Alaska Trip Details

Introduction

Welcome to Alaska! 

Known as The Last Frontier, this magnificent state is so unique, and full of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking through multiple national parks, spotting wildlife from both the land and sea, or trying the super fresh seafood, your adventure in Alaska will be one you won’t soon forget.

Duration: 6 days, 5 nights

Start: Hotel Captain Cook at 8:00 a.m.
Flying?  Plan to arrive at Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC) in Anchorage by 7:00 a.m to meet the group at the designated starting point.

Finish: Hotel Captain Cook by 3:00 p.m.
Flying? Plan to depart from Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC) in Anchorage after 6:00 p.m.

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration–please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions. 
*Airport pick-up and drop-off not included

What's Included

  • 6 days/ 5 nights accommodation in boutique hotels
  • 6 breakfasts, 3 dinners
  • Sled dog demonstration
  • Entrance into Denali National Park
  • Entrance into Kenai Fjord National Park
  • Hiking at Byron Glacier
  • Eielson Shuttle Bus ticket in Denali National Park
  • Six-hour wildlife and glacier viewing cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park
  • Guided Hikes
  • Ground Transportation (private vehicle)
  • Under30Experiences Trip Leader
  • Personal recommendations for optional activities
  • The chance to meet kick-ass people
  • Access to the Under30Experiences Community  

Travelers are responsible for airfare to and from Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage.
Public transportation, airport pick-up & drop-off, and optional activities are not included.

Highlights

  • Meet authentic sled dogs
  • Spot wildlife in Denali National Park
  • Enjoy the seaside town of Seward
  • Hike the Exit Glacier Trail in
  • Wildlife cruise in Kenai Fjords 

Is this Trip for You?

If you love spending time in nature, but also appreciate some city adventures, this trip is for you. It will provide a great snapshot of all that Alaska has to offer.

-Age requirement: 21+
-Group size: 10-13
-Physical rating: Moderate. There will be some hikes of medium difficulty.

Travel Community

Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.

Before your trip you'll have the opportunity to join a custom WhatsApp Group and connect with others members of your group. Many travelers meet in the airport, or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a location after their trip.

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders do their best to foster an open, supportive environment, where people feel safe to truly be themselves.

After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni, and part of our large online Travel Community where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We are constantly hosting meetups that range from simple happy hours to hikes, to outdoor movie nights.

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.

Itinerary Disclaimer

Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

While it is our intention to adhere to the itinerary, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into it and on occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Meals

All breakfasts and dinners will be at local restaurants

Sample Breakfast:

  • Continental breakfast, typically consisting of pastries and baked goods, fruits, toast, and coffee. Breakfast will be at local coffee shops.

Sample Dinner:

  • American style with a mix of breweries and funky local, roadside restaurants.

We do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Some meals can be modified for special requests and food allergies.

Transportation

You will be traveling by private, locally-owned, ground transportation. There will be early departures on some days in order to optimize time.

Taxis and other public transportation are not included unless specified on the itinerary.

Accommodation

You will be staying in shared boutique hotel rooms for the duration of your trip.

Accommodations may vary but will be the same quality. 

Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.

Private room options are available upon request and subject to hotel availability (for an extra charge).

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required to participate on our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.

Please note that travel insurance covers trip related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers things like repatriation, medicine, ambulance rides, and hospital visits/stays. 

We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that all of the activities you plan on participating in are covered by your travel insurance.

Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please make sure to read your plans coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.
Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.

We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Cancellation Policy

Very Flexible.

Give us at least 30 days notice and you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

If you have an emergency cancellation that is less than 30 days before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company as they may cover you for some expenses. 

We are not able to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 30 days of the trip because we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

Trip Leader Expectations

All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.

The goal of the Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eateries, and introduce you to our local friends.

You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the regions visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

Packing List

Please be eco-friendly!

  • Bring a reusable water bottle to refill where clean water is available.
  • Bring a reusable straw to limit the amount of single-use plastic waste.
  • Use as little plastic as possible by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and when shopping.
  • Please avoid aerosol bug sprays as they negatively affect the environment. 

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

Below includes our staff picks of the best items on the market that we travel with! All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and organically inspired when possible.

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Passport & Visas

Passports are not required for U.S. residents to visit Alaska. If you are not a U.S. resident, please make sure you have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip.

Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.

Health & Insurance

Check out our Travel Alerts Page for up to date COVID requirements

The tap water in Alaska is safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep North America beautiful. 

Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.

More specific health information for travelers to the United States can be found at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Money & Currency

The official currency in the United States is the US Dollar (USD).

We suggest bringing 200 USD in cash to be used at establishments that do not accept credit cards.

This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

ATMs are available in the cities and towns we visit. Although you can withdraw cash from any ATM, it's a good idea to come with some local currency just in case.

Remember to call your bank and credit card company and let them know you'll be traveling.

For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.

Safety & Security

Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, and passport/photo ID/Real ID with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.

Keep your passport and any valuables locked in your hotel room. Don’t leave valuables unattended.

Although most parts of North America are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering around any town at night, especially alone. We recommend staying in small groups when traveling at night.

Make sure you have the address of your hotel in the event that you're separated from your Trip Leader.

Weather

Summer season (mid-June through mid-August) is usually the mildest and warmest time of our year, especially in the Interior, where temperatures can reach well above 80°F / 27°C 

May is often the driest month in Alaska and September is typically the wettest.

cultural information

Today, Alaska's diverse Native peoples remain a strong presence in Alaska, making up about 16% of the state's population.

In many areas, particularly around rural villages, Natives hunt, fish, and gather the same plants as their ancestors did and continue to practice much of their traditional culture. In some areas, these manually sourced substances  make up more than 50% of Native diets. Urban Natives often have connections to relatives in rural villages who supply them with these Native foods. 

Traditional ceremonies and gatherings still take place as a way to celebrate the Native heritage, even in modern days. Elders make an effort to pass on their knowledge of Native art forms, (such as blanket weaving, wood and ivory carving, beadwork, kayak building, and dancing), to younger generations.

Optional Activities

Due to the short nature of this trip there will not be a lot of time for optional activities. However, if you would like to arrive early or stay later, there are plenty of activities in Alaska.

General Rules

Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.

Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers out of harm’s way.

It’s important to obey local laws and customs while on our trips. This includes, but is not limited to wearing appropriate clothing while visiting certain communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re not sure about something, take time to educate yourself, or ask.

Travel involves contact with new cultures. When confronted with a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.

Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.

Trip Leaders are working in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time!

Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any of the activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.

Staying longer or arriving early?

-Extend your stay at Anchorage
-Explore Alaska Helicopter and Glacier Dogsled Tour
-Matanuska Glacier Walk
-Explore Anchorage City Tour

Still need to book your flight?

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There are not enough ways for me to describe how amazing this company is. After my first trip I always told people, it wasn't about the location, but the experience that u30x gave me. I have some of the best experiences of my life with u30x, and now a passion for travel. Also, their alumni community and groups are awesome too!

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