Alaska Family Journey: Wilderness Explorer
Alaska Family Journey: Wilderness Explorer map

Alaska Family Journey: Wilderness Explorer

from US $4199.00

Epic wildlife, soaring summits, and tundra stretching as far as the eye can see: everything is bigger in Alaska. Journey to the far north—where the sun never quite sets in the summer—and make the most of long days on hiking and wildlife-viewing excursions in the Alaskan wilderness. Explore Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks, where kids will set out on educational adventures to claim their junior ranger badges.

  • Service Level Upgraded
  • Travel Style National Geographic Family Journeys
  • Physical Grading 3 - Average
  • Group Size Small Group
Set out on a wildlife safari through Denali National Park and Preserve to spot the resident “big five”—grizzlies, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves, Visit the famed Alaska SeaLife Center for an up-close look at playful sea otters, colorful puffins, and leggy octopi, Watch champion sled dogs train for the upcoming racing season and learn about Iditarod traditions, Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park to see a glacier flowing straight into the sea.
Brief Itinerary
Accommodation Hotels (8 nts)

Rooming is based on double occupancy (2 passengers / 2 beds per room); all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will try to accommodate triples/quad requests whenever possible and it's important to note that rooming configuration can change from city to city and 2 single beds are the standard configuration in a room.

Please note hotels in Alaska may be a bit more rustic or dated than hotels at the same accommodation level in the rest the USA.

Whats included in this tour

Your Family Journeys Moment: Denali Family Immersive Lunch and Lecture, Denali National Park and Preserve
Your Family Journeys Moment: Husky Homestead, Denali
Your Family Journeys Moment: Denali Immersive Presentation and Hike, Denali National Park and Preserve. Arrival transfer. Alaska SeaLife Center admission. Kenai Fjords National Park cruise. Mount Alyeska tram. Denali National Park transit bus to Eielson Visitor Center. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Meals Included

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner

Group Leader

Group Leader Description

All National Geographic Family Journeys with Travel There Co group trips are accompanied by two of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense; you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

Transport Private vehicle, catamaran, shuttle bus, hiking

For this trip we use one to two 15-passenger vans for up to 12 people plus the CEO/Driver. For groups of 8 and more travellers per vehicle, we also use a trailer to carry luggage. These durable vehicles allow us to drive on most types of roads in North America.

Each van has a front passenger seat and 4 benches that will accommodate 3 people each with mandatory seat belts to keep us secure and safe. No standing is permitted in these vehicles.

This is not a physically demanding journey, but with limited space in the van, long drive days can be difficult. Please take note of the travel times and distances in the above itinerary. There is air conditioning to cool things down on warm days to keep everyone more comfortable. Despite some of the long days, most travellers feel that the diversity of the North American landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience!

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Odd number adult travellers in your family will be paired in twin accommodation with another adult traveller of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

Alaska Family Journey: Wilderness Explorer

Days:Anchorage toAnchorage

What's Included

Your Family Journeys Moment: Denali Family Immersive Lunch and Lecture, Denali National Park and Preserve
Your Family Journeys Moment: Husky Homestead, Denali
Your Family Journeys Moment: Denali Immersive Presentation and Hike, Denali National Park and Preserve. Arrival transfer. Alaska SeaLife Center admission. Kenai Fjords National Park cruise. Mount Alyeska tram. Denali National Park transit bus to Eielson Visitor Center. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary

Day1Anchorage

Arrive in time to meet your fellow travelers for a welcome gathering this evening. Your arrival transfer is included.

Please keep in mind, a lot of what there is to see and do in Alaska is weather-dependent. We give our CEOs the opportunity to adjust the schedule as needed based on weather.
Arrival Airport Transfer
Anchorage International Airport -Anchorage

You will be transferred from the airport to your start hotel.

Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
1h

The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Inlet Tower and Suites (or similar)

 

Day2Anchorage/Seward

Travel down the scenic Seward Highway, past Turnagain Arm, where one of the largest bore tides in the world surges a massive wave into the waterway each day. Continue to Seward for a visit to the famed Alaska SeaLife Center, an aquarium that collaborates with National Geographic on wildlife initiatives. The afternoon is free to explore Seward; or opt for adventure in the Alaskan wilderness while hiking, kayaking, or even dogsledding across a glacier!

