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Pre-Trip Checklist

Pre-Trip Checklist

Alaska, USA

Essential Preparations

-12 Months Ahead

Book flights to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). Reserve your rental car. Reserve accommodations and highly sought-after tours like multi-day fishing charters, bear viewing flights, or popular glacier cruises.

-6 Months Ahead

Plan your detailed itinerary, outlining which towns and activities for each day. Book remaining accommodations and all other desired tours. Apply for your ESTA or U.S. Visa if your nationality requires it.

-2 Months Ahead

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance, such as through World Nomads. Confirm all reservations. Research fishing license requirements. Begin preparing your packing list and acquire specialized gear from retailers like Eagle Creek.

Reservations & Research

Advance Bookings

  • Flights to and from Anchorage (ANC).
  • Rental vehicles, especially for summer travel.
  • All lodging accommodations, especially popular lodges.
  • Popular fishing charters, Kenai Fjords cruises, and bear viewing flights.

Pre-Trip Research

  • Research average temperatures and precipitation for your travel dates.
  • Check current road conditions (e.g., 511.alaska.gov).
  • Thoroughly research fishing regulations for species and bodies of water.
  • Familiarize yourself with bear safety protocols.

Home Preparation

Secure Your Home

Lock all windows and doors, set alarms. Inform neighbors or trusted contacts of your travel dates and emergency contact information.

Mail & Utilities

Stop mail and newspaper delivery, or arrange for a neighbor to collect them. Adjust thermostats and turn off unnecessary lights.

Digital & Financial

Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid transaction issues. Arrange for mail collection or pet care if necessary.

Arrival Checklist

Smooth Start

These initial steps ensure a smooth start to your Alaskan adventure.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Clear Immigration and Customs

    At Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).

  • 2
    Pick up Your Rental Car

    From the airport agency (if applicable).

  • 3
    Acquire a Local SIM Card

    If you plan to use an U.S. Mobile number.

  • 4
    Check into Your Accommodation

    Settle into your pre-booked lodging.

  • Visit local visitor centers in Seward, Homer, or Soldotna.
  • Withdraw cash from an ATM if needed.
  • Purchase groceries for self-catering.
  • Follow your pre-planned transfer options to accommodation.

Orientation Strategies

Local Visitor Centers

Acquire maps, brochures, and up-to-date information on attractions, events, and services.

Town Layout Familiarization

Locate essential services like grocery stores, gas stations, and medical facilities.

Event Calendars

Check for local festivals or happenings during your visit.

Initial Purchases

Cash & Cards

Withdraw cash from an ATM if needed. Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash has utility for small purchases.

Groceries

Purchase groceries for self-catering, especially if you plan to manage meal costs.

Fueling Up

Locate gas stations early, especially for long drives between towns.

Transportation & Settling In

From Entry Point

Follow your pre-planned transfer options, whether your rental car, pre-booked bus, or taxi.

Accommodation Check-In

Settle into your pre-booked accommodation promptly upon arrival.

Digital Readiness

Confirm apps like Google Maps and AllTrails are ready with offline data.

Seamless Start

With these steps, you'll embark on your Alaskan adventure feeling prepared and at ease.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for your departure to ensure a stress-free exit.

Exit Logistics

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase souvenirs well in advance of departure. Many shops close earlier than you might expect.

  • Arrange for shipping caught fish or other large items.
  • Ensure proper packaging and documentation for air travel or shipping.
  • Many fish processors offer direct airport delivery.

Pre-Departure Timing

Arrive at Anchorage Airport (ANC) 2-3 hours before domestic flights.

  • Allow 3 or more hours for international flights.
  • Allow extra time for busy summer travel and fish cargo drop-off.
  • For ferry or train departures, arrive as per ticket instructions.

Return Trip Preparations

Pack any processed fish or special items appropriately for transport (e.g., in a cooler or dedicated fish box).

  • Return your rental car according to the agency's instructions, with enough fuel.
  • Dispose of any remaining waste responsibly.
  • Confirm all flight details again.

Financial & Logistics Notes

Be aware of these financial and logistical details.

Important Information

  • Value Added Tax (VAT) refund procedures are not applicable in the U.S.
  • The U.S. Does not operate a national VAT system.
  • Consider currency conversion for remaining foreign currency.

For ferry or train departures, arrive as per your ticket instructions, generally 30-60 minutes before scheduled departure.

Pack any processed fish or special items appropriately for transport (e.g., in a cooler or dedicated fish box).

Confirm your flight status and check for any last-minute schedule changes before leaving for the airport.

Final Preparations

A stress-free exit culminates a memorable journey.

Rental Return

Return your rental car according to the agency's instructions, ensuring you have enough fuel.

Waste Management

Dispose of any remaining waste responsibly. Leave accommodations tidy.

Personal Belongings

Double-check that all your personal belongings are accounted for before leaving your accommodation.

Final Checks

A thorough check before departure.

Pre-Flight Review

Confirm Flight Status

Check for any last-minute schedule changes.

Check-in

Complete online check-in if available to save time at the airport.

Boarding Passes

Have digital or printed boarding passes ready.

Ground Transportation

Airport Transfer

Verify your transportation to the airport, whether rental car return or shuttle.

Travel Time

Account for traffic and airport security wait times.

Special Cargo

Ensure any special items like processed fish are ready for transport.

Comprehensive Departure

Document Readiness

  • Passport and ID readily accessible.
  • Copies of tickets and reservations.
  • Travel insurance information at hand.

Packing Efficiency

  • Ensure luggage meets airline size and weight limits.
  • Secure all bags properly.
  • Electronics fully charged for travel.

Final Logistics

  • Return rental car keys.
  • Leave accommodation clean and tidy.
  • Head to airport with ample time.

Smooth Exit

A well-planned departure concludes your Alaskan journey on a high note, leaving you with lasting memories.

Make sure all your belongings are accounted for before leaving.