Around the World in 80 Books discussion

Just wondering what you do to prepare for a trip to Alaska?
What books would you read?

Is this your first time? If you love nature, you'll love, love, love Alaska.

There's a lot of great literature out there that takes place in Alaska, everything from Jack London to modern mysteries. There's also a whole lot of interesting non-fiction. You might try something like
Alaska Sampler 2014: Ten Authors from the Great Land: Fiction - Biography - Memoir - Humor
or Alaska Traveler: Dispatches from America's Last Frontier for a range of writing.

As for more practical concerns, it depends on how you're traveling. My best overall packing advice: take layers. My favorite mode of travel: boat (especially among glaciers). My second favorite mode of travel: foot (spectacular hiking to be had!) My favorite animals: sea otters...and whales...and orcas...and seals...and bald eagles...and bears.

Taking a cruise to Alaska can actually be one of the more affordable ways of travel, and it's great because you get to spend so much time on the water watching for marine wildlife.

However you plan to travel, you might find my book interesting:
Cruising Alaska on a Budget: A Cruise and Port Guide
Even if you don't plan to cruise, it has lots of good ideas of what to do in many popular destinations like Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, Juneau, Seward, Anchorage, and Homer. I've also included information about glaciers and wildlife to help you get the most out of your trip. At the end, there's a list of Alaska-related books for bibliophiles like us.

I'm currently running a giveaway on Amazon for a chance to win a free copy: https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/7603432...

Otherwise, find it here

If you have any questions about your upcoming trip, I'd be happy to answer. I love talking about Alaska.

Thanks, Melinda, for letting me know about your travel guide. I will be "going back" to Alaska soon --- :-) and hope to go on a cruise!
My previous trips have taken me to Alaska through the eyes and mind of a Swiss artist --- who determined to wander deep into the Alaskan wilderness to challenge his spirit...and revive his soul. What kind of person would do this? How did he prepare? Who did he take with him? What internal journeys was he forced to undergo in order to survive? I wrote about his remarkable journey in Switzerland to Alaska: Just to Die

Sounds interesting!