Why Alaska is Such a Popular Tourist Destination

Alaska has been propelled into the public eye thanks to Sarah Palin but what is so special about this state that entices approximately 1.75 million people to take a vacation there every year?

Well, for starters Alaska has a broad appeal with something for everyone. Just say the name Alaska and see what images it conjures. Most would say many different images come into the mind such as towering mountains, wildlife, icy blue glaciers, endless wilderness and leaping salmon. It's hardy outdoors life in keeping with America's last frontier.

The mystique that surrounds Alaska can make a person feel it rather than just see it. Some find a trip to Alaska a life altering experience allowing them to reach out and touch that hidden thing inside themselves that is wild and beautiful and to others it represents a trip of a lifetime.

Alaska is so varied that it attracts all sorts of visitors from those who want an independent active adventure to those that prefer an escorted cruise/tour.

Some visitors have said that the journey to Alaska is the destination and the means of getting there itself becomes the adventure. All types of accommodations and means of transportation are possible in this great state.

When thinking of planning a trip to Alaska take time to decide whether you can take one week or two weeks for this great adventure. And then build from there.

Should you only be able to take one week then a good way to enjoy as much time as possible in Alaska would be to fly there and then to rent a car or take a one-week package tour. Or take a one-week cruise and explore and experience one particular region.

If you have two weeks to spare then you could explore 2 regions by combining 2 seven day tours and you will then have more opportunities to explore off -the-beaten path destinations. You will have time for some fishing at a fly lodge, or stay inside a National park or take a 14- day cruise.

Whilst there make sure that you take some day cruises to see the glaciers and to go flightseeing to see the mountains. And of course spend some time in the museums to get some understanding of Alaska's history and cultures.

A few interesting facts

Alaska is 1/5^th the size of the Lower 48 states

The largest park in the national park system is Wrangell St. Elias National Park, 13.2 million acres.

Glaciers cover 5% of Alaska, there are about 100,000 of them covering approximately 29,000 square miles.

East to West, Alaska spans 2,400 miles.

North to South, Alaska runs 1,420 miles.

Alaska has almost 34,000miles of shoreline compared with the 12,452 miles of shoreline of the rest of the United States.

Alaska has 39 mountain ranges with 17 of the 20 tallest peaks in North America including Denali (Mt McKinley,) the tallest mountain (20,320ft).

There are more than 3,000,000 lakes in Alaska larger than 20 acres.

The Yukon River runs 1875 miles in Alaska, 2,298 total.

The Alaska pipeline runs 800 miles from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez.

Alaska has its own time zone.

Make no mistake Alaska is BIG and traveling in Alaska is like traveling in no other place on earth. There are 586,000 square miles and almost than number of possibilities of things to see and do. You can choose from viewing wildlife, sea kayaking, guided glacier tours to relaxing on a one day cruise, pan for gold or fish for Alaska's world famous King Salmon.

Source: www.alaska.com