Optional Activities - Day2
Helicopter & Dog Sledding on a Glacier
2h
Seward
519.00USD per person

Optional Activities - Day2
Kayaking on Resurrection Bay
Seward
79.00USD per person

Optional Activities - Day2
Hike on the Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield
4h-6h
Seward

Private Vehicle
Anchorage -Seward

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Alaska SeaLife Center
Seward

On the shores of the scenic town of Seward sits the renowned Alaska SeaLife Center, Alaska’s premier public aquarium. This esteemed marine science facility offers a combined focus on research, wildlife rehabilitation, and educating the public. Enjoy a visit to the centre, which frequently collaborates with the National Geographic Society on various wildlife initiatives such as critter cams, expeditions, and the important Photo Ark project, which aims to create portraits of the world’s species before they disappear to extinction.

Free Time
Seward
afternoon

Enjoy some time to explore this coastal town, go hiking or kayaking. (or similar)

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Harborview Inn (or similar)


Meals included:BREAKFAST

 

Day3Seward

Board a catamaran for a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park, where nearly 40 glaciers flow down coastal mountains, forging icy pathways into the sea. Our boat takes us to the exit ramp for one of these massive ice sheets, where we may see—and hear—great chunks of ice fall straight into the water. Kenai is also a wildlife-lover’s paradise, home to orcas and humpbacks, puffins, porpoises, and much more. Enjoy lunch on board, and meet our accompanying park ranger, who will guide young travelers toward earning their first junior ranger badge of the trip!

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise
6h
Kenai Fjords National Park

Cruise through the glacial waters of Kenai Fjords National Park on a large catamaran hosted and narrated by a National Park Ranger. See three different kinds of glaciers, including a piedmont glacier, several cirque glaciers and an active calving tidewater glacier. Take time to look for wildlife in the sky and surrounding waters as you learn about the region. Keep an eye out for Humpback Whales, Orcas, Dall’s Porpoise, Harbor Seals, puffins, sea otters, sea lions, and more.

Optional Activities - Day3
Helicopter & Dog Sledding on a Glacier
2h
Seward
519.00USD per person

Free Time
Seward
morning

Enjoy a free morning to relax or tour the town. (or similar)

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Harborview Inn (or similar)


Meals included:BREAKFAST|LUNCH

 

Day4Seward/Talkeetna

On our journey back north, we’ll stop to explore the wilds surrounding the mountain town of Girdwood. Make your way along a winding boardwalk through the northernmost rainforest in North America; then board a hand-operated tram and take turns pulling your family along a rope strung high above a rushing river. Later, ride the gondola up Mount Alyeska for a look at hanging glaciers clinging to high mountain cliffs. Continue to Talkeetna, a quirky town that welcomes many a mountaineer hoping to conquer Denali’s lofty summit.

Private Vehicle
Seward -Winner Creek

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Lower Winner Creek Trail Hike
2h-3h
Girdwood

Get out and stretch on Lower Winner Creek trail, hiking to Winner Creek gorge before taking the hand tram over the mighty Glacier Creek pulsing below. Enjoy North America's northernmost rainforest before circling back to the starting point.

Mt Alyeska Aerial Tram
1h-2h
Girdwood

Take a scenic tram ride to the top of Mt Alyeska. Enjoy the view of the Trunagain Arm, glaciers, mountain ranges, and even bear and moose if we're lucky. Take in the panoramic scenery from the top, where on a clear day, the view is as far as the eye can see. Opt to enjoy lunch at the top or head back down.

Private Vehicle
Winner Creek -Talkeetna

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Swiss Alaska Inn (or similar)


Meals included:BREAKFAST

 

Day5Talkeetna/Denali National Park and Preserve

As we travel toward Denali National Park, we get ever closer to Denali—or “the great one”—North America’s highest peak. Even among the soaring summits of the Alaska Range, Denali dominates the horizon. At the gateway to the park, pick up junior ranger packets then meet a field educator at the Denali Education Center to learn about the surrounding ecosystems and the native people who have survived in these harsh conditions for centuries. This afternoon, we’ll travel to the home of a true Alaskan hero, Jeff King, who has won the grueling, 998-mile Iditarod dogsledding race four times! Snuggle a husky puppy and watch grown champion sled dogs go through their summer training routine.

