America’s largest state (586,000 sq. miles or one-fifth the entire country) and her last frontier, Alaska comprises 19 national and 55 state parks, 3,000 rivers, 1,800 islands, and over 100,000 glaciers. Now, thanks to many new family adventure offerings from cruise and land tour operators, Alaska has become a more practical and affordable destination. With such an awesome variety of scenic wonders, wildlife, fascinating native cultures, and both “soft” and “hard” adventures, planning is key to a successful visit with children. Let’s review the state’s five distinct regions and what they have to offer.
“Research your trip extremely well, Alaska is expensive as travel goes. Trust local knowledge, plan well and carefully, and you will have a great trip no matter what area you choose.” – Clint Hlebechuk, Hallo Bay Bear Lodge
Orientation to Alaska’s Regions
Inside Passage: This waterway runs from Prince Rupert, B.C., along the Canadian coast past fantastic fjords and forested islands, to Haines or Skagway, Alaska. This is the best-known region and comprises Stewart, Ketchikan (a fishing mecca), Juneau (the capital), Haines, and Sitka, an old Russian town whose visitors appreciate its architecture and Tlingit Indian totem poles. Glacier Bay boasts 12 glaciers and sightings of orcas, seals, sea lions, humpback whales and other animals during the June to September high season.
South Central: The Prince William Sound (10,000 sq. miles of fjords and glaciers) area, is a sea kayaker’s heaven. Daytrips in the region leave from Whittier (ferry cruises) or Cordova (fishing and hiking), towns which also offer tourist services. The larger cities are Anchorage (for downhill skiing, Gold Rush tours, and museums) and Seward (cruises to the Kenai Peninsula for amazing fishing and moose-spotting). In winter, there’s cross country skiing and the Iditarod race.
Southwest: This area includes the Aleutian Islands, Bering Sea, and Katmai National Park, famed for its wealth of wildlife, with the highest brown bear population in the state. Kodiak is a rich fishing area, where halibut, silver salmon and King salmon abound. The region’s volcanic terrain and dramatic mountain scenery are much less seen than other parts of the state.
The Interior: Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city and site of the 1902 Gold Rush, has museums and historic sites of the state’s pioneer days. From mid-May through July you’ll really have trouble putting kids to sleep with 20 hours of daylight! The North Pole is due north, and Denali National Park — featuring Mt. McKinley, the highest peak in North America and a mecca for adventurers — is due south. Both areas offer prime hiking, rock- and ice-climbing, horseback riding, family educational activities, and dozens of wilderness and birding tours. The Midnight Sun Express train offers sightseeing journeys by rail; the Alaska Highway by car.
Far North: The Arctic Wilderness Wildlife Refuge is one of the most stunning, least visited areas. Barrow, 330 mi. north of the Arctic Circle and known as the “Top of the World,” delivers the midnight sun and freezing temperatures in summer, the Northern Lights in winter, and a small town of drying caribou skins, lazy huskies, and ethnic Inuit (Eskimo) families year-round.
Family Options: Escorted Alaska Sea & Land Tours
Families with time and an adventurous spirit will enjoy wandering around in an all-terrain vehicle and camping out, or taking public transportation between cities. Families with limited time and a fixed budget should consider all-inclusive cruises or a land tour by train or bus.
Cruises are set up for easy sightseeing with younger children, and provide companions for siblings of disparate ages and only children. Be sure you understand their childcare options on “shore excursion” days.
For less-expensive train or bus tours, ask if there will be enough free time for kids to roam and run on their own. Is the tour guide skilled at handling children? Will there be other kids on board? If you’re traveling with teens, consider the state’s many exciting eco-tours, but keep in mind that these tend to be the most expensive options because of their participatory nature and location — usually off the beaten path.
Organized, fully-guided tours with other families provide an exciting and educational experience. Discounted children’s rates are often available.
