A day ahead                       

Technically, the far-western Aleutian Islands are a day ahead of the rest of Alaska and the country.  Reason: Those islands lie west of 180° latitude, which determines the International Dateline. To avoid confusion, the International Dateline was bent westward to let those islands use the time zone east of the 180° line.

---

Alaska, the name

It derives from Alyeska, a native word meaning "Great Land". Alaska's nickname is "the last frontier".

---

Coastline

Alaska has more coastline than collectively those of the other 49 states combined.

---

Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)

They exist 365 days a year. But don't expect to see them during the long-day summer because the northern-reaching sun lightens the night sky sufficiently for most human eyes to perceive them. But you may be lucky, especially in late September.

---

Most famous Alaskan resident

Sarah Palin, McCain's 2009 vice presidential running mate.

---

Most famous Alaskan sport

Dog racing. The Iditarod is the most prestigious and internationally known race.

---

Lower 48

Alaskans freely use this term to define the other 48 continental USA states.

---

Bargain of the century

America bought Alaska from the Russians in 1867 for just $7,200,000.

---

Size

Alaska is twice as big as Texas. More than 400 Rhode Islands could fit into Alaska.

---

Totem poles

They tell family or tribal histories and not, as some people believe, tributes to gods.

---

Alaska's 1964 earthquake

It measured an astonishing 9.2 on the Richter Scale.

---

Alaska cruise popularity

About a million travelers per year take the cruise.

---

Best cruise ships by category
Best 4 Alaska cruise ports to visit
Best shore excursions - overview
Helicopter tours - Ranks #1
Floatplane tours - Ranks #2
Best 3 Juneau shore excursions
Best 3 Ketchikan shore excursions
Best 3 Sitka shore excursions
Best 3 Skagway shore excursions
Denali National Park
Goldstar Dome railroad ride
More pre- and post-cruise options

World's Top 100 Wonders

World's Top 1000 Wonders

Site map

---

---

Alaska Cruise Association

---

Explore my
candid country, region
and other travel guides
Click links for tips & insights

©2012 HQP - Hillman Quality Publications / hillmanwonders.com