introduction

Alaska is the largest state in the United States of America, the total area being 1,717,855 km². The state is separated from the rest of the country by Canada and lies on the Arctic Circle.

history

In 1867, the territory of Alaska was purchased from the Russians for US$7.2 million. For many years people referred to the acquisition as "Seward's Folly", named for Secretary of State William H. Seward who made the deal.
They viewed Alaska as a frozen wasteland, not realising it would turn out to be one of the United States' richest resources for gold and oil. It took until 1959 for the territory to become a State of the Union.

travel

There are many ways of travelling in the US: by plane, private jet, train, bus, recreational vehicle (RV), motorcycle, thumb or car.

Trains are relatively expensive; private jets can begin at around $4000 per flight hour; buses are generally dependable, safe and affordable, though not available everywhere; renting an RV is up to your personal taste; motorcycling can be a thrilling way to see the country as well as travelling by thumb.

And of course, the idea of long-distance car travel is the most appealing to the majority of Americans. The United States is covered with a convenient system of U.S. and Interstate highways. Just keep in mind that the country is huge and be prepared to travel for hours behind the wheel, so pay attention to the comfort of the car you use. By the way, many of the country's major natural attractions, such as the Grand Canyon, are almost impossible to get to without a car.

surfing

West coast USA is the far boundary of the Pacific and a lot of the residual energy that bounces around this enormous expanse of water ends up here in one shape or form. Sitting in the target zone for all swell generating patterns on this coast is the surfing jewel that is California. no less than 4 seperate swell generating systems feed this magnificent coastline. The Aleutian lows that power the north Shore of Hawaii also descend upon this coast to provide well shaped powerful NW swells from OCT through to FEB.

where to stay

You shouldn’t have any problems with finding a place to sleep in Alaska, if your plan to travel through the main cities, such as Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks, Dutch Harbor-Unalaska, etc. Motel is the most popular form of accommodation and they are usually located on the sides of the highways, so it’s very convenient for the road trippers. Don’t expect anything luxurious, but they will usually provide you with a clean room that includes the following amenities: bed, bathroom, TV, telephone. Price is also very reasonable. Motel 6 and Super 8 Motels are popular chains of motels that can be found all over the country.

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, where you will find many options: budget (Motel 6 Anchorage - Midtown, Microtel Inn & Suites, The Puffin Inn Hotel, Anchorage International Hostel Downtown, Spenard Hostel International), mid-range (Howard Johnson Plaza Anchorage, America's Best Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Best Western Barratt Inn, etc) and even splurge (Hotel Captain Cook and Anchorage Marriott Downtown).

what to pack

You will find different climate zones in Alaska: Juneau is both the wettest and warmest part of Alaska with milder temperatures in the winter and high precipitation throughout the year; long, very cold winters and short, cool summers can be found in the extreme north of Alaska. So it's up to you what to pack. But basically, the warmer, the better.

Take all the gear if you plan to camp: a good sleeping bag and tent that are good for very low temp; special gas container u can use for heating food and water; a sturdy backpack or a cargo pack with a good daypack. Invest in a portable water filter or at least take some puri-tabs or boil the water. 

And don't forget a pair of comfortable walking shoes, whih will be great for walking around the place

You must be a registered user to comment. Click here to register.