August 24, 2026

Home to the tallest mountain in North America, incredible wildlife viewing, the sought after Midnight Sun, and unbelievably fresh seafood, Alaska is truly a bucket-list destination that feels otherworldly. With peak travel season coming to an end, now is truly the best time to start planning your 2027 adventures…and we’re here to convince you that Alaska should be one of them!

Why Travel To Alaska?

Nature lovers flock to Alaska every year for very good reasons. The Last Frontier, as it is rightly called, is the least densely populated state in the United States and features vast sweeping landscapes covered in rugged mountains, pine tree forests, and unforgettable wildlife like bears, moose, eagles, otters, and so much more. Adventure seekers and slow travelers alike will find a reason to visit the 49th state. From hiking and riding in bush planes to calm cruising among ancient glaciers, travelers will be blown away no matter what pace they prefer.

While nature is surely the biggest draw to Alaska, the food and culture make travelers want to stick around. Nothing compares to wild caught Alaskan salmon, halibut, scallops, and crab. Game meats like reindeer and Indigenous staples like Akutaq (Indigenous ice cream) and fry bread are also a must-try and pair perfectly with the abundance of wild berries and huge vegetables grown under the summer sun found in the local cuisine. Travelers to Alaska always leave impressed by the hospitality of the locals. Made up of many Indigenous tribes, subsistence farmers, rugged off-grid communities, adventurers, and Russian historical roots, locals always have stories to tell of long summer days, cold winter nights, and encounters with the wild animals of the forests and seas. Events like dog sled races, dance festivals, and even a state fair keep community members connected even in the most remote areas.

The Best Way To See Alaska

To explore a state about two and a half times larger than Texas is a massive undertaking, and that’s why we think seeing it by land and by sea is the best way to maximize your experience. Along with countless other seasoned travelers, we have to say cruising is by far the best way to see the most of Alaska. Unpack only once, dock in the most iconic Alaskan ports, and enjoy sea life spotting and glacier viewing on cruising days. And, instead of driving hours on end, reach your next stop quicker on a cruise while enjoying breathtaking scenery along the way. Adventure and relaxation meet right in the middle, hitting a sweet spot for the perfect Alaskan journey.

Our Top Pick For Your Alaskan Cruise: Virgin Voyages

You probably already know how much we love Virgin Voyages, but we can’t stop talking about them because we have used them ourselves and know how great traveling with them truly is! Having traveled all over the world, our team knows value when we see it. On Virgin Voyages’ Alaska itineraries all dining, entertainment, Wi-Fi, and non-alcoholic drinks are included, always. And, best of all (in our opinion), Virgin Voyages cruises are always adults-only. As much as we love kids and planning family vacations, sometimes to truly sit back, relax, and enjoy, it is worth it to be surrounded by a more mature crowd who is just as excited as you to take in the views, enjoy cocktails at dinner and on deck, and respect your reading time at the pool without splashing you with endless cannon balls. There is a time and a place for those things, just not on your Alaskan cruise.

While cruising, you will not only be able to take in the magnificent landscapes, you will also remain immersed in all things Alaska. Fresh Alaskan seafood is always available, a naturalist will remain on board for the entire cruise, there to answer all of your burning questions about the landscapes and wildlife you spot along the way, and regional entertainment is available every day. From lumberjack shows to locals from Alaska Native Voices on board to share traditional art, music, and stories, cruising with Virgin Voyages doesn’t just take you to Alaska, it invites you in.

With itineraries from seven to twelve nights starting and ending in Seattle, Virgin Voyages has the right itinerary for all travelers dreaming of exploring Alaska.

The Best Time To Visit Alaska & The Best Time To Book Your Trip

Similar to many destinations in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is truly the best time to visit Alaska. From mid-May to mid-September travelers can expect temperatures in the 60s and 70s, extra long days with 16 to 24 hours of sunlight, flowers and trees in full bloom, and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. There is simply no shortage of things to do during an Alaskan summer. If you want to experience most of what summer offers with smaller crowds and lower prices, the Shoulder Season, during May and September may be the best time to visit.

For true adventurers who want to experience the Northern Lights, a winter visit may be ideal. With cold temperatures, dark skies, and lots of snow, activities like dog sledding, skiing, and late night marveling at the aurora borealis can fill each day.

An Alaska trip takes a lot of pre-planning, and that’s why our team at SouVenture Travels is here for you! To get the absolute best staterooms (a lower floor, unobstructed balcony view is what you really want), plan all of your must-do activities, and map out the perfect packing list (don’t worry, we can help you with all of this) planning your trip 12 months in advance is ideal. Plan now so you can enjoy later!

Ready to get exploring? We know you sent an “Alaska 2027?” chat to someone halfway through reading this blog post! We’re patiently waiting for you to get in touch with us - we’ll get you on your way!

Written by Erin Finneman