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For many people, a visit to Alaska is a lifelong dream. Some put it off until retirement while others dream of a destination wedding in The Last Frontier. Alaska is a large state, just about double that of Texas, so when you think of how much ground you have to cover, it’s no wonder you worry about how much it would cost to cover all that territory. In addition, some of that territory is only accessible by air or by sea. Nevertheless, you don’t have to worry about spending a fortune just to get it all in on your visit to Alaska.

What’s Great about the Great Outdoors?

One of the best things about traveling to Alaska is the host of outdoor activities you can find there and many of them are low cost.

Hiking

If you are already a hiker, chances are you will have your own gear and plenty of it. You will already own the perfect pair of hiking boots that are perfectly worn in for your next trekking adventure. Angel Rocks Trailhead is a perfect example of how to explore nature while in Alaska and do it on a budget. Hiking is not an overly expensive sport to enjoy. It’s just you, your gear and nature.

Toss in a Line

Don’t worry if you don’t have your own gear. You can rent most of what you need without worrying about exorbitant expenses. Fishing in Alaska is one of the most rewarding and satisfying ways to spend your time and doesn’t have to cost a fortune either. There are plenty of places to cast a line and even more choices of fish to catch from salmon to halibut in the most pristine and diverse settings, as well.

Camping

In Alaska, you can choose from pitching a tent at the bottom of a mountain or staying in an RV at Denali National Park. There are park grounds and camp grounds all over the state and roughing it is one sure way to go frugal in Alaska.

No matter which of these three outdoor activities you choose, you never have to worry about owning expensive gear because you can rent just about anything and everything you need for your outdoor expeditions.

Travel off Season

Another great way to save money and travel on a budget in Alaska is to travel off season. With all the tourists flocking down to Alaska in the summertime, you can find yourself a great deal during fall or spring. Most tourists visit during the summer, but you can enjoy beautiful clean, crisp weather in the spring and fall seasons and find plenty of savings, as well.

Eat Like a Native/Shop Like a Local

If you don’t want to spend a fortune on meals, stay away from the tourist spots. Eat like an Alaskan and enjoy foods off the beaten path at smaller locales. If you want to do some shopping, again, stay away from tourist traps. If you are staying with a friend or renting a space that has a kitchenette, then get yourself a grocery card at one of the local stores and pay much less than you would at a café or restaurant geared toward tourists. You may spend a few more dollars on a place with a kitchenette, but you will reap that back twofold by buying and cooking your own meals.

Stay and Play

If you have a friend in Alaska, ask if you can come visit. Offer to make the evening meals and make it a barter situation. If you don’t have a friend to stay with, buddy up with another family. Sometimes you can find a rental and share the expenses with another couple or family. Check out Airbnb for great places to stay for reasonable rates.

Airfare

Think about shopping around a few months before to get the best price on airfare you can possibly find. Sometimes booking too far in advance doesn’t allow you to get the best deal. As it gets closer to take-off, sometimes the airline will want to fill up the plane. With empty seats on board, you may just get a bigger discount. Fly with stopovers. Most direct flights are more costly, but when you book with stopovers, you may see a decrease in fare.

There are plenty of places to stay, things to do and see on a budget for your next Alaskan adventure.

Being the parent of a teen is challenging in many ways, from knowing when to hold them close to learning when to let go a little bit more each day. Traveling with teens can be an equal challenge. Not only are there different tastes, likes and dislikes, your teen can go from wanting to be right by your side to needing his/her space on a dime.

The key to traveling with teenagers is to make certain that their experience is their own. Rather than wanting them to see, feel and hear all that you do on your next adventure, allow them to interpret it on their own. What better way and what better location than to take a trip to Alaska with your teen. Alaska is authentic in its own right and has earned its name of the Last Frontier time and time again.

In Alaska, you can have experiences of bonding and connecting without having to say much at all. It is virtually impossible not to connect in the most natural, pristine environment that so much wildlife and exhilarating adventure calls home.

Here are some top must-do activities for you and your teen in Alaska this summer.

