Alaska is BIG, so allow enough time to really enjoy your trip without rushing through scenery and activities. If your time is limited, consider a packaged tour featuring highlights from several regions. Or you might prefer to travel independently, exploring Alaska at your own pace. Many visitors combine a few brief tours with an independent travel itinerary, enjoying the best of both options.

Getting to Alaska is easy. Air travel is fast, leaving you more time for other vacation activities. Arriving by car, camper, or scheduled motorcoach, can take five to 10 days, but gives you a chance to enjoy the landscape. Cruiseships and ferries can bring you to Alaska in three to seven days. Many visitors use all three travel modes during their trip. Advance reservations are recommended for tours, accommodations, and travel by air, rail, cruiseship, or state ferry. This is especially important during the peak season from May through September.

Alaska's larger towns and cities have major medical facilities, full banking, and most other travel services.

The electric current is standard U.S. 110-115V, 60 AC.

Alaska observes all major U.S. holidays, as well as Seward's Day on the last Monday in March, and Alaska Day on October 18.

Drinking age is 21, although Alaska has several "dry" villages where any possession of liquor is illegal.

U.S. and Canadian residents do not need passports or visas to travel through Canada and Alaska, but should carry a driver's license or voter's registration. Identification is also required for all minors traveling in your party. Persons under 18 years of age not accompanied by their parents should carry a letter from their parents granting permission to travel to Canada.

Some advice from the experts: plan ahead, make your reservations early, and enjoy Alaska!