akgent
Deshka Landing, Alaska USA
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B4UDIE
This is one of the new buzz words the State of Alaska Tourism Division has been using to stir up frenzy, trying to boost the numbers of tourists coming to Alaska. Some have asked "When should I come to Alaska?". I guess this sums it up, as a good answer. What do you think? My personal perception is, that you should see it while you are still young enough to really experience it. To simply view it from a windshield perspective or from a seat on a tour boat is not adequate.
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kknowlton
Wisconsin Border Country, IL
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Not adequate, maybe, but better than not at all. Alaska is one of the places that all Americans should see - assuming they can, of course. And that's just my opinion. 
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PA12DRVR
Katy, Texas
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There are (in my view) two answers to the question of when one should see Alaska.
If the question is being asked by the State (i.e. Department of Tourism), then the answer is "when you're physically able to get here, but are limited to staying in developed areas and spending significant coin with the local businesses"
If the question is being asked in an honest manner, the answer is ASAP...Alaska today is not the Alaska of the '90's, much less the Alaska of the '60's and it is different (in an "it will get worse" paradigm) than it will be in another 10 years.
That being said, it is a challenging matrix of whether one comes to Alaska when they have as much $$ as possible (to afford to really get out of the cities) or does one come as early (i.e. young) as they can so that they can do more physical activity. A conundrum to be sure.
Just one person's opinion, but with some degree of experience behind it.
CRL
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cacutlers
So Cal
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It sounds as if middle age would be perfect... young enough to get out and about but wealthy enough to spend on your passions and help out the merchants of course..... I say go when you can but don't put yourself in debt to do it. Life is to short to wait until the timing is perfect. Alaska on the cheap is still quite expensive for a family compared to staying close to home. I also figure that Hawaii is very expensive and lots of people go there and don't think anything about how old they are or the cost.
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explorenorth
Whitehorse, Yukon
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I got lucky and came North on holidays when I was still young enough to see and do lots, and then move when I fell in love with the region (I was also young enough to get a job). I was 35 for the holiday, 39 when I moved here 18 years ago.
Murray
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ak_traveler
Fairbanks, Alaska
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IMHO, these posts fail to consider one very important thing...
Having lived in Alaska my whole life (well ok, I was 6 when my family came to Alaska back in *ahem* 1967), I have yet to see vast amounts of this state. As a visitor to Alaska you are never going to have enough money to "see it all" and you won't have the time to see it all either. Alaska is far too big to be seen in a short visit or even a summer. It would be like seeing all of America in one year.
About the best you can do is decide what types of things you most want to see and try to hit a few of them while you're up here.
Don't worry so much about money...a great many sights are free for the viewing and the experience itself is priceless. And whether you see it while you're young or whether you wait till you are older, you need to see it at least once B4UDIE.
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Deb and Ed M
SW MI, USA
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It's a "once-in-a-lifetime" trip that leaves you hopelessly addicted and wanting MORE! Yeah - we'll go back some day when we can spend more time.
Deb
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sirdrakejr
Las Vegas, Nevada
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I was one of the "lucky" ones that got to see a lot of the state from one end to the other and got paid to do it. I am glad I had that opportunity. I would do it again in a heart beat if given the chance. Every one should be so lucky! 
Frank
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For those of you looking for expert advice, here ya go!
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