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Inside Passage Travel Resources

Inside Passage Travel Resources

Inside Passage Alaska, USA Travel Guide

Essential Apps for the Destination

Core Travel Apps

  • Cruise Line App

    Download your specific cruise line's app for onboard activities, daily schedules, dining reservations, and often a ship map.

  • Google Maps

    Download offline maps for port towns. This allows navigation without an internet connection, useful in areas with spotty service.

  • Weather App

    A reliable weather app (e.g., AccuWeather) monitors local conditions and outfit planning.

Specialized Apps

  • Wildlife Identification Apps

    Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab or similar apps identify birds and other wildlife you encounter.

  • Photography Guides

    Apps with photography tips assist with challenging Alaskan light and landscapes.

  • VPN Service

    Consider a VPN like NordVPN for secure internet access, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

Travel Alaska

The official state tourism site. Comprehensive information on destinations, activities, and travel planning.

Travelalaska.com

Alaska Marine Highway System

Find ferry schedules and routes for independent travel throughout the region.

Dot.alaska.gov/amhs

National Parks & Forests

Details for Glacier Bay National Park, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Tongass National Forest, and Mendenhall Glacier.

Nps.gov Fs.usda.gov

Social Media Accounts to Follow

Official Tourism & Cruise Lines

  • Follow official tourism accounts for Alaska.
  • Follow specific cruise lines for updates.
  • Local tourism boards share updates and inspiration.
  • Discover new photos and travel ideas from these accounts.

Travel Communities

  • Join travel blogs and vlogs for personal experiences.
  • Digital content creators on YouTube share valuable insights.
  • Find detailed guides and tips from experienced travelers.
  • Join online forums for peer advice and answers to questions.

Podcasts and Digital Content

Audio Adventures

  • Search for "Alaska travel podcasts" or "Inside Passage podcasts".
  • Available on your preferred podcast platform.
  • They offer immersive content and travel tips.
  • Find stories about the region.

Video Insights

  • Digital content creators on YouTube offer visual guides.
  • Travel blogs also share valuable insights.
  • Visual content complements planning.
  • See destinations before you visit them.

Online Learning

  • Look for online courses related to Alaskan wildlife or photography.
  • Enhance your appreciation for the region.
  • Platforms like Skillshare offer relevant courses.
  • Gain new skills for your trip.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts and Procedures

Emergency Numbers

  • Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Dial 911 anywhere in the U.S. For immediate assistance.
  • U.S. Coast Guard (for marine emergencies): Contact the Coast Guard on Channel 16 VHF radio or by dialing 911 for emergencies at sea.
  • Report lost passports to local police.

Embassy and Consulate Information

  • For non-U.S. Citizens, know contact information for your country's embassy in Washington D.C.
  • Or a consulate in Seattle or Vancouver (if applicable).
  • This is useful for lost passports or other consular services.

Lost Document Procedures

  • Contact your embassy or consulate immediately if your passport or other essential documents are lost or stolen.
  • Have photocopies or digital copies of all important documents.
  • Keep essential documents separate from your main belongings.

Health & Safety Information

Hospital and Clinic Locations

  • Juneau: Bartlett Regional Hospital
  • Ketchikan: PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center
  • Sitka: Sitka Community Hospital, Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital

Natural Disaster Protocols

  • Follow instructions from local authorities or cruise ship crew.
  • This includes tsunami warnings or severe weather events.
  • Cruise ships maintain established safety protocols for passengers.

Insurance & Medical Advice

Travel Insurance

  • Consider comprehensive travel insurance for your trip.
  • This covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
  • Review policy details before purchasing.

Personal Medical Preparations

  • Pack any necessary prescription medications in your carry-on.
  • Bring copies of your prescriptions or a doctor's note.
  • A small first-aid kit with basic supplies is useful.

Pre-Trip and On-Site Safeguards

Pre-Departure Steps

  1. Purchase comprehensive travel insurance well in advance.
  2. Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans.
  3. Print important documents and save digital copies to your phone.
  4. Charge all electronics, including phones, cameras, and power banks.
  5. Lay out clothes for your travel day to avoid rushing.

On-Site Awareness

  1. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas.
  2. Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
  3. Maintain safe distances from all wildlife and never feed wild animals.
  4. Stay on marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems.
  5. Practice "leave no trace" by packing out everything you pack in.

Further Reading & Exploration

Recommended Guidebooks

Seek reputable independent travel guides. Companies like Lonely Planet or Rick Steves offer comprehensive guides. National Geographic produces detailed maps.

Documentaries and Films

Watch Planet Earth II (Jungles episode features the temperate rainforests) or Wild Alaska (National Geographic/PBS series) for ecosystems and wildlife insights.

Music and Art to Experience

Explore Alaska Native art, including carvings, totems, and weaving. Seek out local music performances for cultural immersion.

Stay Informed

Local conditions can change rapidly. Monitor news and official advisories for your safety.

Print & Local Resources

Recommended Guidebooks & Books

Guidebooks and Maps

  • Independent Travel Guides

    Seek reputable guides like Lonely Planet or Rick Steves.

  • Detailed Maps

    National Geographic produces useful maps for navigation and geography.

  • Regional Information

    Comprehensive information on destinations and activities within the Inside Passage.

Books About the Destination

  • History

    Coming Into the Country by John McPhee and Alaska's Great Interior by Lael Morgan offer historical context.

  • Nature & Wildlife

    Field guides for Alaskan birds or general Alaska Wildlife Viewing Guides enhance your spotting.

  • Cultural Insights

    Books on Alaska Native traditions and their deep connection to the land.

Local Publications & Communities

Local Newspapers

Look for local newspapers or free visitor guides available in port towns.

Visitor Guides

These often contain local business advertisements and helpful tips from residents.

Online Communities

Join TripAdvisor forums for Alaska travel or specific Facebook groups dedicated to Alaska cruising.

Language Learning Resources

  • Learning a few basic Tlingit words.
  • Like "Gunalchéesh" (Thank you).
  • This is a small gesture many locals appreciate.
  • Look for online resources for Tlingit phrases.

General Travel Phrases

  • Basic phrases common to all travelers.
  • Asking for directions or information.
  • Discussing prices or services.
  • Ordering food or drinks.

Wildlife & Environment

Wildlife Spotting

  • Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles often in trees or soaring overhead.
  • Spot salmon in streams during spawning season.
  • Look for whales from the ship's deck or during dedicated tours.
  • Be alert for bears near trails and follow all safety guidelines.

Environmental Practices

  • Minimize waste with reusable water bottles and shopping bags.
  • Conserve water onboard and ashore in remote lodges.
  • Stay on marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems.
  • Practice "leave no trace" by packing out everything you pack in.

Continuous Learning

Digital and print resources enrich your journey and prepare you for unique Alaskan experiences.

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