It Wouldn’t be Alaska if You Didn’t go Fishing

One of the first things you would need to do in order to define your fishing experience is to decide where and how you want to fish in Alaska. There are a few questions, but important ones, to ask:

• Do you want to charter a boat?
• Are you interested in fishing in a lake or a river?
• What type of fish would most float your boat – salmon, trout or halibut?
• Are you looking to rough it for the night and do something rustic?
• Or, do you want to ease your teen into fishing with a more luxurious accommodation?
• Ice fishing or fly fishing?

Once you have chosen your type of adventure and what kind of fish you would be fishing for, the rest is easy – just throw out the rod and feel your way through the experience. The Kenai Peninsula has to be one of the best spots to experience real fishing, Alaskan-style for your trip.

Denali National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park and Preserve truly is one of the best spots in Alaska for families. There is such a variety of discoveries to make and activities to take place in that it is virtually impossible to be at a loss for something to please everyone.

• Tent-camping or RV camping in the park is a great way to experience wildlife, nature and Alaska like nowhere else you can imagine
• Take a dog-sled demonstration and feel as though you are actually part of the Iditarod
• Hit the trails and take a hike
• Cycling through the park road will leave you and your teen feeling challenged. There are some steep downward hills and some blind curves to navigate, but with the ever-expanding hand-eye coordination teens gained from all that video game playing, they are bound to find it a challenge they can handle and a thrill to remember.

Teen Trips to Alaska

What better way to have your teen feel emancipated (at least for a little while) than to send him/her on a teen trip to Alaska. There are plenty of trip packages and tours that cater to youth when visiting Alaska.

Teenagers can experience a host of activities from backpacking in the Chugach Mountains where they learn necessary survival skills as they trek along through the wilderness to sea kayaking adventures with bald eagles overhead and beluga whales in the distance.

If you and your teen are even more adventurous, there are climbing tours and packages for your teens to partake in, as well. Imagine giving your teen the opportunity to explore the sport of ice-climbing with some introductory lessons combined with camping out at the base of a mountain with snow-capped mountains overhead as they bond with other teens.

Teen summer camps filled with mountain climbing, white water rafting and backpacking are just a few more items for your teen to experience on their Alaskan itinerary adventure.

So, if you thought Alaska was for the seasoned explore, think again as you open up to the idea that Alaska is for everyone. Your teen will have the experience of a lifetime and a tale or two to go along with it.

Most people associate Alaska with Glaciers, mountains and snow. Of course, there is so much more to Alaska than ice and snow. Alaska has some of the most glorious weather in the summer than anywhere else in the nation. Glistening lakes, waterfalls and the redefining of “long summer nights” is more of what Alaska has to offer. Some of Alaska’s longest summer nights can last up to 21 hours in certain areas.

As a visitor to Alaska, you have a choice of adventures from which to choose; camping, hiking, surfing, waterway activities, and fishing just to name a few. If you’ve never been to Alaska, you might not think of it as the land of the eagle or home to moose crossings wherever you go, but the wildlife in Alaska is a collection like no other.

Wildlife by Land

When it comes to Alaska’s land animals, you would think you were in an endless zoo. Alaska’s terrain is filled with animals in their natural habitat, which is one of the biggest draws to the state.

The Bears of the Land

Alaska’s terrain is home to both black and brown (grizzly) bears. As a visitor, you have many opportunities to see these bears. If you are camping, however, you don’t want to see them up close and personal because you didn’t secure your camping grub properly. Not only will you meet a bear up close and personal, you may also lose your dinner, as well. Even though the black bear is smaller than the grizzly, you’ll more than likely want to visit Alaska’s bears under different circumstances.

If you really want to view bears in Alaska, take a trip to bear camp instead. One such example is the Lake Clark National Park. At Lake Clark National Park Bear Camp, you will experience the true meaning of Alaska’s nickname, “The Last Frontier.” Access to this park is by air or by sea. Here you will experience the opportunity to view bear in their wilderness habitat. There truly is no place like this on earth where the raw environment and rugged wilderness are yours to view – a place where bears eat, fish and play.

