Packing for an Alaska Adventure
Embarking on our Alaskan adventure turned out to be a packing odyssey like no other! We knew Alaska would throw us a curveball – frosty, since it's Alaska, but with a twist of summer warmth. It was a wild ride figuring out just what to stuff into our suitcases. Looking back, we’ve gathered some top-notch tips for anyone gearing up for their own Alaskan journey. From bracing for those icy glacier breezes to basking in the unexpected summer sunshine, we learned the ropes of packing for Alaska's wonderfully unpredictable climate. Dive into our packing adventure, where we conquered the challenge and came out champions, armed with insights to help you pack like a pro for your Alaskan escapade:
Hubbard Glacier - Alaska - June 2023
Pack Layers: Alaska's weather is all over the place, so bring stuff you can layer - think hoodies, a waterproof jacket, and definitely a beanie and gloves. You gotta stay warm but still look good for those selfies! We found some great packable coats on Amazon, they were warm but also light and did not take up much space. It is no lie that the weather was a rollercoaster. One day my mom was in a tanktop with her toes in the ocean and the next we were bundled up a few yards from a glacier.
Waterproof Boots: Trust me, you don't want wet feet when you're out exploring. Some sturdy, waterproof boots are a game-changer.
Binoculars: This might sound old-school, but binoculars are awesome for seeing wildlife and glaciers up close. You'll be glad you brought them.
Sunscreen and Shades: Yes, even in Alaska! The sun can be super bright, especially bouncing off the water and ice. Gotta protect that skin and look cool doing it.
Your Best Camera: Whether it's your phone or a fancy camera, you're gonna see some epic stuff (see some of your epic pics below) Make sure you have enough battery and memory because you'll be snapping pics non-stop.
Bug Spray: If you're planning to hike or chill near the woods, you'll want this. Mosquitoes are no joke. Mosquitos love my dad, and they will always find him! On our trip he attracted the largest mosquitos I have ever seen. Careful, they will carry you off (just kidding).
Daypack: A backpack for day trips is key. Stuff it with snacks, water, and maybe an extra hoodie. For those of us that have medical needs (aka my epilepsy) we always make sure we have my rescue meds, extra medication in case there is a delay, water, and electrolytes.
Swimsuit: Yup, there are pools and hot tubs on the cruise. Perfect for chilling after a day of adventuring. If you can’t find me, I am in the hot tub!
Packing for an Alaskan cruise is like prepping for an epic adventure. You want to be ready for anything, from wildlife spotting to hanging out on the ship, all while staying comfy and Instagram-ready! Also - don’t forget to pack a good attitude. Travel can be hectic and not everything is sunshine and rainbows, so having a good attitude is always essential!