How to Prepare Your Guests for Their Alaskan Experience

Living in Alaska, we might take for granted that our out of state visitors will know how to experience Alaska safely. During the summer months we may have guests come stay with us from the lower 48. Our guests might need to have a slight heads up about how to stay safe and show consideration for our beautiful state.

Here are a few things you can share with them:

They may need to visit more than once
If this is the first time your guests are experiencing Alaska, you may need to remind them that it’s more than double the size of the state of Texas. There is no way that they can see everything there is to see in one week. On the plus side, they will have enough more reasons to come back, aside from seeing you of course!

Remind them to respect native culture
Alaska contains over 229 state and federally recognized tribes. You can learn more about them in the Alaska Native Heritage center in Anchorage. We are all guests in their homeland, even those of us born and raised in Alaska that aren’t natives.

Help them expand their culinary exploration
Yes, Alaska is well known for our delicious seafood. There are no shortages of places that show off we are seafood royalty. It’s important to share with your guests that Alaska is full of diverse options. What kind of options?

• Homegrown vegetables
• Locally raised yak and pork
• BBQ
• Filipino-Hawaiian fusion
• German Food
• Danish Food
• Guatemalan-American food
• Yummy steaks
• Food trucks with reindeer dogs, crepes, Mexican food, and more
• Breweries, distilleries, and cider houses

Be prepared to spend some time on the road
The summer months are known for construction in Alaska. This means you’ll have longer drives. Prepare to add a cushion time to your drive time.

Respect the wildlife
Our guests come here hoping to see moose, bears, and eagles in their native habitat. It’s not unusual to see them in traffic or near trash cans as well. It’s important to stay safe and admire them at a distance. There are places to go to view native wildlife safely too.

Make sure they pack for all weather conditions
Yes, it’s summer, but Alaskan weather can be unpredictable. You may experience all seasons in just one day. It’s important to wear layers to stay dry and warm. You can wear moisture wicking clothing and add an insulating layer. A waterproof jacket can prove invaluable as well as activity appropriate shoes. Don’t forget bear spray, bells, or whistles if you’re heading into the woods.

Share some glaciers with them
We have over 100,000 glaciers here in Alaska, which is more than any US state. There are many ways to view them. It’s possible that you’ll experience a glacier calving or see wildlife nearby. Explore safely, but please explore!

Your guests will love to come visit Alaska and check out our beautiful state. You can help them to explore it safely and be respectful of our native land. Who knows, they may even love it enough to want to come live near you! We are happy to help you with all your Alaska home needs and enjoy hearing about your experiences sharing Alaska with your loved ones. Please reach out with any questions you might have. We are happy to help!