Alaska

by Jim Dufresne, Lonely Planet, Aaron Spitzer

Alaska's vast natural beauty is unparalleled. Spectacular Mt McKinley and Prince William Sound are only the tip of the iceberg. With quirky villages and a few cities dotted across boundless acres of national parks and reserves, sheer adventure is outside every door. Whether you're hiking or paddling, whale watching or glacier gawking, follow this definitive guide into the USA's last great wilderness. INTO THE WILD - in-depth chapters dedicated to outdoor activities and adventures BEAR ESSENTIALS - special chapter on Alaska's abundant wildlife and diverse flora NATIVE ALASKANS, NEW URBANITES - extensive coverage of local culture, lifestyle, arts and history THE ROADS MORE AND LESS TRAVELED - custom itineraries, thorough directory and 84 detailed maps WHERE TO HIBERNATE - rustic campsites, backcountry cabins, secluded B&Bs, elegant suites...opinionated sleeping listings for various budgets.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, The United States Of America, Reference

444 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Shawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was helpful for my five weight trip To alaska, but it's definitely geared more to someone doing the top sites instead of someone who is more time in Alaska And is still looking for the top things to do.
A lot of my favorite things I did. We're in not we're not in the book. Although so many tourists that come to alaska Going around doing the top things. And don't go more in depth. So this book's probably okay for them.

[J Layne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a LONG book to read. It has lots of information, but I found that I needed to get online to get further detail. Helpful book but very long. Not specific on details of transportation (e.g., cost and schedules for Alaska Marine Hwy and Alaska Railroad). It gives websites and leaves it up to the reader to get those details.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

The library copy was from 2018, so the read felt a little bit dated; I found myself cross-checking the internet to validate info. Solid resource for overviews and history, but defo check out a more current edition for activities and hotels!

[Mike Violano · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twenty five years ago I greatly admired Tony Wheeler's Lonely Planet Guides and they remain solid books for travellers but travel information on the internet is tough competition. This is a well written overview for Alaska trips. Insights and comments from actual travelers are essential too.

[Jim Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I travel, I like to use Lonely Planet or Rough Guides as my guides. Rough Guides are good for small areas because they are good at narrow, but deep, descriptions. Lonely Planet is good at describing a wide variety of areas that aren’t deep about these area, so would fit bigger areas.

This book covers a large, multi-varied, US state, with not so much in it, so might not fit Rough Guides so well. You don’t get huge detail, about a place with not much in it, but you do get a lot of choice (about what to do) in any area you visit.

[Brynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Lonely Planet guides! I have been using Frommer's before this one came out, and I am convinced they are written for older people and families with kids that have lots of money. Just picking through this one yesterday and I feel like I've already gained so much more info than from the other.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great overview of places to go, where to stay and eat, and things to do in Alaska. A lot of details including medical care locations, post offices, and where to buy groceries. Included cultural and historical info, too. If our trip wasn't already planned, this would be the perfect resource! I'm thinking of buying a copy to have on hand while traveling as a reference.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love lonely planet guides; they're well-put together and sarcastic. i wish this one had a few more maps, but was happily informed throughout my trip.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will want to revisit this when we cruise to Alaska next year!

[Margi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love LP guides and insight. Will return to Alaska to explore more from this book.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trip planning book

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers some things other travel books don't. Different recommendations from others and well written.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

If they had condemned the Anchorage Zoo more this would probably be 5 stars