A Solo Traveler's Guide to Anchorage, Alaska
Traveling alone can be daunting. It forces you to be resilient, to find joy in time spent alone, and to explore possibilities outside your comfort zone. Those three characteristics, however, are practically the tenets of being an Alaskan, so you’d be hard pressed to find a community of people who are more welcoming to lone travelers than them. Here are a few advantages of solo travel in Anchorage, Alaska.
English-speaking state
While the Anchorage School District is noted for having nearly 100 different languages spoken in the homes of its students (making it one of the most diverse districts in the United States), English is king among residents. But the benefit of having such a multicultural population means Alaska is incredibly inclusive, a true melting pot, and there’s a good chance you’ll run into someone who speaks your language.
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1. Ecuador
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2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
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2. Scotland
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3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
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2. Thailand
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Established tourism industry
A big portion of Alaska’s revenue comes from tourism, so there’s a well-established industry for all types of travelers. Consider joining a tour – it’ll make it easier to meet people. There are various tourism operations that offer day-trips around Anchorage, to nearby communities, and to partake in outdoor adventures ranging from walking on glaciers and summiting mountains to fishing charters and flightseeing. As you wrap up for the day, see if any of your tour compatriots want to grab a pint at any of Anchorage’s numerous craft breweries.
Accommodations aplenty
To match the booming tourism industry, Alaska is full of places to stay on any type of budget. Those who are trying to see the state on the cheap have the option of numerous hostels and camping sites, whereas those looking for their own space can find solid options for hotels, cabins, and Airbnbs.
Alone time
Anchorage may be the biggest city in the state, but it rarely feels crowded. Even within the city limits there are oodles of places to spend time with Alaska’s famously beautiful nature, including Kincaid Park and the Chugach State Park (1,517 and 495,204 acres of pure Alaskan playground, respectively). Be sure to bring maps if you plan to go off-trail – there are great swathes of Alaska that aren’t reachable by your cell phone coverage – and always be alert for moose and bears.
Tick off bucket list items
One of the great joys of traveling alone is that you’re afforded the ability to do whatever it is you want to do, without compromise. Alaska is rife with opportunities you won’t find in many other places. Want to go dog sledding? Mushers offer kennel visits and rides year-round. Want to see the Aurora Borealis? Head up to Flat Top Mountain on nights the lights are active. Want to do epic hikes? There are options for every skill level in Chugach State Park. Whatever kind of adventure you’re after, you’ll find it here.
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meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
