Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with alaska

Best Way to Sell Household Goods?

Anonymous — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:26:11 -0800

In six months, I am moving to Alaska. What is the best way to sell my household goods? I won't need furniture, kitchen supplies, etc. up there. I currently have the standard accoutrements of a post-college, big-city young professional; most of my furniture is nice but of the Ikea variety, my dishware and appliances range from meh to nice, and I have tons of books. I'm going to be flying up, so I need to fit everything I take into three suitcases and a carry-on. My parents can take custody of some stuff (probably mostly books) but not furniture. I don't want to put anything into storage.

Of course I've thought of Craigslist, but is there a better way? I'd like to maximize the cash I can put away from selling my things. I'm also interested to know what the proper timeline is. Can I expect to get rid of a one-bedroom apartment's worth of stuff in a month? Two months? Two weeks? I live in a large East Coast city with a reputation for transiency. Any bonus moving to Alaska (Anchorage) tips also appreciated!

Anonymous because I haven't given notice at work, and won't for a while. Throwaway email: movingtoalaska10@gmail.com

What else is there to do in Alaska beside running for governor?

halogen — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:31:37 -0800

Boyfriend and I decided to go to Alaska in August. We'd like to hike or backpack: where should we go? We'll be flying in from Seattle, a hub of Alaska Airlines, so it'd be easy to go pretty much anywhere they fly in Alaska. We're not terribly experienced hikers, but we've invested in quite decent backpacking equipment (assuming three-season tents and sleeping bags will do in August in Alaska) and want to see as much glorious scenery as possible. Guided treks seem unnecessarily expensive at $300-$400/person/day, and three days is about as long as I'm willing to go without a shower anyway.

Considering that there's just two of us, would it be a better idea to stay in a hotel/lodge/cabin and go on day hikes rather than risk multi-day treks in unknown territory? What would be a good place to pick as a base in that case (as in, most spectacular trails accessible)?

What else should we do while in Alaska? City sightseeing is also cool, but I don't know anything about the state.

Cruising solo to Alaska?

bookmammal — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:08:15 -0800

I'm considering splurging and taking an Alaskan cruise next year. I'm a single female in my 40's and will be traveling alone. Please give me some feedback so I can decide if this is the right trip for me! My main goals for this trip are to RELAX and see wonderful sights--I'm definitely not looking for a party-party-party atmosphere. I've never taken a cruise before--either alone or with others. Has anyone out there gone on a trip like this on their own? Any personal recommendations for a particular cruise line that will have activities available, but one where I won't feel "pushed" to engage with others at all times? (yes, I will be contacting travel agents for recommendations too). Please understand--I'm not anti-social, but I'm looking for some "me-time" and at the same time want to travel to a place I've never been, have always wanted to see, and probably will never experience again. Any thoughts on whether taking a cruise is the right choice for a solo traveller like me?

How to move to Fairbanks?

leahwrenn — Wed, 06 May 2009 15:04:20 -0800

Looking for advice/suggestions for moving a household from outside Philadelphia to Fairbanks. We've got 2 little kids (4 and 1), 2 cars, and a household of stuff. We've got $14,000 to help with the move---but ideally that would get us and all our stuff there.

Drive from here to there? moving company (which will likely take a month) for the cars and all the stuff, and we fly? One of those U-Pack-it pod shippers? Drive to Seattle and take the ferry (fun, but expensive)?

Good moving companies?

We're shooting to make it to Fairbanks around Aug. 12, and we can leave anytime after July 25.

Alaskan Cruise Travel Tips?

cyniczny — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:50:39 -0800

Heading on an Alaskan cruise with my 2-year old son, my husband and my 64-year old mother who just finished chemo/radiation for lung cancer. Suggestions, tips, thoughts on making sure everyone enjoys the time? The back story: planned this trip last year for this May, prior to the cancer diagnosis. Mom was diagnosed at Christmas and has been getting chemo/radiation treatment since January. She just finished a little over a week ago and is pretty weak. No hair loss (longer term, lower dose treatments ordered), but she has a hard time with her stamina and eating (radiation hit the esophagus). This Alaskan cruise is her life-long dream and with the diagnoses, she considers this part of her "bucket list". However, the cruise wasn't originally intended to be this, so while I want to ensure she is happy and has a great time, I also want to ensure that everyone has their needs taken care of.

