First Trip to Alaska? Avoid These 3 Mistakes
There is no wrong way to explore Alaska – other than not taking your own safety seriously. There are, however, better ways to tailor your trip to your preferences and to make it the most it can be for you. After all, you only get so much vacation time, and you want to use it wisely. At McCarthy Lodge, we pride ourselves on helping adventurers like you maximize their Alaska experience, and we encourage you to include us on your itinerary.
One: Don’t Make Every Day a Driving Day
Choose your destinations well and then take some time exploring them. The dots on the map between the wow-factor spots are generally gas stations and convenience stores, which are important but generally are not worth overnight stays. The right way to explore Alaska is by planning ahead, heading out very early in the morning to maximize wildlife sightings – which translates to being out at first light – and covering long stretches of road in one go – so you can really enjoy the destinations that are well worth the effort.
McCarthy Lodge at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is just such a spot. We offer the kind of authentic Alaska adventure you’re looking for, and we can help you make seamless plans that check all the boxes on your Alaska wish list.
Two: Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Drive
There is no denying that Alaska is massive and that – if you’re going to be hitting some hot spots – you are likely going to be doing some heavy-duty driving. Too many people consider this an obstacle rather than a wonderful opportunity to soak in the state’s rugged beauty, spectacular sights, and diverse wildlife – all from the safety and comfort of your vehicle.
Alaska’s wildlife generally follows the state’s relatively few roads as game trails – or sticks close to the roads. This means that driving can amount to a safari– especially if you get out ahead of the crowds. To make driving that much more inviting, you won’t find billboards obscuring your view in Alaska – they’re not allowed.
Three: Don’t Miss an Authentic Alaska Experience
If you are visiting Alaska, you’re almost certainly going to Denali, but you shouldn’t limit yourself to this must-see. Cruise lines are a safe and inviting way to see Alaska, but when you’re in your car, you’re the intrepid leader of your own wilderness adventure, and there’s a lot to explore out there. A prime example is McCarthy Lodge, which has put considerable effort into maintaining the integrity and authenticity of Alaska’s rugged wilderness and offers some incredible perks for travelers like you.
Make the Most of Your Alaska Road Trip
The best way to experience Alaska in all its glory is by doing some planning and choosing the spots that speak to you. Check out this video from Neil Darish from McCarthy Lodge, who explains avoiding these mistakes in Alaska. If you’re looking for something that goes beyond basic, it’s time to explore McCarthy Lodge. Learn more by contacting or calling us at 907-554-4402 today.
