The remote state of Alaska conjures a vision of beauty and outdoor activities. Once often overlooked by travelers in the United States, more and more people are choosing to take advantage of cheap flights and vacation in this beautiful state. Although the state is scarcely populated, there is still a long list of sites and activities for visitors to discover. The natural beauty of the area is its main draw and there are numerous opportunities to immerse yourself in the unique culture and stunning outdoors.
With dog sled tours, heli-skiing, glacier hiking and kayaking, Alaska is the ultimate outdoor destination and services many flights. Booking cheap tickets to Alaska will require more planning than required while visiting many of the popular North American destinations. There is a wide range of climatic conditions no matter which time of year you travel and the distances between some of the regions is quite vast. You can purchase budget-friendly airline tickets year round however, detailed planning and research is required.
June through September are popular months for booking your flight tickets due to the mild temperatures and extended hours of sunlight. This time is great for participating in outdoor activities, such as kayaking and hiking, as most of the snow has melted and temperatures are significantly warm. Due to the popularity of this time, with July being the most tourist-crowded month, book your air tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. May proves to be an ideal time with an abundance of flights to Alaska as the temperatures are a bit cooler and snow is still there on the ground.
If you are looking to enjoy all of the winter activities available in Alaska, book your flights during the months of November through March. The natural beauty of the area really pops at this time despite the constant freezing temperatures and feet of snow on the ground. However, it is perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and for viewing the famous aurora borealis. There will most likely be lesser visitors during this time, which adds to the peace and serenity of the landscape.
There are numerous airports in Alaska. The most popular airport is the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, located in the major city of Anchorage. You can book your tickets with carriers like Wings of Alaska, Alaska Airlines, US Airways, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Frontier Airlines among others. Passengers can switch to connecting flights within the State or to other international destinations. The Fairbanks International Airport and Juneau International Airport are also your best bet for affordable flights. Depending on where you will spend majority of your Alaska vacation, you will want to research where the most affordable airline tickets are available.
Depending on what time of year you visit Alaska, you will find a variety of things to do. The Denali National Park is the perfect place for hiking in the summer and a great place to view the aurora borealis in the winter. The Iditarod is a popular event to book your trip around in the winter. It includes a cross-country race from Anchorage to Nome and the city of Anchorage transforms into a vibrant carnival. Another must-do in the winter is taking part on a dog sledding tour where you can soak in the natural beauty of the area the Native way.
The spring and summer months are ideal for taking a ride on Skagway's White Pass and Yukon Route Railway. Often referred to as the most scenic railway in the world, this historic route was built in 1898 and offers visitors with breathtaking vistas. Booking a glacier tour is also a great activity for the warmer months. Take the opportunity to visit these massive, natural structures, sample glacial water and maybe even climb a few. In addition to the adrenaline-pumping activities available, be sure to discover the Native American culture that is prominent throughout the state. The Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage provides an excellent history of the native peoples and the Inupiat Heritage Center in Barrow is a living museum where visitors can interact with the Native Americans who created it. There are also totem poles in Ketchikan and Sitka that are true works of art.