Questions regarding travel to Alaska:



What’s the easiest way to get to Alaska?
The easiest, most affordable way to reach Alaska is by commercial airplane into Anchorage, Alaska. Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and its main hub of transportation for both domestic and foreign travelers.

What city is the main point of entry into the state of Alaska via airline?
Anchorage is the city where most travelers begin and end their Alaska vacation. However, some travelers use Fairbanks as their entry and departure point for their Alaska tour. In southeast Alaska, Juneau, which is the capitol of Alaska, is the primary town where most tourists begin their travels.

What cities or towns are the main points of entry
into the state of Alaska via cruise ship?
Juneau, Alaska is the most popular port in southeast Alaska where many tourists disembark to begin the land based portion of their tour. However, equally as popular in southcentral Alaska are the towns of Seward and Whittier.

How do I make the best use of my time during my stay in Alaska?
Alaska is huge, over two and a half times the size of Texas. Due to the large size of Alaska, planning an Alaska vacation can be daunting. Travelers new to Alaska may find it difficult to decipher where to go and what to do with their limited vacation time. Ask Us Travel & Tours are experts in assisting you plan an Alaska vacation itinerary that makes the best use of your time without wasting one precious moment. Give us a call toll free at: 1-877-929-2525, and Ask an Alaskan about Alaska!

How many hours of daylight does Alaska have during the summer months?
During our Alaska summer, the number of hours of sunlight varies by region. However, there is a reason Alaska is called the land of the midnight sun. Summer solstice is the longest day of the year and occurs on June 21st of each year. On this day most people in Anchorage, Alaska will see over nineteen hours of daylight. In Fairbanks, the daylight hours are even longer with nearly twenty two hours of light. Because southeast Alaska is further south than Anchorage or Fairbanks, Juneau only experiences eighteen hours of sunlight on summer solstice. After summer solstice, Alaska looses a few minutes of sunlight per day until winter solstice on December 21st. December 21st is the shortest day, and Anchorage, Alaska will have only five and a half hours of sunlight on this day. On December 22nd, Alaska gains a few minutes of sunlight until summer solstice on June 21st, and the cycle begins again. In general, visitors to Alaska will experience between 17 to 18 hours of sunlight in May, 19 to 21 hours of sunlight in June, 18 to 20 hours of sunlight in July, 15 to 16 hours of sunlight in August, and 12 to 13 hours of sunlight in September.

What kind of weather should I expect during my trip to Alaska?
Weather can vary greatly in Alaska. Southcentral Alaska experiences mild to warm temperatures in the summer. Fairbanks tends to be slightly drier and hotter in the summertime than Anchorage while Juneau and southeast Alaska tend to be more rainy and wet. The average temperature for southcentral Alaska including Anchorage, Girdwood, the Kenai Peninsula with Seward, Cooper Landing, Sterling/Soldotna/Kenai, and Homer, and the Matanuska Susitna Valley with Palmer and Wasilla is:

What should I pack for my trip to Alaska?
The best way to pack is to bring casual, layered clothing. Temperatures in Alaska can vary widely from year to year as well as day to day. Your best bet is to pack layered clothing along with some rain gear. Although the past few summers in Alaska have been very warm with little rain, Alaskans always prepare for all types of weather, and we never let a little rain stop us from enjoying the Greatland. There is a good chance if it’s raining when you depart on your tour, the sun will be shinning before your adventure ends.

What is the time difference from Alaska to where I live?
Alaska is on Alaska Standard Time and in its very own time zone from the remaining states in the United States. Alaska is four hours behind Eastern Standard Time, three hours behind Central Standard Time, two hours behind Mountain Standard Time, and one hour behind Pacific Standard Time. Alaska is one hour ahead of the Hawaiian Islands time zone. For our foreign travelers, we are nine hours behind the United Kingdom and ten hours behind most European Countries. For example, if it is 10:00 AM in Alaska, it is 2:00PM in New York, 1:00 PM in Chicago, 12:00PM (noon) in Denver, 11:00AM in Los Angeles, 9:00AM in Oahu, 7:00PM in London, and 8:00PM in Frankfurt.

