Explore Alaska Holidays

One of the last great wildernesses, the population is just 736,000 people, around half of whom live in and around Anchorage in the south of the state. Five recognised groups of indigenous people represent around 15% of Alaskans and you'll find 24 different languages being spoken.

There are countless natural wonders to enjoy, not least the famous Northern Lights that can be seen from the portion of the state that lies within the Arctic Circle.

As you might expect, it's also a wildlife lover's paradise. Among the creatures that are regularly encountered are brown and black bears, cranes, puffins and the official state bird, the willow ptarmigan. Visits during spring are also often rewarded with the sights of flocks of migrating birds and huge herds of moose on the move to their seasonal feeding and breeding grounds.

The official language of Alaska is English. However, Alaska is a diverse state with a rich cultural heritage, and many indigenous languages are spoken by the native communities throughout the region. In fact, Alaska is home to more than 20 indigenous languages, such as Inupiat, Yupik, Tlingit, and Aleut, each with its own unique history and significance.

The currency of Alaska is US Dollar (USD). ATM's are widely available and credit/debit cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels.

Dining out in Alaska offers a unique experience, heavily influenced by the state's natural resources and remote location. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are a highlight, particularly seafood. Alaskan King crab, salmon, halibut, and shrimp are common staples on menus, with many restaurants offering dishes featuring these catches. Game meats like moose, caribou, and bison can also be found, often served as steaks or incorporated into stews and burgers.

Due to the state's vast wilderness, dining options in urban centres like Anchorage are diverse, with a mix of American, Asian, and European cuisines. However, in smaller towns and rural areas, the choices may be more limited, and meals can lean heavily on hearty, comfort foods like chowders, pastas, and burgers, often accompanied by local produce, such as potatoes, berries, and root vegetables.

Many restaurants take advantage of Alaska's seasonal bounty, with menus changing to reflect what's available during different times of the year. Dining experiences range from casual seafood shacks and food trucks to fine dining establishments offering gourmet dishes.

Spring

As nature comes to life again, there are magnificent sights to enjoy including flocks of migrating birds, moose and even whales. Along with early Autumn, this is also one of the best times of year to see the Northern Lights.

Summer months

With days lasting up to 22 hours at the height of summer you can see even more of this incredible place on a holiday. In the south, around Anchorage, the maritime climate even means that temperatures can rise as high as a very respectable 20°C.

Autumn

It's not just New England that has the monopoly on stunning Autumn colours. The many national parks in Alaska also put on an incredible display of yellows, golds and reds all against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks.

As Alaska is part of the United States, British citizens travelling there for tourism purposes will need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) under the Visa Waiver Programme, provided your stay is for 90 days or less.

Alaska is in the Alaska Time Zone (AKT), which is 9 hours behind British Summer Time (BST) during the summer months. In the winter, it is 9 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).