Exploring the Wonders of Alaska: A Journey through Glaciers, Food, and Float Planes
Alaska—often referred to as the Last Frontier—offers some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes and unique experiences in the world. Recently, travel advisor Terri McNutt from Foerster Travel embarked on a bucket-list adventure to this breathtaking destination. In this post, we’ll walk through some highlights of her incredible trip, as shared on the Teachers to Travelers podcast, and give you a taste of what makes Alaska such a magical place to visit.
Anchorage: A Perfect Home Base
Terri’s trip started in Anchorage, where she was hosted by Visit Anchorage and stayed at the Embassy Suites. From here, she explored much of the city and surrounding areas. Anchorage, with its walkable downtown and stunning surroundings, was an ideal base for daily excursions.
One highlight was the Sights and Bites Food Tour, a delightful exploration of downtown Anchorage’s hidden gems. Terri sampled local delicacies like reindeer sausage, crab cakes, and fireweed donuts—a true treat for food lovers!
Glacier Hiking at Matanuska
No trip to Alaska is complete without witnessing the majesty of its glaciers, and Terri’s adventure was no exception. She took a guided tour to Matanuska Glacier, where she not only saw the glacier but hiked on it, with fall colors on one side and the icy expanse on the other.
The experience of strapping on boots with traction devices and walking on the glacier’s surface was exhilarating. The crystal-clear, blue waters running through the ice were unlike anything she had ever seen, making this hike one of the most memorable parts of her trip.
A Bird’s-Eye View: Float Plane Tour
One of Terri’s favorite experiences was taking a float plane tour with Rust’s Flying Service, offering an aerial perspective of Alaska’s stunning wilderness. Soaring over glaciers and spotting wildlife from above gave her a completely different view of the landscape she had explored on foot. As she described it, the moment you circle a mountain and see the world “whited-out” by glaciers is indescribable.
The Alaska Native Heritage Center
Terri’s trip also included a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where she gained insights into the rich cultural traditions of Alaska’s indigenous people. One fascinating discovery was learning about the traditional games taught to children across the state, which are designed to be played indoors during Alaska’s long, cold winters. Terri watched a demonstration of these games, performed by a boy who had won several gold medals—an experience she found deeply educational and inspiring.
A Day in Girdwood
Another highlight was a scenic train ride from Anchorage to Girdwood, a small ski town with an array of outdoor activities. Although the weather was rainy, Terri enjoyed a gondola ride up to Alyeska Ski Resort and explored the area’s famous Nordic Spa, where visitors move between hot and cold pools while taking in the mountain views.
Conclusion: A Journey to Remember
From hiking glaciers and taking a float plane to tasting unique Alaskan cuisine, Terri’s trip was packed with unforgettable moments. Alaska is a destination like no other, offering adventures for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone looking for new experiences, the Last Frontier has something for you.
If you're considering a trip to Alaska or just dreaming about your next adventure, reach out to Foerster Travel for expert guidance and personalized travel planning.
For more information on this trip, check out Terri's story on the Teachers to Travelers podcast on your favorite music player.
Want More Info?
Contact your local Foerster Travel travel advisors:
Jerrod Pickering- jerrod@foerstertravel.com
Terri McNutt- terri@foerstertravel.com
Keywords:
#AlaskaAdventures #TravelInspiration #AnchorageAlaska #GlacierHiking #AlaskaFoodie #ReindeerSausage #FloatPlaneTours #TeachersToTravelers #ExploreAlaska #TravelPodcast #travel #traveltips #inspiration #travelhacks #foerstertravel #teacherstotravelers #travelgoals #wanderlust #adventureawaits #exploretheworld #bucketlisttravel #vacaymode #exploremore #worldtraveler #seetheworld #letsgoeverywhere