Backroads (800/GO-ACTIVE) Several departures between June and August take family adventurers ages 6+ on 6-day “Multisport” trips to bike, hike and kayak Denali National Park and the Kenai Peninsula.
GorpTravel.com GORP Travel offers links to many Alaska adventure trips, with dozens of departure dates. For example, their Alaska Explorer Safari trip (minimum age 12) through Alaska Wildland Adventures, combines multiple sports, lodging, and camping in a 9-day excursion.
Among the major cruise companies, these are luxury cruise operators offering group childcare (which means little ones may spend more time indoors, playing, than outdoors viewing wildlife), expert staff, varied nightlife, health spas, handicapped facilities, casinos, shops, swimming pools, other shipboard sports facilities, shore excursions in smaller vessels, and all-inclusive prices. Several other cruise companies also offer Alaska sailings, so contact a cruise-travel agent to explore itineraries and rates.
Carnival Cruise Line (888/CARNIVAL) features the Spirit where your kids (ages 2-17 in age-appropriate groups) can attend Camp Carnival, where activities include arts and crafts, games and sea animal exploration. Special features include playrooms with computers, a kid’s wading pool, and group babysitting in the evenings. The Spirit sails three distinct seven day cruises: Glacier Bay, Northbound and Southbound, each with its own unique itinerary.
Holland America Lines (877/932-4259 ) features the year-round Club HAL (ages 3-12, divided into two age groups) on all their luxury cruise ships, offering campers the opportunity to participate in special onshore adventures including hiking, a scavenger hunt, and a visit to a totem pole center. Teens, ages 13-17, have their own activities like karaoke, Alaska Trivia, video games and a polar bear swim. Also, if there are more than 100 children on board, a HAL Talent Show will be organized by the kid-friendly staff.
Norwegian Cruise Line (866/234-7350 ) presents “Freestyle Cruising” with flexible dining options and several kids menus. The Kid’s Crew (for 3 to 17-year-olds, divided into four age groups) is available on itineraries from Vancouver through the Inside Passage, and from Seattle to Glacier Bay. Group babysitting is available every evening and on port days.
Princess Cruises (800/PRINCESS) offers Princess Fun Zone (ages 3-17, divided into 3 groups) a dedicated children’s center, as well as a Teen Center, staffed by coordinators during the busy summer season. Note that infants under 6 months are not allowed, nor is private babysitting an option, however, there is evening group babysitting. The Alaska Junior Ranger Program (ages 6-12) and the Teen Explorer Program offers special age-appropriate activities.
Royal Caribbean International (866/562-7625 ) has a class-act reputation with discerning travelers and won first-place in a poll of family travelers for its wonderful Adventure Ocean (ages 3-17) kids’ camp program and facilities. Special features include a teen center (open until 2am), a well-equipped arcade, “playgroups” for 6-36 month olds, and evening group babysitting (fee based).
Alaskan Eco-Adventure Tour Operators & Family Offerings
Eco-adventure Tours are anther popular option, especially for families with older children. In a region where nature and wildlife rule, some of the best travels come from experiencing an area naturally, thus putting man’s creature comforts in second place. Those seeking smaller adventures and vessels to provide access to secluded fjords, bays, rivers, and villages beyond the reach of the mega-ships can choose from the following:
American Safari Cruises (888/862-8881 ) has five yachts that carry between 6 and 39 passengers on 7, 8 or 14/N trips between Juneau and Sitka, Prince Rupert or Seattle.
Alaska Adventure Cruises (206/310-2309 ) offers small-scale, scenic trips aboard the vessels of the Alaska Charter Yachts cooperative, for those who like to support local business when they travel. Each company has its own set of itineraries–expect plenty of local lore, up-close-and-personal wildlife viewing, and sea kayaking opportunities.
Cruise West (888/851-8133) gives passengers the opportunity to sail through narrow passageways to remote villages, in the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and more. On ships with a capacity of under 138 guests, passengers are brought as close as possible to glaciers and wildlife.
