It’s possible to see beautiful Alaska on a budget! In fact, saving money while touring the state known as the Last Frontier is easier than most people think. With so much natural beauty, Alaska offers endless hours of fun, adventure, and views for just the cost of a pass to a national park.
Little tricks that include timing when you come, knowing how to keep food costs low, and figuring out how to get around without your own car can all help you to have an incredible trip on a tight budget.
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Here’s a look at 11 tips for planning a trip to Alaska on a budget that will help you to avoid glacier-sized travel costs!
1) Learn The Secret For Saving Money That Your Cruise Ship Won’t Tell You
One little tidbit that only Hoonah residents know is that visitors of Icy Strait Point (ISP) can actually save a ton of money by hopping just 1.5 miles from where cruise ships dock to reach the town of Hoonah. While it’s located just a short walk or drive from the main port area, Hoonah offers tours, shopping, and food at much lower prices!
In fact, one of the best ways to save money on an Alaska vacation without cutting out excursions is to book an adventure with Hoonah Travel Adventures. When you explore with us, you can select from our curated tours and nature experiences led by expert guides. Have the adventure of a lifetime while visiting Alaska when you book:
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Guaranteed Whale Watching at Icy Strait Point
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Wilderness Tour and Brown Bear Search
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Icy Strait Fishing Adventure
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Icy Strait Kayak Adventure
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Chichagof Island Birding and Nature Adventure
At Hoonah Travel Adventures, our van-based tours and kayaking trips let you experience remote islands where the bears outnumber the people without paying for a pricey private helicopter tour. If you don’t have your own vehicle because you don’t want to pay for car rentals, you’ll love hearing that Hoonah Travel Adventures is the only company in Hoonah offering return-anytime shuttles that let you eat, shop, and explore Hoonah at your leisure without a clock hanging over your head! Our shuttles depart every 30 minutes.
Ask about our discounted rates for military, teachers, and LEOs! Book your adventure today!
2) Come To Alaska During Shoulder Season
One of the best tips for how to visit Alaska on a budget is to avoid the peak travel season. Travel in Alaska peaks during the period lasting from June to August. “Shoulder season” is considered a slightly off-peak time to visit while still getting decent weather for travel and excursions.
May and September are both considered shoulder times in Alaska. Booking during these months makes it easy to find deals on Alaska hotels and airfare from Alaska Airlines.
There are several reasons why May and September are less popular compared to peak summer. First, Alaska’s busy season simply follows the same busy season for all travel destinations. With most schools around the country in session in May and September, fewer people have the time to make the trek up from the lower 48 states.
Another reason fewer people come in May and September is that the weather is slightly cooler. However, travelers who don’t like crowds can use that to their advantage while they enjoy a version of Alaska that doesn’t have quite as many visitors. Shoulder-season visitors also enjoy fewer mosquitoes compared to visitors who arrive in June or July.
3) Utilize Grocery Stores
Like the rest of the country, Alaska is a place where preparing your own meals can be cheaper than dining out. While the state is known for its vast wilderness, Alaskan cities do have Costco, Fred Meyers, and other popular grocery chains.
You don’t even need to eat prepackaged foods to save money. Salmon and potatoes are two healthy foods that are often reasonably priced in Alaska.
4) Consider Getting The America The Beautiful National Park Pass
For just $80, the America The Beautiful National Park Pass makes all of the country’s national parks open to you! As home to eight of the most popular national parks, Alaska is truly a place where you will make use of the cost! While one pass will get you into all 16 parks in Alaska, the cost is worth it just to see:
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Lake Clark National Park
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Denali National Park
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Gates of the Arctic National Park
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Glacier Bay National Park
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Katmai National Park
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Kenai Fjords National Park
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Kobuk Valley National Park
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Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
5) Spend A Day At The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
With tickets costing just $22 per person for access to a 200-acre expanse at the head of Turnagain Arm, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a can’t-skip attraction for anyone planning a trip to Alaska on a budget.
