Miscellaneous

Adventure Travel: is just that! We pride ourselves in being able to give our guests what the large tour companies do not – a chance to visit some of the out-of-the-way places, meet the true locals and support the local economies. Since most everyone has a different definition of just what is adventure, we ask that you consider carefully the type of trip you’re taking and the level of comfort you expect. We very intentionally feature smaller destinations that have not been developed to handle large numbers, and as such do not promise the level of amenities found at larger facilities. We believe that this is integral to experiencing a more “authentic” Alaska, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our past clients makes us confident that we’re succeeding in showing an Alaska that most visitors rarely enjoy. Adventure Alaska trips aren’t for everybody and we’ll gladly recommend a competitor rather than have you take a trip that you might not fully enjoy. Our only requirement: A keen spirit of adventure and true desire to appreciate what is unique about these lands and their peoples. You’ll be rewarded with a personal experience that simply can’t be had on a cursory cruise tour, designed to handle many thousands at a time.

Tipping: We are often asked about tipping, and it is frankly difficult to come up with an adequate response. When it comes to gratuities to your tour guide, generally speaking, we feel it is entirely up to each individual, as each traveler’s means and desire to tip varies. We do believe however that tipping encourages excellence and rewards a job well done, so with this in mind, we support the concept of tipping. And because we’ve been asked so often what an appropriate tip is, a possible guideline for tipping your guide is $10-15 per person per day. Please note that all restaurant tips for meals during the trip will be handled by Adventure Alaska. Tipping to outside vendors/guides (i.e. ice-trekking guides, pilots, boat captains, etc.) is at the discretion of those partaking in the individual services, and again, is highly recommended.

The Electronic Age: Items such as cell phones, iPods and laptop computers, though integral in many of our respective lives, can intrude upon the enjoyment of others trying to "get away from it all", and so we ask that their use be considered and discrete. Many of the places we go are out of cell range, or have proprietary networks not always compatible with national carriers. Wireless connection locations are also surprisingly infrequent. Some locations still have satellite-based or very limited phone capacity, and are unable to accommodate non-emergency public use. What better excuse could there be for not getting a hold of the office–-and remember, it is vacation!

Smoking: Is not permitted in the vans, nor inside most of the accommodations/restaurants, though one can certainly do so out of doors.

Food/Restaurants: During the itineraries, we provide 3 meals a day, with snacks available in the van (beverages not included). We make no pretense promising “gourmet” meals, as food is not the focus of our types of trips (—but folks do comment that the meals are exceptional given the great distance groceries must travel!). Often we eat at the establishment where we are staying for the night, and as these are often somewhat remote locations, menu selection is sometimes limited. Meals are hearty (we do get “complaints” about the huge portions in Alaska) and sometimes include local fare such as salmon, halibut or reindeer. While camping, the guide prepares all meals, though assistance is not always refused . . .

Bathrooms: For our "tours" full bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers are available each night, with facilities occasionally down the hall, or in a separate building.