Alaskan Moose – The Granddaddy of Them All

While they may seem slow and unresponsive moose are powerful in both size and stature. Moose can be up to 7 feet in height and that’s not including those antlers and they can weigh thousands of pounds. Sometimes in Alaska, you don’t have to go too far to view a moose. Sometimes on your drive on Turn Again Arm Drive, you may have to allot some extra time for moose crossing. Moose have been known to come into town for a visit or to check out your garbage pail to see what’s good for the picking.

Caribou, mountain goats and dall sheep are among some of the land animals you get set your sights on in Alaska.

Denali National Park is the best place to see caribou, bears, and dall sheep all in one place.

Alaska Wildlife by Air

Of course, one of the most legendary, must-see and much-loved birds of the sky in Alaska is the eagle. You may have seen photos, read about or even viewed videos of the bald eagle. Nothing does it justice like seeing it up front. The Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge might just be the best place to see such a sight. With its extensive boardwalk and helpful scopes, you might view more than a bald eagle. You may be able to catch a glimpse of migrating birds and floating swans along the marsh.

Eagle beach is another perfect spot for bald eagle sightings. You may find them perched on a rock waiting for some salmon or high in a tree waiting to swoop down and get some food.

The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is another prime location to get acquainted with the elusive bald eagle.

Alaska by Sea

When you think of Alaska’s wildlife, polar bears are one of the first things that may come to mind along with those bald eagles and bears. Even though they are found on land, polar bears hang out mostly by the sea ice, as it likes to stay close to its mode of transportation for getting its food – seals. If you’ve never seen a polar bear stand up, it’s an awe-inspiring sight to see – they can stand up to 10 feet tall and their paws are an impressive yet intimidating sight to see.

Perhaps you would enjoy scheduling a tour with The Northern Alaska Tour Company or going on an Arctic Air Expedition leaving from Anchorage.

Another resident of the sea are its whales. Humpbacks, beluga and orca are among the whale sightings that are yours for the viewing in Alaska’s waters. What would a trip to Alaska be without incorporating a whale watching tour into the mix? A tour from Seward, Homer or Prince William Sound will prove to be one of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring adventures on your trip to Alaska.

There are a host of whale viewing tours for your viewing pleasure. Once you have taken one, you will never be the same. Seeing a beluga whale at Beluga Point along the Seward Highway or taking a tour to view the orca, which is the largest member of the dolphin family, will be an experience that truly deserves the title of “once-in-a-lifetime.”

With its range of wildlife from salmon to whales and from black bears to polar bears, it’s no wonder that Alaska is known as the Last Frontier.

Packing, in general, can be a daunting task, especially if you are visiting someplace for the first time. If you are traveling to a tropical island, it’s pretty basic – sunscreen, swimsuit, and sunglasses are your basic must-have items. However, what if you are traveling somewhere as unique as Alaska?

Alaska has a range of weather, especially depending upon what city you are visiting and what time of year you are visiting. As beautiful and never surprising as Alaska’s landscape is, its weather is a bit more unpredictable. Temperatures can hover at the 60 degree mark in spring or soar into the 90s in summer; meanwhile record temperatures in Prospect Creek back in 1971 came in at an all-time low of minus 80 degrees.

Not only do you have to figure out the weather in Alaska, you have to figure out what to wear. Moreover, each city has varying degrees of temperature. Here are a few good tips on how to dress in Alaska.

Layers, Layers, Layers

Whether or not you have been to Alaska yet, most anyone you ask about the subject will advise you to dress in layers and plenty of them. The theory is to dress in layers so that you can peel them away as needed. You would rather be too warm in Alaska with the ability to peel away those layers than to be too cold.

Although, things seem to be warming up each year in Alaska, you never want to leave home without layers.

First things first – the closest layer to your skin should be made out of material that wicks away moisture from your body. You want to stay warm and in order to do so, you need to stay dry. After all, what good is it if the layer closest to your skin is not absorbent? You will be cold and damp instead of warm and protected.