Spend a day surrounded by majestic creatures like reindeer, lynx, wood bison, brown bears, eagles, and moose. Get up close and personal with these incredible animals while learning about them. It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with nature and support the important work of wildlife conservation.
6) Consider Tent Camping On Your Alaska Trip
If the rates at Alaska hotels are freezing you out, consider staying at one of the many campgrounds at Alaska state parks. Camping fees per night range from $15 to 30.
It’s not just a budget-friendly option, but also a chance to truly connect with nature. So grab your camping gear, embrace the wilderness, and create unforgettable memories under the starry Alaskan skies.
7) Travel On The Alaska Railroad
Traveling Alaska on a budget for many seasoned visitors means using the Alaska Railroad to get between the southern coast and the center of the state. Mainline service runs from Seward and Fairbanks. That means that you can easily use the line to get to both Anchorage and Denali National Park for a flat rate!
In addition, you can enjoy the scenic journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Alaska. Sit back, relax, and let the train take you on an unforgettable adventure. Marvel at snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and charming towns along the way. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a unique travel experience, the Alaska Railroad is a must-do.
8) Utilize Farm Stands And Food Trucks
Whenever you’re passing through a town in Alaska, always be sure to ask the locals about where the locals eat! Depending on the season, you may be able to get everything from fresh-picked berries to rockfish tacos from a stand or pop-up truck. Prices on roadside food can be substantially lower compared to grocery and restaurant prices. The #OsoGordito foodtruck in Hoonah, Alaska has won acclaim with it famous Halibut Tacos, Hand Cut Fries and other mouthwatering plates! If your cruise ship stops at Icy Strait Point (ISP) make sure to head into town for a meal at Oso Gordito.
9) Book A Bed And Breakfast
One of the ways to get good deals on Alaskan accommodations without sleeping outside at a campsite is to check into a locally owned bed and breakfast. These hidden gems offer great deals and a cozy atmosphere. In many cases, the cheaper rooms come with the stipulation that you’ll be sharing space with the owner of the residence.
Imagine waking up to a delicious homemade breakfast and getting insider tips on the best local attractions. It’s like staying with a friend who knows all the secrets of the area. So skip the expensive hotels and embrace the warmth and hospitality of a bed and breakfast. It’s a budget-friendly option that adds a personal touch to your Alaskan adventure.
10) Discover Free Museums
Beautiful Alaska has a number of free museums for visitors to enjoy. For example, the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center in Fairbanks offers free admission.
The popular Anchorage Museum also offers free admission from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. The best advice is to reach out ahead of time to any museum you’d like to visit to see if free days are offered during your stay.
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is a must-visit attraction that offers an affordable experience for the entire family. Situated in Anchorage, Alaska, the center serves as a vibrant cultural hub, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage and traditions of Alaska Native communities.
11) Focus On One Spot
If your ultimate goal is to see Alaska on a budget, get in the mindset of seeing hidden gems instead of heading to all of the popular tourist spots. You may also want to focus on one gorgeous portion of Alaska instead of sinking all of your travel dollars into trying to get across the state using various modes of transportation.
One spot that’s worth every penny is the Icy Strait on the Alexander Archipelago in Southeast Alaska. This breathtaking destination is a favorite among savvy travelers who want to make the most of their trip without breaking the bank.
So, get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of this lesser-known gem and create unforgettable memories without draining your travel funds.
Visiting Alaska Doesn’t Have To Cost A Bundle
Ultimately, the best way to see Alaska on a budget is to prioritize the experiences that you want to remember for a lifetime. When you skip the pricey tourist traps near the cruise ships in Icy Strait Point to head over to Hoonah, you can enjoy life-changing experiences for far less!
At Hoonah Travel Adventures, we put authentic Alaskan adventures in your budget. Book an unforgettable excursion with us today!
