
  2. Pre-Departure Timing: Arrive 2-3 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours for international.
  3. Flight Confirmation: Confirm return flight details, check-in online.
  4. Documents: Keep passport, boarding passes easily accessible.
  5. Accommodation Check-out: Arrange timely check-out from lodging.

Final Travel Notes

Airport Arrival

Allow ample time at ANC, especially during peak season for check-in and security.

Baggage Rules

Ensure purchased items comply with airline allowances and TSA regulations.

Home Sweet Home

Confirm home arrangements for pets, mail, and security before leaving.

Important Safety Reminder

Bear spray cannot be carried on or checked in luggage for flights. Purchase and dispose of it locally.

Departure and Beyond

Ensuring a Smooth Departure

Souvenirs & Shipping

  • Souvenir Planning

    Plan for any souvenirs, considering their size and weight for luggage.

  • Shipping Options

    For larger items, inquire with shops about arranging shipping services via USPS or private carriers.

  • TSA Restrictions

    Be aware of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) restrictions for certain items.

Pre-Departure Timing

  • Airport Arrival

    Arrive early at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).

  • Recommended Times

    Typically, 2-3 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international.

  • Check-in Efficiency

    This allows ample time for check-in, security, and any unexpected delays.

Return Trip Preparation

Flight Confirmation

Confirm your return flight details and check-in online if possible to save time at the airport.

Packing for Return

Re-pack your luggage, ensuring any purchased items comply with airline baggage allowances.

Accommodation Check-Out

Arrange for a timely check-out from your accommodation.

Looking Ahead: Next Alaskan Adventures

Seasonal Wonders

  • If you visited in summer, return in winter for Aurora Borealis.
  • Experience winter sports like dog sledding or skiing at Alyeska Resort.
  • Try fat biking on snowy trails.
  • Alaska's diverse experiences promise new adventures with each visit.

Deepen Your Exploration

  • Explore backcountry hiking and multi-day wilderness excursions.
  • Discover more remote parts of the vast Chugach State Park.
  • Seek out less-traveled paths for truly untouched Alaskan beauty.
  • Connect with the raw, untamed spirit of the Last Frontier.

Regional Connections and Combinations

Kenai Peninsula & Coast

  • Combine Anchorage with Seward or Homer on the Kenai Peninsula.
  • This region has more coastal and marine experiences.
  • Includes marine wildlife tours and deep-sea fishing.
  • Kayaking in Resurrection Bay is a popular activity.

Interior & Overland

  • Extend your journey north to Fairbanks for further aurora viewing.
  • Discover Arctic experiences and interior Alaska's history.
  • For an overland adventure, drive or bus the Alaska Highway.
  • Connects from Fairbanks into Canada, offering vast landscapes.

Travel Tip

A well-organized departure makes for a stress-free transition from your Alaskan adventure.