Destination Alaska

Planning to visit Whittier, Alaska, in 2026? 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 re-opening of the Inn at Whittier and the opening of the new cruise dock last year. 🗞️ 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 @CityofWhittierAK on Instagram Lazy Otter Charters on Facebook @LazyOtterCharters 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 🤑 Save on your Alaska trip by visiting my Community Discounts page 🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration

So you wanna visit Valdez, Alaska, in 2026? 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 video 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 2026. 🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Valdez: Discover Valdez (official website) Discover Valdez on Facebook  @DiscoverValdez 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 on your Alaska trip by visiting my Community Discounts page 🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration

Want to visit Unalaska or Dutch Harbor, in 2026 – or, well, ever?! This one's for you! Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Katherine from the Unalaska Visitors Bureau to discuss everything you need to know to visit, including how to get there, main attractions and experiences, and much, much more! 🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Unalaska:  Unalaska Visitors Bureau (official website) Unalaska Visitors Bureau on Facebook @UnalaskaCVB on Instagram As I have never been to Unalaska 😱 I don't have any resources from my blog... yet!! (Will 2026 be my year?! 🤞)  🤑 Save on your Alaska trip by visiting my Community Discounts page 🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration

Want to visit Talkeetna, Alaska, in 2026? This tiny community has something for everyone – not the least of which are insanely good views of Denali! Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Marne from the Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce to discuss what visitors need to know to plan a visit – and what you need to know specifically about visiting Talkeetna this year. 🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Skagway:  Talkeetna Chamber (official website) Talkeetna Chamber on Facebook 📚 Plus here are some of my own resources to help you visit: Things to do in Talkeetna Where to Eat in Talkeetna Where to Stay in Talkeetna 🤑 Save on your Alaska trip by visiting my Community Discounts page 🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration

Want to visit Skagway, Alaska, in 2026? This Southeast Alaska community has something for everyone, from history and culture to hand-crafted spirits and adventure. Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Wendy from Explore Skagway to discuss what visitors need to know to plan a visit – and what you need to know specifically about visiting Skagway this year. 🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Skagway:  Skagway.com (official website) Skagway Visitor Department on Facebook @ExploreSkagway 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 on your Alaska trip by visiting my Community Discounts page 🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration

So you wanna visit Seward, Alaska, in 2026? Or maybe you're starting or ending an Alaska cruise there? Maybe you're ticking off national parks and it's finally time for Kenai Fjords? Whatever the reason, this video is essential for travel this year. Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Liz from Visit Seward to discuss what visitors need to know and updates for visitors this coming year. 🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Seward: Visit Seward (official website) Visit Seward on Facebook @VisitSeward on Instagram 📚 Also, here are some of my own resources to help you plan your trip: The Best Things to Do in Seward Where to Eat in Seward Where to Stay in Seward Kenai Fjords Cruises, Ranked My Major Marine Tours Review My Kenai Fjords Tours Review Kenai Fjords Tours vs Major Marine Tours Comparison 🤑 Save on your Alaska trip by visiting my Community Discounts page 🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration

Planning to visit Palmer in 2026 as part of an Alaska trip? You're gonna want to listen to this first! Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Dylainie from Visit Palmer to discuss visiting this Alaskan community and what you need to know specifically for visiting this year. 🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to The Mat-Su: Visit Palmer (official website) Palmer Museum of History & Art Visit Palmer on Facebook @VisitPalmerAk on Instagram 📚 Plus, here's my own resource to help you visit: Best Things to Do in Palmer Where to Eat in Palmer 🤑 Save on your Alaska trip by visiting my Community Discounts page 🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration

Want to visit Nome, Alaska, in 2026? Look at you, big explorer!! In this year's video, I provide a short introduction with a few updates about what's new in Nome in 2026, plus my own thoughts and photos after visiting in 2025. Additionally, I'm re-releasing the 2025 video I recorded with Shauntel from the Nome Convention & Visitors Bureau to discuss what visitors need to know to visit and what's new this coming year. (We weren't able to re-record this year due to scheduling and logistics issues.) 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!!). 🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Nome: Visit Nome (official website) Visit Nome on Facebook @VisitNome on Instagram:  📚 Plus, here's my own resource to help you visit: Best Things to Do in Nome Nome Travel Guide (including Where to Eat & Where to Stay 🤑 Save on your Alaska trip by visiting my Community Discounts page 🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration

Planning to visit Palmer, Wasilla, Talkeetna, or somewhere else in the Matanuska-Susitna (aka Mat-Su) Valley in 2026 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 to discuss visiting this region and what you need to know specifically for visiting this year. 🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to The Mat-Su: Visit Mat-Su (official website) Order your (free) Visitor Guide here Visit the Mat-Su on Facebook @thematsu_ak on Instagram:  📚 Plus, here's my own resource to help you visit: Best Things to Do in Palmer Where to Eat in Palmer Best Things to Do in Talkeetna Where to Eat in Talkeetna Where to Stay in Talkeetna 🤑 Save on your Alaska trip by visiting my Community Discounts page 🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration

