Set a schedule and budget for your trip. Decide how much time you have for a trip from California to Alaska, and how much money you can spend. Driving is an option, but it will obviously take much longer to get there by car than by plane. Cruises run for different lengths, so you might be able to fit that in to any allotted time. However, cruises are usually more costly, especially if it's a one-way trip and you need to add in return airfare.
Pick a goal for your trip. Are you going from California to Alaska to visit friends? Do you want to enjoy the scenery during a restful vacation? Or, do you really want to see the main sites, such as Denali National Park? Prioritize your goals for this trip from the things you must do, to the things you would like to do. If you are going with someone else, or if this is a family vacation, discuss it with the others involved.
Decide on the best transportation for your schedule, budget and goals. Most of the major cruise lines have ships that go to Alaska. Celebrity, Crystal, Oceania, Princess and Regent have trips from San Francisco. Norwegian Cruise Lines set out for Alaska from Los Angeles. You can find flights on many airlines to Alaska from around the U.S., including Alaska Airlines. If you want to drive to Alaska, you can go from California through Oregon, Washington and Canada.
Make arrangements for your travel. You can book a cruise through a travel agent or online with the cruise line. The best airline deals are also usually online. If you are driving from California to Alaska, you can plan out your route with Mapquest. Consider getting a GPS device to keep you on track, remember to plan regular stops so you don't get too tired on the road -- and so you have a chance to take in all the sights.
