Six tips to see the true character of Alaska - Part 1

Local Expert: Lee Boughan/ Cruise Planners of Apopka

There are still last-minute summer vacation packages available for Alaska travelers! Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, the nation’s largest home-based travel franchise business network in the industry, wants everyone to make the most of the upcoming travel season. Instead of standing out like a tourist with a camera and fanny pack, Cruise Planners is lending its expertise to those traveling to the great state of Alaska to blend in like a local and experience the true culture of the state.

A lot of people think of Alaska and associate it with bears and fishing, and while Alaskan wildlife is breathtaking, the state has a culture all its own, and it’s not what you may think, there is a rich history and culture in Alaska that is unlike anywhere else in the lower 48.

To get the best glimpse of the true character of Alaska, Cruise Planners suggests the following tips and Alaska summer trips:

Alaskan Northern Lights

Dress the Part:

If you disembark your cruise ship wearing high heels and a designer handbag, then you will likely stand out in Alaska. Comfortable layering is key and waterproof is a plus – especially for glacier hiking tours! In summer, there are actually warm days where you can dress in T-shirts, rainy days where you will need a raincoat, chillier days when you will need to bundle up, so layers will help you enjoy no matter the weather. Alaskans dress practically with fleeces, rubber boots, jeans, and other layered options. Dressing like a local will make you not only fit in, but you’ll have the gear you need to stay warm and dry.

Know What to Order:

If you’re looking for a fancy meal, save your appetite for back aboard the cruise ship. Alaska is known for its deep sea fishing of King Salmon, halibut, and cod and crabbing – you’ll never get fresher seafood than in Alaska. For a light meal, try halibut sliders or prawns! Some other local specialties are reindeer sausage.

Immerse Yourself in the Outdoors:

There are few places with such natural beauty like in the state of Alaska. While there are miles of uninhabited land, you may also want to glimpse an amazing view of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, visit a glacier and watch whales and dolphins play in the ocean. You may also want to experience some of the many national parks in Alaska including Denali National Park and be on the lookout for Alaska’s big five – moose, caribou, wolves, dall sheep and bears.

Mount McKinley in Denali National Park.

Alaska is a hot destination this summer and while occupancy is quickly filling up, savvy travelers with flexible dates should work with a travel agent to book something this summer.

Join in on the fun this travel season and head up to the Great White North. A trip to Alaska is a one of a kind experience and there is a cruise option for all types of travelers. If you want to combine a cruise and land vacation in Alaska, ask Lee Boughan your Cruise Planners travel advisor about Completely Packaged Vacations for your summer travel www.LeesCruiseAndTours.com

Look for three more tips tomorrow.

Lee Boughan is the owner of Cruise Planners of Apopka.