When to Travel to Alaska
I've been told we should travel to Alaska during the shoulder season to get the best deals. I'm not sure what that means or if it is a good idea. I asked someone else about it and she said it means to go before the tourist season opens. If I did that, would the motels and restaurants along the way be open? Would there still be things to do? Coleen, your Alaskan editor replies: Save with Shoulder Season Travel to AK Peak tourist season in Alaska is June, July, and August. The shoulder seasons are the times, right before and after. Consider late April and May the spring shoulder season. For fall, it's September and into the beginning of October. These are the times when the tourist related businesses are starting to open for the season, or getting ready to close for the season. Because there are fewer travelers, you sometimes can get better deals. Motels and campgrounds, for instance, often have lower rates -- sometimes much lower rates. Day trips and tours may have specials, such as two-for-the-price-of-one. Stores may be offering end of season discounts on clearance merchandise. You'll find services are available all year round as Alaskans travel back and forth on the Alaskan Highway twelve months a year. However, the closer you are to the prime tourist season, the more options you'll have for places to stay and to shop. You will find beautiful scenery regardless of what time of year you travel to Alaska. Likewise, there is wildlife viewing all year round. Some of the museums and cultural centers are open year round. If there's something particular that you want to do or see, such as to go on a specific day trip, you can always check to see when it is available. Then, plan accordingly, doing that activity at the beginning or end of your time here, if need be. I'd say you can find plenty to see and do. You'll also likely save some money. Perhaps the best part of visiting Alaska during the shoulder seasons is that you won't have as much traffic and things won't be as crowded.
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