Appropriately nicknamed the Last Frontier, Alaska is a sprawling landscape filled with exceptional natural wonders and breathtaking scenery, making it ideal for unique travel experiences. Measuring almost 700,000 square miles with countless glaciers, islands, roads and forests, those visiting Alaska will undoubtedly be struck by the “Alaska factor”, a looming feeling that this great US state is limitless. With so much to offer, it is hard to know where to begin and what to visit. Best explored on a yacht charter and private air travel, here are the top Alaskan unique vacation ideas for everyone.
Unique travel experiences in the Alaskan wilderness
Alaska is a treasure trove of excitement for nature and animal lovers. Here you can spot polar bears inhabiting the coastlines, sneak a peek at the whales and orcas that rove in the depths of the icy ocean or wander through stunning, untouched landscapes, experiencing the best Mother Nature has to offer.
Dramatic national parks
The Denali National Park is six million acres of untamed beauty, located near the busy city of Anchorage. This sprawling wonderland is home to wolves, eagles, swans, and the majestic Mount McKinley, the highest mountain peak in North America. The park’s lush scenery is a feast for the eyes: endless shades of blue and green that blur together, striking contrasts between calm lakes and rugged cliffs, and charming colorful flowers that clash with the abundance of tall, solemn trees. For a magical and unique travel experience, hire a private flight tour to see the peaks of the mountain from over the clouds and fly amidst gorgeous glaciers.
Don’t forget to visit Katmai National Park, where you can spot bundles of grizzly bears fishing for wild salmon and stretches of superbly desolate volcanic land. Make a stop at Round Island to witness herds of walruses lining the beaches.
Glaciers and hot springs
Alaska is truly an Arctic fairy tale come true for those seeking unique travel experiences to be found nowhere else. This great state boasts an endless amount of hot springs, glaciers, fjords, ice caves and frosty grottos to visit by land, sea or from above on a helicopter. Kayak through the turquoise and silver ice caves in Spencer Glacier, wander through the shimmering Mendenhall ice caves near Juneau, or soak in the natural hot springs in Fairbanks surrounded by icy rocks – you may even spot the aurora borealis at the right time of year!
Adrenaline junkies looking for unique vacation ideas in fantastic nature spots will not be disappointed. From dog sledding in snowy plains or heli-skiing on the virgin snow in Haines’ mountains to extreme white-water rafting, an Alaska yacht charter promises unadulterated thrills and sensations in the ice, snow and frost.
Vibrant cities and ghost towns
Whilst Alaska is renowned for the ethereal quality of its nature, its villages, towns and cities are exciting and full of life – except for the wonderfully eerie ghost towns. Made for history buffs and those looking for unique vacation ideas, abandoned mining settlements like Kennicott or the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park are fascinating testaments to the United States’ cultural and economic heritage.
A stay in Juneau is a must. With delicious seafood dinners and luxury spas, relaxing hikes in the Alaskan forest, ziplining or flights over majestic glaciers, Alaska’s capital offers unique travel experiences for everyone. Do not forget to take the historic Goldbelt Tramway. This incredible cable car rises to 1,800 feet high, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the region and a live bald eagle show at the top. For those aboard a yacht charter, hit the Steamboat Fishing Club on Revillagigedo Island some miles south of Juneau’s coast. This luxury lodge on a quiet island is renowned for its premium fishing spots and fine dining in a rustic chic setting.
A trip to Alaska guarantees memories that last a lifetime. With more than 2,000 islands to explore and 6,000 miles of coastline brimmed with endless possibilities for a truly unique adventure, Alaska should be discovered on a luxury yacht for charter.
