Traveling with the Jones

Every Tuesday is Travel Tip Day
Today: 10 things to pack when you visit Alaska

Alaska is a special place for Mr. Jones. He was born and raised in Anchorage; his father was in the original military contingent that helped build the Alaska Highway (ALCAN).  Alaska is a favorite summer destination. No matter how many times we visit, we never fail to be awed by the sheer beauty of the state, from our first a glimpse of snow-covered mountains, to the glow of the Northern Lights, to hearing the roar of Marjorie Glacier calving into Glacier Bay.

The number one question we get asked from people visiting Alaska is “What do I wear?“

Here are 10 tips for packing to ensure a comfortable trip to the Great White North.

1. Plan to dress in layers. “Dress like an onion” says our Alaska friend and travel expert Monte Davis, “in thin layers so you can peel back or add on depending on the weather.” Alaska weather is variable in the summertime, with temperatures ranging from 90 degrees Fahrenheit to drizzly and cold, especially if you are near glaciers on a tour or from the deck of a cruise ship. Generally, we dress in four layers, starting with jeans and a t-shirt, covered with a vest or sweater. Next a layer of fleece. Finally a waterproof rain jacket. A lined jacket can replace the fleece layer, but keeping them separate gives you more “onion layers” to adjust to the ever-changing weather.

2. A scarf,  stocking cap or other headgear to keep your head and ears warm. If you take it and never need to use it, then consider it good weather insurance. Cold, damp weather and winds can give you an ear ache in no time. 

3. A pair of gloves. Light gloves, like these Isotoner Womens Stretch Fleece Lined Gloves to keep your hands warm when hiking or cruising by glaciers.

4. Forget an umbrella. Bring a jacket with a waterproof hood or a waterproof hat or cap. Umbrellas tend to get in your way and in the way of others, and not offer much protection in rain accompanied by wind.

5. Comfortable walking/hiking shoes. The most breathtaking sights in Alaska are best experienced outside, and trails and walking are usually involved. This is not the place to show off your new pair of heels. Of course, if you find you can’t live without another pair of shoes, you can always shop for tax-free shoes at Nordstrom’s in downtown Anchorage.

6. A camera. With breathtaking scenery, expert photography skills are not required to take stunning photos in this state. Although we rely on our iPhones for most photos, a DSLR Camera with a Wide Angle & Telephoto Lensallows you to capture photos of Alaska’s wildlife and majestic vistas.  

7. Casual clothes.  Generally, Alaskans are informal. Pants, shirts, jeans, comfy shoes and waterproof jackets are standard wear. Of course, if cruising, you should follow the ship’s dress code. In our experience, formal night is a little more relaxed in Alaska than in other destinations.

8. Sunglasses and sunscreen. Remember, this is the land of the Midnight sun. And sunlight hitting glaciers makes for a bright, blinding light.

9. A backpack or day pack. Even if you are not the hiking type, you will find it easier to get around, and carry your snacks, water and souvenir purchases if you have a Stowaway Daypack for off the ship, the tour buses, or even out of the car. There is an endless supply of trails for walking, hiking, or biking.

10. An Explorers’ Attitude – Alaska is not New York, Dallas or San Diego – it’s the last frontier. And that’s why you want to go. Once you get away from Anchorage and the major cruise ports, Alaska is vast and remote. So while you may not find a Starbuck’s on every corner, you will find amazing natural beauty.

Have you visited Alaska before? What’s your favorite packing tip?

Other posts on Alaska that you might enjoy:

• Visiting Alaska by Cruise Ship? Answers to Your 6 Top Questions
• 5 Delicious Places to Eat and Drink in Homer, Alaska
• 5 Top Reasons to Visit Alaska
• Exploring Anchorage, Alaska: Binky the Polar Bear and the Alaska Zoo
• Visiting Alaska? 5 Books to Read

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This photo is a preview of this week’s destination discovery.   Can you identify it?

Hints: It’s near Mr. Jones favorite fishing hole; the river gets its unique color from a blend of fresh water and glacier melt; the photo is shot from the deck of a cruise lodge.

Be the first to post your answer in comments.

I always admired Southwest Airlines’ business model and its low fares, frequent flights and easy-to-earn free tickets.  But – like many frequent fliers — I didn’t like the first come, first to get plastic boarding cards or even the “be-up-at-midnight-so-you-could-get-a-good-boarding-position” online system. 

But last year, Southwest started to improve its offering for business travelers. While I still miss the assigned seats and frequent first class upgrades that I experienced at the middle to top levels of Alaska, US Airways and United’s program, Southwest is now my number one airline. 

The Best Things About Southwest Airlines.

1)      The Companion Pass.  Accrue 125 Rapid Reward credits in one calendar year (from flights, hotels, rental cars, dining, shopping, and most of all the Chase Southwest Credit Card and you get a Companion Pass.  This means you designate someone as your companion, and every flight you take, whether paid or a free ticket, your companion can fly with you FREE.
2)      No charge for first 2 checked bags. For business travel, I take a purse, a computer bag/briefcase and a roller bag.  On other airlines, unless I have status, I pay to check the first bag, which makes me crazy.  It is no fun to board with all of these people trying to drag on multiple bags and stuff them in the overhead bin. Is it any wonder that Southwest is the only major airline with a profit the last quarter?
3)      The A-list.  It’s actually harder to get that the companion pass, but even if you have to buy a few back-and-forth flights it’s a fantastic perks.  32 one way paid flights within 1 year, and you are on the A-list: no checking to get a boarding number – its reserved for you.  Plus a fast line through check-in and security at most airports.
4)      Free Tickets. Fast!  16 one way flights segments – regardless of how short – and you have a free ticket.  Throw in a rental car and hotel room, and charge it all on the Southwest credit card, and soon you have more free tickets than you can use.  Plus, it’s easier to transfer them to another person – all without fees.
5)      Drink coupons.  Ever free ticket comes with a booklet of drink coupons – a great way to improve your relationship with your co-workers who are not on the A-list and are sitting in the center seat.
6)      No change fees.  You can always change your ticket or cancel it without a fee. Depending the fare class you buy – there are only 4 of them at Southwest – you can either get a full refund or a credit for a future flight (if you are on the non-refundable lowest fares.)  No $150 fees to change.