"Alaska" came from the Aleut word "alaxsxaq", which literally means "the mainland". The state is racially diverse. It is also one of least inhabited states in the US. With a population of around 683,478, 86% speaks English, 5% speaks Native American, almost 3% speaks Spanish, and the rest speaks Asian, Russian, and other European. Alaska's capital city is Juneau but the largest city is Anchorage.



Alaska was bought by the United States government from Russia on March 30, 1867. US paid Russia roughly US $7.2 million. Alaska joined the US federation and became the 49th state on January 3, 1959.

If you want the warmest environment while you are having your vacation in Alaska, stay in Juneau. On the other hand, if you want to experience the state's seacoast weather, go to Anchorage. The city also has more snow than the other metropolitan areas of Alaska.

If you want to experience the inner passages and magnificent fjords of Alaska, you must direct your sailing towards Tracy and Endicott Arms. This inlet is part of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness Area. From here, you can see the true beauty of the "Last Frontier State". Apart from the big icebergs and superb mountain peaks, you can also catch a glimpse of some of Alaska's beautiful waterfalls.

If you are into nature tripping, you must visit Glacier Bay National Park. It is located just hours; west of the capital city Juneau. The 3-million acre park was instituted in 1980 to demonstrate Alaska's exquisite flora and fauna. Among the many things you can do while in the park include kayaking, trail hiking, and fishing. The Glacier Bay National Park is one of Alaska's most famous tourist places. In fact, it draws approximately 350,000 visitors every year.

If you want to see some of Alaska's protected brown bears, come and visit the Admiralty Island. It is one of the largest islands in the US with an area of 4,264 square kilometer.

If you want to go on a shore excursion, you can fish for king salmon in Ketchikan, fly over the Mendenhall Glaciers near Juneau, pan for gold in an ice cold creek outside of Skagway, take a look at Native American and Russian in Sitka, and learn about the wild animals through talks by naturalists.

The sailing season in Alaska runs from May to September, with July and August the most popular months. May is best for wildflowers and September is great for the fall foliage, but the weather may not be too good.

Sailing in Alaska is an adventure to experience. Aside from its marvelous glaciers and fantastic fjords, the state has an awesome wildlife to offer to its visitors. The Katmai National Park and McNeil River Falls, for instance, has hundreds of brown bears. If you are interested in polar bears, cruise your way around St. Matthew and Kuskokwim Delta.