How to dress also depends upon what activities you will be doing. The closer to the colder temperature and wet activities you are, the more equipment you will need. Synthetic materials are best since they are warm, lightweight and breathable. Synthetic pants and lots of long sleeve tee shirts will do you well. These tee shirts are perfect for layering. Water resistant outerwear is perfect for outdoor activities on the water like boating or fishing excursions.

If hiking, invest in a good pair of hiking boots. If your feet are comfortable, your whole body will thank you. And if you really want to be good to your feet, don’t forget synthetic fiber socks. Keeping your feet dry and warm will mean more opportunity to focus on the activity at hand.

Always bring a hat and gloves. When your feet and head are warm, the rest of your body will warm up too.

Things You Need to Remember about Dressing in Alaska

While it is important to dress right in the cold weather Alaska can dish out, it is equally important to remember that it can get extremely hot. Depending upon what time of year you are traveling and what city you will be traveling to, you will want to remember sunscreen.

While it may not feel that warm, the sun can hurt your skin just like anywhere else. Don’t associate Alaska with only cold weather. Also, don’t forget that Alaska has days in summer that can last up to 18 hours. The temptation to stay out and play all day and all night during summer solstice may have you forgetting to bring and wear sunscreen. Just because you are in Alaska, doesn’t mean you should forget this important detail.

Sunglasses are a great idea, as well. Your eyes can still feel the impact of the bright snow, the crisp blue ocean and the heat of the sun. For most people, sunglasses are a fashion statement, but for visiting Alaska, they are for your protection, as well.

Rainy Days

Regardless if you are traveling in the summer or spring, bring some raingear. It doesn’t only snow or stay sunny for 18 hour stretches, there are seasons in Alaska too. Just as important as knowing what to wear, is knowing the area to which you are traveling. For example, it may be 54 degrees in Anchorage one May and 70 degrees in Fairbanks. Knowing the average temperature of your destination will help you to pack right or pack light.

You can never go wrong with packing layers and good quality outer vest that is waterproof along with your hat, gloves and sun protection. Once you have packed up and are ready to go, the only thing left to do is to enjoy all the uniqueness that Alaska has to offer.

The extreme weather changes throughout the years across the United States are continuing to climb. From extreme droughts in one state to excessive rain in others, the climate change is steadily increasing. These changes are due to human activity and causing serious issues.

Everywhere you look – from car companies to food companies – there are advertisements for going green and saving the planet. Gone is the day where these are simply personal causes or hobbies – they have become global issues and causes, and the weather patterns are screaming at us to take action quickly. The California drought and the weather changes in Alaska are all screaming at us to stand up or wake up and take notice.

Barrow Alaska

The city of Barrow in Alaska has seen a lot of visitors lately; however, these visitors are not made up of only tourists. They are made up of scientists. For years now, scientists have taken interest in the climate change in the city of Barrow. The importance of ice, its formation and its arrival and the changing climate are the subject of vital importance.

This area has been warming up at record speeds and the results are having extreme negative impacts that trickle down. Melting ice impacts the environment on many levels such as the forests, ecosystems and waterways. The ice that once acted as protection from the sea for coastal towns is now melting away, leaving cities exposed to coastal storms and coastal erosion.

NASA’s Terra Satellite Map

Earlier in May, this map showed part of Alaska was actually hotter than part of Texas. Hard to believe. Eagle, a little town in Alaska had higher temperatures one day toward the end of May than Houston.

As Arctic sea ice heats up, so did the temperature in Eagle, Alaska. The climate in Alaska is heating up and is hotter than average.

The Highs and the Lows

While certain parts of Alaska observed record warm temperatures in the month of May, other areas recorded snow in June. Temperatures from 90 degrees in May dipped down to below 30 degrees in the first week of June.

After experiencing a warmer than usual winter, Alaska is breaking temperature records this spring, as well. The expectation from the National Weather Forecast is that a higher degree of melting will continue as the trend.

Barrow typically sees temperatures in the 20s during May, but reached up to 47 degrees instead. Eagle had a nice stretch of 80 degree or higher weather while Anchorage experienced its hottest April on record and Fairbanks had a record-breaking 86 degree day.