Please remember that due to the remoteness of the Denali area, the accommodation is simple, but allows you access to one of the most stunning wildlife areas in Alaska.
Private Vehicle
Talkeetna -Denali National Park and Preserve

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Denali Family Immersive Lunch and Lecture
Denali National Park and Preserve

Visit the esteemed Denali Education Center for lunch and an interactive overview of the park and its subarctic ecosystem. Get an introduction to National Geographic’s legacy with American national parks, as well as other projects National Geographic has supported in Denali NP and across Alaska. Listen to stories about the park’s history and culture, as well as characteristics of its subarctic ecosystem. Learn about the complex geology here and how First Nations people have survived for generations in one of the most formidable climates on the planet.

Husky Homestead
Denali

Head to Husky Homestead, led by four-time Iditarod Champion Jeff King, to learn about the Iditarod traditions in the demanding Alaskan wilderness. Get a behind the scenes view of the champion sled dogs during their summer training. Hear tales about the people who live in this unforgiving terrain year-round and the heroic huskies that help them survive.

Private Vehicle
Denali National Park and Preserve

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Denali Crow's Nest Log Cabins (or similar)


Meals included:BREAKFAST|LUNCH

 

Day6Denali National Park and Preserve

This morning, venture into the heart of Denali National Park and Preserve on a wildlife safari. The park’s incredible creatures stand out against the sparse landscape, and a drive along the park road is often the best way to see them. As we drive to the Eielson Visitor Center, make it your mission to spot Denali’s “big five:” grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and elusive wolves. Opt to join a ranger on a hike for a closer look at the treeless tundra and hearty plants that grow here. The return trip to our hotel offers another chance for wildlife-viewing.

Scenic Shuttle Bus to Eielson Visitor Center
Denali National Park and Preserve

Depart early to explore Denali National Park. Take the shuttle bus to the Eielson Visitor Center and back, getting deep into the heart of the park. The journey takes approximately 8 hours and shows off the stunning wilderness of Denali.

Optional Activities - Day6
Denali Eielson Stroll
1h-1h
Denali National Park and Preserve

Denali National Park Visit
Denali National Park and Preserve -Denali

Spend the day exploring Denali National Park. The area is well-known for its diversity of wildlife and Denali, the highest peak in North America, formerly called Mt McKinley. There are 39 species of mammals, 167 species of birds, 10 species of fish, and one species of amphibian known in Denali. Summer is a time for raising the young and preparing for migration, hibernation, or survival during the winter and, with a little luck, we witness it all. Discover the dynamic glaciated landscape providing large rivers, countless lakes and ponds, and unique landforms which form the foundation of the ecosystems that thrive in Denali.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Denali Crow's Nest Log Cabins (or similar)


Meals included:BREAKFAST|LUNCH

 

Day7Denali National Park and Preserve

This morning, meet up with an Alaska resident to hear all about life in America’s northernmost state. Then set off for a hike with a naturalist guide from the Denali Education Center. Kids will have the opportunity to wrap up their junior ranger activities. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax, or opt to fly above Denali’s soaring summit on a helicopter flight-seeing excursion.

Denali Immersive Presentation and Hike
Denali National Park and Preserve

Living next to the highest mountain in North America requires intense planning and preparation, and even then it's no easy feat. Learn how people live in this remote region, some without running water, and over a hundred miles from the closest grocery store. Meet a year-round resident of Denali and ask questions about surviving in a region with eight months of winter. Then head out with a naturalist on a guided hike to take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Denali wilderness.

