Trip Planning

Alaska is such a large state, and as a result temperatures and weather will vary greatly between the regions of Alaska. The chart below shows the daily average for high/low temperatures and the amount of daylight in the major regions of Alaska.

The rule for Alaska is dress in layers. Weather can change quickly in Alaska. Make sure you bring a waterproof rain jacket, hat, sunglasses, and most of all comfortable walking or good athletic shoes. Most walks in Alaska are on uneven ground so the selection of shoes is important.

Alaskans are practical. Comfort is the key. If you are not cruising (larger cruise ships) you will find no need to bring sport coats, suits or dresses. In Alaska you can dine in the best restaurants in “country club casual” attire. Dress for comfort and pack light.

Cruise ship passengers’ evening attire ranges from casual to formal. Depending on the length of the cruise and cruise line there will be at least one formal evening. Most cruise lines, in keeping with the destination, have limited their dress to the more casual options. In your documents will be your specific cruise itinerary with the cruise lines suggested attire.

The Alaska State ferry is a casual environment.

Airlines limit luggage to two pieces plus one carry-on or overnight bag per person. Private Air Charter Flights require “soft sided” bags due to limited space. An overnight bag will be useful if you have itinerant travel of one or two overnights away from a “base” city hotel. Due to space limitations it is best to bring what is needed for the “away overnight” in the smaller bag and check the rest with your hotel. There may be a minimal charge, but it is well worth it. If traveling from Anchorage to Fairbanks or vice-versa by train with a stop in Denali Park, we recommend checking all but your carry-on with the railroad. There is minimum space for baggage in the passenger cars. You are responsible for claiming luggage checked. If traveling by motorcoach all but the overnight bag will be stored in the luggage bay. Small ship and day boats also have limited space for extra luggage. Large cruise ships have no restrictions. The Alaska Marine Highway ferry system takes no responsibility for handling passengers’ luggage. There are coin-operated storage lockers on board the ferries and baggage carts are furnished to the car deck for foot traffic with luggage.

Always have your personal identification tags on your luggage. Luggage is subject to customs inspection if travel takes you through Canada.

All published Self-Drive packages include a prepaid rental car. This prepaid voucher covers car rental with unlimited mileage and most Airport Fees and Taxes. The driver(s) must carry a major credit card in their name, have a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years of age – Avis (25 years – Hertz). There is an added charge for additional drivers which must be paid at time of pick-up. Collision Damage Waiver Fee is offered by the rental companies and can be purchased at the time of rental. Prior to departure, you should consult your insurance carrier about coverage for rental cars. The emergency number for Avis within the state of Alaska is (907) 243-4300 or contact the closest Avis office listed in your itinerary. A contact number for Hertz is included in itineraries that include a Hertz rental.

Tipping is a matter of personal preference. The following are suggestions only:

Remember, you have gone on vacation for new experiences so do not expect everything to be as it is where you live. Relax don’t be so serious you can’t allow yourself to have a good time. If a negative situation occurs, do not judge all people by one experience. Be flexible and patient. Some days will be longer than you are used to, so keep your sense of humor. Listen for instructions on trains and motor coaches. If you are a smoker, always ask about smoking areas and regulations before lighting up. Take your sense of adventure with you for a truly unique and exciting new experience. Don’t go to Alaska for the weather – go for the beauty and adventure, be prepared for anything. Thank you for choosing Knightly Tours to plan your tour. Remember to take this pamphlet with you and bring back wonderful memories of Alaska, the GREAT LAND.