What currency does Alaska accept?
Nearly all Alaskan businesses accept United States currency, most forms of credit cards, and debit cards as payment. Some Alaska businesses accept checks as a form of payment; however, most Alaska businesses will want ten days to process all out of state checks. Although we are physically closer to Canada than we are to the contiguous United States, Canadian currency is not accepted for payment.

What are the average costs of meals in Alaska?
Costs of meals vary considerably in Alaska. From street vendors who sell reindeer sausage dogs to fine dining restaurants, travelers to Alaska can choose from an abundance of dining options. On average breakfast cost between $7 and $12, lunch between $8 and $14, and dinner between $10 and $25. These prices do not reflect alcoholic beverages with your meal which can add $3 to $5 per drink to the cost of your meal.

What is the average cost of gas in Alaska?
Although Alaska is a major producer of domestic oil, our gas prices seem fairly consistent with gas prices across the United States. The average gas price within the Anchorage area is $1.75 to $2.00 per gallon. Gas prices tend to be slightly higher outside the Anchorage area.

Is Denali National Park and Mt. McKinley National Park the same thing?
When Alaskans refer to McKinley, they are referring to Mt. McKinley located in Denali National Park; otherwise known as Mt. McKinley National Park. Denali is an Athabascan word meaning “The High One”. The Athabascan tribe is from the northern Interior part of Alaska near Fairbanks.
(Check facts on the Internet).

What species of animals will I most likely see in Denali National Park?
Denali National Park is known for its abundance of land animals such as brown bears, caribou, moose, wolf, arctic fox, dall sheep and arctic ground squirrel.
(Check facts on Internet, check with Denali Park Resorts website).

What species of animals will I most likely see on a Kenai Fjords cruise?
Most Kenai Fjords cruises take travelers into the Kenai Fjords National Park located just past Resurrection Bay out of Seward. During a Kenai Fjords cruise, you will most likely see humpback whales, orca or killer whales, sea otter, harbor seals, stellar sea lions, and puffins. While passing land, you may spot a dall sheep, black bear or brown bear too.

When is the best time to see Northern Lights in Alaska?
In Alaska, northern lights are not normally visible during the summer months due the unusual amount of sunlight. The best time to see northern lights is in the wintertime.

From what part of Alaska is the best place to see the Northern Lights?
Northern lights are best seen in the wintertime from far north places such as Fairbanks. However, northern lights can also be seen from Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula, the Matanuska Valley, and southeast Alaska too.



Questions regarding reservations and deposits:



When is the best time to make my reservations for a trip to Alaska?
As with all travel arrangements, the sooner you can make your reservations for your Alaska vacation, the better. With more lead time to book your reservations, you will be more likely to secure the highest quality accommodations, adventure activities and transportation in the state of Alaska. However, at Ask Us Travel & Tours, we know many travelers do not have significant notice of their vacation dates. In these instances, we will work with you and our large variety of vendors to book you the best Alaska vacation possible.

How do I get a price quote for an Alaska vacation itinerary?
The fastest way to get a price quoted is to call us toll free at: 1-877-929-2525 at your earliest convenience; otherwise, you may e-mail us at: info@askustravel.com. We will e-mail, fax or mail you a sample itinerary for you to review at no charge.

How do I confirm a reservation for my Alaska vacation itinerary?
Once you have received your sample itinerary, simply give us a call at your convenience or we will call you at a designated time to finalize the details of your Alaska vacation. Once the final details of your Alaska vacation itinerary are set, we will take a 25% deposit to confirm your reservation.

How much of a deposit is required to confirm a reservation?
A deposit of 25% is required to confirm your reservation. In some instances, if you need to pay a smaller deposit or wish to pay a larger deposit, we will make special arrangements for you.

How much and when is the remaining balance due for my Alaska vacation?
The remaining balance of 75% is due 30 days prior to the first day of your itinerary vacation unless other arrangements have been made when booking your reservation. We will charge the same credit card for your balance that was charged for your initial deposit unless otherwise notified.