Hallo Bay Bear Camp in Kodiak (907/235-2237 , 888/535-2237) is an award-winning, eco-wilderness operation (actually self-catered cabins with a maximum of 6 guests) on the Pacific coast of Katmai, in an area dense with brown bears, great ocean fishing, and marine life. Children are welcome, but must be under parental supervision at all times.
Lindblad Expeditions (800/EXPEDITION, 212/765-7740 ) offers educational outdoors-oriented cruises that stick to wilderness areas and tiny port towns. Off-vessel excursions are by motorized launch and on foot. Expedition staff are whale experts, and research scientists often come along.
Alaska’s Budget Tours & DIY Lodging Resources
Your family can create a wonderful diverse itinerary if everyone’s willing to rough it a little, do lots of research, and make hotel reservations in advance. Note that ferries spend only 1-2 hours in each port, so overnight sightseeing stops will be necessary. There are some good choices among the state’s public transportation.
By Ferry: Alaska Marine Highway (800/642-0066 , 907/465-3941 ) A budget alternative to the mega-cruise ships and eco-friendlier expedition vessels mentioned above, the Alaska State Ferry is “transportation” rather than “cruising.”
There are four separate ferry routes:
- The Inside Passage Route from Canada to Alaska
- The Southcentral Route across Prince William Sound to Whittier and Valdez, or from Kenai Peninsula to Kodiak
- The Southwest route (seasonal service only) to the Aleutian Islands and Alaska Peninsula
- The Cross Gulf Route from Juneau, Prince Rupert, and Ketchikan to Whittier
Passengers can board at Bellingham, Washington (near Seattle), Prince Rupert, B.C. and several ports in Alaska. Ferry rates vary according to season, distance, and passenger ages; cars and food extra. Some vessels have reading rooms, play areas, and on-board Forest Service experts to give lectures.
By Train: The Alaska Railroad (800/544-0552 , 907/265-2494 ) runs 470 miles within this scenic state, from Seward in the south to Fairbanks in the north. Connecting service to Anchorage runs by Denali State Park and Mt. McKinley. Summer or winter season passes and organized tours are available; call 800/248-7598 or visit www.alaskapass.com for more info.
By RV: Great Alaskan Holidays (888/225-2752) lets you travel across the state at your own pace in a modern Winnebago. A variety of floorplans are available including queen beds, dining area, TV and kitchen. The company will also match prices on any motorhome rental with their Best Rates Available offer.
Bed & Breakfasts: B & B rooms run $55-$110/double depending on season. You can search an online database through Alaska B & B Reservations (907/235-2148 ; fax 907/235-3773) or visit the Alaska Travel Industry Association’s website.
Camping: Call Alaska State Parks (907/269-8400 in Anchorage, 907/451-2705 or 907/451-2705 in Fairbanks); or Alaska Public Lands (907/271-2737, or 907/271-2737 in Anchorage, 907/456-0527 or 907/456-0527 in Fairbanks, or 866/869-6887 toll-free) for campground information.
Hotels and Lodges: There are several hotel chains in every price range in the major cities. The charming and picturesque lodges in the park areas tend to be expensive and cater to tours. Ask your travel agent for help in booking rooms, especially during the peak summer months.
For More Information
Contact the Alaska Travel Industry Association (800/478-1255 ). Here are some excellent guidebooks to help you plan your adventure:
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People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
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Amazing Post! about Amsterdam
There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
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2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
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This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
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The blog shared is interesting to read. Got some useful information of Chicago which will be really helpful before planning a trip to this place. Thanks for sharing this!
Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
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Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
The Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article is one of the best I have ever read!
You are doing a great job with https://myfamilytravels.com site.
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Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
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Chicago is a famous place that has many impressive landscapes.
Most visitors like traveling there.
I am always looking online for tips that can facilitate me. Thx!
helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
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I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
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Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.