FiveDayTrips

Alaska in Six Day... How to Do It!

If this is your 1st Alaska travel adventure, you can expect to see, majestic mountain peaks, jaw-dropping ocean coasts, incredible fjords, rushing rivers, awesome rain forests, imposing towering glaciers and abundant wildlife. With so many breathtaking wonders in Alaska, I'm suggesting you book a short 5 or 7 day Alaskan cruise. Alaska is enormous and with so many fantastic sites to see, it would take several visits and longer, 11 - to 15 day excursions to finally appreciate the rich history and adventure Alaska offers.

FiveDayTrips.com is about short vacations and we fully recommend beginning your Alaska vacation with a short five day cruise that begins and ends from Anchorage. Just about any major US city has flights to Anchorage. Alaska Airlines, America West, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines have flight to Anchorage International Airport.

With fifty + years of experience, one company that offers outstanding five day trips is Cruise West. Instead of being on a 2000 passenger vessel, Cruise West's ships are smaller than most of the cruise ships operating in Alaska's waters. With smaller 100 passenger ships, you will enjoy cruising through passages which are inaccessible to larger ships. The benefit of course, are many but you gain a sense of being part of the great coastal vista. Being up close like this you'll enjoy the dramatic scenery, glaciers, and wildlife, and... you're practically guaranteed a cruise experience you will remember for a lifetime.

A typical 5 day / 4 night cruise itinerary includes:

Day 1: Anchorage - Whittier and sailing

Transfer is provided from Anchorage to Whittier. You will then board the m/v Spirit of Columbia for your cruise through seldom visited areas of Prince William Sound. The evening brings you a visit to Blackstone Glacier in Blackstone bay.

Day 2: Cruising College Fjord and Esther Passage

When you awake, you'll find yourself near the face of a glacier in College Fjord. The 'Spirit of Columbia will ease close to the active faces of the numerous glaciers that send icebergs into the sea. Continue to narrow Esther Passage, a waterway only small ships can navigate. Playful sea otters live here and your Captain knows where they will be found.

Day 3: Cordova

While you sleep, the ship crosses Prince William Sound to the tiny city of Cordova. This fishing village, which is inaccessible by highway, has become world famous for its Copper River Salmon. Optional tours here include fishing, hiking or river rafting. BLD ** 4 day/3 night cruise does not include Cordova.**

Day 4: Exploring Chenega Glacier and Knight Island

Cruise among sculpted wilderness islands and Narrow Ice Bay toward a stunning glacier experience at the head of the fjord. Watch for seals on the icebergs and mountain goats on the cliff faces. BLD

Day 5: Whittier to Anchorage

Return to Whittier and board a deluxe motorcoach for the return trip to Anchorage. Tour ends on arrival in Anchorage

What should you pack? The general rule for Alaska is casual. Bring comfortable clothing that can be worn in layers.

The 1st layer might be something thin and next to the skin (try to avoid cotton). The second layer adds warmth and allows you the option of removing if it gets warmer (mostly fleece or similar). The third layer should protect you against rain and wind if necessary. A light high quality rain jacket with a hood that could be wrapped around your waist for quick retreval is perfect. A pair of water-resistant gloves and a good hat add additional protection.

For an inland excursion, you might consider putting together a good day pack. You could include a small flashlight, hair dryer, insect repellent, binoculars, camera and film and any prescription medication. It goes without saying that you should have comfortable walking shoes or water repellent hiking boots.

I know this can be hard for the majority of travelers but, restricting yourself to one piece of luggage is highly recommended. And the most practical for Alaskan travel is a duffel bag or soft-sided style luggage.

There you have it! A great first time Alaska adventure suggestion. You can find additional short vacation Alaska ideas by searching (use the quotes) "short alaska cruise" "five day alaska" or "5 day alaska cruise."

This article barely covers the hundreds of great adventures you could include in your second trip to Alaska. There are Alaskan salmon fishing, bear watching, hiking, rent an Alaskan RV, helicopter/flying trips, Alaskan cruises, and copper/gold mining tours. For information on dog sledding and other winter sports activities ,do an online search for "Alaska winter sports." You will find hundreds of great ideas. http://www.state.ak.us is your all-in-one Alaska website. Just put Alaska on your list of vacation "to do's."

Terry Hudson is a freelance travel writer and webmaster at http://www.fivedaytrips.com. Terry has written many travel articles about quick getaway destinations, all inclusive girlfriend vacations, quick vacation hot spots, five day family vacation, the many benefits of taking a last minute trip.

Article by: Terry Hudson

10 Money Saving Ideas for Planning Your Next Quick Getaway.

Download Free Handbook!