Hello! We’re Elizabeth & Damian
We never expected that Iceland would lead us back to Alaska.
We met while Damian was working as a guide in Iceland and Elizabeth was studying at the University of Iceland. After falling in love, we decided to make Alaska our home and be closer to Elizabeth's family.
Before long, our weekends were filled with road trips, hiking trails, small towns, and discovering new corners of Alaska together. As we traveled around the state, we realized that many of our favorite places weren’t the ones in the guidebooks. They were quieter places, locally owned businesses, and scenic corners of Alaska that we found ourselves returning to again and again. It's the side of Alaska we know and love—and the one we're still excited to share with travelers today.
With Damian's background as a guide and Elizabeth's lifelong connection to Alaska, we realized we had a unique opportunity to help travelers experience Alaska in a more personal way.
That's how Handpicked Alaska began.
What Handpicked Means to Us
People often ask what we mean by "handpicked."
The answer is simple: if we wouldn't genuinely enjoy it ourselves, we won't recommend it.
Over the years, we've learned to look beyond the brochure. We pay attention to the little things that make a place enjoyable—from how a tour is run to how you're treated when you walk through the door.
Whether it's a scenic viewpoint, a locally owned lodge, a restaurant, or a guided tour, we look at every recommendation through the eyes of both a traveler and a business owner. Is it worth your time? Is it safe? Is it well run? Are the people welcoming?
If the answer is yes, it becomes part of a Handpicked Alaska itinerary. Many of the places we recommend are ones we've returned to again and again—not because we had to, but because we genuinely enjoy them ourselves.
We know your time in Alaska is valuable, and we take that responsibility seriously. Every recommendation we make is based on our own firsthand experience and careful attention to detail.
How We Plan Your Trip
Every trip begins with a conversation.
We start by getting to know your travel style, interests, budget, and the kind of experience you're hoping to have in Alaska. From there, we carefully design a personalized itinerary with handpicked hotels, activities, and scenic stops based on what matters most to you.
Once we've created your first itinerary proposal, we'll work together to fine-tune it until it feels just right. Some travelers want more hiking, others are looking for wildlife, photography, or a slower pace.
We never rush the planning process. Taking the time to get to know you is what allows us to create an itinerary that truly fits your travel style.
Before you arrive, you'll receive far more than a list of reservations. We put together everything you'll need to feel prepared and confident before your trip, including a detailed day-by-day itinerary, a custom Google map with everything marked along your route, our Alaska travel guide, and our favorite restaurant recommendations.
Before your trip begins, we’ll have a phone call to answer any remaining questions. Once you're in Alaska, we'll check in throughout your trip, and we're always just a phone call away if you need us.
While You’re Here
Your trip doesn’t stop being important to us once you arrive in Alaska.
Every morning, we sit down together with a cup of coffee and go over where each of our travelers will be that day. We double-check the details, keep an eye on the weather, and make sure everything is in place so you can simply enjoy your trip.
Throughout your travels, we'll check in regularly to see how things are going, and we're always just a phone call away if you need us. Whether you have a quick question, need a recommendation, or something doesn’t go as planned, you’ll always be speaking directly with one of us.
One of our favorite parts of this job is hearing about your adventures along the way. We love when travelers send us photos or tell us about the highlights of their day. It makes us feel like we're there with you, seeing Alaska through your eyes.
We Hope You’ll Love Alaska as Much as We Do
Alaska is our home, and we genuinely enjoy sharing it with others. Every itinerary is personally planned by the two of us. We give it the same care and attention we'd put into planning a trip for our own friends or family. Our hope is that you leave Alaska not only with wonderful memories, but with a deeper appreciation for this incredible place. We hope you'll come to love it as much as we do.
Why We Love Self-Drive Travel
We believe a self-drive trip is the best way to experience Alaska because it's how we love to travel ourselves. It gives you the freedom to slow down, linger at a beautiful viewpoint, take an unexpected detour, or spend a little longer in the places you enjoy most. Without the schedules and crowds of large group tours, you can experience Alaska at your own pace. We'll take care of the planning so you can simply enjoy the adventure.
Meet the Team
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Elizabeth Hadas
FOUNDER / TRAVEL PLANNER
Born and raised in Anchorage, Elizabeth has spent a lifetime exploring Alaska. She loves helping travelers discover the places that make this state so special and creating personalized itineraries filled with experiences that are truly worth your time.
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Damian Hadas
FOUNDER / TRAVEL PLANNER
Originally from Poland, Damian worked as a guide in Iceland before making Alaska his home with Elizabeth. He loves exploring Alaska on foot, by bike, or on skis and enjoys experiencing many of the hotels, tours, and activities we recommend firsthand. His thoughtful approach and attention to detail help shape every Handpicked Alaska itinerary.
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Isabelle Bornemann
RESERVATION SPECIALIST
Isabelle is our trusted reservation specialist and works closely with us behind the scenes. She coordinates hotel, tour, and rental car reservations and communicates directly with our local partners to ensure every detail is in place before your trip begins.
Ready to start planning your Alaska trip?
Head over to our Design Your Trip page and answer a few quick questions. We'll use your answers to create a personalized itinerary that's thoughtfully planned for you.