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Most frequently asked questions by visitors. |
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Do you offer one-way rentals/trips between Alaska and the Yukon/Canada?
No we don’t. The government and insurance regulations do not permit such rentals. |
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I like to spend more time in a certain destination. Can I change the routing?
All of our tours are ”Flex Drives” and we can add, modify or exchange nights in destinations to suit your timetable and preferred routing. Thus, sometimes it will be necessary to observe ferry schedules, national park opening/closing dates etc to match certain dates and/or departures. Please check also each itinerary online. |
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I cannot find the list of hotels included?
Each tour includes a choice of pre-reserved superior hotels (*** category) or first class hotels (**** category). If you have any special requirements we can certainly customize any of the advertised tours. Please contact us for advice and applicable rates. Hotel accommodation does not include breakfast or other meals. Please Note: A large number clients and travel agencies are using our pages and travel ideas to plan their “own” customized tours. This is the reason why we do not publish the hotel names for each trip on top of all travel planning information already included on our pages. If you have any particular question about accommodation, please contact us. |
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Do you offer any B&B accommodation?
Yes, we can substitute our advertised superior hotel category with bed and breakfasts (B&B) accommodation (breakfast included) for any of the advertised itineraries at the published superior hotel rate. |
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How about staterooms on cruise ships?
Our package rates include two stateroom categories: Superior with/without balcony and First Class with/without balcony. During reservation procedures we confirm the currently best available stateroom/deck – determined by the category booked with us. Upgrades into mini suites, full suites and/or other deluxe categories are available upon request and for an additional fee. If you have any particular requirements you may address these at the time of reservation. |
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How about cruise port arrival/departure times?
Please refer to the separate section of our FAQ |
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Are Car Rental Charges Included?
Yes, the rental of a compact car (automatic) is always included in our flex drive tour packages. Additional rental days or upgrade details and rates for mid and full size car, passenger vans or a sport utility vehicle (4x4) are available on each self-drive page. All upgrade rates are per car and not per person. Our advertised rates include also local taxes, free mileage, limited insurance coverage, airport concessionaire fees, roadside assistance and a 24-hour emergency support. We also provide vehicle pick up of your choice on most downtown rental stations. Important Note: Canadian citizen are not permitted to drive a US licensed rental car from Alaska/USA to Canada. |
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What if something unexpected goes wrong during the Tour?
We do not anticipate anything but you can contact us, the rental car company or any of the pre-reserved hotels for assistance. |
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What type of Identification do I need to enter Canada and Alaska/USA?
Information changing frequently. Please check requirements on the appropriate government pages. We are unable to take any responsibility for such information |
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Which services are included in your Self Drive Tours?
Please refer to the appropriate tour page for a listing of included services. Our service generally includes the rental car, insurance, accommodation, applicable local taxes, ferry trips as scheduled, sightseeing as per itinerary, a detailed tour description, highway or road logs. Not included are: Meals, highway tolls, gasoline, entrance fees, additional sightseeing tours, premium car insurances, airport car rental access fees. |
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What is the advantage of Self-Drive Tour -VS- Escorted Tour?
This depends on your personal preference. Alaska and the Yukon are providing some good and scenic highway connections and driving is very easy. A rental car with individual pre-reserved hotels are an independent way to discover the beauty of the northern wilderness areas and national parks: You can stop were you want, you have plenty of time for sightseeing off the beaten path and you are very flexible. Escorted tours are usually limited in flexibility because you are traveling with a group and fixed departures and routings. |
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When should I book a tour?
If you travel during the high season from the middle/end of June until the end of August we recommend booking as early as possible to avoid disappointments with sold out situations in highly frequented national parks and gateways - because the northern tour season is very short. The same applies in/around national holidays. Any hotel accommodation, rentals cars and ferry space must be definitely booked well in advance. Thus, tour operator such as our company may still have space on a short notice. Accordingly it is well worth to contact us. |
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When should I Travel?
June and September are perfect months for a vacation in the Land of the Midnight Sun. The weather is usually stable and sunny with almost 24 hours of daylight. July and August are prime travel months and are obviously very busy. |
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When is the best time so see the Aurora Borealis?
Because of the long daylight hours it is uncommon to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) displays from mid May until the first half of September. The Aurora occurs mainly during the winter months from October – March/April. Please refer also to our winter touring program. |
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What’s about sightseeing options during cruises and self-drives?
We provide a choice of optional sightseeing adventures and activities such as wildlife viewing, rafting, flightseeing, hiking, rafting and day cruises. If you book these tours with us in advance - instead of onboard the cruise ships or locally - you will save a significant amount of money. |
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Should I compare rates & services on the Internet?
Yes definitely. You notice sooner or later who actually provides the best services, rates and most affordable or specialized tour program because at these days almost everyone within the industry provides similar statements. Thus, you may also notice that some of the competitors web sites are completely outdated, terms & conditions are not published and that some of these people don’t even know the State – actually they are not even located within the USA or Canada. When you compare rates and services look for hidden charges such as reservation fees or ticketing fees, inclusion of taxes (up to 11 %), the exact service description, hotel categories, rental car standards etc and than make your decision. |
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Could I organize the same tour package by myself for less money?
Probably not - because tour operator and corporate identities receive usually much lower and preferred rates than an individual person or a travel agent. In addition you may spend a (1) significant amount of time to find the right products (2) contact each different supplier and wait for the response (3) exchange important Information (4) get professional assistance and advise for the total tour package which usually includes a variety of tour components - Virtually impossible. You can certainly book your hotels through Travelocity, Expedia or other global players – but this does not guarantee any savings either nor the success of your holidays |
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How do I get to the Yukon or Alaska?
You can fly from Vancouver, Calgary or Edmonton to Whitehorse. Seattle is usually the gateway for flights to Alaska. Some cities in the lower 48’s (Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco) are providing some alternatives for flights on Alaska Airlines to Anchorage and other destinations within Alaska. Clients from Europe may use direct flight connections from Frankfurt to Whitehorse, Fairbanks & Anchorage. |
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Do you offer alternatively railroad tours between Canada & USA/Alaska?
No because there is no railroad access/connection from Canada to Alaska. |
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How about ferries?
Bellingham/USA and Prince Rupert/Canada are the main gateway cities for ferry trips through the Inside Passage to Alaska. If you plan to travel to Alaska by ferry please contact us for departure, fares and rates. |
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Can I book just a transfer between Alaska & Yukon if I am on a Cruise?
Not with us – sorry. Thus, we offer escorted one-way coach tours from Anchorage or Whitehorse with duration of 07-10 days. |
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All information may change without further notice.
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