So, the actual question is related more to gathering suggestions from folks on how I can best make this a great time, not tire my mom out too much and survive traveling with my toddler. He's never been on a plane and we'll be taking a 3-hour plane ride, meeting my mom and staying over night. Next day, we have a 3-hour car drive to the port. Tips, tricks, suggestions for keeping the toddler happy?

And finally, my husband is a huge photography buff and is very excited about going to Alaska. We don't want to pre-book excursions in case something occurs with my mom or toddler, so suggestions around day trips we could take that would be "mild" or something that he can do by himself as part of a larger, more adventurous group? We're taking a round-trip from Vancouver, BC up through Glacier Bay. Ports include Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan.

Other info is that we're cruising for a week which coincides with my husband's birthday, mother's day, and my birthday!

Sorry this is so long and rambling - we're leaving next Tuesday and all of the sudden, the reality has hit me smack in the face! Thanks in advance for the guidance.

One way rental in Northwestern Canada

hylaride — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:34:50 -0800

I would like to do a one way car rental from either Edmonton or Prince George to Anchorage, Alaska (but would settle for Whitehorse, Yukon). I'd like to take a long drive up through the Yukon and through Alaska. Ideally, I'd like to drive straight from Edmonton to Anchorage over a two week period. I'm having trouble finding a car rental company that can accommodate me.

I'm also willing to settle for starting in prince george, or going the other way and starting in alaska. I'd even be willing to drive back from anchorage to yellowknife if it's easier to keep the car in the country. Can anybody help?

Are there old Russian samovars buried in Alaska?

IndigoJones — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:01:59 -0800

Heard a story years and years ago that after the US bought Alaska, local Russians could not carry all their worldly goods back west. In a dog-in-the-manger move, they buried their samovars and then left. (Potential treasure if you're into samovars.) Sounds like myth or legend, esp. given the small numbers of Russians left by 1860, but I've not been able to find any reference or story like that. This sound familiar to anyone? Parallel examples or greater or lesser weirdness welcome for no particular reason.

Will I see the Northern Lights in Alaska without a New Moon?

tomorama — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:34:34 -0800

Am I likely to see the North Lights during a trip to Alaska in late January or early February if I am not there during a new moon? I was planning a trip to Alaska during the new moon at the end of January to see the Northern Lights. I may have a scheduling conflict that prevents this. If I make the trip to Fairbanks, AK in mid/late-January or very early February but am not present during a new moon, am I likely to still be able to see the display? The length of the trip would probably be about a week.

Ted Stevens International Airport?

matteo — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 07:44:04 -0800

"Ted Stevens International Airport". What happens now? How does the law work? Can they still keep the name?

How do I transport an animal out of BC and into AK?

Foam Pants — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:20:02 -0800

I want to get a dog from Topley, BC to Juneau, AK. The papers are all taken care of but transportation is a big problem. Is there any way to fly a dog out of small town BC? Right now, my options all involve me going to Prince Rupert and picking the dog up. Any combination of Alaska Airlines and/or Alaska Marine Highway is going to cost at least $480. I sure would like to spend less money than this. I have never shipped an animal and I have no idea about getting around in Canada. I know it is a long shot that anybody is going to have a solution for me but I am at a total loss.

Have car, will travel one-way

blindcarboncopy — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 23:31:12 -0800

Can I sell my (out-of-state) car in Fairbanks, AK at a day's notice? Hi all,

This summer, I am planning a long (4-8 weeks) trip to Alaska, its primary purpose being hiking, kayaking, photography, etc. I want to see several distinct parts of the state, but basically start off with sights in Kenai Peninsula and finish with a long spell in the Brooks Range up in the interior. This will be my first time to Alaska, and I am very much looking forward to the experience.

I am now trying to figure out the logistics of seeing all these different parts of a very large state. It seems that driving within AK is basically a must. I have two choices in the matter: fly into AK and rent a car, or bring my own. It would actually be fairly simple for me to bring my own, as I live in Seattle, and there is car ferry to Alaska I can take from Bellingham, WA. It would take a while, but I think it'd be a great experience going up the inside passage, taking photos, meeting people, etc. The only trouble is, my time is limited and I don't want to do this again on the way back. Nor am I especially enamoured with driving the car back down to Seattle - it's a long way, and I am sure I will already be quite sick of being in the car by that point.

This got me thinking: I have been meaning to buy a new (to me) car for a while now. The following thought has occurred to me: what if I took my own car up to AK, drove it around for the length of the trip, and then sold it before flying back home? I would not expect to get the top price for it, but I think it may still work out financially because: (a) I already set my mind on upgrading the car, (b) I would save at the very least $1000-1500 in car rental charges, and (c) I have enough Northwest/Alaska miles for a free plane ticket home. The only question is whether I'd realistically be able to find a place to sell my car to at a day or two's notice.

I am assuming that given the timeline, selling to a private party is out. I've never sold a car to a used dealership before. I don't even know whether they buy from consumers. Any advice or experience? FWIW, the car is a 95 subaru impreza, in less-than-ideal cosmetic condition, but running well. Would be realistic for me to sell it to a dealership for (say) Edmunds/KBB price minus $1000, with minimum haggling? Or not at all tenable? All thoughts are welcome - thanks!

P.S. The sale would have to happen in Fairbanks, as I will be staying there for the last couple of days of the trip with my girlfriend's family before flying out.

Groundfish Observation in Alaska

iamck — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:44:52 -0800

Has anyone worked as a Groundfish (or otherwise) fishing observer in Alaska? I'm looking into a company which requires an initial reimbursable (suspicious?) fee. Although nothing comes for free, it seems like a good way to make suffering turn into money. Any first hand stories here? Is this reputable?

should i go on a cruise to Alaska on my honeymoon

CrazyLemonade — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 23:02:42 -0800

Should I go on a cruise to Alaska on my honeymoon? I just got engaged this past saturday. (yay!) And the wedding will probably at the end of May, so I have to start planning the honeymoon if I want to find some good deals.

I've always wanted to take a cruise to Alaska, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not. My boyfriend and I had previously though about going on a Hawaiian cruise, but since I've already been on one, I thought maybe we'd like to take the Alaska cruise, then a whole week at some beautiful hotel in one of the Hawaiian islands.

I'm thinking about one of these Princess Cruises. (but could consider another line if the dates match)

I don't really know what I'm asking, but since I've read some of the reviews on tripadvisor.com and cruises.com, mostly I want some Mefi to tell me their own experience and see if they recommend it or not. For the record, both my boyfriend and I love to look at nature and we would certainly appreciate the glaciers and sea and stuff, although we're not the adventurous/sporty type.

Desperate Packing Filter: A Month in Alaska!!?

keribear — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 20:37:30 -0800

Starting next week, I'm going to be spending four lovely weeks in Anchorage, Alaska and the surrounding area. All I get to bring with me is what I can lug on the plane of course... and I don't want to be 4000 miles from home without the essentials! What should I bring to be appropriately dressed for the weather? Planning for the weather and for my shoes is my biggest problem. I'll be in Anchorage from September 15 until October 18. I've been trying to read up on the weather but it seems like things vary so much, I've just gotten myself more confused.

How cold and wet will it actually be? If I plan on doing some day-hiking, should I bring my waterproof boots or will sneakers suffice? Do I need a ski coat? Or will an anorak for casual days and a trench for dressy/work do the trick? Are there any items I would need for this time of year in Alaska that I haven't thought about? This might seem like a silly question, but such items are bulky and I have to bring enough clothes for work, play, and semi-formal occasions to last me the entire month (not to mention reference books and my laptop). So on that note, any tips for packing bulky things like shoes and winter gear? (I was planning on maybe wearing my coat, and boy will I look silly boarding a plane in Pittsburgh in 80 degree weather wearing a ski coat!)

