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Alaska may seem like a far-flung land, and that is the case for parts of the state. Some regions are so vast and unexplored that they can only be reached by plane or boat.
There go your plans for an epic road trip through Alaska this fall…
One thing Alaska does have to offer is accessibility to some really cool places. It’s not as flawed as you might expect.
There are plenty of non-stop flights that will take you to some truly breathtaking destinations. The main port of entry, other than cruise ships, is the capital Anchorage.
Only a six hour drive north, the remote city Fairbanks is full of surprises.
You don’t have to have a passport in hand and fly across the ocean to Iceland or Scandinavia to witness one of nature’s most incredible phenomena.
That’s right, while summer is coming to an end it might be considered fall for many, but in this part of the US it’s the start of the Northern Lights season.
America’s northernmost airport
Alaska is a beast! If you thought Texas or California were huge, visiting Alaska is a completely different experience as there are very few bright skylines and traffic jams.
Wide open spaces, frequent wildlife sightings and majestic landscapes will make you forget all the distractions of city life.
That said, what would we do without flights? Exploring the world would be very different.
Even in places as isolated as Fairbanks, you have to have an airport these days.
Best of all, you don’t have to fly into Anchorage and take an extra six-hour trip to reach this underrated city.
What is perhaps most surprising about Fairbanks is that Alaska Airlines actually has one few flights to America’s northernmost airport.
The good news is that they are not the only notable airline serving Fairbanks.
Current nonstop routes to Fairbanks International Airport (FAI):
- United: Chicago (ORD), Denver
- Delta: Seattle (SEA), Minneapolis
- Alaska: Anchorage, Seattle (SEA)
- The rest are ‘puddle jumpers’ which I can guarantee you’ve never heard of. You may notice that American no longer flies here.
Maybe that’s because the popular airline has a vendetta against liars! Although it is called Fairbanks International Airport, there are no international flights offered here.
No, not even to Canada. And especially not Russia, despite being able to see the controversial nation from Alaska’s “backyard.”
The autumn adventure of a lifetime
Alaska is bursting with outdoor wonders that live up to its nickname “The Last Frontier.”
One thing is certain: Alaska was made to be explored. There’s no better time for the rest of 2024 than fall.
Come winter, blazing temperatures will overtake the state, so it’s best to get a head start on your fall travel plans.
Now that mid-August is behind us, September should be the midpoint. This is the month when Mother Nature’s skies put on a show.
Aurora BorealisAlso known as the Northern Lights, they illuminate the sky in green, blue and occasionally pink hues from September to spring.
While there are certainly natural phenomena you don’t look forward to, like the current hurricane season, seeing the Northern Lights in person is a bucket list item worth splurging on.
As someone who is lucky enough to witness the dancing sky firsthand, there really is no comparison and photos don’t do it justice.
In fact, my recommendation would be to put your phones away and absorb it. Even with the latest iPhone models, capturing the Northern Lights in their raw essence can be a tricky project.
It’s best to leave this to the professionals.
You can always go out on your own to see the Northern Lights, but for something really unique, try a guided tour like this one that includes dog sledding in the moonlight, dinner and the Northern Lights!
Tip: For the best viewing, go outside the city, away from light pollution.
A Fairbanks fall during a Fairbanks summer
Fairbanks is a bit of an odd one out; there are many oddities here.
Watch The Boneyard to let your thoughts wander about this place!
Summer is a popular time for the small town, but it can be a nuisance for those who like peace and quiet.
Fairbanks has long summers, which means many days there are 24 hours of non-stop daylight! Fortunately, hotels have invested heavily in blackout curtains, but this should be of minimal importance in the fall.
Fewer crowds, cheaper places to stay, and the endless fall foliage and wonders of the sky will make you forget all about city life back home in this beautiful city.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