Curious about Kake, Alaska, and want to visit someday? This Southeast Alaska community is special; it gives you a look at modern Alaska Native culture that honors its heritage and traditions – and welcomes visitors to learn, engage, and enjoy! Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Martha from Kake Tribal Tourism to discuss what visitors need to know to plan a visit to Kake – on your own, or on a cruise. 🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Juneau: Kake Tribal Tourism (official website) Kake Tribal Tourism on Facebook:  📚 Plus, here's my own resource to help you visit: Complete Kake Travel Guide 🤑 Save on your Alaska trip by visiting my Community Discounts page 🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration  

Want to visit Juneau, Alaska, in 2026? This Southeast Alaska community is the capital – and also an epicenter of culture, cuisine, and much more. Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Kristi from Travel Juneau to discuss what visitors need to know to plan a visit – and a bunch of exciting new developments happening in 2026. 🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Juneau: Travel Juneau (official website) Travel Juneau on Facebook @TravelJuneauAK 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 on your Alaska trip by visiting my Community Discounts page 🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration  

Want to visit Haines, Alaska, in 2026? This Southeast Alaska community is off the beaten path – but well worth a visit if it makes sense in your travel plans! Join me 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!) 🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Haines: Visit Haines (official website) Visit Haines on Facebook @haines.alaska 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 on your Alaska trip by visiting my Community Discounts page 🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration

Want to visit Fairbanks, Alaska, in 2026? Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Jerry from Explore Fairbanks to discuss what visitors need to know and what's new in Fairbanks this coming year. Whether you want to visit in the Midnight Sun, Aurora, or Winter seasons, this video will help you get prepared for an unforgettable adventure in the Golden Heart of Alaska! 🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Fairbanks: Explore Fairbanks (official website) Explore Fairbanks on Facebook @ExploreFairbanks on Instagram 📚 Plus, here are some of my own resources to help you plan your trip: Things to do in Fairbanks (Summer) Things to do in Fairbanks (Winter) Top Restaurants in Fairbanks Where to Stay in Fairbanks 🤑 Save on your Alaska trip by visiting my Community Discounts page 🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration

Want to visit Anchorage, Alaska, in 2026? Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Jack from Visit Anchorage to discuss what visitors need to know and what's new in Anchorage this coming year, including new things to do, the increasing rise of cultural experiences, hotel updates, and more. 🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip to Anchorage: Visit Anchorage (official website) Visit Anchorage on Facebook Visit Anchorage on Instagram 📚 Plus, here are some of my own resources to help you visit: Things to do in Anchorage (Summer) Things to do in Anchorage (Winter) Top Restaurants in Anchorage Where to Stay in Anchorage Day Trips from Anchorage Top Hikes near Anchorage 🤑 Save on your Alaska trip by visiting my Community Discounts page 🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration

In this episode, I'll tease some of the exciting new developments in the Alaska Seminar Series for 2026... Give it a quick listen, then go find the destinations you want to visit and listen to those episodes too! If you need help planning your Alaska trip, check out my Alaska trip planning options. Bon voyage!

Planning to visit Alaska in 2026 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! Join me 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. 🗞️ Here are some extra resources to help you plan your trip on the Alaska Railroad: Alaska Railroad (official site) Coastal Classic info Denali Star info Glacier Discovery info Hurricane Turn info Aurora Winter info 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 How to Get Around Alaska: Planes, Trains & Automobiles – Oh, Boats too! 🤑 Save on your Alaska trip by visiting my Community Discounts page 🙌 Be sure to join my Alaska travel tips Facebook group and follow me on Instagram for more Alaska travel inspiration

Want to visit Unalaska or Dutch Harbor, in 2025 – or, well, ever?! This one's for you! Join me as I sit down (virtually) with Katherine & Trevona from the Unalaska Visitors Bureau to discuss everything you need to know to visit, including how to get there, main attractions and experiences, and much, much more! In the Q&A, Katherin & Trevona answer the following questions: What is the optimal number of days to visit? How reliable are flights to Dutch Harbor? Do you need a car to visit? What is there to do as a cruise excursion? Can you go fishing and are there fishing charters? Should you be concerned about motion sickness if visiting by boat? This is the audio-only version of the Unalaska 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 Unalaska: Unalaska Visitors Bureau (official website) Unalaska Visitors Bureau on Facebook Unalaska Visitors Bureau on Instagram As I have never been to Unalaska 😱 I don't have any resources from my blog... yet!! (🤞 for 2026!) 🤑 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!

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!

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!

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!