There is a lot to see and do in Alaska, from wilderness hiking and sporting adventures to cruises and urban exploration. Its relatively remote location, however, can make it cost prohibitive to book a trip to the arctic north. With a little searching, though, many great vacation values to Alaska can be had.
The Denali National Park is set on six million acres, and is home to Mt. McKinley, the highest peak in North America. Visitors are regularly treated to views of the local wildlife including grizzly bears, moose, wolves and caribou. The cost-conscious traveler should consider one of the park's bus tours. As of 2011, the 91-mile guided tour to Kantishna is $47.25 per adult, $23.75 for teens between 15 and 17, and free for anyone 14 and under.
One of the best ways to get in the most sightseeing in a place as vast as Alaska is to take to the sky. Many "flightseeing" trips are available that allow you to coast above the land and get a bird's-eye view of all the pristine wilderness of the arctic north. One of the most economical trips is Wrangell Mt. Air's St. Elias National Park flightseeing trip. As of 2011, the 35-minute glacier tour is $100 per person with a minimum of two people per flight.
Anglers from around the globe are drawn to Alaska to fish for monster salmon. Talkeetna Fishing Guides offer some of the most wallet-friendly guided fishing in the state along the Talkeetna, Susitna, and Chulitna Rivers. As of 2011, a half-day is $135 and a full day is $185. Parties can be as small as two fishermen, and all guides are required to have at least a year's experience on the rivers before leading groups.
The water in Alaska offers a lot to see, too. Various float trips can take you to otherwise-inaccessible places or right up to massive glaciers. These trips generally only last a few hours. One of the more inexpensive excursions is Alaska Travel Adventures' Mendenhall Glacier float trip. This 3.5-hour rafting trip takes you close enough to the 1.5-mile-wide Mendenhall Glacier, you can touch it. As of 2011, costs are $119 for adults and $79 for kids 12 and younger.
