Destination Alaska

Visiting Whittier in 2025

Planning to visit Whittier Alaska in 2025? Prince William Sound is waiting – but you wanna watch this first, I promise!
Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Kelly, president of the Whittier Chamber of Commerce and co-owner of Whittier-based Lazy Otter Charters to discuss what visitors need to know and updates for visitors this coming year.
We also specifically discuss two important developments in Whittier: the ongoing closure of the Inn at Whittier (which Kelly provides an exclusive update about) and the opening of the new cruise dock (which we discuss with regard to Norwegian Cruise Line passengers and cruise changes.
In the Q&A section, Kelly answers the following:
How do the boat tours in Whittier differ from Seward?
Is Whittier a good day trip or would you recommend an overnight??
While my husband is on a five-hour jet ski tour, I'm looking for recommendations on something I can do near Whittier?
Is there anything to do in Whittier without a car?
This is the audio-only version of the Whittier video in my 2025 Alaska Seminar Series. You can watch the video version on YouTube.
🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Whittier:
The Greater Whittier Chamber of Commerce (official website)
The Greater Whittier Chamber of Commerce on Facebook
The City of Whittier on Instagram
Lazy Otter Charters on Facebook
Lazy Otter Charters on Instagram
📚 Plus here are some of my own resources to help you plan your trip:
The Best Things to Do in Whittier
Where to Eat in Whittier
Where to Stay in Whittier
Phillips 26 Glacier Cruise Review
🤑 Save $10 off my Alaska Itinerary Planning Packs with code AKSS2025.
🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration.

Visiting the Mat-Su Valley in 2025

Planning to visit Palmer, Wasilla, Talkeetna, or somewhere else in the Matanuska-Susitna (aka Mat-Su) Valley in 2025 as part of an Alaska trip? You're gonna want to listen to this first!
Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Justin from the Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau to discuss visiting this region and what you need to know specifically for visiting this year.
In the Q&A section, Justin answers the following questions: 
Where to eat??!! (for families/non-foodies and those who are into the gourmet experience)
What farms can you visit without having to sign up for a 3rd party tour?
Where can you find souvenirs - both touristy and locally crafted?
Is Hatcher Pass better from the Palmer or Willow side?
Where can you park with an RV in the various parts of the Mat-Su Valley?
This is the audio-only version of the Mat-Su video in my 2025 Alaska Seminar Series. You can watch the video version on YouTube.
🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to the Mat-Su:
Visit Mat-Su (official website) 
Visit the Mat-Su on Facebook
Mat-Su Valley on Instagram
Y'all if you can believe it I do NOT have any blog resources about the Mat-Su Valley as of releasing this video... 🫣 I do have some articles on my to-write list, so I'll add them here once they're live!
🤑 Save $10 off my Alaska Itinerary Planning Packs with code AKSS2025.
🤑 Save 10% off any guided hiking tour with Revel Treks & Tours; no code necessary, just use my special link!
🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration.
 

Visiting Valdez in 2025

So you wanna visit Valdez, Alaska, in 2025? Looking to escape the crowds – or maybe you're on one of the few, lucky cruise ships that will make port there this year? Whatever the reason, this episode is essential info for traveling to Valdez this year.
Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Faith from Discover Valdez to discuss what visitors need to know and updates for visitors this coming year. In addition to essential travel info (good for any year), you'll learn about some exciting new developments around town in 2025.
In the Q&A section, Faith answers the following questions:
Do you recommend driving or taking the ferry to Whittier, to get to Seward?
What are the options for visiting Valdez with an RV?
Choosing between Valdez and Homer, what makes Valdez unique?
Where can we land fish or who can hire as a guide for salmon river fishing?
This is the audio-only version of the Valdez video in my 2025 Alaska Seminar Series. You can watch the video version on YouTube.
🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Valdez:
Discover Valdez (official website)
Discover Valdez on Facebook
Discover Valdez on Instagram
📚 Also, here are some of my own resources to help you plan your trip:
The Best Things to Do in Valdez
Where to Eat in Valdez
Where to Stay in Valdez
🤑 Save $10 off my Alaska Itinerary Planning Packs with code AKSS2025.
🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration.

Visiting Wrangell-St. Elias in 2025

Planning to visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in 2025 as part of an Alaska trip? Listen to this first!
Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Jamie, public relations officer for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, to discuss what visitors need to know and updates for visitors this coming year.
This is the audio-only version of the Wrangell-St. Elias video in my 2025 Alaska Seminar Series. You can watch the video version on YouTube.
🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Wrangell-St. Elias:
Wrangell-St.Elias National Park & Preserve (official NPS website)
WSENP on Facebook
WSENP on Instagram
Y'all if you can believe it I do NOT have any blog resources about Wrangell-St. Elias as... I haven't been to this park yet. 🫣 Fingers crossed for 2025 though!!
🤑 Save $10 off my Alaska Itinerary Planning Packs with code AKSS2025
🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration.

