Experience America as you’ve never seen it before

Here’s a new guest post a little closer to home… well, closer than Qatar!

Forget Florida, New York and Las Vegas. On your next US holiday, consider taking in the wonder of Alaska. This article explores just some of the attractions and once-in-a-lifetime experiences you can expect to find in America’s largest state.

Denali National Park

At over 6 million acres, you will be blow away by the sheer scale of Denali National Park and Preserve. Here, you’ll find Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in America. Bus trips are provided along the Park Road, the only road running through the park, allowing visitors the chance to get deep into the wilderness. Denali is home to some 39 species of mammals, 14 species of fish and 169 species of birds so it’s a nature-lover’s paradise. You may even catch a sighting of a bear as both grizzlies and black bears live in the park, alongside wolves, moose and foxes.

Valdez

The city of Valdez is a must-see when in Alaska. Surrounded by spectacular scenery comprising of soaring mountains and breath-taking glaciers, the city makes a great base from which to explore surrounding areas. Many of the nearby glaciers can only be accessed by boat so booking one of the many tours available is a great way to see these wonders of nature close up. Alaska holidays are not complete without a ferry trip through the scenic environs of Prince William Sound for some great photo opportunities.

Bear spotting

If you are determined to see a wild bear, there are companies providing tours to observe the bears in their natural habitat. Alaska holidays offer the chance to see brown and black bears as both are present in the state’s national parks. Taking a day trip, you can usually expect to see a handful of bears on any given day, all viewed from a safe distance. You’ll be accompanied by expert tour guides who’ll be able to give you an insight into the lives of these fascinating creatures.

Flightseeing

With such a rugged landscape, much of Alaska’s most spectacular scenery is only visible from the air. Tour companies offer flightseeing trips, ranging in time from around an hour to a whole day. Many trips offer the opportunity to land on a glacier, surely a once in a lifetime experience!

Anchorage

One of the northernmost cities in the world, Anchorage enjoys a stunning setting between mountains and sea. The city offers all the attractions, amenities and comforts you would expect from a major city, while still offering a connection to the Alaskan wilderness. A range of day trips and excursions are on offer if you want to explore the city and its surrounding areas, but if you fancy a break from all the sightseeing, you’ll find no shortage of ways to entertain yourself. As well as museums, galleries and theatres, you’ll find excellent shopping, restaurants and bars.

There is something for everyone in Alaska and you will truly never see anywhere else like it. An adventurer’s paradise, it also offers a host of unique daytrips and excursions that allow even the least energetic traveller to stand on a glacier or see bears in the wild.

AUTHOR BIO:

Katie Leigh is a freelance writer with a passion for travel. She has visited America many times and particularly enjoys writing about Alaska holidays.