Currency

Alaska is an expensive destination any way you slice it. With the exception of a few out-of-the-way spots, good standard motel rooms are rarely less than $100 in the high season, and usually over $120. Airfare from Seattle to Anchorage fluctuates wildly with competition among the airlines, but a $300 round-trip, with 14-day advance purchase, is an excellent deal. (Flying is cheaper than the alternatives, driving or taking the ferry and bus.) You can easily pay twice that to fly to an Alaska Bush community. Even the train is expensive, with a one-way fare from Anchorage to Fairbanks (a 350-mile trip) costing $175 on the least luxurious of three choices of cars.

A couple ordering a good salmon dinner, appetizers, and wine will likely pay $100 in a fine restaurant, plus tip. One reason cruise ships have become such a popular way to visit Alaska is that, for the same quality level, they're less expensive on a daily basis than independent travel, and offer the chance to see remote coastal areas that can be quite costly to get to for land-based visitors.

To travel at a standard American comfort level, a couple should allow $120 per person, per day, for room and board. The cost of an activity such as flightseeing, wildlife cruises, or guided fishing typically is $75 to $250 per person. Add ground transportation to your budget -- a car is the best way to see much of the state. You won't do much better than $50 a day for an economy model from the major national firms, although you can save with an unknown brand. Weekly rentals generally cost the same as renting for 5 individual days. You may also need train and ferry tickets.

Don't economize, however, when it comes to activities. Unlike other destinations where relatively inexpensive museums or an interesting street scene take up much of your time, a trip to Alaska is all about getting outside and seeing nature. You can hike for nothing, but to go sea kayaking, whale-watching, or flying out to see bears or to fish in a remote stream.

You can save even on activities, however, by traveling in the shoulder season, before and after the peak summer season. Hotel and guided activity prices drop significantly, typically 25% or more. May and September are solidly in the shoulder season, and sometimes you get bargains as late as June 15 or as early as August 15. Traveling in the winter is a whole different experience, but certainly saves a lot of money -- where hotels are open, you'll find their rates typically running half of their high-season levels.

Carrying your money need not be a problem, regardless of your style of travel; those from the United States don't need to make any adjustments in their usual habits. Even Bush hub communities now have ATMs. The only places that don't usually have ATMs these days are remote outdoor destinations such as lodges or parks and tiny Native villages.

Every business you'd expect to take credit, charge, or debit cards at home will accept them here. Few businesses of any kind will take an out-of-state personal check. Traveler's checks are good just about anywhere, but there's no longer any reason to go through the hassle and expense.