Alaska and Earthquakes

When you think of Alaska, you may not associate earthquakes with the 49^th state. Most people associate places like California with earthquakes; however, Alaska does and has experienced its share of earthquakes with a magnitude 6.7 as recently as May of this year.

In 1964, however, Alaska experienced a magnitude 9.2 earthquake with resulting tsunami and landslides. While some people may not be aware that Alaska even has earthquakes, for those who experienced this one, it was an unforgettable event coming in as one of the world’s largest earthquakes recorded.

Global warming is a term heard on the daily, as well as going green. Years ago, people associated going green with a hobby or simply taking up a cause as the term “tree hugger” became popular.

It’s obvious the warming trend, ice melting in Alaska and higher temperatures are having their impact. With the current trends in Alaska including the most recent earthquakes, it stands to reason that going green, becoming a tree hugger and doing our part to stop global warming are no longer hobbies. These things are a way of life, not so much as a lifestyle but a desperate action plan to maintain, preserve and sustain life – not only for Alaska, but for the planet as a whole.

Every year at the end of May, the men and women who have given their lives in sacrifice and in service are honored and remembered. There are several traditions that take place every year including putting the flag up at half-mast, joining a parade or visiting a cemetery in memory of a loved one who served.

While, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, it is also a day to celebrate freedom. Without those who sacrificed and their families, freedom would not be ours to enjoy. Many people celebrate freedom with a family picnic or barbeque, attend a festival or open up their pool. While it is a day of remembrance, it also signifies the start of summer for some, as well. Summer is the freedom to celebrate warm weather after a long winter.

In Alaska, beginning in early May, the days begin to get longer and stay that way up until early September. So, while the rest of the states might be celebrating the seasons changing from winter to summer, Alaska has even more to celebrate – the beginning of days filled with 18 hours of sunlight while they honor and remember those who gave their lives for freedom for all.

Celebrating Alaska Style via Mt. McKinley

While parades and barbeques are how some celebrate Memorial Day, for others this simply would not suffice. Climbing Mt. McKinley to honor the fallen soldiers who no longer could, was a better way of taking a stand. A group of military veteran climbers and disabled veterans were on a mission – a mission to take a stand on Mt. McKinley.

The intention was to create a statement that honors those who sacrificed and served in a way that was memorable indeed.

For those disabled and honorable veterans who desired to climb on Memorial Day, perhaps there was more of a statement for everyone – a life lesson of sorts – no matter how hard or high the mountain in front of you appears,  it is more about facing the challenge daily and overcoming them as well – one step at a time.

The team of military veterans had hopes of carrying flags with the names of fallen veterans on them to the summit of Mt. McKinley. While Mt. McKinley had other plans with nature-related conditions, the tenacity and determination shown by these veterans is as awe-inspiring as the mountain itself.

Car Shows – Another Great Way to Honor Veterans

The Anchorage Corvette Association honored veterans the best way that they know how – by having a car show. While this is perhaps one of the biggest events among all others this club takes on, there is special meaning attached to it. All of the money raised via the car show along with their silent auction goes to support worthy causes such as the Armed Forces YMCA and the Last Frontier Honor Flight Group.

A flag ceremony, the playing of taps, along with a moment in silence set the tone for what the car show is really all about. Besides honoring the Chevrolet Corvette, this club also takes the time to honor our veterans.

Fort Richardson National Cemetery and Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery

Getting to the heart of matters, no Memorial Day Celebration would be complete without services to honor those who have passed. Fort Richardson National Cemetery hosted a memorial service along with a 21-gun salute and the placing of wreaths while Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery was the location for the posting of the flag along with memorial speeches followed by some fun in the form of a pig roast and family fun to celebrate freedom.

When it came to family fun time and memorial services, Alaska celebrated much the same way as many other states; however, having disabled veterans attempt to climb Mt. McKinley with flags that honored the names of fallen soldiers goes above and beyond the call of duty any day.

