Where to Stay in Anchorage: Best Areas & 7 Top Hotels
As Alaska's largest cities, Anchorage is the biggest entry and/or exit point for Alaska travelers. While some people disparage it for having too much "city" feel, I love Anchorage and think it's worth at least a day or two during your Alaska itinerary. After all, I grew up in the Anchorage area and spent 15 years getting to know its different neighborhoods and things to do...
Alaska in February: A Complete Guide to Visiting in Winter
Have you ever been in temperatures so cold that your eyelashes have formed ice crystals? Or stepped outside and had your breath catch in your chest as the icy air hits your lungs? These might not sound like pleasant experiences, but they’re unique and memorable – and ones that are easy to experience if you decide to visit Alaska in February...
The 9 Best Sitka Shore Excursions for Your Alaska Cruise in 2023
Located on the Pacific coast of the Inside Passage, Sitka is a bit off the main cruise routes through Southeast Alaska. While many companies do offer itineraries with a port stop in Sitka, plenty more itineraries stick to the calm waterways further inland and make other port stops like Juneau, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point. If you're on this post, you may have stops in those ports of call too – but you also want to know what to do during your time in Sitka, and which Sitka shore excursions are the best...
Unbound Merino Review: Your New Essential Travel Layers?
Over the years, I've gotten worse at packing. When I first started this site, the whole premise was packing light and using a valise (a weekend bag) to explore the world – hence the name of "Valerie & Valise." I was young (and dumb), with a strong back and loads of energy; now I'm a bit more mature, with back pain and a rolling carry-on, like so many others...
7 Days in Alaska: Two Alaska Week Itineraries for 2023
The absolute silence of Denali National Park. The misty spray of a waterfall running over the cliffs of Kenai Fjords. The unusual flavors of reindeer sausage topped with pineapple salsa. Alaska is a place full of experiences that you may have never had before – which is likely why you're planning a visit in 2023. It's time to have that bucket list experience...
3 Days in Moab: 20 Things to Do for an Adventurous Weekend
When I first started this blog, I was a city-hopping culture vulture: I loved exploring new cities, discovering museums, history, and art, and reporting back on the best ways to visit in a short time (or monetary) budget. Over the years though, I've begun to enjoy outdoor and adventure travel too...
Is Denali National Park Worth It?
An Alaskan PerspectiveThere are few places in our world where we can escape the evidence of humans who have come before and the crowds we tend to create while traveling. Alaska is one of those places, and there are many destinations in Alaska where you can discover that feeling – perhaps for the first time in your life. Denali National Park is one such place, but I often receive questions asking some variation of is Denali National Park worth it?...
The 9 Best Icy Strait Point Excursions for Your Alaska Cruise in 2023
You've finally decided: 2023 is the year to take the Alaska cruise you've been dreaming of – whether it's been a few years or a lifetime of waiting. One of the most exciting prospects when booking an Alaska cruise is choosing your Alaska cruise excursions in each port. These ports are where you can experience the real Alaska – if you know which excursions to choose, that is...
California Bucket List: 31 Essential Golden State Experiences
I'll admit it: I never thought I would consider myself a "Californian." In fact, I still don't – even after living here for almost four years! I moved to California back in 2017 for a job, and just never left. Like many others, I was drawn here chasing my fortunes, and discovered I like so much about California that I may never leave...