Optional Activities - Day7
Denali Scenic Flight with Optional Glacier Landing
1h-2h
Denali National Park and Preserve
220.00USD per person

Optional Activities - Day7
Denali Hiking
1h-3h
Denali National Park and Preserve

Free Time
Denali National Park and Preserve
afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring Denali NP – with so much to see and do, your options are endless! (or similar)

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Denali Crow's Nest Log Cabins (or similar)


Meals included:BREAKFAST

 

Day8Denali National Park and Preserve/Anchorage

Enjoy a free morning to get in a final hike or an optional scenic river float before setting out on our drive back to Anchorage. Join the group for a farewell dinner this evening.

Optional Activities - Day8
Denali Scenic Flight with Optional Glacier Landing
1h-2h
Denali National Park and Preserve
220.00USD per person

Optional Activities - Day8
Rafting on the Nenana River- McKinley Scenic Run
3h
Denali National Park and Preserve
72.00USD per person

Private Vehicle
Denali National Park and Preserve -Anchorage

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Denali National Park and Preserve
morning

Enjoy a final morning in Denali to take in some final sights. (or similar)

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel

Inlet Tower and Suites (or similar)


Meals included:BREAKFAST|DINNER

 

Day9Anchorage

Depart at any time.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.


Meals included:BREAKFAST

 

Highlights

Set out on a wildlife safari through Denali National Park and Preserve to spot the resident “big five”—grizzlies, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves, Visit the famed Alaska SeaLife Center for an up-close look at playful sea otters, colorful puffins, and leggy octopi, Watch champion sled dogs train for the upcoming racing season and learn about Iditarod traditions, Cruise Kenai Fjords National Park to see a glacier flowing straight into the sea.

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

1.TRAVEL DAYS
In order to cover the vast distance in North America to be able to visit several different places along our trip, we will have a couple of long driving days.

2. WALKS AND HIKES - OPTIONAL
All walks and hikes proposed by our CEO will be easy to moderate level. You may choose to participate or not, but exploring our national parks on foot is part of our way of travelling. It’s a healthy way to discover North America’s beauty and landscape.

3. LEGAL DRINKING AGE
Please note that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21. Many bars and clubs will ask for ID at the door, therefore listening to live music in certain bars or spending a night out is not possible when you are under the legal age, even if you don't plan on consuming alcohol. Drinking laws are strictly enforced and our CEOs are unable to help those under age obtain alcohol of any kind.

While this should not stop those under legal drinking age from booking a tour, it is important to note that if a traveller is under-age there are certain optional nighttime activities that they may not legally be able to participate in. When trying to book the right trip, we recommend that travellers under legal drinking age take this into consideration when booking a tour that visits several big cities.

4. Family Insurance
Options for family travel insurance are available. Please enquire with your Family Trip Specialist for more information.

Group Leader Description

All National Geographic Family Journeys with Travel There Co group trips are accompanied by two of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense; you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes

20

Meals Included

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling and we encourage you to experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Its important to remember, that food may be different from what you are used to at home and that some things may not be available in other countries.

Some meals are included in the trip price, while others are not, to allow flexibility and choice to you and your family. For non-included meals our CEOs will still make arrangements for the group to eat together, which allows you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and approximate budget (per person) for meals not included.

Throughout this trip, breakfast is included daily (ranging from continental to buffet depending on the trip), as are healthy, local snacks. Tap water is safe and drinkable everywhere. Please remember to bring your own refillable bottle and refill at the start of each day.

Note that any special meal requirements or dietary restrictions need to be specified at time of booking.

Transport

Private vehicle, catamaran, shuttle bus, hiking

About our Transportation

For this trip we use one to two 15-passenger vans for up to 12 people plus the CEO/Driver. For groups of 8 and more travellers per vehicle, we also use a trailer to carry luggage. These durable vehicles allow us to drive on most types of roads in North America.

Each van has a front passenger seat and 4 benches that will accommodate 3 people each with mandatory seat belts to keep us secure and safe. No standing is permitted in these vehicles.

This is not a physically demanding journey, but with limited space in the van, long drive days can be difficult. Please take note of the travel times and distances in the above itinerary. There is air conditioning to cool things down on warm days to keep everyone more comfortable. Despite some of the long days, most travellers feel that the diversity of the North American landscape, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience!

