For Your Information
The information in the Vacation Planner will help you plan your trip to Alaska, but should not be considered complete. Prices and schedules are for 1999, but are subject to change.

Please consult official airline and ferry schedules, highway maps, and guidebooks for current information. See the Where to Ask: Guidebooks, Maps, Videos sections of the Official State Guide and Vacation Planner for a list of travel-planning materials. Your travel agent can also provide assistance, as well as businesses listed in the Where to Ask: Travel Agents/Trip Planners sections of the guide.

For calendar of events, state or campground maps, contact the Division of Tourism, Dept. AP, P. O. Box 110801, Juneau, AK 99811-0801; (907) 465-2010; FAX (907) 465-2287.

Once you've arrived in Alaska, stop at the visitor information centers, located in Alaska's larger airports and most City Centers. Visitor centers are listed in the regional Where to Ask sections, and in the Where to Find More Information pages of the guide. Most of the centers are staffed by volunteers, who can offer travel advice that will make your trip memorable.

A word from the experts: plan ahead and make your reservations early!

Things To Remember
General Information: Alaska's larger towns and cities have major medical facilities, full banking, and other travel services. The electric current is standard U.S. 110-115V, 60AC. Alaska observes all major U.S. holidays, as well as Seward's Day on the last Monday in March, and Alaska Day on October 18. Drinking age is 21, although Alaska has several "dry" villages where any possession of alcohol is illegal.

Crossing the Border: U.S. and Canadian residents do not need passports or visas to travel through Canada and Alaska, but should carry a driver's license or voter's registration. Identification is also required for all minors traveling in your party. Persons under 18 years of age not accompanied by their parents should carry a letter from their parents granting permission to travel to Canada.

If you are driving through Canada, be prepared to show proof of liability insurance and your vehicle's registration or rental papers.

You can take your dog or cat through Canada, with proof of a current rabies vaccination. Inquire ahead regarding permits for other animals or birds.

Disabled Visit Services: Alaska offers a broad range of year-round vacation experiences for persons with disabilities. For resources and referrals, call the State of Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development at (800) 770-4833, Access Alaska at (907) 248-4777, or Challenge Alaska at (907) 344-7399.

Driving Regulations: Alaska and Canada will honor a valid driver's license, from any state or country, for 90 days after entry. Seat belts must be worn by all drivers and passengers in all areas of Alaska. All children under age four, regardless of weight, must ride in a federally approved child safety seat.

Firearms: You may carry firearms for protection or hunting in Alaska. Airline passengers must declare their firearms and check them as baggage. Hunting rifles may be taken into Canada; Canadian law prohibits transporting handguns or automatic weapons. Unloaded rifles may be mailed to Alaska (check with the U.S. Postal Service for shipping requirements). Mailing handguns or ammunition is prohibited. For further information contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (907) 271-5701.

Public Transportation: Anchorage, Fairbanks, Ketchikan, and Juneau operate public transportation systems.

Time Zones: Almost all of Alaska is in the Alaska Time Zone, which is one hour earlier than Pacific Time. The westernmost Aleutian Islands and St. Lawrence Island are on Hawaiian-Aleutian Time.


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Source: State of Alaska