Invigorate Health With an Alaska Staycation Bucket List
By Technical Writer Uinita Mauigoa
Rejuvenate in Alaska’s majestic beauty with a staycation!
If tempted to skip vacation in lieu of being too busy, don’t! Several studies by health care institutions such as Harvard Medical School reveal health benefits of vacation. Among the many benefits are improved physical and mental health, decreased burnout, and boosted happiness. We live in one of the most sought-after destinations in the world, so why travel out of state? Here are some ideas to get your Alaska staycation bucket list going:
Climb a summit. Sometimes admiring Denali from afar is not enough. Alaska.org lists the best state mountains people can climb without having to be a mountaineer.
Explore waters dynamically. Try a hand at a new activity to venture the waters of Alaska such as windsurfing, white-water rafting, canoeing, or sailboarding.
Marvel icy wonderment. One does not have to board a cruise ship to behold Alaska’s many glaciers. The Matanuska Glacier is a true roadside beauty, for example.
Be among wildlife. The beauty about Alaska is that you can see animals in their natural habitats. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game website is a great resource where you can find national parks and state viewing areas to safely admire mother nature.
See Alaska in aerial view. People often think of discovering Alaska on land or sea. Why not scope out Alaska from the window of an airplane or helicopter? Alaska has several flightseeing tour options to choose from to elevate your viewing pleasures.
Trek a national forest. Alaska has the most national forest land in the nation with 21.9 million acres, which is larger than many U.S. states. Instead of opting for your usual favorite local trail, heighten your adventure by discovering the endless possibilities at Chugach National Forest or the largest in the U.S., Tongass National Forest.
Learn about Alaska Native cultures. There are museums and cultural centers open to the public throughout the state that provide education opportunities to respectfully learn about the many different cultures Indigenous to Alaska.
Bathe in serenity. Alaska has 79 hot springs, 20 of which are open to the public. Rejuvenate the body and relax muscles by seeking out the best spot to soak in nature’s warmth.
Seek the unusual. As one of few surviving gold rush towns in Alaska, Chicken has a nostalgic vibe. A popular attraction is the town’s massive metal chicken sculptures spread about, the largest being “Eggee,” created out of scrap metal from school lockers, which towers surrounding cabins.
Travel Alaska internationally. Hyder, Alaska, is accessible by road only from Stewart, British Columbia. Although part of the U.S., it feels international as the town celebrates Canadian holidays and accepts Canadian currency.
The best way to have an immersive Alaska staycation experience is to maintain respect for the people, cultures, plants, and animals of the land.
Additional information can be found through Alaska.org, the National Park Service website, or the Alaska Department of Natural Resources website.
