Top 5 Things to Do in Alaska:
From Glaciers to Wildlife, Experience the Best of America’s Wildest State

One of the most iconic things to do in Alaska is to experience its glaciers up close. A Holiday Vacations Glacier Discovery Cruise brings travelers face-to-face with massive rivers of ice that have shaped the landscape for thousands of years. As the boat glides through icy waters, the scale becomes impossible to ignore. Jagged blue walls rise from the sea, and the sound of calving ice echoes across the fjords.

Your Holiday Vacations Tour Director is right there beside you, helping you spot the best viewing angles and sharing fascinating details about these glaciers. You're not just seeing a glacier; you're understanding it, and you're doing it alongside new friends who share your sense of wonder.

Watching for the Northern Lights with Holiday Vacations feels less like crossing something off a bucket list and more like gathering with friends under an extraordinary sky. During the darker months, we position our travelers in prime viewing locations where the night sky can erupt with waves of green, purple, and pink light.

What makes this experience truly special with us is the warmth of shared anticipation. Your Tour Director knows the best spots and the ideal timing, taking the guesswork out of your evening. You'll spend time with your travel companions, swapping stories over hot drinks, listening to tales of aurora folklore, and watching the sky together. When those lights finally dance overhead, you'll have people to share the moment with, making it feel both intimate and joyfully communal. These are the friendships that continue long after your journey ends.

​A rail journey through Alaska's interior is one of those things to do in Alaska that truly showcases why traveling with Holiday Vacations makes such a difference. Settled into rail cars with oversized windows, you'll glide through landscapes most travelers never access. Sweeping mountain vistas, pristine rivers, dense forests, and remote wilderness stretch beyond the horizon.

Here's where Holiday Vacations shines: while you're relaxing, taking photos, or simply gazing out at the passing scenery, we've already arranged every connection, every meal stop, every seamless transition. Your Tour Director provides engaging commentary, weaving together stories of Alaska's history, geography, and the communities that call this vast state home. You're not worrying about schedules or logistics—you're fully present, watching moose graze in clearings and eagles soar overhead, knowing that everything has been thoughtfully planned for you.

Misty Fjords National Monument feels like stepping into another world. Sheer granite cliffs rise dramatically from calm waters, often shrouded in mist that adds to the sense of mystery. Waterfalls cascade down rock faces, and the silence is broken only by the sounds of nature.

Exploring this protected area offers a slower, more contemplative side of Alaska. It is a place where travelers can truly absorb the environment, noticing details like the texture of the stone, the movement of clouds, and the reflections on the water. For those who value serenity and natural artistry, Misty Fjords leaves a lasting impression. Our small group size means you can ask questions freely, move at a comfortable pace, and truly connect with this extraordinary landscape alongside fellow travelers who appreciate the same sense of wonder.

Wildlife encounters are among the most unforgettable things to do in Alaska, and Holiday Vacations ensures you experience them safely, comfortably, and with expert guidance. The state is home to what many call the Big Five: moose, bears, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep. Spotting these animals in their natural habitat creates moments of quiet excitement and respect.

Guided wildlife viewing emphasizes safety and conservation, helping travelers understand animal behavior and the importance of preserving these ecosystems. Whether watching a bear fish along a riverbank or seeing a moose move through a forest clearing, these encounters deepen the connection to the land and its rhythms.

Alaska's vastness can be overwhelming to plan on your own. Which glaciers should you visit? Where will you have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights? How do you navigate the logistics of traveling between remote destinations? This is where Holiday Vacations transforms your journey from potentially stressful to genuinely joyful.

Our all-inclusive pricing means you know exactly what you're paying upfront. There are no surprise costs and no hidden fees—just transparent pricing that covers your accommodations, many meals, transportation, and activities. Your dedicated Tour Director travels with you throughout your journey, serving as your local expert, storyteller, problem-solver, and friendly companion. They've made these trips countless times, and they're passionate about sharing their Alaska with you.

The pacing of our tours is designed for real travelers—not rushed, not exhausting, but thoughtfully planned to absorb each experience. You'll have time to linger over that glacier view, to enjoy unhurried conversations over meals, and to rest when needed.. Everything flows naturally because we've refined these itineraries through years of experience.

Alaska has a way of reframing how travelers see the world. Its landscapes inspire humility, its wildlife fosters respect, and its quiet moments invite reflection. Choosing a fully planned, guided experience allows you to engage deeply with the destination while traveling with assurance.

If you’re ready to explore the most meaningful things to do in Alaska without the stress of managing every detail, consider a Holiday Vacations guided journey designed to highlight both iconic sights and hidden mysteries. With expert planning and thoughtful pacing, Alaska becomes not just a destination, but a transformative experience waiting to unfold. Ready for your next adventure?  Connect with us online or reach out at 1-888-867-2190 to explore your options.