Page 272 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Alaska

270  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Thanks to its unparalleled natural beauty, numerous sites of interest, but even places
abundant wildlife, and rich cultural history, away from the highways can be readily
Alaska attracts a growing number of visitors accessed via the extensive air transport
from all over the world each year. The state’s and ferry routes. Visitor information centers,
tourist infrastructure is fairly well developed, even in small towns, are plentiful and go
offering a range of accommodation and out of their way to provide information and
restaurant options. A large number of local assistance. The following pages include tips
tour operators can also organize just about on a range of practical matters that will assist
any sort of adventure a visitor may want to visitors in getting the most out of their visit
undertake. Road and rail systems link to this sprawling, majestic state.
When to Go Visa Regulations Visitor Information
The finest weather in Alaska Citizens of Canada, Australia, Most tourist offices in
usually occurs from mid-May New Zealand, the UK, and most Alaska are known for the
to mid-July, when most of the European Union nations can quality of their information.
state, except for the Southeast visit the US without a visa, but All offer free maps, brochures,
and the Aleutians, experi ences need a passport that is valid for and hotel and restaurant
almost perpetual day light. This at least six months after their listings, and local staff can
is the time when all parks and trip, an onward or return ticket, answer most travel-related
services are open. and a completed Electronic queries. The Alaska Public
Rainfall is common all year System for Travel Authorization Lands Information Centers
round in Southeast Alaska, while (ESTA) form, available online and the Alaska Travel
the Arctic receives little rain. In at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ Industry Association are
most parts of Alaska, the annual esta. Canadians need to show also good information
“rainy sea son” begins in mid-July, their passport to enter the sources. National parks
end ing in early September, when US. Visitors from nations that have their own visitors’
most national park facilities close. require visas must apply to a centers, with rangers and
However, there many reasons to US embassy and may be asked volunteer staff who help
visit in the off-season. As nights for proof of financial solvency with planning and organizing
become darker, the chances and intention to return home. the necessary permits. The
of seeing the aurora borealis Alaska Department of Fish
increase. From December to and Game issues hunting
April, there are outdoor activities Travel Safety Advice and fishing licenses. Most
(see pp264–7) and winter festivals Visitors can get up-to-date travel visitor centers are open long
(see pp48–9) to enjoy. The May safety information from the hours in the summer, but
and September shoulder seasons Foreign and Commonwealth winter hours are limited.
are pleasant, avoid ing the bad Office in the UK, the State Throughout this guide,
weather and minimal facilities of Department in the US and details of visitor information
the off-season, and the prices the Department of Foreign centers in major towns
and crowds of the high season. Affairs and Trade in Australia. are provided.

Rainforest around Ward Lake, Ketchikan
Challenging driving conditions near Nome, just south of the Arctic Circle

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