Riding the Alaska Railroad in 2025

Planning to visit Alaska in 2025 and want to ride the Alaska Railroad? This iconic train is a bucket list experience for railheads – but it's also a lovely way to explore Alaska!
Listen in as I sit down (virtually) with Robin from the Alaska Railroad to discuss what visitors need to know about the different routes and updates for visitors this coming year.
In the Q&A section, Robin answers the following questions:
Do hotels offer shuttle service to the railroad? If you don’t have a rental car are you taxiing to the depot in Anchorage or is there an alternative?
How much luggage will they accommodate?
Can you please share about accessibility on the railroad?
Which route is the best for someone who has COPD and struggles with any elevation change?
Are seats first come first served or assigned by groups?
Are there worthwhile day excursions from Anchorage using the train?
What are some travel locations and tips for the flag-stop train(s)?
What is the most scenic route?
Where do they get their amazing trail mix?
This is the audio-only version of the Alaska Railroad video in my 2025 Alaska Seminar Series. Robin included several videos within her presentation that you can't see or hear in this version. If you'd like to have the full experience, you can watch the video version on YouTube.
🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip on the Alaska Railroad:
Alaska Railroad (official site)
AKRR on Facebook
AKRR on Instagram
📚 I also have some resources on my blog that might help you plan too:
5 Epic Train Rides in Alaska to Take On Your Trip
The Alaska Railroad Aurora Winter Train is Back – And Better than Ever
🤑 Save 10% off any flight from Anchorage – including Anchorage sightseeing, and Katmai and Lake Clark National Parks bear viewing – with Rust's Flying Service with code valandval
🤑 Save $10 off my Alaska Itinerary Planning Packs with code AKSS2025
🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration

Visiting Skagway in 2025

Want to visit Skagway, Alaska, in 2025? This Southeast Alaska community has something for everyone, from history and culture to hand-crafted spirits and adventure.
Listen in as I sit down (virtually) with Jaime from the Skagway Visitor Department to discuss what visitors need to know to plan a visit – and what you need to know specifically about visiting Skagway this year.
In the Q&A section, Jaime answers the following questions:
Would you still recommend the train if we are taking the train to the Princess Denali Lodge?
What is a good way to spend the second half of a port day after riding the White Pass Railway?
What tips do you have for RV travel to Skagway?
Do you have tips for dog-friendly Skagway activities, etc.?
What are the options for getting to Dyea on your own?
This is the audio-only version of the Skagway video in my 2025 Alaska Seminar Series. You can watch the video version on YouTube.
🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Skagway: 
Skagway.com (official website)
Skagway Visitor Department on Facebook
Explore Skagway on Instagram
📚 Plus here are some of my own resources to help you visit:
Things to do in Skagway
Where to Eat in Skagway
Where to Stay in Skagway
How to Spend One Day in Skagway
Best Skagway Shore Excursions
🤑 Save $10 off my Alaska Itinerary Planning Packs with code AKSS2025
🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration.

Visiting Haines in 2025

Want to visit Haines, Alaska, in 2025? This Southeast Alaska community is off the beaten path – but well worth a visit if it makes sense in your travel plans!
Listen in as I sit down (virtually) with Reba from ‪Visit Haines to discuss what visitors need to know to plan a visit – and what makes Haines special. (Spoilers: there's a lot!)
In the Q&A section, Reba answers the following questions:
Is there anything to do in Haines without a car?
If we rented a car here, is there a lot to do and see?
What are the options to travel between Haines and Skagway in the off-season?
How many days would you advise for a detour from the Alcan to Haines?
This is the audio-only version of the Haines video in my 2025 Alaska Seminar Series. You can watch the video version on YouTube.
🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Haines:
Visit Haines (official website)
Visit Haines on Facebook
Visit Haines on Instagram
📚 Plus here are some of my own resources to help you visit:
Things to do in Haines
Where to Eat in Haines
Where to Stay in Haines
How to Choose Between Haines and Skagway
🤑 Save $10 off my Alaska Itinerary Planning Packs with code AKSS2025
🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration!
 

Visiting Juneau in 2025

Want to visit Juneau, Alaska, in 2025? This Southeast Alaska community is the capital – and also an epicenter of culture, cuisine, and much more.
Listen in I sit down (virtually) with Kristi from Travel Juneauto discuss what visitors need to know to plan a visit – and a bunch of exciting new developments happening in 2025.
In the Q&A section, Kristi answers the following questions:
What happened with the flood there? Will it happen more often with climate change?
Recommended restaurants in Juneau & best hiking trails?
Can you explain the differences in dog sledding tours on the glacier vs not?
How can you get from Juneau to Glacier Bay NP? 
This is the audio-only version of the Juneau video in my 2025 Alaska Seminar Series. You can watch the video version on YouTube.
🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Juneau:
Travel Juneau (official website)
Travel Juneau on Facebook
Travel Juneau on Instagram
📚 Plus here are some of my own resources to help you visit:
Things to do in Juneau
Where to Eat in Juneau
Where to Stay in Juneau: 
How to Spend One Day in Juneau
The Best Juneau Shore Excursions
🤑 Save $500 off your Southeast Alaska cruise with Uncruise; just use code VAL500 when booking online or over the phone.
🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration.

