If you want to explore the vast Alaskan interior—and have the freedom and flexibility to set your own course—choose an independent land tour, also referred to as a “flexible” or “custom” land package.
On these self-guided tours, you typically pre-book lodging, transportation, and key excursions. You choose your destinations and length of stay at each. Knowing these arrangements are locked down, you then have the flexibility to set your own pace and be spontaneous—strike up conversations with locals, stay longer in one spot to fish, take another hike, or just linger to photograph the scenery.
The beauty of an independent package is you don’t need to conform to the schedule of a group—yet you’re not completely on your own. You’ll take half- or full-day excursions (day cruise, flightseeing, hiking, etc.) with a knowledgeable guide who takes care of all details and deepens your experience. If you drive, it’s hard to get lost because Alaska has few roads (and The Alaska App!). If you take the train, you’ll be among other travelers. You can always combine both, too.
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Ways To Get Around
Rent a Car (or RV): Alaska's highways are safe, fun to drive and offer nonstop scenery: mountains, rivers, forest and tundra. You’ll find plenty of roadside rest areas where you can look for wildlife, take photos, or read interpretive signs. You can stop in small towns and meet friendly locals.
Alaska Railroad: The Alaska Railroad connects 400 miles of Alaska’s highlights: Kenai Fjords National Park, Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park and Fairbanks. Glass-domed railcars offer 360-degree views, and often ply a route not accessible by road. You can stretch your legs, and enjoy a beverage or good meal. Motorcoach: Several Alaska companies and cruiselines operate buses between popular destinations. The ride is relaxing and scenic with plush seats and giant picture windows. The bus is cheaper, faster, and sometimes more conveniently scheduled than the train—but the scenery isn’t quite as spectacular.
If you’re ready to start planning an independent trip, decide how much you want to book on your own. You have two options: book direct, or make use of a local travel agent.
Book Direct
Research shows that part of the joy of a vacation lies in the anticipation and planning process. Fortunately, Alaska has great information sources. Each Alaska travel region produces its own free guide (often called a “planner”) with detailed member listings.
A deep and excellent statewide resource is Alaska.org. Plan-it-yourselfers will find detailed descriptions, informative videos, photos, web addresses, email address and direct phone numbers for most of Alaska’s best attractions and lodging options.
While Alaska is not a destination with much meaningful discounting, you’re more likely to learn about the occasional special when you book direct.
Use An Expert Alaska-Based Agent
Several travel agencies in Anchorage specialize in Alaska cruise and land vacations. Consider using one for these reasons:
One call does it all. If you’re not in the mood to call around to different operators, an agent can make life simple. Email us your desired destinations and activities, and we’ll recommend the right agent for you.
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Craft the most efficient itinerary. One of the hardest things about planning a custom Alaska land tour is appreciating travel times and distances and knowing how to knit together Alaska’s limited transportation options with excursion schedules. Expert agents have mastered scheduling tips and tricks, like knowing when to reverse an itinerary to avoid peak group travel patterns, or when to break up a long segment with an overnight. A good agent (but only a very good one) will ensure you get the most out of your limited time in Alaska. (Again, feel free to email us for a recommendation.)
Work Through Your Thought Process. If you need some back and forth to decide which destinations or activities are best for you, there’s no better resource than an expert Alaska travel agent, many of whom have first-hand experience with the destinations you’ll be asking them about. A good agent is always willing to propose an itinerary, then modify it as many times as needed until you’re happy and ready to go. Back-Up Support. The truth is, even if you book without an agent, you’re in good hands, because your hotel or excursion operator will usually help get things back on track if something goes amiss. Using an Alaska-based travel agent adds an extra measure of support—someone you can call if you have questions or need help along the way.
Which Costs More?
Believe it or not, using the right Alaska-based agent typically costs no more than if you book direct. That’s because agents get paid on commission by the hotel or excursion operator. There are agents and cruiselines, however, who will mark up your land tour costs—but not ones we recommend.
One other consideration: As noted above, there are times when you’ll discover a special by researching and booking direct that you won’t hear about through an agent. Our advice for most people—who won’t visit Alaska more than once or twice—is that you should focus on the experience you really want to have and not be overly-motivated by specials that might lead you to choices that you wouldn’t otherwise make.
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