What is Ask Us Travel & Tours change policy?
You may make one set of changes to an existing itinerary 30 or more days prior to your first day of travel, at no charge. For changes made 8-30 days prior to the first day of your trip, a 10% change fee will be charged. For changes made 7 days or less prior to your first day of travel, a 20% change fee will incur. In the case of last minute changes, if Ask Us Travel & Tours is able to make special arrangements with accommodation, adventure activity and/or transportation suppliers for reduced change fees, these savings will be passed on to you. Please note changes can only be made if your new choices of accommodations, adventure activities and/or transportation are available.
What is Ask Us Travel & Tours cancellation and refund policy?
There is no charge for cancellation of your trip if made 30 or more days prior to the first day of travel, unless otherwise noted, and you will receive a full refund. Cancellations made 8-30 days prior to the beginning of your trip are subject to a 10% cancellation fee. In the event of a cancellation made 7 days or less prior to the first day of travel, your vacation package is non-refundable. In the case of last minute cancellations, if Ask Us Travel &Tours is able to make special arrangements with accommodation, adventure activity, and/or transportation suppliers for reduced cancellation fees, these savings less a 20% cancellation fee will be passed on to you. Please note that groups, cruises, and wilderness lodges normally have additional restrictions which will be stated on your confirmation itinerary. In addition, large groups are subject to special cancellation policies, please call 1-877-929-2525 for details. Due to the cancellation policies of our vendor partners, we can not make exceptions to our cancellation and refund policy; therefore, we encourage you to purchase travel insurance.



Questions regarding Ask Us Travel & Tours:



Is Ask Us Travel & Tours a travel agency or a tour operator?
Ask Us Travel & Tours is a tour operator specializing in building customized itineraries for clients traveling to Alaska. Our service is unique. Because we work and live in Alaska, we know Alaska better than other travel agents and tour operators located out of state. With our inside knowledge of Alaska, we can build customized itineraries to fit any travelers needs giving them an authentic Alaska experience. Our motto is: Ask an Alaskan about Alaska! We strive to provide you with the best insider knowledge in regards to planning your Alaska vacation of a lifetime.

What is the difference between a travel agency and a tour operator?
In general, travel agents book airline tickets, car rentals, accommodations and sometimes activities to distant destinations. They are usually located in or near your hometown. Tour operators, on the other hand, specialize specifically in booking vacation packages. Some tour operators focus on booking vacation packages to specific destination sites far from their physical location which is referred to as outbound tour operators. Other tour operators specialize in booking vacations packages to the destination in which they are located; these types of tour operators are referred to as inbound tour operators. Although most U.S. tour operators do not book airline tickets, most will assist you in finding a competitive airfare for your trip.

How does Ask Us Travel & Tours service work?
Do you make our reservations or just provide referrals?
Most of Ask Us Travel & Tours clients initially inquire about our services by phone or e-mail. Once we receive your initial inquiry, we send you a sample itinerary for your vacation via e-mail, fax or mail. Our sample itineraries vary from a general vacation outline to a detailed customized vacation itinerary depending upon your request. Our itineraries do not include airfare; however, we can assist you in finding the best airfare available upon request. Upon receipt of your Alaska vacation itinerary, we ask you to review your Alaska vacation plan. When you are satisfied with your Alaska vacation itinerary, we will take a deposit from you to confirm your reservation.

In what type of Alaska vacation itinerary planning
does Ask Us Travel & Tours specialize?
Ask Us Travel & Tours specializes in vacation itinerary planning to Alaska. Because we are located in the state of Alaska, we are referred to as an inbound tour operator. Our company employs only Alaska residents who have worked and lived in Alaska for many years. We use our inside knowledge of Alaska to assist you in planning an Alaska customized vacation suited to your special interests while meeting your travel budget.

What is the main difference between self-guided and guided tours in Alaska?
Self-guided tours are the most affordable way to explore Alaska and are specifically designed for travelers who wish to guide themselves throughout the state of Alaska. Self-guided tours usually include car rental, accommodations and adventure activities. Guided tours tend to be more expensive; however, these tours provide travelers with an Alaska guide, transportation via van or motor coach, accommodations and adventure activities.

For what types of travelers are self-guided tours best suited?
Most of these clients will rent their own car to explore Alaska on their own time schedule. These clients will only be with other people that they choose to take on their trip and will not travel with an Alaska guide. Most travelers to Alaska find self-guided tours an excellent way to visit Alaska giving them ultimate flexibility in their Alaska vacation plans. Additionally, self-guided tours are the most affordable way to explore Alaska.