When you think of Alaska, chances are you think of lots of cold and snow. Maybe you envision some adventures like mountain climbing and ice fishing along with a grizzly bear sighting or two. Or maybe you think of 18-hour days and the aurora borealis if you stretch your imagination a little further.

For some people, Alaska is all of those things and more – like extreme adventures. A trip down a white water river, a visit to an ice blue glacier or a camp where you can intentionally get up close to a family of bears while camping are all out-of-the box extreme adventures.

However, have you ever thought of doing some of the ordinary or maybe not so ordinary things that life has to offer in Alaska?

Here are a few things that you may have never thought of doing in Alaska that will leave you thinking a bit more.

Hitch a Ride

Since dog sledding is considered Alaska’s official sport, why not consider joining them for a ride. You can take a tour in Alaska that consists of either half day tours or full day tours and become part of the beloved tradition of mushing – also known as dog sledding. Meet the team of trainers responsible for getting the Alaskan Huskies into gear for the Iditarod race, also known as the last great race.

While you are probably familiar with the Iditarod, you probably have never thought that you could possibly be part of that experience. Imagine assisting in harnessing those beautiful huskies onto the sled and then getting the opportunity to ride across the snowy and icy terrain and partake in one wild ride.

If you choose an all-day tour, you will get to meet and greet both the huskies and their trainers, get an opportunity to ask questions and gain some insight and spend the day on the sled out on the snowy training trails that prepares the mushers and the dogs for their journey in the last great race. You’ll have quite a story to tell when you arrive home.

Get Hitched

When you think of destination weddings, you probably think of locales such as Hawaii or one of the Caribbean Islands, right? Why not take another look at a unique locale – Alaska. Alaska during summer is one of the most beautiful places in the United States.

The views and the scenery are like no other. There are glistening lakes, snow-capped mountains and fields of fireweed – a colorful flower that grows in abundance in the open meadows of Alaska. You will go wild for this wildflower.

Getting married these days is less about the pomp and circumstance and more about the meaning. Picture getting married at the base of the Chugach mountain range, or during one of Alaska’s 18 hour days where the sun stays high in the sky through the night while saying I do in front of one of Alaska’s pristine lakes. This gives you an opportunity to party all night long. An Alaskan destination wedding is something to ponder and something of wonder. You will have photographic memories that will rival all others.

Go to College

Whether you are considering a two-year degree, a four-year degree, training in a specific trade, undergraduate or graduate school, you have several choices in Alaska. Imagine pursuing your educational career in the same place where you can view wildlife such as moose and grizzly bears or partake in viewing the Northern Lights.

Areas of study range anywhere from health and wellness to, of course, hospitality and recreation. Whether you choose The University of Alaska in the heavily populated Anchorage or in the remote city of Juneau, The Alaska Pacific University or the Alaska Vocational Technical Center, you have a host of upper education options in Alaska.

Take Phenomenal Photos

Alaska is one of those rare places on earth that has no loss of photo opportunities. Whether you are an advanced photographic professional or an amateur, there are really no bad pictures you can take in Alaska.

In Alaska, you will find misty waterfalls, fog coated lakes, snowcapped mountains and ice blue glaciers. During summer, you can view endless fields of open fireweed in the brightest of colors. Don’t forget about the wildlife photo opportunities either. There are beluga whales waving their tails at you, grizzly bears reaching for a morning breakfast of salmon, and bald eagles soaring overhead amongst the misty clouds.

Alaska is truly one gigantic photo opportunity waiting to happen.

Christmas in July

Are you one of those people that count down the days until the next Christmas because you just love it so much? If you are yearning for Christmas in July, take a trip to the North Pole in Alaska. North Pole, Alaska celebrates Christmas all year around, even in July. North Pole, Alaska is decorated in holiday tradition all year around.

Have some fun getting in touch with your spirit of Christmas as you drive down Santa Claus Lane and go visit the Santa Claus House. If you want to feel like a kid at Christmas, this store can do just that with aisles of Christmas decorations and toys, you’ll feel like a kid again in no time.

North Pole, Alaska honors Christmas throughout the year and if you plan on attending in December, you can take part in loads of festivities such as the Christmas in Ice Contest featuring ice sculptures from all over.

Whatever season you choose to visit, you’ll be sure to get in touch with your inner Christmas.

These are five great things you may have never considered doing on a visit to Alaska. You never know, you might find yourself hitched to a sled experiencing what it feels like to be part of the Iditarod while your beloved proposes the idea of getting hitched.

While part of the United States, Alaska has its own individual characteristics and flair. In Alaska, you will have months without seeing the sun rise and months without seeing it set. How much more unique than that does it get? With a backdrop of wildlife as its landscape, Alaska is a one-of-a-kind state.

Besides its native wildlife and unusual weather patterns, Alaska also has some tricks up its sleeve when it comes to slang terms. Here is some lingo you might want to know about if you are planning a visit to Alaska.

Iditarod

Paying homage to the Iditarod River, this race is also lovingly referred to as “the last great race.”

While you may have, of course, heard the term before, you may not know how much dedication and challenge are involved in this race.

A team of mushers and their dogs sled over 1000 miles to complete this heroic trail. While the Iditarod may have started out as a mail route to get much-needed supplies, mail and even medicines to remote areas, today it is all about tradition.

If driving over frozen ice, drifting snow, across the roughest terrain that a wintry Mother Nature can supply with below-zero temperatures sounds like something out of a movie, then you have somewhat of an idea of what Iditarod is really like. Iditarod is an important part of Alaskan culture and a good term to know.

The Lower 48

The Lower 48 is a term used to describe all of the other states (excluding those of Alaska and Hawaii). When referring to other states, Alaskans will tend to use the term, “the lower 48.” In addition, it is not unheard of for Alaskans to use the term, “Outside” when speaking of traveling to other states.

Mushing

When you take on the sport of driving a sled driven by a team of dogs, this is known as mushing. This term may have originated from the French word “marche” when French Canadians were commanding their dogs, but is now well-known and loved by all Alaskans.

Eskimo Ice Cream

Just when you thought you had heard of every flavor of ice cream, you get to learn about the term, “Eskimo Ice Cream.” Eskimo Ice Cream is a term used for a traditional food of Alaskans. An interesting mix of ingredients such as animal fat such as seal, lard, berries and ground fish go into this unique mixture that is loved by many an Alaskan.

This might be one of the more important terms to know. If you are invited to partake in some “Eskimo Ice Cream,” then you will at least know that it is far from what you expected.

Blanket Toss

This term is exactly what it means – a blanket toss. Traditionally, an Inupiaq hunter would get tossed in the air with the purpose of spotting game to hunt. Now, however, it’s done for fun. A group gathers around holding onto an animal skin while tossing someone into the air. The goal of the toss is to land, keeping balance and not falling over. So, if you are invited to a “blanket toss,” make sure that you are invited as a viewer and not a participant.

These are a few interesting and endearing terms you might want to know before you go to Alaska. This way, when you are invited to enjoy some “Eskimo Ice Cream” on the way to a blanket toss, you know what to expect.

When you think of Alaska, do you simply think of Eskimos and igloos? Alaskans know that Alaska is so much more than that. Alaska is a place filled with natural settings, pristine views of glaciers, mountains and water. Alaska is a place where wildlife roams and rules.

While many people may not have thought of Alaska as a place to live or even visit, for some Alaska is a place near and dear to one’s heart. Alaska has earned many different nicknames throughout the years and some of them are interesting terms of endearment.

Land of the Midnight Sun

While many people are aware that it can get and stay quite dark for several months out of the year from around November to January in Alaska, there are many more that don’t focus on the fact that it can stay light just as long.

Imagine living or visiting such a place where you can see the sun at midnight (hence the name Land of the Midnight Sun) or where the sun can stay up longer than you can! Certain parts of Alaska can see the sun up between 18 and 20 hours. There’s a lot of time in there to get your to-do list checked off, go for a hike or get some night fishing in – all while the sun is till high in the sky.

