Destination Alaska
Destination Alaska is the audio-only version of a series of videos that you can also find on my Valerie & Valise YouTube channel. Also called the ”Alaska Summer Travel Summit” (2021) or ”Alaska Seminar Series” (2023 & 2025), these episodes will help you learn about visiting Alaska – and any specific information you need to visit in the coming year. Featured destinations include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Denali National Park, Seward, Homer, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, and many more!
Episodes

Monday Dec 09, 2024
Visiting Anchorage in 2021
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Kathy from Visit Anchorage to discuss how to visit in 2021, and all the info you need to know!
This episode was originally released as part of my 2021 Alaska Summer Travel Series; it's been edited to remove some content and clarify the episode, but I apologize for any weird cuts or irrelevant info from the original version.

Monday Dec 09, 2024
Visiting Fairbanks in 2021
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Amy from Explore Fairbanks to discuss how to visit in 2021, and all the info you need to know!
This episode was originally released as part of my 2021 Alaska Summer Travel Series; it's been edited to remove some content and clarify the episode, but I apologize for any weird cuts or irrelevant info from the original version.

Monday Dec 09, 2024
Visiting the Kenai Peninsula in 2021
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Bob from Visit Homer, Debbie from the Kenai Peninsula, Kat from Visit Seward, and Lisa from the Whittier Chamber of Commerce to discuss how to visit each of these communities and areas in 2021, and all the info you need to know!
This episode was originally released as part of my 2021 Alaska Summer Travel Series; it's been edited to remove some content and clarify the episode, but I apologize for any weird cuts or irrelevant info from the original version.

Monday Dec 09, 2024
Alaska Tours & Experiences in 2021
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Join me as I for a panel update from several tours & operators in Alaska to hear how they are adjusting for 2021, and all the info you need to know.
The panel includes:
Meghan from the Alaska Railroad
Chris from Alyeska Resort
Javier from Chena Hot Springs
Cole from Rust's Flying Service/K2 Aviation
Kirsten from Major Marine Tours
This episode was originally released as part of my 2021 Alaska Summer Travel Series; it's been edited to remove some content and clarify the episode, but I apologize for any weird cuts or irrelevant info from the original version.

Monday Dec 09, 2024
Visiting Denali in 2021
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Paul from Denali National Park & Preserve to discuss how to visit in 2021, and all the info you need to know!
This episode was originally released as part of my 2021 Alaska Summer Travel Series; it's been edited to remove some content and clarify the episode, but I apologize for any weird cuts or irrelevant info from the original version.

Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Cruising Alaska in 2021
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Zak from Alaskan Dream Cruises and Captain Dan from Uncruise to discuss how to cruise in Alaska in 2021, and all the info you need to know!
This episode was originally released as part of my 2021 Alaska Summer Travel Series; it's been edited to remove some content and clarify the episode, but I apologize for any weird cuts or irrelevant info from the original version.

Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Visiting Southeast Alaska in 2021
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Join me as I sit down (virtually) with a number of destinations in Southeast Alaska to discuss how to visit in 2021, and all the info you need to know!
The panel features:
Kara from Travel Juneau
Patti from Ketchikan
Liz from Alaska's Rainforest Islands
Laurie from Visit Sitka
Wendy from Skagway
This episode was originally released as part of my 2021 Alaska Summer Travel Series; it's been edited to remove some content and clarify the episode, but I apologize for any weird cuts or irrelevant info from the original version.

Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Visiting Anchorage in 2023
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Kathy Dunn from Visit Anchorage is back! Listen as I sit down (virtually) with Kathy to discuss how to visit in 2023, and all the info you need to know!
In this video, we cover: ★ Basic info about visiting Anchorage, including weather, daylight hours, and temperatures★ Alaska Native cultural experiences you can have★ Anchorage area food and drink – and what you *must* try
As well as new experiences to have in Anchorage in 2023, including:★ Alyeska Nordic Spa (video review coming soon!)★ Broadway coming to Anchorage – for the first time at this level, #Hamilton ★ New tours, apps, and hotel openings in 2023★ The Alaska Railroad Centennial celebration (more on that in our AKRR video too!)
And the MOST EPIC cruise itinerary that's launching in 2024!
Have other questions about visiting Anchorage? Here's what to do:1. Head on over to my Alaska Travel Guide – I've got TONS of Anchorage articles to help you plan2. Visit the Visit Anchorage website for official travel resources:
This episode was originally released as part of my 2023 Alaska Seminar Series; it's been edited to remove some content and clarify the episode, but I apologize for any weird cuts or irrelevant info from the original version.

Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Visiting Denali in 2023
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
So you want to visit Denali National Park & Preserve in 2023? You've come to the right place!
I sat down with Sharon Stiteler, Public Information Officer for the National Park Service at Denali National Park & Preserve, to discuss visiting this summer.
You'll learn things like: ★ The basics of visiting Denali National Park ★ Suggested itineraries for a half-day, one night, two nights, and 3+ nights in the Denali area ★ Tips on safely visiting, hiking, and wildlife encounters
Plus special information for 2023, including:★ An update on the Pretty Rocks Landslide and the Denali Park Road closure ★ Suggestions on Denali hiking trails and some updates related to them ★ Campgrounds open this year, and the sled dog demonstrations schedule
Q&A begins at the 36:20 mark, and includes the following questions:
If you already have camp reservations for Denali, does that include the Park Pass?
How do you make reservations to see a sled dog demonstration?
Any recommendations for a zoom lens for the best wildlife photos?
Do you have to re-pay admission each time you leave and enter the park?
Since the East Fork Transit is a hop-on/hop-off bus, are there any recommendations for places to hop-off? Are there hikes at the turnaround area?
What's the difference between Denali flightseeing from Talkeetna or from Healy?
What experience do I (Valerie) have with the frontcountry trail hikes and backcountry hiking?
Have other questions about visiting Denali? Here's what to do:
Head on over to my Alaska Travel Guide – I've got TONS of Denali articles to help you plan:
Visit the official website for Denali National Park & Preserve:
Email the team in Denali directly: DENA_info@info.nps.gov
This episode was originally released as part of my 2023 Alaska Seminar Series; it's been edited to remove some content and clarify the episode, but I apologize for any weird cuts or irrelevant info from the original version.

Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Visiting Fairbanks in 2023
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Want to visit Fairbanks in 2023? Of course you do! Watch this live seminar and Q&A with Kasey from Explore Fairbanks for accurate and up-to-date information about what's going on in Fairbanks and the surrounding region this year.
In this video, we cover:★ Basic info about visiting Fairbanks, including weather, seasons, and daylight hours★ Incredible things to do in Fairbanks, and nearby, like Chena Hot Springs, North Pole, and Denali National Park★ Fairbanks area food and drink, as well as incredible museums
As well as new experiences to have in Fairbanks in 2023, including:★ New reindeer encounters for the coming year★ Ice skating under the aurora borealis with dog sledding – a winter grand slam!★ New tours, apps, and hotel openings in 2023
In the Q&A, we cover the following topics:
What are the good stores with unique souvenirs in Fairbanks?
Where are the best places to eat around Fairbanks?
Do you need a rental car to visit Fairbanks? What about in winter?
Where can you do snow tubing in Fairbanks?
What are the top things to do in April as the seasons change?
Have other questions about visiting Fairbanks? Here's what to do:
Head on over to my Alaska Travel Guide – I've got TONS of Fairbanks articles to help you plan.
Visit the Explore Fairbanks website for official travel resources
This episode was originally released as part of my 2023 Alaska Seminar Series; it's been edited to remove some content and clarify the episode, but I apologize for any weird cuts or irrelevant info from the original version.

Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Visiting Homer in 2023
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Planning to visit Homer, Alaska in 2023? This episode is for you!
Listen to this audio-only version of a webinar I recorded with Brad & Julianne from Visit Homer, Alaska for accurate and up-to-date information about what's going on in Homer and the surrounding region this year.
In this video, we cover: ★ Basic info about visiting Homer, including different seasons and what to do in each one ★ How to get to Homer and the driving distances ★ The ultimate Homer bucket list of things to do
As well as new experiences to have in Homer in 2023, including: ★ Exciting new events and celebrations happening this year ★ The 2023 Events calendar for Homer to help you plan for special events
In the Q&A section, we cover:
Is it feasible to make a day trip from Cooper Landing?
What are the options for camping in Homer?
Do you need to book water taxis in advance and make reservations?
What is there to do in Homer during the autumn, winter, and spring?
If you could eat at one restaurant in Homer, what would it be?
Have other questions about visiting Homer? Here's what to do:
Head on over to my Alaska Travel Guide – I've got Homer articles to help you plan
Visit the Homer, Alaska website for official travel resources: (You can find their social media accounts there too!)
This episode was originally released as part of my 2023 Alaska Seminar Series; it's been edited to remove some content and clarify the episode, but I apologize for any weird cuts or irrelevant info from the original version.

Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Visiting Juneau in 2023
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Planning to visit Juneau in 2023? Whether you're taking a cruise or traveling there on your own by ferry, plane, or cruise ship, this one's for you.
Listen to this audio-only seminar and Q&A with Ben from Travel Juneau for accurate and up-to-date information about what's going on in Juneau and the surrounding region this year.
In this episode, we cover:★ Basic info about visiting Juneau, including different seasons and what to do in each one ★ How to get to Juneau – you've got choices! ★ Wildlife encounters you can have in the Juneau area (and what you won't see in this part of the state)
As well as new experiences to have in Juneau in 2023, including: ★ Exciting developments in Alaska Native cultural tourism in Juneau ★ Milestone celebrations for some operators (Taku Lodge is 100!) and new tours for others ★ Tips on visiting in the shoulder season (especially as more Alaska cruises are happening in April and September/October!)
In the Q&A section, we answer the following:
What are some of the top Alaska Native cultural experiences in Juneau? Or state/capitol history?
What is there to see or do at the top of the tram in Juneau?
How easy is it to take the shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier?
Are there any fireworks in Juneau for the 4th of July?
What is there to do before/after the cruise season ends or in the winter?
What is there to Juneau if you're NOT on a planned cruise excursion?
Have other questions about visiting Juneau? Here's what to do:
Head on over to my Alaska Travel Guide – I've got Juneau articles to help you plan!
Visit the Travel Juneau website for official travel resources
This episode was originally released as part of my 2023 Alaska Seminar Series; it's been edited to remove some content and clarify the episode, but I apologize for any weird cuts or irrelevant info from the original version.