Taking a bus tour gives you a level of intimacy with your guide and fellow travelers that cannot be duplicated on a cruise ship or train travel. Compared with cruising, overland tours via motor coach can be rewarding and economical. Whether you're looking for a luxury tour or something a bit more challenging, an overland tour with an experienced guide can be ideal for you and a small group. Experienced tour guides are available on Backpacker buses that take 14-day loop trips from Anchorage and goes down to Kachemak Bay, Hope and the Kenai Peninsula which are some of the must-see sights in Alaska.
Taking a sea cruise of Alaska will provide you with access to experienced travel guides who know a great deal about the natural beauty and culture of Alaska. There are two ways to see Alaska by sea --via a cruise ship or a small ship. Although the guides on larger cruise ships can provide you with a great deal of information about your surroundings, smaller ships specialize in eco-friendly tourism with guides who are passionate about Alaska and are more accessible than a rigidly scheduled tour cruise ship guide. Smaller ships are more economical than their larger seafaring counterparts.
To find out more about the options of touring Alaska by train, consult the Alaska Railway Corporation (alaskarailroad.com). The Alaska Railway Company includes tours of the entire state and has packages starting from the economical to the truly luxurious. Economical packages are short term, lasting only a few days with limited access to dome cars. Luxury access can include trips as long as two weeks or more with fantastic views from the elevated dome cars. With trained tour guides on board at your disposal, you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about the Alaskan wilderness and Alaskan culture.
If you're looking for something out of the ordinary and want up close and personal guidance from an experienced professional, consider taking a wilderness tour. These overland tours include hiking, fishing and camping for the adventurous at heart. These rustic nature tours usually have groups of 10 to 12 like-minded travelers with at least two experienced guides. Pick a wilderness tour that includes canoeing, whale watching and other wonderful elements of the great Alaskan wilderness. You can even choose a tour that takes you through the territory of the legendary Alaskan grizzly bear. Packages can include short flights inland to your destination, again, accompanied by an experienced guide.
