Alaska on a Budget: My Personal Guide to Affordable Adventures

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For as long as I can remember, Alaska has always been one of the top destinations on my very long list of places to visit. Just the thought of exploring the outdoors, being in the fresh air, taking in the majestic landscapes, and maybe, just maybe, even catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights, always felt like a dream to me. Once, I decided to finally sit down and plan, with my budget in mind, I made an itinerary that was very budget-friendly, and with this guide, I am hoping to show you how you too can plan and visit Alaska on a budget as well.

Now, grab your pin and paper, and let’s dive in!

Introduction: Alaska on a Budget

If you are anything like me, and have dreamed of visiting Alaska, but worried about your wallet, then I have the guide for you! In this post, I will dive into how I traveled to Alaska on a budget, and how you can too! Alaska is known for its beautiful scenery, its great outdoors, and the good news -a lot of the things to do are free! Yes, you heard me right, FREE!

Are you ready to learn how you can travel to Alaska on a budget and without breaking the bank? Ok, let’s dive in and make your dream trip to Alaska a budget-friendly reality!

Getting to Alaska Without Breaking the Bank

When you think about traveling to Alaska on a budget, you would think that the flights would be the priciest item on the trip. But good news! It absolutely doesn’t have to be. If your dates are flexible, then your most budget-friendly option would be to visit Alaska in the shoulder seasons, like late spring or early Fall. Also, you can use sites like Google Flights or Kayak to search the most budget-friendly dates. I’ve actually seen round trip tickets to Anchorage for $400-$500 per person, which I feel like is a great deal!

Once you actually arrive in Alaska, opt for a more budget-friendly mode of transportation like the Alaska Marine Highway System or the Alaska Railroad. I took the Alaska Railroad to Denali, and the views from the train are unmatched!

Pro Tip: If you decide to take the train, please book your tickets in advance and choose a less desirable time to stay budget conscious.

Affordable Accommodations

The second biggest expense when it comes to travelling on a budget is hotel costs. During my Alaska trip planning I was able to narrow down several budget-friendly accommodation options that I am hoping you find useful for your planning as well:

Dry Cabin: If you don’t mind roughing it and getting the full Alaska experience, then a dry cabin may be a viable option. Keep in mind, these cabins are rustic, and they do not have any running water.

Hostels/Budget Motels: In the larger cities in Alaska, like Fairbanks and Anchorage, you have more hostel options that offer dorm style accommodations that are incredibly affordable. During my research, I found options as low as $30 per night.

Camping: If you don’t mind roughing it in the outdoors, and Alaska is the perfect place for this, then camping is also a budget-friendly option. There are tons of great campgrounds that are free or relatively inexpensive. This is not only an extremely budget-friendly option, but you also get to enjoy the amazing scenery that we all go to Alaska to see.

Dining in Alaska on a Budget

Eating out in Alaska can be experience, depending on your taste and what you want to eat. However, I did experience some budget-friend dining options that will allow you to eat like a local without breaking the bank:

Catch Your Meal: If you are feeling super outdoorsy and love to fish, then a great budget-friendly option is to go fishing and catch your own dinner! I did not opt to do this, but it is an excellent way to not only enjoy Alaska’s outdoors, but to catch and prepare your dinner fresh from the sea!

Farmers Markets: Depending on your accommodations, and if you have the ability to prepare some meals, shopping at the local farmers markets or local grocery stores is a great way to eat on a budget and support the local community.

Food Trucks: One of my favorite ways to save money on meals is by trying the local food trucks. They food is usually super fresh, made to order, and you are supporting the small business in the community. Some of the larger cities in Alaska all have food trucks that offer great meals at very reasonable prices.

Alaska Budget-Friendly Activities

The beauty of Alaska, besides its great outdoors, is the countless activities that you can do either free or with a nominal fee:

Northern Lights Experience: If you are traveling during the winter months, you have the best opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Now, the best place to see them is outside of the city. So, depending on where you are staying you can see them from there, or if you are in a major city, you’ll need to get transportation out to see them beyond the city lights.

Alaska Hikes: Some of my favorite hiking places in Alaska was Flattop Mountain and the Chena River State Reaction Area near Fairbanks. Both options offer great hikes, stunning views, and you have the opportunity to see wildlife, all without any nominal fees.

See Wildlife: If you are coming to Alaska, then I am sure wildlife viewing is on your list of things to see. You can honestly see wildlife anywhere, even in the middle of Anchorage. I saw a moose on my last trip crossing the road! Some other potential options are the Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary, the Mendenall Glacier Visitor Center, or the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Museums: A number of the museums in Alaska are free or ask for a nominal donation. This is a great way to learn about the history of Alaska and see some amazing exhibits.

Transportation Tips

Depending on what city you are staying in and where you are venturing out to, transportation can be a little tricky. I stayed in Anchorage for a few days and staying in the main city center made it easier as it was very walkable. Some other potential options for transportation are: Uber, public transportation, renting a car, or taking the Alaska Railroad, depending on where you are venturing out to.

Packing Essentials for Budget Travelers

Another way to save some money on your Alaska trip is by packing efficiently. I pride myself on my packing strategy and have lots of tips on packing as well as ways to save money:

Packing: Make sure you pack in just a carry on. This will save you money at the airport and make it much easier to travel if you are traveling light.

Wear Layers: The weather in Alaska can be ever-changing, so make sure you pack in layers. And not just one-time layers, wear the same outer layers more than once. These bulky items take up space in the suitcase, so always wear the bulkiest items on the plane, and don’t be afraid to re-wear something.

Reusable Items: Always bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill anywhere. This will not only ensure you save money from buying countless water bottles but will also ensure that you stay hydrated throughout your Alaskan journey.

Conclusion: Alaska on a Budget

Traveling to Alaska on a budget is not only very possible to do, but it will also allow you to see some amazing sites you may have missed by not traveling on a budget. Embrace the local cultural that Alaska has to offer, support the local community, and be resourceful. Alaska is a beautiful place and has some much to offer, so enjoy it. I hope this guide has provided you with some budget-friendly tips, and that you are able to plan your trip without breaking the bank. Now, pack your carry-on bag, and have the trip of a lifetime!