What is the Cost for an Alaska Northern Lights Trip?

Alaska is a magnificent place to witness the natural wonder of the northern lights, also known as Aurora Borealis. Year after year, thousands of people flock to Alaska to watch the stunning light show of green, pink, blue, and purple lights swirling and dancing above them.

As you plan your excursion to witness this breathtaking scenery, one of your primary concerns might be about how much you will need to spend. The cost of an Alaska Northern Lights trip will vary depending upon various factors. In this post, we will guide you through the different aspects that impact the cost of such trips.

Factors That Impact the Cost of an Alaska Northern Lights Trip

The following are the primary factors that dictate how much an Alaska Northern Lights trip will cost:

The Time of Year

One of the most significant factors affecting the cost of an Alaska Northern Lights trip is the time of year you plan to go. Trips during the high peak season, such as December and January, are expected to be more expensive. Because northern lights are best visible during prolonged hours of darkness, it is best to plan your visit during the fall or winter months.

Duration of the Trip

While the Northern Light Tour packages generally last for 3-4 nights, you can choose to extend your stay should you wish to experience more of Alaska beyond Aurora Borealis. An extended stay will definitely result in additional expenses covering your accommodations, meals, and other activities.

Tour Package and Itinerary

Several companies offer Alaska Northern Lights trip packages that include accommodation, transportation, and guided tours. The type of package you choose will dictate the cost of your trip. Some packages are more extravagant, coupled with high-end experiences to provide their guests with the best experience of Northern Lights. Choosing a cost-friendly package does not always mean compromising on the quality of the trip. You can still opt for a standard package and customize your trip as per your comfort.

Mode of Transportation

The most common mode of transportation to see the Northern Lights involves traveling to remote areas outside of bustling cities. The mode of transportation you choose, such as private cars or minivans, will impact the overall cost of your trip. If the package includes a guided tour, the company will provide the necessary transportation, while an independent traveler can rent a car and travel without a guide.

Estimating the Cost of Your Alaska Northern Lights Trip

Based on the factors mentioned above, you can estimate the cost of your trip. However, the prices of packages and tours change every season. Here is a rough breakdown of expenses to consider for planning your budget:

Flights

Most trips to Alaskan Northern Lights begin with a flight to Anchorage or Fairbanks, depending on your tour operator’s suggested itinerary. The roundtrip flights from several US cities to these cities typically range from $400-$700, depending on your distance and time of year.

Accommodation

Several packages include accommodation along with the tour. The average price of a Northern Lights excursion package is around $1,500-$2,500 per person, depending on the duration and the services included. Accommodation expenses are significantly reduced if you travel with a group of friends or family and split hotel rooms or condos.

Food and Drink

Alaska is known to offer a broad range of cuisines and dining options, and a budget traveler can spend around 60$ per day on food and drink. Several restaurants offer happy hours and lunch deals, which significantly reduce your expenses.

Transportation and Sightseeing

If you are traveling independently and wish to rent a car, costs average approximately $100-$150 per day for standard rental insurance. Alternatively, several companies offer guided tours at an average cost of $200-$500 per person.

Conclusion

Alaska Northern Lights is undoubtedly an experience of a lifetime, and the cost of the trip should not come in the way of your explorations. Careful planning, keeping tabs on packages and travel deals, and researching different options, including guided tours or independent travel, can help manage your costs.

Remember, the most important part of this trip is ensuring you give yourself the opportunity to witness one of the world’s most magical natural phenomena, the Aurora Borealis, no matter how you decide to explore Alaska.

An Insider’s Guide to Anchorage, Alaska: Beyond the Northern Lights

As the largest city in Alaska, Anchorage greets visitors with its breathtaking northern lights and rugged landscapes. While these are certainly enough reasons for a visit, there’s more to Anchorage than meets the eye. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take you off the beaten path and introduce you to some of the hidden gems of Anchorage, Alaska.

Local attractions: Beyond the tourist spots

Anchorage has plenty of tourist spots that are worth exploring, but there are also plenty of hidden gems that locals hold near and dear. Here are a few:

– The Alaska Heritage Museum: This museum is one of the best-kept secrets of Anchorage and showcases the cultural heritage and diversity of the region.

– Kincaid Park: Situated on the rugged coastline of Anchorage, Kincaid Park is home to stunning scenery, with over 1,400 acres of trails, hills, and meadows.

– Anchorage Market and Festival: An open-air market in Anchorage that is both a local favorite and a tourist attraction. You’ll find plenty of local vendors selling food, crafts, and more.

Dining Spots: A taste of Alaska

Alaskan cuisine is unique and delicious! To experience the local flavors, here are some dining spots that you must visit:

– Glacier Brewhouse: This restaurant in downtown Anchorage is known for its delicious seafood dishes and a wide variety of beer brewed in house.

– Moose’s Tooth Pub and Pizzaria: This pizza joint is a local favorite, known for its craft beer and imaginative pizza toppings, like reindeer sausage.

– Snow City Cafe: A cozy spot for breakfast, this diner-style cafe serves up some of the best breakfast foods in Anchorage. Try the eggs benedict or pancake stacks with blueberries.

Cultural experiences: The heart of Anchorage

There’s much more than picturesque landscapes in Anchorage! Anchorage is a hub of cultural activity, with plenty of opportunities to experience the local traditions, festivals, art, music, or customs. Here are some of the best:

– Alaska Native Heritage Center: This cultural center showcases the customs and traditions of the Alaska Native people through various exhibits.

– Fur Rendezvous Festival: A winter festival that celebrates Anchorage’s past and heritage, with activities like snow sculpture contests, sled dog races, and more.

– Anchorage Symphony Orchestra: An exquisite orchestra that performs various pieces from classic to contemporary culture.

Local history: Anchorage’s captivating past

Anchorage has a rich history that offers interesting stories beyond its picturesque landscape. Here are some of the captivating stories from the city’s past:

– The Iditarod: A famous dog sled race that runs from Anchorage to Nome commemorates the heroic efforts of a 1925 dog sled relay that delivered diphtheria antitoxin to Nome from Anchorage.

– The Alaska Railroad: Built in the early 1900s, this iconic railway connected Anchorage and nearby areas, and provided transportation of goods, supplies, and people.

– Captain Cook Landing Site: On the furthest edges of downtown Anchorage, stands a monument to the first non-indigenous explorer of Alaska.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions: Unforgettable experiences

If you’re looking for unforgettable experiences, head off the beaten path in Anchorage. Here are some ideas:

– Hiking Flat Top Mountain: Ambitious hikers can challenge themselves to climb the most visited peak in Alaska, just fifteen miles outside of Anchorage.

– Visit the Alaska Native Medical Center Healing Garden: This is a magical place to relax and learn about the local medicinal plants, and how Alaska Native people have used them for generations.

– Catch some salmon: Fishing is an Alaskan pastime, and there are plenty of places to fish in Anchorage. The result? Fresh fish for dinner.

Anchorage is a city with much to offer, and we hope this insider’s guide has convinced you to step off the beaten path to explore all that Anchorage has to offer.