Welcome to Alaska – America’s Last Frontier
Get ready to explore Alaska, a land of breathtaking beauty, rugged wilderness, and rich history. Covering an area equal to one-fifth of the contiguous United States, Alaska is vast and diverse, with five distinct regions: the Inside Passage, Southcentral, Interior, Far North, and Southwest.
Alaska became the 49th state in 1959, with Juneau as its capital. Long before that, it was known by its Native peoples as Alyeska—“The Great Land.” The United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, a move that proved invaluable.
Among its many natural wonders, Alaska is home to Mt. Denali—called “The Great One” by the Natives. Standing at 20,320 feet, it is the highest peak in North America.
No other place offers such a dramatic display of active glaciers and abundant wildlife. Life in Alaska is as varied as its landscape, ranging from modern urban centers to remote off-grid homesteads. Many parts of the state are accessible only by air or water, as mountains, coastlines, and tundra make road building difficult.
Whether you’ve come for the scenery, the fishing, the adventure, business, or all of the above—welcome. We hope you have an unforgettable experience, and that the information ahead helps you make the most of your stay.
Traveling to Alaska in the Summer
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:
| Sightseeing/bus/van (2 to 4 hours) | $3.00 |
| Sightseeing/bus/van (All Day or highway travel) | $7-10 |
| Tour Escort, Escorted Tours | $7-10 |
| Food service/wait persons | 15 to 20% of bill |
| Maid service | $2.00/ day |
| Bed & Breakfast | Visitors discretion |
| Small ship tours | $75 – $100/day per person added to your bill |
| Cruise ships | $10 – $15/day per person added to your bill |
| Fishing, Day Fishing | $15 – $20 per person |
| Lodge Fishing | $50 – $75 per day |
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.
Traveling to Alaska in the Winter
Winter is a unique travel time. Below are the daylight and average temperatures for Anchorage and Fairbanks.
When choosing winter clothing, it is best to dress in layers. We have enclosed the average temperatures and daylight hours for your stay. Cotton and down are not the best choices of materials since they are ineffective for warmth when they become damp. Polypropylene and Capilene are good choices of materials for undergarments. Major outdoor retailers such as Timberland, LL Bean, REI, Cabela’s and Eddie Bauer will be able to assist you with your selections. You will never be outside for extended periods of time (5 to 6 hours) and you will always be able to go indoors and warm up so you do not need the very best.
Here is a list of suggested items:
- Winter coat - Warm with nylon waterproof and windproof shell
- Gloves/Mitts - Warm with nylon waterproof shell
- Snow pants
- Polypropylene long underwear
- Sweaters
- Face mask - If your face is sensitive
- Lip balm - The winter weather is very dry
- Sunglasses
- Scarf
- Stocking Cap - Make sure it can cover your ears
- Winter boots - Insulated with removable liner, allow room for liner socks and heavy socks
- Polypropylene socks
- Wool or warm socks
- Trail headlamp - You will make some trips outdoors during the night
- Swimsuit and Water shoes - for the hot springs
Airlines limit luggage and may charge for checked baggage. One carry on is allowed 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.
Always have your personal identification tags on your luggage. Luggage is subject to customs inspection if travel takes you through Canada.
The 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.
Tipping is a matter of personal preference. The following are suggestions only:
| Sightseeing/bus/van (2 to 4 hours) | $3.00 pp |
| Sightseeing/bus/van (All Day or highway travel) | $10-12 pp |
| Food service/wait persons | 15 to 20% of bill |
| Maid service | $2.00 day |
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. Be flexible and patient winter in Alaska is always an adventure. Some days will be longer than you are used to, so keep your sense of humor. Take your sense of adventure with you for a truly unique and exciting new experience. Thank you for choosing Knightly Tours to plan your tour.
Fishing in Alaska
All fishing packages do not include State of Alaska license fees or King Salmon Stamps. Listed below are the current costs for fishing licenses. We recommend you pre-purchase your license before you leave. Remember that the 3 day, 7 day and 14-day licenses cover only consecutive days of use. You may also purchase these from your charter operator. We advise not buying a King Salmon tag, as your guide will advise you of the need to purchase. Online license purchases may be made at https://www.adfg.alaska.
Non-Resident Rates Fishing License Rates:
1 Day Sport Fishing $20.00
3 Day Sport Fishing $45.00
7 Day Sport Fishing $70.00
14 Day Sport Fishing $105.00
King Salmon Tags
The day fishing rates below do not include State of Alaska license fees or King Salmon tags. Guides will advise the costs of King Salmon tags if needed.
1 Day Sport Fishing $15.00
3 Day Sport Fishing $30.00
7 Day Sport Fishing $45.00
14 Day Sport Fishing $75.00
ANCHORAGE – DAILY
June - September
Spin Casting $899 + $35 tax
Fly Fishing Option $999 + $45 tax
HOMER
Halibut (6 HRS) $329 + $49 tax
Halibut Full Day $389 + $69 tax
Salmon & Halibut $479 + $69 tax
SEWARD
Salmon Half Day (July – August) $288 + $49 tax
Halibut Full Day (May – September) $469 + $69 tax
Comb Trips (July – August) $489 + $84 tax
Note: SPECIES VARY
TALKEETNA
Fishing (3 hrs) $229 + $35 tax
JUNEAU (Min. 4 Guests)
Salmon (4 hrs) $299 + $39 tax
Salmon/Halibut (6 hrs) $399 + $49 tax
Halibut (4 hrs) $329 + $45 tax
KETCHIKAN (Min. 4 Guests)
Salmon (4 hrs) $299 + $39 tax
Salmon (6 hrs) $399 + $45 tax
DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Fly Fishing (6 hrs) $319 + $20 tax
Travel Insurance
Travel Safe & Protected
Unexpected events can happen to even the most careful travelers. Weather-related delays, sudden schedule changes, or family emergencies are real concerns—and you shouldn’t have to lose your vacation because life intervenes.
Knightly Tours offers comprehensive travel protection underwritten by Generali Global Assistance (GGA), our preferred insurance partner. Their TravelCover plans provide flexible options, including coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, job loss, trip interruption, and—on select policies—the ability to cancel for any reason.
Just like our custom itineraries, GGA TravelCover is designed to fit your unique travel plans. We encourage you to review our Terms and Conditions, then click below to receive a personalized quote for your vacation. You may search far and wide, but you’ll find few programs that match the value and flexibility of GGA TravelCover.