Ask the Expert: My Top 3 recommendations for seeing Alaska

Peggie Hogan

A trip to Alaska is a dream vacation for many people, yet being the largest state, there are so many possibilities of what you can see and do, that planning for this trip of a lifetime can be overwhelming. Here are a few of my recommendations to see this spectacular region.

Plan ahead

Traveling to Alaska during the summer sells out quickly, so you’ll want to plan and book early—now is a great time. If you’re wanting to visit by ship, cruise season runs from May to late September.

Choose an option

You can decide if you want to see Alaska with a land-only package, a cruise-only package, or a land/cruise combination. If you choose a cruise, you’re next choice is sailing on a large ship with the comfort of many, or a more intimate small ship.

Extend your stay

Consider adding a pre- or post-night option to your cruise or tour to allow you more time to sightsee and experience the destination. For example, many large-ship cruises sail from Seattle, Wash., or Vancouver, British Columbia. Perhaps you’ve been wanting to see Pike Place Market or the Space Needle in Seattle, or explore Stanley Park in Vancouver, or take a ferry over to Vancouver Island to see the famous Butchart Gardens, or even spend some extra time in my favorite Alaskan city, Sitka.

As I mentioned, there are so many ways to see Alaska, I am happy to help you find the best option for you.

Peggie Hogan is a Travel Agent in the West Metro store. She is a certified AmaWaterways River Specialist, and her travels have taken her to Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, and many places in the United States. Contact Peggie at 3850 Wadsworth Blvd., Wheat Ridge; 720-593-5029; or phogan@colorado.aaa.com.