What budget for activities and outings Alaska?
Alaska is a very expensive destination, especially the activities. For example, dog sledding costs a minimum of 100 US$, but the activity can go up to 200 or 300 US$ depending on the number of hours if you learn to steer the sled, etc. The same goes for a kayak excursion, renting the equipment is not enough, you need a guide to get close to the icebergs and the smallest boat excursion costs around 70 US$ for a few hours. Skiing at the Alyeska Resort is obviously expensive, from the ski pass to the equipment rental, you need to count at least 100 US$ per day during the average season. A cruise to meet whales, orcas, sea lions, in the fjords where you can also contemplate the glaciers, it is necessary to count in the 150 US$ for the 6 hours excursions. To take a small plane to observe the bears or to take a helicopter to hike on a glacier costs at least US$ 600 and the prices can climb to US$ 1,000 per excursion, for example to go to Brooks Falls where dozens of bears fish in the rapids. It will be necessary to do slow tourism by boat, to camp and to take local guides (for example by going to Kodiak by its own means) to save on the excursions but the nights and the meals are also expensive and it is necessary to arrive with material to be a minimum autonomous.
In Alaska everything is expensive, even souvenirs! But nothing prevents you from bringing back beautiful souvenirs with a little bit of money, especially Native American or Inuit arts and crafts
Duty Free. Since your final destination is outside the European Union, you can benefit from Duty Free (tax-free purchases). Please note that if you have a stopover in the European Union, you will benefit from this in all airports on the outbound trip, but not on the return trip. For example, for an outbound flight with a stopover, you will be able to do Duty Free shopping in all three airports, but only in the airport where you are staying on the return trip
What budget to eat Alaska?
As everywhere in the United States, it is possible to ask for your meal or menu to take away(take away) or the remains of your plate(doggy bag).
The smallest burger costs 20 US$, the smallest dish 30 US$, without counting the tip (10% minimum). At this price, if you count: starter, main course, dessert and drinks, you can get by for at least 60 to 70 US$ per person in a classic restaurant, more like 100 US$ with alcoholic drinks.
Tipping is as in the restaurant very appreciated, remember to leave 1 to 2 US$ per round. If you can, directly when you pay and not at the end.
What is the budget for accommodation Alaska?
Lodging is expensive, very expensive in Alaska, not less than 100 US$ per night in a modest hotel, more like 200 US$ for a comfortable room. Beds in dormitories are also very expensive, about 40 US$ per person. The only cheap option is camping, US$ 20 per night per tent, provided you rent a car or a van.
Negotiations are possible out of season and/or in less frequented places, often for long stays, as prices are already much lower than in the summer. In many mid-range hotels (like Best Western), prices are negotiable. Hoteliers prefer to lower the price of a room by 10 to 20% to get a good occupancy rate rather than leave rooms unoccupied. But in high season, this strategy will not be possible
Travel budget Alaska and cost of living
It isdifficult to get below US$ 100 per day, even if you camp and rent a car or sleep in hostels. The hikes when they are marked out can be free. But you have to pay for every excursion or entrance to a national park or museum. The prices are very high.
We will rather opt for 150 to 200 US$ per day and per person to sleep in a modest hotel and to eat in classic restaurants.
And finally, we will aim at 200 US$ per day and per person for an ultra-comfort or luxury stay, in high-end restaurants. Or even more if you want to take air cabs to travel from one city to another, to watch bears, etc.
