Why “The Last Frontier” is Our Top Pick for This Year’s Summer Vacation of a Lifetime

Natural beauty, wide-open spaces, wildlife for days, AND a domestic destination? Yes, please! If you’re anything like us, you’re ready to enjoy some fresh air and wide-open spaces with the people who you love most, and Alaska is an ideal spot to do so. In our opinion, few places in the world offer the kinds of opportunities we’re all looking for in a post-pandemic vacation as America’s largest state. Far from the crowds, your adventure can be as pampered or as rugged as your heart desires. Most importantly, it is the perfect destination for extended family trips, where young and old alike can have fun safely and memorably.

Experiences, Not Algorithms

Experience-based private travel IS the new luxury. Sure, the destination is important, but COVID has laid bare what we’ve always believed: Why we travel is as important as where we travel. There is a big difference between seeing Alaska and experiencing Alaska. When you see Alaska, you simply go through the motions so that you can say you’ve checked the destination off your list. But when you experience the 49th state, you delve deep into its culture, history, wildlife, and geography in order to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of it all. Pro Tip: If you lead with your vision, the destination will follow.

Family Fun

We know all too well that our kids don’t have to be in a classroom to learn. Travel has long been one of the best educations money can buy. With a trip to Alaska, little ones can engage in field experiments and get creative re-connecting with nature after a digital winter. Older children can test the wheel of wild independence hiking with a guide, fishing, or kayaking while Mom and Dad (and Grandma and Grandpa) Zen out by the lodge fire and sip on something bubbly.

Time to Unplug

When you explore Alaska our way, the only crowds you’re going to encounter are crowds of wildlife. Our itineraries are carefully designed so you can get up-close-and-personal with “The Last Frontier” instead of the last pack of tourists debarking a cruise ship. It may be hard to resist taking pictures like an Instagram Influencer once you get there, but eventually, you’ll start to feel protective, maybe even possessive-selfishly keeping those photos stored on your phone just for you. Besides, when you have a professional wildlife or adventure photographer on hand to capture those wow moments, suddenly food porn photos seem decidedly boring.

So, how about we dust off our suitcases and get back to exploring our world with a tailor-made private adventure to the 49th state! This is truly one of a kind, just like you.

Bucket List Alaska

Day 1

Arrive from BNA in Anchorage. Private transfer to hotel, sightseeing as time allows. Overnight at the Hotel Captain Cook.

Day 2

Private floatplane transfer from Anchorage to Prince William Sound to meet the Sea Mist for a private, all-inclusive 3-night yacht charter. Explore a secluded cove with cocktails, canapes, dinner, and a beach walk. Overnight aboard the Sea Mist.

View from the Sea Mist, Photo courtesy of “The Sea Mist”

Day 3

Cruise up College Fjord, viewing tidewater glaciers and searching for marine wildlife. Overnight aboard the Sea Mist.

Day 4

Choice of more marine wildlife observation, beach walks, kayaking, or take a visit to a salmon hatchery as your family wishes. The captain is at your disposal. Overnight aboard the Sea Mist.

Day 5

Private floatplane transfer from Prince William Sound to Winterlake Lodge. Arrival greeting and a guided walk on the Iditarod trail. Overnight at Winterlake Lodge.

Winterlake Lodge, Photo Courtesy of Virtuoso

Day 6

Full day of helicopter activities. Choose from trekking, fly fishing, rafting, or a remote picnic. Overnight at Winterlake Lodge.

Hiking and Remote Picnic, Winterlake Lodge, Photo Courtesy of Virtuoso

Day 7

Day at the Lodge enjoying Lodge activities – Choice of guided hikes, fishing, yoga, or additional helicopter activities. Overnight at Winterlake Lodge.

Day 8

Helicopter transfer to private buyout of Sheldon Chalet. Views of Denali. Arrival champagne and guided activities. Gourmet local fare overlooking the glaciers. Overnight at Sheldon Chalet.

Sheldon Chalet: Image Courtesy of “The Robb Report”.

Day 9

Full day (if desired) of guided glacier exploration. Overnight Sheldon Chalet.

Glacier Exploration, Photo Courtesy of Virtuoso

Day 10

Private ski plane flight with Denali and climbing basecamp fly-by. Overnight Sheldon Chalet.

Day 11

Helicopter transfer to Talkeetna for a guided tour of the mountaineering museum with Robert Sheldon himself (owner of Sheldon Chalet) as your personal guide. Overnight Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge.