I've lived in Alaska for over 35 years. Here are 6 mistakes I always see tourists make when visiting the state.
Having lived in Alaska for over 35 years, I've seen tourists make lots of mistakes, like trying to do too much in one trip.
As a resident of Alaska for more than three decades, I have observed several common missteps tourists frequently make during their visits to the state. Lisa Maloney, an experienced local, highlights six prevalent tourist mistakes when traveling in Alaska.
One widespread mistake is underestimating Alaska's vastness and assuming it is easily navigable by road. Maloney emphasizes that Alaska is so expansive that if divided into two separate states, each would surpass the size of Texas. Due to the state's limited road infrastructure, driving between major communities often requires spending hours on the road. Moreover, numerous communities are unreachable by vehicle, necessitating alternative modes of transportation such as airplanes or boats.
Another frequent error is attempting to pack too many activities into a single trip. Travelers may feel compelled to explore numerous attractions, but Maloney advises taking the time to appreciate the unique aspects of Alaska and allowing flexibility for unexpected weather or conditions. She recommends dedicating two to three days in each location before proceeding to the next.
Alaskans also use distinct terminology that can be unfamiliar to outsiders. Terms like "outside" refer to anything beyond the state of Alaska, and highway numbers are typically replaced with the name of the road, rather than numerical designations. Additionally, visitors should be aware that certain experiences, such as viewing the northern lights or bears, are seasonal and only available during specific times of the year.
Maloney underscores the importance of appreciating Alaska's rich Native culture, encouraging tourists to visit cultural centers within local communities to learn about the traditions and heritage of Alaska's Indigenous peoples. Lastly, she cautions against expecting predictable wildlife and weather patterns, reminding tourists that Alaska's wildlife and climate are inherently unpredictable. Dressing in layers and staying adaptable can help visitors better endure varying weather conditions throughout the year.
Written by urgent.news from Business Insider's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