Visiting Sitka in 2025

Want to visit Sitka, Alaska, in 2025? Of course you do! It's my favorite city in Alaska; let me show you why...
Listen as I sit down (virtually) with Tonia from Visit Sitka to discuss what visitors need to know and what's new in Sitka this coming year. There are some awesome new tours and experiences in Sitka that you'll want to add to your list – along with the popular things to do that you shouldn't miss, like the Fortress of the Bear, Raptor Center, and Totem Park.
In the Q&A, Tonia answers the following questions:
How do you get to town from port?
What are the best hikes to do in Sitka?
What's the whale watching in Sitka like?
What can you do if you're NOT on an organized cruise excursion in Sitka?
Do you need a car to get around Sitka?
This is the audio-only version of the Sitka video in my 2025 Alaska Seminar Series. You can watch the video version on YouTube.
🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Sitka:
Visit Sitka (official website)
Visit Sitka on Facebook
Visit Sitka on Instagram
📚 Plus here are some of my own resources to help you visit:
Things to do in Sitka
Top Restaurants in Sitka
Where to Stay in Sitka
How to Spend One Day in Sitka (on your own)
Best Sitka Cruise Excursions
🤑 Save $10 off my Alaska Itinerary Planning Packs with code AKSS2025.
🤑 If you're considering an Alaska cruise, use code VAL500 to get $500 off per person on any Uncruise Alaska itinerary.
🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration.

Visiting Nome in 2025

Want to visit Nome, Alaska, in 2025? Look at you, big explorer!!
Listen as I sit down (virtually) with Shauntel from the Nome Convention & Visitors Bureau to discuss what visitors need to know to visit and what's new this coming year. Nome is way off the beaten tourist track even by Alaska standards, and there are some important considerations when planning your trip – and some truly unique things to do in Nome (like seeing the end of the Iditarod, of course!!).
***Apologies for the quality of MY audio track – I'm not sure what happened, but Shauntel sounds great!***
In the Q&A, Shauntel answers the following questions:
What are the main differences between Nome and Kotzebue?
How can I experience gold rush history in Nome?
Are rental cars or public transportation available in Nome? Do I need a car?
What do I need to pack for Nome specifically?
Are there any snow machine tours to get out and explore beyond town?
This is the audio-only version of the Nome video in my 2025 Alaska Seminar Series. You can watch the video version on YouTube.
🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Nome:
Visit Nome (official website)
Visit Nome on Facebook
Visit Nome on Instagram
As I have never been to Nome 😱 I don't have any resources from my blog... yet!! (🤞 for 2025!)
🤑 Save $10 off my Alaska Itinerary Planning Packs with code AKSS2025
(While I don't cover Nome in these packs, you can use it to plan the rest of your Alaska trip!)
🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration!

McKinley or Denali: What to Call Alaska's Great One

On the heels of the news that President Trump has 'renamed' North America's tallest mountain, join me for a short episode exploring the different chapters and names this mountain has had – and what you should actually call it.
Read more in my story: It's Denali.
If you have an Alaska travel question you'd like me to address in a future episode, you can reach me at:
Valerie & Valise (my blog)
Valerie & Valise on Facebook
Alaska Travel Tips Facebook Group
Please leave a rating and review on whatever podcast app you're listening to!

Visiting the Denali Area in 2025

Want to discover Denali, in 2025? This one's for you!
Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Vanessa from Discover Denali to discuss what visitors need to know to visit and what's new this coming year. Discover Denali supports the greater Denali area, including the gateway communities for Denali National Park, and many incredible tour operators that help visitors explore Denali.
In the Q&A, Vanessa answers the following questions:
What are the options for fishing near the national park?
What can you advise to see/do/eat in the Healy area?
What trails would you recommend in or out of the park for great views?
How would you split up three days total in the Denali area?
This is the audio-only version of the Denali video in my 2025 Alaska Seminar Series. You can watch the video version on YouTube.
🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Denali:
Discover Denali (official website)
Discover Denali on Facebook
Discover Denali on Instagram
As I say in the video, Denali is one of my favorite places in Alaska, so I have LOTS of resources to help you visit:
Best things to do
Where to eat
Where to stay
My recommended Denali itinerary
Why Alaska’s Best National Park Has No Hotel
Be sure to check out the Denali section on https://www.valisemag.com/guides/alaska/ for all of them!
🤑 Save $10 off my Alaska Itinerary Planning Packs with code AKSS2025
🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration!