Part of pre-planning is deciding what type of clothing to take with you. If traveling during the summer months, you will be going through quite a wide variation in temperatures and climates. If you throw in a side trip to hike, camp, fish or climb, there is even more variation in clothing needed. To avoid spoiling your vacation because of being too cold all the time, you can plan ahead and pack appropriately. You’ll want some dressy clothing to wear for dinner an dancing on board ship, but when you’re doing some of the more adventurous activities you should bring clothing that will allow you to:

Dress in Layers
If you have several lightweight layers of clothing on, you will not only trap air between the layers, but can add or remove layers along with changes in temperatures.

Go for Sportswear
Comfortable lightweight clothing and your best hiking or climbing shoes are best for the rough ground you may be exploring.

Sweats and Pantsuits
Although jeans are comfortable to wear and quite sturdy, if denim gets wet it can take forever to dry and you may not have the option to change into dry clothes immediately. A better choice is pant suits or jogging suits. Also be sure to pack windbreakers, raincoats and jackets.

Protective Accessories
Protective accessories should be considered a vital part of your suitcase contents. Bring a sun visor to protect your eyes, sunglasses, a lightweight hat or cap that is water resistant and a folding type umbrella are good choices. A pair of light gloves is also good to keep your hands warm and protected from wind and water as well. One other vital accessory is a good sun block cream to protect your skin from sun’s rays.

Think ahead and plan your activities beforehand so you will be prepared with the proper clothing and supplies. Of course, you will be able to purchase anything you might have forgotten aboard the cruise ship or when you dock in a local port.

Alaska has become an increasingly popular destination for anyone who wants to relax and enjoy the natural activities which are so prevalent in this beautiful country. It has even become an important honeymoon destination for those who want something out of the ordinary.

You can start with a luxurious cruise, with dancing and drinking, playing in the on-board casino and watching movies and live shows, watching wildlife, scenic mountains, glaciers and other historical attractions such as Gold Rush days, the White Pass Railroad. Or, maybe you’d prefer to climb a mountain or two, hike in one of the beautiful parks.

Flying to Alaska is one way to start your adventure, making side trips from your hotel room, but a cruise to Alaska is by far more relaxing and enjoyable. Whether you start from Los Angeles or San Francisco, you can make port calls in places like Ketchikan, Sitka and Juneau, then further North to Skagway and Haines and of course, the breath-taking Glacier Bay National Park and beautiful Hubbard Glacier.

The cruise ships have plenty of on-board activities so you can work out in the gym, cool off in the spa, dance, play the casino games, watch movies or live shows, drinking and eating are also favorite activities.  You can also spend your time watching for such wildlife as humpback whales, dolphins, and sea lions.

You can select from a wonderful array of international dishes including vegetarian, diabetic and low calorie foods.

Once you’ve reached Alaska, you can choose to stay at some of the luxury hotels while touring other locations where you can try dog sledding, hiking or climbing.

The large Alaskan cruise ships will have a passenger list of more than 2000 passengers. Room rates cost from $750 to over $3000 for the shortest trip of about 7 days. You may be able to get discounts for special events such as a wedding, birthday party or other celebration.

If you don’t want to travel with so many people, try traveling on one of the smaller vessels which typically carry 120 passengers each trip.

It is recommended that you make your reservations well ahead of time especially if you want to travel during the peak season from May to September.  Your cruise will depart from either San Francisco or Los Angeles.  Contact your travel agent to arrange not only for transfers from an airline to the ship, but for side trips and an interesting itinerary once you arrive in Alaska.

The time spent on the ship and the time spent on side trips can be structured in such a way as to provide an enjoyable experience for everyone in the party.  Just be sure you allow for extra time in your schedule so that you can try other experiences on your vacation.   You won’t regret taking a few extra hours here and there to fully explore your Alaskan vacation.

An Alaskan cruise will provide you with the opportunity to view scenery of breathtaking beauty, and to see wildlife, and glaciers that you won’t see elsewhere. There are many activities which will please all members of your family both on the cruise ship itself and on the many side trips you can schedule.