Essential Alaska Guides

There’s a lot of information out there about Alaska—most of it recycled, outdated, or written by people who spent a week here. These guides are different.

We’ve spent years working and filming across Alaska, in places most visitors never see. These are the articles we come back to again and again—the ones that actually help you plan a better trip.

If you want to know when to go, how to build your itinerary, what to pack, and what’s truly worth it, start here. No fluff. Just real experience.

Best Binoculars for Alaska Wildlife: A NatGeo TV Crew’s Guide

Alaska is one of the best places on earth to watch wildlife. Humpback whales, brown bears, bald eagles, Dall sheep, sea otters, moose, puffins, the list goes on and on. And unless you get seriously lucky or you’re part ninja, you won’t be getting very close to these critters. A good pair of binoculars can…
What to Wear on an Alaskan Boat: Boat-by-Boat Guide

Figuring out what to wear on an Alaskan boat is its own problem. Specifically, it is not the same as dressing for a day on shore, and it is not the same as dressing for a big cruise ship. Charters, Zodiacs, water taxis, small-ship cruises, whale watching boats, and Alaska Marine Highway ferries all live…
Alaska Fishing Gear: What to Pack, Buy Here, & Leave at Home

Most people show up to Alaska with the wrong fishing gear, not because they’re dumb, but because nobody told them what fishing here actually demands. I see people showing up with mid-range bass tackle and a $40 spinning combo from DICK’s, expecting to handle a king salmon on the Kenai, thats just not going to…
Alaska on a Budget: What It Actually Costs and Where to Save

Here is the thing about Alaska on a budget: Alaska is not a budget destination. Period. The closest cheap thing is sleeping on the ferry deck. Anything that involves a roof, a tour boat, a flightseeing plane, or a sit-down meal costs more here than it does almost anywhere else in the country. But “more…
7 Day Alaska Itinerary: A Southcentral Loop From Anchorage

Seven days is enough for Alaska if you stay in one region. This 7 day Alaska itinerary is a Southcentral round-trip out of Anchorage: Denali flightseeing out of Talkeetna, the Kenai Fjords glacier cruise out of Seward, and Seward itself as the back-half anchor for the week. No Fairbanks, no flight to Kodiak, no overnight…
Northern Lights Photography in Alaska: A Real-World Guide From People Who’ve Filmed There

Learn how to photograph the northern lights in Alaska with real-world tips on camera settings, gear, timing, and the best places for Alaska aurora photography.
Alaska Weather: A Region-by-Region Guide to What You’ll Actually Get

Here is the thing about Alaska weather: there is no such thing. The state is bigger than Texas, California, and Montana combined. In addition, it crosses six climate zones. So the weather in Ketchikan on any given day has almost nothing in common with the weather in Utqiagvik 1,400 miles to the north. For instance,…
Best Time to Visit Alaska for Weather, Wildlife, Cruises & Crowds

Wondering when to visit Alaska? Our month-by-month guide breaks down weather, wildlife, crowds, northern lights, and the best time for your Alaska trip.
Best Shoes for Alaska: A Field-Tested Guide by a NatGeo TV Crew

Looking for the best shoes for Alaska travel? We cover the best waterproof boots, hiking shoes, cruise footwear, and Alaska’s favorite boot.