Frequently Asked Questions

Handpicked Alaska specializes in creating personalized self-drive (self-guided) itineraries tailored to each traveler’s unique needs, budget, and expectations. We design unforgettable journeys with a focus on sustainability and strong partnerships with local businesses. As Alaska-based travel experts, we’re here to make your trip seamless, stress-free, and full of adventure.

To learn more about our specific services, please see the question below.Design your trip here.

The first step in planning your personalized Alaska trip with Handpicked Alaska is to complete our “Design Your Trip” form. Once we receive your submission, we’ll follow up by email to start the conversation.

From there, we’ll dive into the details of your trip—learning about your interests, preferred activities, accommodations, and overall travel style. We’ll also answer any questions you may have about visiting Alaska, so you can feel confident and excited about your journey from the very beginning.

Next, we’ll begin creating the first draft of your itinerary. You’ll have the opportunity to review it and share any feedback or changes you’d like to make. This initial draft will also include an estimated total cost for your trip. Based on your input, we’ll refine the itinerary and send you an updated version if revisions are made.

Once you’re happy with your itinerary, we’ll move forward with booking your trip, including accommodations, rental car, and activities. You’ll receive a contract outlining all the services we’ve arranged. At this stage, a 20–50% deposit (depending on your selected accommodations and activities) is required to secure your bookings. The remaining balance is due 45 days prior to your arrival.

After everything is confirmed, we’ll prepare your final itinerary. You’ll receive a beautifully designed, easy-to-use itinerary in PDF format, perfect for both printing and mobile access. This includes a detailed day-by-day plan, along with our Alaska Travel Guide—featuring helpful tips and essential information—and our Alaska Restaurant Guide.

We’ll also provide a personalized Google Map with all your stops and recommended locations clearly marked, making it easy to navigate throughout your journey.

During your trip, you’ll have access to our 24-hour support line. If any questions or issues arise, you can reach us anytime by phone, text, or email—we’re here to help every step of the way.

No—every trip we design is fully customized to fit the unique needs of your group. After you complete the “Design Your Trip” questionnaire and we discuss your plans in detail, we’ll create an itinerary that is tailored specifically to you.

Most of our itineraries begin and end in Anchorage or Fairbanks, as Alaska’s paved road system makes it easy to explore popular destinations such as Denali, Valdez, the Glenn Highway, and the Kenai Peninsula from these starting points.

For those looking to venture farther off the beaten path, it is possible to visit remote areas like McCarthy/Kennecott and Wrangell–St. Elias National Park, which are accessed via a long dirt road. Because most rental car companies do not allow their vehicles on these roads, this typically requires renting from a specialized provider or flying into the area by small plane.

We can also incorporate guided excursions to more remote areas such as Lake Clark National Park and Katmai National Park, offering unique opportunities to experience Alaska’s wilderness.

At this time, we do not arrange travel in Southeast Alaska, including destinations like Juneau, Sitka, Haines, and Skagway.

If you have other specific places in Alaska you’d like to visit, just let us know—we’re happy to explore options and do our best to include them in your itinerary.

At this time, we do not arrange camping or RV itineraries. We specialize in self-drive trips that include stays at carefully selected hotels, ranging from comfortable to luxury accommodations, all personally vetted by our team.

We partner only with tour operators who meet our high standards for safety and quality, and we work with rental car companies known for their reliable service and well-maintained vehicles.

Because we cannot consistently verify the quality and experience offered by campsites and budget providers, we’re unable to guarantee the same level of service that we provide through our trusted hotel and tour partners.

We do not book Airbnb accommodations. Unlike the hotels, lodges, and cabins we partner with, Airbnb listings are not always regulated or inspected to meet consistent safety and cleanliness standards. In addition, last-minute cancellations or changes can sometimes occur, which may disrupt your travel plans.

To ensure a reliable and seamless experience, we work exclusively with established accommodations that meet our high standards for quality and consistency.

We do not make airline reservations for your trip to Alaska. However, we are happy to provide guidance on the best routes, airlines, and other essential travel information to help you plan your flights with ease.

Travel insurance is highly recommended. Unexpected events—such as illness, flight cancellations, extreme weather, or other unforeseen circumstances—can disrupt travel plans.

Because our cancellation policy applies in all situations, including natural disasters and personal emergencies, we strongly encourage all travelers to purchase travel insurance.

Please note that in most cases, travel insurance must be obtained within a specific timeframe before your trip deposit is paid, so it’s important to plan ahead.

The cancellation policy for your trip is outlined in the Terms and Conditions section of your itinerary. Please review these details carefully, as they explain the specific policies that apply to your booking.

You will receive your itinerary proposal with no upfront fees. Our service fees are included in the total price of your trip and are not charged separately. We add a modest margin to the confidential NET rates we receive when booking hotels, vehicles, and activities, which allows us to keep pricing fair and transparent.

We provide quotes only for complete vacation packages, which do not include flights. Because the rates we receive from hotels, activities, and car rentals are confidential, we cannot provide a detailed cost breakdown. However, we can offer upgrade options and pricing for optional activities to help you further customize your trip.

Every trip we design is tailored to your specific needs. When creating your itinerary, we work to accommodate your budget—whether high or modest—by thoughtfully combining hotels, activities, and car options. This careful planning can often result in a lower overall cost compared to booking each component separately.

That said, last-minute deals or special online promotions may occasionally make self-planning more cost-effective. If you are on a very tight budget, our premium service may not be the best fit.

Alaska is a fantastic destination for families! There are countless sights and activities that travelers of all ages can enjoy. We often work with multi-generational groups, including grandparents and grandchildren, and are confident we can design a trip that everyone in your family will love.

Absolutely! Our goal is to make your trip seamless and worry-free. While you’re in Alaska, you’ll have access to our 24-hour support line. If any questions or issues arise, you can reach us by phone, text, or email at any time.

We work closely with each traveler to understand individual needs and preferences. If there’s something specific you require for your trip, please let us know during the early planning stages. Once we have this information, we do everything we can to make your travel experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Not at all—Alaska truly has something for everyone! Whether you want to hike, bike, ski, drive, enjoy the scenery, or simply relax, we can create a trip tailored specifically to your interests.

Alaska is a big state with unpredictable weather—you might see snow in May or 50-degree temperatures in December! For this reason, we recommend being prepared for all conditions. Every client receives a detailed Alaska Packing List to help plan accordingly. For more tips on what to pack, check out our Alaska packing blog post here.

Handpicked Alaska is a local, family-run travel business dedicated to designing memorable, once-in-a-lifetime trips for travelers exploring Alaska.

In a world of instant bookings and quick reservations, we take a different approach—we slow things down. By working with small groups, we can craft unique, personalized trips that focus on quality and attention to detail. We promote sustainable, responsible, and respectful travel, giving you access to authentic cuisine, attractions, activities, and knowledgeable guides.

As locally based travel agents, we’re here to assist you with any questions or issues during your trip. Every traveler is unique, and our goal is to ensure you have an unforgettable Alaskan adventure.

We’re thrilled that you want to work with us! To get started, visit our Design Your Trip page and complete the brief questionnaire about your travel plans. Once we receive your submission, we’ll be in touch to begin planning your unforgettable Alaska adventure.

Please review our Liability Waiver carefully. To book a trip with Handpicked Alaska, every member of your group must sign this document. For children under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign on their behalf.