FAQs

The majority of this tour's activities will take place outdoors, and you can expect a fair amount of walking on varying terrain. The park has dirt trails, but they are usually fairly smooth for walking. Some have paved pathways and boardwalks. We expect that guests on can board and exit a motor coach or train without assistance and be sure-footed on terrain that can be muddy, slightly rocky or have exposed tree roots. If you can walk a moderately paced mile, you will be able to enjoy all of the excursions. Guests with differing abilities may have other opportunities to enjoy the park. Also, keep in mind that you will experience varying altitudes up to 3,980 feet in Denali National Park. You may not be accustomed to higher elevations, and it will be important to keep hydrated, get plenty of rest, and not over exert yourself.

Arrival and departure information is provided in the Air & Transfer section of the Confirmation Documents emailed to reserved guests approximately five to seven days after booking a tour. Guests who arrive and depart during the suggested times are eligible to receive complimentary airport transfers. If you need an additional copy of your Confirmation Documents or have questions, email guestservices@orbridge.com for assistance.

A visa is not required for this tour for U.S. citizens.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, traveling to the U.S. requires a passport and a visa unless you are coming from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country. Ensure that your passport has sufficient space for entry and exit stamps and is valid for six months after the date of your return from this program. To check your visa status, visit www.travel.state.gov.

The U.S. Dollar is the currency used throughout this tour. We recommend you carry cash for meals and other items not included in the itinerary, such as beverages, incidentals, and personal shopping expenses, as well as for merchants who may not accept debit or credit cards. Although major credit cards are typically widely recognized, businesses may require a minimum purchase. Even when traveling domestically, inform your bank or credit card company of your travel plans prior to departure.

Summer temperatures in Denali are generally cool and damp with average high temperatures in the mid-60s°F and evening lows in the low 40s°F.

Check the forecast for the dates of your stay on www.weather.com to help you prepare.

All properties visited on this tour are equipped with standard North American 120-volt electrical outlets.

In Alaska's isolated terrain, cell phone service is sporadic. Pay phones are typically available in towns, and cell phones only work near the more populated areas. Wi-Fi is not available onboard the GoldStar Train. While it's rare, Wi-Fi may be available at shops or businesses in the more populated towns you visit. Wi-Fi is available at the hotels, but expect slower than normal internet speeds.

While viewing wildlife in their natural habitat, we strive to minimize our impact on the animals and the environment. Your Expedition Leader will ask you to follow these guidelines:

• Litter, including biodegradable food waste, can be dangerous to wildlife. It's important to dispose of garbage properly. Carry it with you until you have access to a garbage bin.
• Stay on marked trails, and follow other instructions for trail use. This will minimize soil erosion, and protect the environment and homes of wildlife.
• Maintain a distance of at least 25 feet between yourself and any wildlife you encounter.
• While viewing wildlife, maintain a quiet voice so as not to disturb the animals or other wildlife watchers.
• Flash photography is not permitted when taking photos of wildlife.

Due to weight limits on trains and motor coaches, limit your luggage to one medium suitcase or duffle bag that is approximately 26 x 18 inches plus one small carry-on.

Check with your airline(s) for regulations on luggage sizes and fees for checked luggage. Check the TSA website for airport security screening protocols, including a list of prohibited items, instructions for traveling with liquids, and identification requirements.

We recommend traveling light. Warm, comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate for this tour. Summer weather in Alaska differs considerably, depending upon locations and weather patterns, so prepare for varying temperatures. Jeans and fleece outwear are the norm, including at the farewell dinner. Rain gear, including boots, will be provided on board according to the sizes you provide on the Rain Gear Form in your Confirmation Documents.

Dress in layers to help transition between the chilly outdoors and warmer, heated spaces or overcast skies and sun breaks. Pack like you would for winter: a windproof jacket; nylon, fleece or insulated pants; fleece sweatshirt and/or wool sweater; turtleneck; wool socks; long underwear; warm gloves or mittens; and a warm hat or beanie.

Bring lightweight hiking boots (preferably waterproof) for shore hikes and comfortable sneakers or closed-toe walking shoes. Bring boots/shoes that are already comfortable and broken in.

For those choosing to join longer hikes, bring collapsible trekking poles to help maintain balance in more challenging terrains, such as river crossings, tree-root-strewn trails, and wet-and-slippery wood bridges or boardwalks.

Consider bringing a daypack for cameras and binoculars, which are helpful for observing wildlife. Small compact binoculars have a very narrow field of view, making it difficult to locate objects. Smaller binoculars also restrict light and have very limited use in low-light conditions. We recommend a pair labeled 7X35 or 8X40 (a binocular 7X or 8X power range is adequate, and an exit ocular at 35 or 40 is good).

If you are sensitive to insect bites, be aware that both biting and non-biting insects can be an annoyance, especially in the state's interior locations where you'll tend to find a higher concentration of pests.

A packing list will be included with your Final Documents. Use this form to personalize for your own needs.

Click here to view comprehensive wellness protocols for this tour.

The online Guest Information (GIF) does not allow you return and make updates once originally submitted. To update existing information, email the details to guestservices@orbridge.com, and your account will be updated accordingly.

To complete the GIF for the first time, access the secure online form here. It should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The system will not save partially completed forms, so it's important to complete and submit the form in one sitting.

Access the secure passport form here to input information and upload an electronic copy.

Some domestic tours require us to collect a copy of the photo ID you plan to use while traveling in order to confirm on-tour arrangements. If you have been requested to provide a copy, upload a copy of your ID here.

To pay by check, make the check payable to Orbridge LLC and mail it to:

Orbridge
P.O. Box 1376
Poulsbo, WA 98370

To pay by credit card, click here to access our secure online credit card portal. Be sure to click “submit information” at the bottom of page one in order to be directed to the payment screen.

To pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT), click here to access our secure payment portal where you will be able to conveniently and securely provide your account and routing number.

Payments made by check or EFT may be eligible for a discount. Reference your final payment reminder or email guestservices@orbridge.com to learn more.