Alaska tours & vacations

Generally, you will not need a visa to travel to the United States for a period of up to 90 days under the United States Visa Waiver Program, however, a select few nationalities must obtain a non-immigrant visa.  
To enter the United States, you may need:  

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay  
• An e-passport to use the Visa Waiver Program  
• A non-immigrant visa or ESTA  
• Proof of onward or exit travel  
• Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds  

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. It's important to understand that each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements, and some destinations mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality.
We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation, but minimum coverage may differ from trip to trip, so make sure you check the Travel Insurance section in your Essential Trip Information. You will not be permitted to join the group until your leader has sighted your insurance policy number and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number, and these details will be recorded on the first day of your trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is an essential part of every journey.
For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form, recognising personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

Tipping is very much a part of the culture in the United States. Tips are expected at restaurants, cafes and diners, as well as by taxi drivers, valet attendants, porters and hotel maids.
People working in the service industry generally receive low wages and therefore rely upon tips as a major source of income.
In general, leave 15 to 20% of the bill at places serving food and a few dollars to bartenders and hotel staff who provide a personal service like carrying bags or cleaning your room.

Don’t let the word ‘summer’ fool you into filling your suitcase with crop tops and short shorts. While Alaskan weather can be clear and beautiful in the warmer months, the nights still tend to be chilly and cool changes are known to come hard and fast.

The best way to dress for unpredictable weather is in layers. If you’re heading out for a day hike in Denali National Park, for example, think comfortable pants (preferably waterproof), a t-shirt and a lightweight waterproof jacket that can be tied around your shoulders and pulled on if it starts to rain, plus a bag packed with gloves and a beanie.

Comfortable shoes are essential in Alaska. Most of the activities on our tours involve some level of physical activity, so we recommend worn-in hiking or walking shoes.

Check the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for the tour you’re interested in for a comprehensive packing list.

Drinking water from taps in Alaska is considered safe unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water.

Internet access in urban areas of Alaska is usually good but download speeds will be slower than you are used to.

Internet access may not be available in rural areas and national parks.

We suggest talking the chance to unplug and immerse yourself in the wilderness, but remember to give your friends and family realistic expectations of how often you will be able to communicate with them.

Mobile phone coverage in Alaska is improving but still patchy. Expect to be able to use your mobile phone in towns like Anchorage, Valdez and even in some parts of Denali National Park. Much of the state – including large parts of Wrangell-St Elias and the Kenai Peninsula – still has little or no coverage.

Global roaming can also be activated when travelling through Alaska, but be sure to check with your service provider to find out about any fees you may incur when using this option, as it can sometimes be expensive.

We take the health and safety of our travellers seriously and take every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and inclusive for everyone. When you travel with us, you have access to our global support network and local on‑ground leadership, and you can rest easy knowing we have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination.

We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure. The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.