Traveling in Alaska-some observations
Just got back from two weeks in Alaska. Two words: PLAN AHEAD. The state has been hit hard by COVID because of their tourism-based economy. If you wish to visit an attraction, restaurant or particular store, call first. We had a number of disappointments as websites were not up-to-date and the business was closed, had reduced hours or had gone out of business completely. This was more prevalent in the Fairbanks area than the Anchorage area.
Please note this is also affecting airport services. I know most of you don't travel via plane but be prepared if you do. It was the same at all four airports we were in-Boston, Minneapolis, Anchorage and Atlanta. Restaurants and shops were completely closed and the lines at the open businesses were extremely long. We took a red-eye out of Anchorage through Atlanta last night and due to long lines were not able to get breakfast in between flights. Thankfully we had Ritz Bits in our airplane survival bag LOL!
Also be prepared for slow service in many businesses. Those that are open are picking up the slack for the others causing some "slow going". However, every worker we interfaced with be it in a shop, attraction or restaurant was so happy to be back to work and have tourists coming in-they were absolutely wonderful.
The lack of RV traffic was very noticeable but as we were leaving yesterday it had started to pick up. There are virtually no out-of-state plates to be seen on any vehicle. The border closure and lack of tourism is having a huge negative impact, obviously to be expected.
Beware that many roads are not in good shape although some are being repaired right now. The Parks Highway and Chena Hot Springs Road are particularly bad in some areas. The Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm is under construction and is causing long backups. Patience in that area is an absolute necessity.
Please note this is also affecting airport services. I know most of you don't travel via plane but be prepared if you do. It was the same at all four airports we were in-Boston, Minneapolis, Anchorage and Atlanta. Restaurants and shops were completely closed and the lines at the open businesses were extremely long. We took a red-eye out of Anchorage through Atlanta last night and due to long lines were not able to get breakfast in between flights. Thankfully we had Ritz Bits in our airplane survival bag LOL!
Also be prepared for slow service in many businesses. Those that are open are picking up the slack for the others causing some "slow going". However, every worker we interfaced with be it in a shop, attraction or restaurant was so happy to be back to work and have tourists coming in-they were absolutely wonderful.
The lack of RV traffic was very noticeable but as we were leaving yesterday it had started to pick up. There are virtually no out-of-state plates to be seen on any vehicle. The border closure and lack of tourism is having a huge negative impact, obviously to be expected.
Beware that many roads are not in good shape although some are being repaired right now. The Parks Highway and Chena Hot Springs Road are particularly bad in some areas. The Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm is under construction and is causing long backups. Patience in that area is an absolute necessity.