I only get 2 suitcases and a carry-on, guys. You were great last time, helping me find a place to stay in DC while I'm on these crazy rotations... hopefully some Mefites who are familiar with Alaska can give me some good advice! :)

Eagle, Alaska ????

haikuku — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:09:22 -0800

I am rereading John McFees "Coming Into The Country" and I find myself wondering the same thing that I did the last time I read it. That is, "What are all those people in Eagle, Alaska doing now?" I found a nice aerial view on Google maps, and a site for their historical museum, however, what I would like to find is another book. Any suggestions?

Tips on exploring Unalaska on my own

TochterAusElysium — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 09:39:42 -0800

My husband is traveling to Dutch Harbor (Unalaska), Alaska for business, in November, and I'll be going along. What should I look for, explore, do...? I'll have plenty of time to myself for a few days, and I'm fascinated with the isolation of that area, and the eagles, and the short days. What other things of interest might I see there?

This is Deadliest Catch territory, so I'll be seeing a lot of fishing and crabbing boats, I know. But I'm wondering if any MeFites have been there, and what you liked or disliked. I probably won't have a vehicle to use, so whatever is within walking distance of the Grand Aleutian is of greatest interest. I do plan to see the Russian Orthodox church.

Where should I go on a three-day trip, leaving from Seattle?

The corpse in the library — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 19:23:39 -0800

Where should I go on a three-day trip, leaving from Seattle? I can go on a two-to-four day trip this August, traveling by myself. I'm leaving from Seattle. I want to: walk a lot, see interesting things, eat good food, sleep in a clean and pleasant hotel (not a B&B), walk more, and generally enjoy a break from my lovely-but-exhausting small children.

I have a passport, but don't want to spend a lot of time in the airport for such a short vacation. I don't want to go to Portland or San Francisco, as much as I like them both, because I've been there so often. I want to feel like I've been somewhere new and seen new things.

Don't worry too much about budgets -- help me brainstorm, and I'll figure out what's realistic. (Private jets are not possible. Plane or ferry tickets are.) Alaska? Victoria? Where?

Need tips for Alaska trip

beagle — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 09:27:11 -0800

My wife and daughter are planning a summer 2008 mother-daughter trip to Alaska. No camping, no major hiking. They would like to experience the full range of Alaska's wonders, but want to avoid the canned cruise line excursions. The thought is to fly to Fairbanks and work their way south by train and/or rented car, and fly home from some point farther south. A stop in Denali is a given, and they'd like to do a whale-watch/glacier cruise somewhere. For the rest, they'd love suggestions on where to go, what not to miss, especially places a bit off the beaten track, but reasonably easy to get to. Tips on eateries, places to stay, general itinerary, information sources, etc., would also be great.

Where to get help identifying this book.

Jackson — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 17:20:48 -0800

Now what? I tried asking MetaFilter without success, so how about suggestions on outdoor / adventure / natural history / other sites where I can ask this question: What book contains this description (and where in the book if possible)? Alaskan / Yukon rivers that freeze on the surface in the winter, then run dry beneath the ice, leaving river tunnels which bears and other animals then inhabit.

Can you help me pick out vegetarian boots and food for my trip to Alaska this May?

boygirlparty — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 12:07:10 -0800

I'm visiting South-East Alaska in mid-May and am in need of vegetarian recommendations for the best non-leather shoes to buy/bring for the conditions, and best veg restaurants to eat at, too! Recommendations for either, please. We're visiting Alaska in mid-May and plan to do lots of walking, hiking, driving, and all-around out-and-abouting. Reading in the almanac, the Anchorage area seems to be in the 40s-50s with mostly cloudy days. We'll be visiting the glaciers, fjords and mountains, so I think I need rugged, waterproof shoes, so am looking for non-leather, non-suede, vegetarian options for longterm comfortable wear in all these conditions.

I've searched Zappos but it's hard to look for shoes that are both Vegetarian as well as athletic and waterproof, so if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know!

Or, if Alaska is going to be pretty easy weather-wise at that point and I'm just over-preparing, let me know and I'll just pack my Onitsuka tiger running shoes.

Additionally, we'll be in Homer, Seward, Anchorage and Talkeetna if anyone can recommend a great vegetarian restaurant we shouldn't miss, too.

When it's Springtime in Alaska...

