Frequently Asked Questions and General Information
Nowhere else can you view so many active glaciers and find such a rich abundance of wildlife. Living styles vary from modern city dwellers to solitary lifestyles in the wilderness and everything in-between. Many areas in Alaska can only be reached by air or water.
Some of our vacations are Escorted Tours, which will have you traveling with a group of guests on the exact same itinerary. This group will be lead by an Escort who will be responsible for all of your arrangements. Unless outlined in your itinerary, no meals are included.
Here is a list of suggested items:
Always have your personal identification tags on your luggage. Luggage is subject to customs inspection if travel takes you through Canada.
GENERAL INFORMATION
You are on your way to America’s last frontier, Alaska. Its size is 1/5 that of the contiguous United States. Alaska has five unique areas: Inside Passage, Southcentral, Interior, Far North and Southwest. Alaska became the “49th” state in 1959, with Juneau as its capital. Originally called “Alyeska – The Great Land” by its native dwellers, it was bought from Russia in 1867 for $7,200,000. Alaska is the home of “Denali – The Great One” formerly Mt. McKinley.Nowhere else can you view so many active glaciers and find such a rich abundance of wildlife. Living styles vary from modern city dwellers to solitary lifestyles in the wilderness and everything in-between. Many areas in Alaska can only be reached by air or water.
CUSTOMIZED TRAVEL
Knightly Tours has been customizing vacations to Alaska since 1969. Your package is custom planned to your specific requests. You will be traveling independently and not be with an assigned “group” of people. This gives you the maximum amount of freedom to dine when you wish, take optional tours on your schedule and enjoy Alaska at your pace.Some of our vacations are Escorted Tours, which will have you traveling with a group of guests on the exact same itinerary. This group will be lead by an Escort who will be responsible for all of your arrangements. Unless outlined in your itinerary, no meals are included.
SERVICE REPRESENTATION IN ALASKA
Knightly Tours does not have service personnel in Alaska. We work with many different companies in Alaska so when you reconfirm sightseeing tours and transportation, or have a question regarding a particular portion of your trip, please refer to your itinerary and the pertinent voucher and contract office of the appropriate supplier.RECONFIRMING ITINERARY
It is very important to reconfirm all services as noted on your itinerary. There may be a last-minute change of time, pick-up point, etc., after your travel documents are received. Occasionally a flight time can change, which in turn can affect a transfer time to the airport. Please reconfirm flight departures with each airline at least 12 hours in advance. Be sure to carry photo ID as all airlines are requiring identification upon check-in.TEMPERATURES/DAYLIGHT
Winter is a unique travel time. Below are the daylight and average temperatures for Anchorage and Fairbanks.Suggested Winter Clothing List
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
LUGGAGE
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.
CAR RENTALS
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
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 |