Local Flights

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Odd number adult travellers in your family will be paired in twin accommodation with another adult traveller of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

Accommodation

Hotels (8 nts)

About Accommodation

Rooming is based on double occupancy (2 passengers / 2 beds per room); all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will try to accommodate triples/quad requests whenever possible and it's important to note that rooming configuration can change from city to city and 2 single beds are the standard configuration in a room.

Please note hotels in Alaska may be a bit more rustic or dated than hotels at the same accommodation level in the rest the USA.

Joining Hotel

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the Travel There Co App or contact your travel agent.

Joining Instructions

An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation in our joining hotel.

Your tour CEO will be waiting for you with a National Geographic Journeys sign with your name on it, and they will be waiting for you outside the luggage hall. In the unlikely case, you are unable to find the guide after 30 minutes, please call our our local support line.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly, the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned.

Arrival Complications

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Emergency Contact

What to Take

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags.

Checklist

Cold weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves

Warm weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a light waterproof jacket. For days in the outdoors, layering is key. We recommend the use of lightweight, breathable, clothes.

Alaska can have unpredictable weather with snow and heavy rain even in Summer time. Spring time can be snowy (until end of June) and fall season could start as soon as mid-August. Make sure you have clothing for all conditions.

We’re working with our accommodation partners to reduce single-use plastic on our tours by providing safe drinking water for refillable bottles wherever possible. Find out more about our Plastics Partnership Project <a href="https://www.travelthereco.com/about-us/responsible-travel/plastics-partnership-project/">here.</a>

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your CEO where the closest laundromat is. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry, so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas and Entry Requirements

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

The United States currency is the US Dollar (USD).

Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in the US and can be used to purchase small and large items. When purchasing products or services with a foreign credit card in the USA, you may be charged additional fees by your credit card company for foreign purchases.

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Both Visa and Master Cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work check with your bank before you travel. A visit to an ATM can be arranged on Day 1 and other days of the trip.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US Dollars as cash (preferably smaller bills, 5's, 10's and 20's), traveller’s cheques and credit cards is best. Currency exchange is best obtained prior to travel or at the airport, currency exchange is very difficult to find in the USA and most banks do not accommodate.

Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Departure Tax

Tipping

Local tipping is included on this Family trip which covers local guides, drivers and gratuity for included meals. At the end of your trip if you felt your two Chief Experience Officers did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline; per CEO $5-10 USD per person, per day can be used as a guide.

For non-included meals in restaurant, a guideline is 15-20% of cost of bill.

Optional Activities

Seward
- Helicopter & Dog Sledding on a Glacier (519USD per person)
- Kayaking on Resurrection Bay (79USD per person)
- Hike on the Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield

Denali National Park and Preserve
- Denali Eielson Stroll
- Denali Hiking
- Denali Scenic Flight with Optional Glacier Landing (220-420USD per person)
- Rafting on the Nenana River- McKinley Scenic Run (72-97USD per person)

Health

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. <a href="/travel-resources/safety/">Read more about travel safety</a> for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

Trip Specific Safety

Medical Form

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

A Word of Warning

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. Travel There Co can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into Travel There Co’ itineraries globally.
Travel There Co is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

Travel There Co Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with <a href="https://www.planeterra.org">Planeterra Foundation</a>.

Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.

Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

Local Dress

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next Travel There Co trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@travelthereco.com and we will send it on to you.

Newsletter

Minimum Age

Minimum age of 7 years for this trip.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Itinerary Notes

Prices are based on double occupancy; all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will accommodate triples/quads whenever possible. Please call for further details.

Family Journeys are designed for groups traveling with children between the ages of 7 and 17. Your group must include a child in order to book, and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Hotels (8 nts)

Rooming is based on double occupancy (2 passengers / 2 beds per room); all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will try to accommodate triples/quad requests whenever possible and it's important to note that rooming configuration can change from city to city and 2 single beds are the standard configuration in a room.

Please note hotels in Alaska may be a bit more rustic or dated than hotels at the same accommodation level in the rest the USA.

Departure Dates Confirmed Dates Trip Status Trip Status Seats Available Seats Available Price Per Traveller