Why Alaska is a must-visit gap year destination

Monday, 24 October 2011 9:41 AM

If you're planning a gap year, you might want to look into Alaska holidays - particularly if you're looking for the ultimate outdoors adventure.

There is so much for you to see and do in this part of the world that chances are you won't want to continue on to your next destination - or even go home ever again!

You could start your adventure travel in Alaska by indulging in some kayaking and rafting. You can take it easy on a relatively gentle trip if you like, but if you're feeling bold, you could make your way down some of the wild waters to be found here.

Some of the best include the Nenana River, Sixmile Creek and the Talkeetna River and, regardless of your ability - or if you're seeking a thrill or just want to see some of the beautiful countryside - you will be sure to find a route that is suited to you.

Booking Denali holidays in the national park here could be a good idea if you're especially keen to try out kayaking and rafting.

The park itself is home to the highest peak in North America, Mt McKinley. This majestic mountain rises from an elevation of just 2,000 feet, so you will be able to see over three miles of rock, glaciers and snow - ideal for a few choice holiday photographs.

You may also wish to seek out some sled dogs while you're in Denali National Park, as it is the only one of its kind in the US that has a working kennel. Alternatively, a scenic bus ride around the park could enable you to see grizzly bears, foxes, caribou and moose.

Elsewhere, you might want to make some time on your trip to visit Kenai Fjords National Park. If you catch a boat from the town of Seward, you will be able to take in many beautiful, awe-inspiring icebergs and glaciers. You should also keep an eye out for whales, which you are very likely to see in this part of Alaska.

Other marine animals can also be spotted here, including a variety of seabirds, seals and porpoises, as well as whales.

There are many other activities for you to get up to in this national park, such as white water rafting, mountain biking and halibut fishing. You can even go on a float plane trip around the fjords, which could be a great way to see the area.

If you're keen to try your hand at halibut fishing, you should head to Homer, a little village with a lot to offer. You don't have to fish if you don't want to, although the area is renowned for it. If you don't harbour a particular desire to catch a few bites, you can always go beachcombing or wander around the quiet streets, meeting a few of the locals along the way.

Another must-do while on holiday in Alaska is a trip to Anchorage. If you want to embark on a sightseeing tour there is plenty to take in, including a museum that tells the tale of 10,000 years of Alaskan history - covering the 1964 earthquake, the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline, European exploration and native lifestyles.

One other museum you might want to check out is the Alaska Trooper Museum, which details the story behind the officers who kept law and order in what has been dubbed the Last Frontier. There is a 1952 Hudson Hornet patrol car on display, which could also be fun to see.

If you head to Fourth Avenue Marketplace, you will be able to do a spot of shopping - ideal if you want to pick up a few souvenirs - as well as rent a bike to explore the area more fully or learn more about the earthquake of 1964.

Other must-dos while in Anchorage during the winter include snowboarding, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, ice skating and seeing the Northern Lights. You might also like skijoring, which is a winter sport that will see you going on a cross-country skiing trip while being towed along by a dog.

Those travelling in the summer can try their hand at gold panning, mushroom picking or playing golf under the midnight sun.