Five Things to Know About Alaska Before Going There

Alaska is among the most incredible states that make up the United States of America.  Located in the northwest extremity of the North America continent and bordering Canada to the east, it is a place where oil, natural gas, and fishing industries thrive.  Tourists love Alaska and all the beauty it brings.  The economy thrives on visitors like you.

Here are five things to know about Alaska before going there:

1. According to 50States.com, “Alaska is the United States’ largest state and is over twice the size of Texas.” If you were to measure the land from north to south, the state is almost 1,400 miles long.  It measures from east to west 2,700 miles wide.
2. 17 of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are in Alaska. If you like hiking and climbing, you’ll find the state’s landscape challenging and majestic.
3. The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the US. Covering most of Southeast Alaska and surrounding the famous Inside Passage, it provides visitors opportunities to view eagles, bears, spawning salmon, and wild Alaska like it’s never been seen before.
4. Almost a third of Alaska lies within the Arctic Circle. You haven’t experienced cold until you’ve been to the state!
5. Alaska’s name comes from the Eskimo word Alakshak. It means great lands or peninsula.

Some of the places you won’t want to miss in Alaska include Kenai Fjords National Park, Mendenhall Glacier, Aniakchak Crater, Golden North Hotel, and the Fisher Caldera.  Among the more incredible experiences you’ll have in the state, you’ll want to include the following activities to your itinerary:

• A Northern Lights Tour
• A Scenic Day Drive to Mt. McKinley
• Hiking through an Alaskan National or State Park
• Visiting a Historic Gold Rush Site
• Going Sea Kayaking
• Taking a ATV through Alaskan Backcountry

It doesn’t matter if you travel to Alaska for business or pleasure, you’re going to love the time you spent visiting the Last Frontier.  A favorite pastime for adults and children is collecting souvenirs along the way.  Among the most popular trinkets available are Alaskan challenge coin.  Custom made and designed to last, people carry coins in their pockets or put the mementos on display where others can see them.

Challenge coins are easy to pack in an overnight bag or suitcase.  People share coins with family and friends back home.  Coins come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles which fulfill everyone’s preferences.  When it comes to keepsakes, few are as highly regarded as custom challenge coins.  That’s why many Alaskan gift shops carry and sell the unique souvenirs to tourists.