Where to travel in August in the USA? Well, in Alaska at this time of year, the sun doesn’t set until 10 p.m. This gives you ample opportunity to explore the icy stretches of this unique U.S. state. With just one person per 1.3 square miles, Alaska is the country’s least-densely populated state. Just for perspective, the next after it is Wyoming with just six people per square mile.
What Alaska lacks in population density, however, it more than makes up for with its sublime landscapes of forests, mountains, fjords and glaciers. Its wonders lie predominantly in its national parks. Wrangell-St. Elias, Glacier Bay, Denali and Tongass are among the most known. In fact, Tongass is actually known for its frequent grizzly bear sightings.
One of the best ways to experience Alaska is to cruise around it since much of the state is inaccessible by land. From the comfort of your vessel, you’ll be able to take in the magnificent glaciers that pepper the water and, if you’re lucky, a whale or two swimming alongside you.
One of the most popular routes goes through the Inside Passage, an exceptionally beautiful stretch with turquoise water and craggy mountains dusted with snow. This route has calm water, which is a big plus particularly for smaller boats, and it has stops in the state capital, Juneau, as well as Ketchikan and Skagway.
Just be sure to kit yourself out with the right travel gear—even in August the weather here can be harsh.
