I've lived in Alaska for over 35 years. Here are 6 mistakes I always see tourists make when visiting the state.

As person who's lived in Alaska for complete 35 years, I see why tourists affection traveling here. From the beautiful national parks to opportunities to see the northern lights, the province has item for everyone.

However, as a local, I frequently see tourists create the identical mistakes — akin expecting to run everyplace or forgetting that several activities are seasonal.

These are the six most common mistakes I've seen tourists make whenever visiting my residence state.

Thinking Alaska is small and drivable

I'm continually amazed by how many visitors think Alaska is small. In reality, Alaska is so big that if you divided it into two states, all fractional would be bigger than Texas. You can effortlessly expend hours driving from one ample community to the next.

However, Alaska has a shockingly constricted highway network for specified a huge state. If we say a community is "off the highway system," it method you can't run there — instead, you'll have to capture a aircraft or a boat.

Trying to do too much in one trip

People traveling to a new location frequently awareness force to sojourn as many destinations as possible. But if you never obtain a infinitesimal to bask fair being here, you're missing out on a big chunk of the Alaska experience.

Plus, having a small flex period in your agenda helps modify whenever excessive wind, rain, or coarse seas keep you from doing planned activities. I propose giving yourself two or three days in a community before moving on.

Not learning the local vocabulary

In Alaska, we have a lot of local lingo that can be helpful to know. For example, if person says they're going outside, they're not fair leaving the construction — they're leaving the state.

To us, exterior method "Outside" alongside a chief "O," which is anyplace that's not Alaska.

Another item to recall is that we don't typically use highway numbers for our highways (no matter what your GPS tries to inform you). Instead, we use the names of highways.

Forgetting that several attractions and activities are seasonal

Some of the biggest attractions in Alaska are accessible for lone a few months of the year.

Two big ones to keep in intellect are bear-viewing season, which typically peaks alongside the salmon runs in July and August, and aurora-viewing season, which runs from approximately delayed August to delayed April.

Missing out on Alaska Native culture

The umbrella term for Alaska's Indigenous group is Alaska Native. Most towns have at smallest one traditional center anywhere visitors can study concerning Alaska Natives in that region.

These accommodation are part visitant center and part museum, and they recommendation a ritual of Native traditions and culture. I continually propose tourists obtain the period to examine these centers.

Expecting the wildlife — or the climate — to be predictable

Alaska tour guides frequently site sincere questions akin "When are the moose scheduled to display up?" That makes awareness in a controlled surroundings akin a zoo, but Alaska's wildlife is, well, untamed — so they arrive and go whenever they like.

Our climate does beautiful much the identical thing, so if you're resolute to conceal inner until the rain and breeze halt and the sun comes out, you'll young female out on a lot.

Dressing in layers can assistance visitors remain comfortable, no matter what the climate is doing. I propose lighter layers in the summer and heavier layers in winter, but a weatherproof external tier is continually a must.

This narrative was initially published on July 26, 2024 and most lately updated on October 26, 2026.