Most surveyed Americans agree that taking vacations is quite important to them, and typically, vacationers visit somewhere that’s further than 50 miles from where they live. A vacation is a fine chance to unwind, relax, and see and experience all kinds of new things, and sunny beaches are often the go-to spot. But the sunny sands of Florida and California aren’t the only option; why not take a trip up north to Alaska? This may sound like an odd choice of venue at first, but Alaska is more than ice and snow. Many surveyed domestic tourists who visited Alaska reported being satisfied or very happy with their trip, and some were surprised by how much they enjoyed their trip to that state. Alaska is known for its expansive and diverse wildlife and terrain, which makes it an ideal vacation spot for any outdoors lover. Tours by dogsled, helicopter tours, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and much more are possible in this state, and companies such as Heli Alaska and its peers are ready to show off Alaska by air.
Taking a Helicopter Ride
Not everyone who visits Alaska is rugged enough to go hiking for hours or spend the night in a log cabin, but that’s not a problem. Many tourists in Alaska choose to take helicopter rides, where a tour guide can explain the local history and facts of Alaska from the safe vantage point of a helicopter. A tourist looking to explore Alaska by air can look online well ahead of time to book a time slot, such as with Heli Alaska or similar companies. Often, looking up Heli Alaska and the like is best done a few months or several weeks ahead of time to beat the crowds, and a tourist can find a slot that fits their schedule just fine. In some cases, a tourist might actually look up Heli Alaska and book a time slot, then schedule the rest of their vacation around the helicopter flight if that proves more convenient. After all, the helicopter tour might be the highlight for some tourists, so they’ll prioritize it.
After a tourist’s group arrives in Alaska, they can visit a helicopter tour base and meet the staff and pilots working there. The tourists may choose a pilot they like and select a helicopter, then everyone gets on board and puts on headsets (to hear each other over the noise of a helicopter). The vehicle will then take off and fly along a pre-set route, and this offers an expansive and unique view of Alaska’s wilderness. A tourist can learn a lot while on tour this way, and if desired, the helicopter can even land atop a glacier, so the tourists can get out and walk around a bit. These helicopters will fly in all but the worst weather.
Helicopters are great for tours, but they are also sometimes used for destination wedding spots in Alaska. Some creative brides and grooms today want a small, intimate ceremony at an exotic venue, and during fair weather, an Alaskan glacier may be just what they want. So, they will book a helicopter flight for themselves and a small party, then hold their ceremony atop a glacier for a unique (and private) view of Alaska’s wilds. Extra features or amenities might be available for this wedding package, too.
Other Tourism Ideas
Helicopters aren’t the only way to get around in Alaska. Outdoors enthusiasts can rent log cabins out in the wilds for a more authentic experience, and this makes it easy to go hiking out there, or go rock climbing and mountain climbing. Hiking in Alaska is a relaxing and fun way to become immersed in nature, and have a chance to see, photograph, and sketch exotic wildlife. Some tourists may take a dogsled tour across snowy ground, and kayaking in Alaska’s rapids can be great fun. Some tourists may also go fishing here, either conventional fishing in the streams or go ice fishing atop frozen lakes. Ice fishing is a time honored sport, and anglers can keep some of the fish they catch or simply practice catch-and-release. Big game hunters may fly up to Alaska to hunt bears, moose, and other species they wouldn’t find back home.
