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Q: I am coming to Alaska in May for the first time. I want to visit the Arctic Circle, town of Joy. Can I rent a car in Fairbanks and drive the Dalton Highway to this town?
A: Yes, you can but most car agencies will not allow you to drive their vehicles on the Dalton Highway. One that we know will is a local Fairbanks tour company called Northern Alaska Tours.
Q: Does the Alaska Railroad travel from Anchorage to Skagway or Haines?
A: No. The Alaska Railroad travels a north to south route from Fairbanks down to Seward with a short spur to Whittier as well.
Q: When is the best time of year to travel to Alaska?
A: The best time of year to travel to Alaska will depend on what type of experience you are seeking and if you’ve already been to Alaska before. For the first time visit, we would recommend traveling to Alaska from late May to early September. Any earlier in May, or later in September and you’ll risk having some of the activities you are interested in not available due to off-season closures.
Q: Is there a Roman Catholic Church in Seward and what time are Masses on Saturday night and Sunday morning?
A: Yes, there is. The Church of Sacred Heart has services on Saturday at 5:00pm, and Sunday at 9:30am.
Q: Is there transportation to Seward from the Kenai Princess Lodge?
A: Kenai Princess Lodge does not offer a transfer or shuttle to Seward except if you have purchased a day cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park through their tour desk.
Q: What is the best time to visit alaska and avoid the mosquitos??
A: Generally speaking, mosquitos are not a problem in the urban communities such as Anchorage, Juneau, or Seward. You are more likely to run into mosquitos while on excursions, or in destinations such as Denali or other parks. The mosquito population tends to peak early and by mid-July and August they are less of a nuisance. Bring some bug repellent while enjoying the outdoors and you’ll be fine.
Q: Our cruise gets into Seward in the morning. Our plane leaves out of Anchorage in the evening. If we want to wander around Anchorage in the afternoon, is there a place to store our luggage at the bus station, train station, or airport?
A: Not at train station and Anchorage doesn’t have a bus station. There is luggage storage at the airport right under the escalators next to the Anchorage Visitor’s Center office near Alaska Airline’s baggage claim. The cruiselines also have a hospitality center at the downtown Egan Center where they will hold your luggage until about 6:00pm. Keep in mind that the airlines will not allow you to check your bags until 4 hours prior to your flight.
Q: What type of clothes do I need to bring for a trip to Alaska the last two weeks of June?
A: By mid-June our day time tempertures average in the mid-60’s Fairenheit for most of Alaska. Evening temperatures can cool down to the upper-40’s. In Alaska, its always best to pack extra layers of outdoor clothing such as a fleece jacket, rain jacket, and a few short and long sleeve shirts, along with a hat that can be worn to protect your head from rain or sun depending on the conditions.
Q: I am considering booking a car rental out of Whittier. Is there a one-way fee??
A: Yes, there is. Currently Avis charges $125 for dropping off the car in Anchorage. The same fee is applied if you pick up your car and drop it off in Whittier. Check out our blog for more information on transportation options from Whittier.
Q: Where can I store my luggage at Denali National Park?
A: If you are going into Denali National Park for an overnight in Kantishna, or perhaps you are camping inside the park, you have several choices on where to store your excess luggage. The Park concessionaire offers a baggage check service located across from the Alaska Railroad Depot. Just follow the foot path between the Denali Park Visitor Center and the rail depot. It is hard to miss as its adjacent to the Park “bus stop”. The cost of storing a bag is $5 per calendar day. This location is convenient for clients arriving off of the Alaska Railroad or the Park Connection Motorcoach which drops off at the rail depot as well.
Also, if you are staying in a Denali hotel after your trip into Denali Park, most hotels will store your luggage for your return with proof of a reservation being held. You’ll want to make sure the bell desk notes on the your checked luggage which day you are planning on returning to claim the bag and check in to the hotel.
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Alaska Tour & Travel Box 221011 Anchorage, AK 99522 |