MsMolly — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 11:20:14 -0800

What's it like to live in Fairbanks, Alaska? Ok, so I've got a job interview for a position at the University in Fairbanks, and I'm only going to be up there for two days during the interview. Have you ever lived in Fairbanks? Will I be able to survive the winters? I was actually born in Fairbanks, weirdly enough, back when the pipeline was being built, but my family left for Saudi Arabia and a long string of other locales when I was only two weeks old. I grew up in Texas for the largest part of my childhood, but since then I've lived in New York and Illinois for about 10 years, so I consider myself fairly acclimated to your average winter weather. But I know I've never been around winter weather like Fairbanks gets before!

I'm also worried about the isolation. I live in a smallish (~100,000 people) college town right now, and find it just about right. But Fairbanks is much smaller (~30,000, I think) and certainly not a two hour drive from a big city like I am here. Will it drive me crazy? What is there to do up there?

A couple of years ago my Mom and I went to Fairbanks for a few days in September, and it seemed nice, but it didn't really give me any idea of what it would be like to live there permanently. Also, if I moved there I'd be single again. What's the dating scene like? I'm not especially outdoorsy, but would enjoy the chance to learn to ski and things like that. Anyway, lay the wisdom of your experience on me.

Weird Alaska

iced_borsch — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 13:13:04 -0800

I'm going to the Iditarod in February and March, and I'm looking for publications that might be interested in offbeat tales of the race/Alaska/mushers/etc. Specifically, I'm looking for paying publications.

I'm basically interested in exploring the strange side of the event, such as the hallucinations that mushers apparently experience due to sleep deprivation, odd encounters with Alaskan wildlife and anything else that might fall beneath the umbrella of "strange" or "offbeat."

Help me escape Anchorage for 36 hours!

isthenewblack — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 07:06:44 -0800

I'll be alone in Anchorage, Alaska next weekend with a limited budget and no plans. Help! I read some of the recent Alaska questions, but since my trip is so short, I wanted to focus on a 4-hour perimeter around Anchorage. I arrive late Friday night, will have a car, and need to be back in Anchorage by 4PM on Sunday. I'm eager to get out of the city, but I'm not exactly an experienced/fit hiker, so camping and rugged day-hikes are not for me. Hope to keep my entertainment/activity expenses under $100 for the weekend. Would love to take some pictures of jaw-dropping scenery, and maybe have a delicious meal or two. Do you have good weather/bad weather suggestions for me?

Travelling through Canada sans passport?

joshuaconner — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 16:48:33 -0800

My girlfriend is in Alaska currently and she's planning to return to the lower 48 by driving down through Canada with some friends, but she can't find her passport. Is this going to cause major problems? Forms of ID she does have:

AZ Driver's License
College ID card
Credit cards

Her mom could also overnight her birth certificate to AK, if that would help, but it's locked up in a safe deposit box somewhere and we'd rather Mom not have to go through the trouble if it's not necessary.

What's the best plan of attack in this situation?

(She's a native-born USian, if that makes a difference.)

We're honeymooning in Southern Alaska. Help us make the best of our time there.

rocketman — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 10:04:10 -0800

My wife and I are honeymooning in Alaska the first week of October - three days in Anchorage, and five days in Seward. Can you help me hit the highlights and avoid the crap? First of all, we understand it will be a bit chilly where we're going, and we don't mind: the off-season rates are nice, and I'd rather explore with fewer tourists around. We've weathered more than a decade in Wisconsin, so we know cold weather and can prepare for it. Is early October parka weather in Southern AK? Or can we get by with heavier jackets/layers? Should we focus on rain gear? Do we need to bring mosquito repellant?

The first three days we stay in Anchorage, we're likely going to stay downtown - are there night spots to check out, or night spots to definitely avoid? What about during the day? What must we see while in Anchorage?

I've done a bit more research on Seward, since we'll be there longer. We're staying on Lowell Point, and plan to hike around the area (we're definitely going to hike to Caines Head, and yes we know to time it with low tide) and explore the town. We may do some kayaking, though I'd be just as happy to stick with short hikes and good food.

Are there restaurants in either city that are not to be missed? Any special, off-the-tourist-radar places that a Midwestern boy can appreciate? We're not high-maintenance folks, and not afraid of a little grit and grime. What do you recommend?