For what types of travelers are fully guided tours best suited?
Some travelers prefer a guided tour with a group that they themselves have organized or with persons they don’t know. Most travelers that prefer a guided tour simply want to leave the driving to someone else so that they may sit back, relax and enjoy their vacation. Although fully guided tours tend to cost more than self-guided tours, many travelers choosing fully guided tours feel the extra fee is worth the added convenience. Whatever your preference, Ask Us Travel & Tours will help you arrange a self-guided or fully guided tour designed specifically for you.

How do I know that your company is reputable?
We are members of the Alaska Better Business Bureau, Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce. Upon request, we can provide client and vendor references to assure you of our outstanding reputation in the Alaska tourism industry. If you wish to read our client testimonials, please refer to the “About Us & Testimonials” section located at the bottom of each page on our website.

How many years of experience do you have in the Alaska travel industry?
The owner of Ask Us Travel & Tours has worked and lived in Alaska for nearly twenty years. For the last ten years, owner, Lisa Doggett-Stehle, has worked in the travel industry. Her first tourism venture included co-ownership of a fishing and wilderness lodge located on the Kenai Peninsula. After pioneering the concept of customized vacation packages for hundreds of travelers staying at her lodge on the Kenai Peninsula, her subsequent venture became owner of Ask Us Travel & Tours. Combining her extensive knowledge of the Kenai Peninsula with her experience traveling throughout the remainder of Alaska, she decided to expand her business to include booking Alaska tours throughout the state of Alaska. In addition, Ask Us Travel & Tours employees have years of experience in the travel industry specializing in customized itinerary vacation planning. Our motto is: Ask an Alaskan about Alaska! Using our extensive knowledge of Alaska, we will work diligently to provide you with an Alaska vacation of a lifetime.

What type of information will be provided to
me once I make a deposit for my Alaska trip?
You will be provided with a detailed day by day vacation itinerary plan that is confirmation of your booking and a receipt for your deposit amount. You’ll also receive brochures and clear directions for all accommodations and adventure activities that you booked. In addition, you will receive our changes and cancellation policies and notification of when your remaining balance for your Alaska vacation is due.

How are your prices so competitive?
Ask Us Travel & Tours books in volume so we can give our customers the best prices for their Alaska adventure activities, accommodations, transportation and vacation packages. We take advantage of our large volume to secure great rates with our large vendors including many major car rental companies, chain hotels, and most popular Alaska adventure attractions. Besides our large volume advantage, we spend an extensive amount of time finding smaller, high quality adventure activity, lodging and transportation alternatives for our customers. Due to our exclusive contracts with many of these smaller, independent and high quality vendors, we can negotiate the best rates available throughout the state for Alaska adventure activities, accommodations and transportation.

What kind of quality can I expect from your accommodations and activity vendors?
At Ask Us Travel & Tours we book with the best vendors throughout the state of Alaska. In addition to negotiating great rates for our customers, we are equally concerned with the quality of Alaska adventures and attractions, lodging, and transportation that our vendor partners provide. We carefully screen the tour companies that we book to ensure that while you save money, you also receive the quality you deserve. The Alaska adventure activity companies we book have extensive experience and expertise. All of our bed and breakfasts, inns, hotels and lodges are fully inspected to ensure the highest quality possible, and our transportation partners provide reliable and dependable transportation for all of our clients.

Why should I choose Ask Us Travel & Tours over a competing tour operator?
At Ask Us Travel & Tours, we provide you with the most knowledgeable personnel in the state of Alaska. We negotiate great rates due to our high volume, rate and inspect all of the properties we represent, and check out our transportation partners. In addition, we negotiate exclusive contracts with Alaska’s most sought after accommodation and adventure activity vendors. Due to our exclusive contracts, only we can book these exclusive accommodations and adventure activities. To give you first hand knowledge of our Alaska vacation packages, we personally participate in our suggested Alaska excursions and adventures. Combine all of our advantages, and you’re guaranteed to find a one of a kind, Alaska vacation of a lifetime.