Seward’s Folly

Secretary of State, William H. Seward back in 1867 struck an agreement with Russia to buy Alaska for more than seven million dollars. There was quite an undercurrent of curiosity and conversation around why the plan was so secretive and of what use would Alaska be to the United States. That’s where the nickname of Seward’s folly came into play.

With continuing support, the treaty was approved; however, it was not until one year later that funds were approved making the Land of the Midnight Sun not so much of a folly after all.

The Last Frontier

Another term of endearment for Alaska is that of The Last Frontier and understandably so. Alaska is considered to be separate and apart enough from the other states that it is a frontier all on its own. Moreover, there is so much uncharted land in Alaska, truly allowing it to earn its title of last frontier.

There are numerous areas that are inaccessible by traditional vehicles – only by boat or air – and weather conditions that are not conducive to everyday life in Alaska.

With vast lands undiscovered, unchartered and untouched, Alaska truly does earn the special title of The Last Frontier.

The Great Land

Out of all the terms of endearment for all the states, The Great Land has to stand tall among the rest. Starting from the beginning, the Aleutian word, “Aleyska,” means, The Great Land.

If you’ve never been to Alaska, this title is surely befitting. Alaska has unchartered territories and its land pays homage to the wildlife that thrive there. A visit to Alaska might find you in awe of the untouched and preserved natural settings that make Alaska, what it truly is, The Great Land.

There are typically two sides to every coin, and relocating is no different. You may be excited and exhilarated or overwhelmed and anxious. You may even be a combination of a little of both. Any relocation is a big step no matter what you are feeling. In between all those feelings – well, there’s work to do. That’s why it’s important to have a checklist – and maybe even a checklist for your checklist.

If you are relocating to Alaska, chances are this is a big change for you and your family. Whether or not you are married with family or have extended family and friends, there are some common sense tips to know before you relocate. These will make your to-do list seem to flow a little easier.

What’s the Weather Like?

This will probably be one of the most common questions you are asked after you relocate. However, it is best for you to have some idea for yourself before you relocate. Winters in Alaska can seem longer due to the lack of sunlight during the months starting in November and until the beginning of February. Be aware of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

After that, though, there is a glimmer of light – sunlight that is. Summers in Alaska are enjoyable because as the days go on, they get longer. The sun shines brighter longer and you can enjoy daytime activities at night, as well. Of course, there’s snow. Know the part of Alaska where you will be living in intricately. Each section tends to have its own snowfall rate.

Traffic Time

One of the great and wondrous bonuses about being in Alaska is in its abundance of scenic drives. Wildlife, mountains and off-the-beaten path destinations are just a few choices you have when it comes to driving in Alaska. Throw in long stretches of highway and some wildlife taking their time crossing the road and you’ve got a bit of traffic.

Just like any other state, avoid busy hubs like Anchorage during rush hour. And avoid the most tourist populated roadways such as Seward Highway and Parks Highway.

Wildlife

Every so often, you may see a bear or a moose meandering around the city. Don’t be shocked because it does happen. Moreover, don’t be surprised if you have to yield the right of way to some wildlife crossing while driving to your destination.

Be aware of the eagles that habitat Alaska. They may think that your miniature poodle is something for them to swoop down upon as a snack. Keep pets on a leash and keep an eye out on walks. Also be aware of how you throw out your trash. You never know when a bear is looking for food.

Social Life

There’s plenty to do in Alaska depending on your location:

• Rock climbing
• Skiing
• Water sports
• Fishing/boating/kayaking
• Theater/symphony
• Festivals/brewery

Work Life

You may want to opt to live in Juneau and try to snatch a state job since Juneau is the state capital of Alaska or head toward Anchorage as it is a major city and the largest in the state of Alaska. While it may seem like you will get more bang for your buck at the end of the week in your paycheck in the form of higher salaries, you need to be aware that the cost of living is equally high, as well.

With so much to do, one of the things you don’t want to waste a microsecond of worry on is shipping your car to Alaska. Alaska Car Transport values your time, understands your situation, and delivers your auto shipping needs with integrity.