Alaska without a cruise ticket

Large cruises are finally returning to Alaska this month, but there are other ways to see our biggest state, said Elaine Glusac in The New York Times. First, “don’t try to do it all.” Plan to fly in and give the trip at least 10 days. Because the distances are so great, seven days provides time enough for only about two highlights, such as Denali National Park for its mountains and Seward for coastal wildlife and fjords. Ten days seems “the sweet spot,” allowing for a side trip to “more remote places like Valdez on Prince William Sound or Homer on the tip of Kenai Peninsula.” A travel agent or package deal can help, especially with rentalcar shortages making train and ferry scheduling more crucial. Figure on spending $1,500 to $2,000 per week per person after arrival, including for a couple of splurges, such as bear viewing, flightseeing tours, or visiting glaciers. Or just get yourself to Homer or Valdez.

Both towns are affordable and “have plenty of outdoor appeal.”