THE NEW (Ancho)RAGE

When thinking about Alaska, most people would immediately be reminded of cold, barren plains, not a soul in sight. Anchorage, the biggest city of Alaska, is doing its best to refute those assumptions. Though not the capital, Anchorage has the biggest population of moose in Alaska, so rest assured there's no feeling lonely with those colossal beasts nearby. Aside from the moose, it's also the most (human) populated city in Alaska. Best known for its extraordinary wildlife, hiking trails and national park, Anchorage is a must-visit for nature lovers. It's also quite easily accessible, seeing as there is an airport in the Anchorage region. There is also a ton to do for people who don't fancy going out in the wild and coming face to face with a polar bear. (This can't actually happen – don't worry – polar bears only live up north.)

As for the cold, don't you worry, while you may need to bundle up a bit when going out into the wilderness, you're probably not going to freeze. I do recommend going during the summertime, you'll have much more hours of sunlight, whereas in the winter, while also much colder, only 4 or 5 hours of sunlight is quite usual.

The history of the indigenous folk of Alaska (for example the Inuit) , its history with violent Russian settlers and being bought by The United States is displayed in the native heritage centre, right in the middle of Anchorage. Attempt to learn more about the rich indigenous culture luckily still (partly) remaining in the country and to what lengths indigenous people went, to conserve their culture and keep it alive as much as possible under the rule of foreign Russian settlers, missionaries attempting to spread the Russian-Orthodox religion and later under rule of the Americans, who brought in new settlers to exploit the oil supply found in Alaska.

As I mentioned before, there is something to do for everyone, so we can't forget about the shopaholics. Do you feel the need to buy a little souvenir on every single holiday? Well, don't worry, there are loads of quaint little shops here to buy as many souvenirs as your heart desires. I would definitely recommend checking out the local-owned shops, these locals are usually indigenous folk, selling culturally significant goods. By supporting these local shops, you can do your part in keeping the indigenous culture alive and also just support the local tribes, who may be struggling on their home turf, taken from their ancestors by white colonisers.

Now onto what Alaska is most known and renowned for: nature and wildlife, one of the most important aspects of the Alaskan territory. Hop on a flight, see one of the most bewitching regions of north America and, while you're at it, spot a couple of the 30,000 bears frolicking around. Remember though: if you see a polar bear, stay high up in the air.
Don't fancy flying or bear spotting? No problem, take a glacier and wildlife cruise and behold the majestic wildlife the Alaskan waters hold. Whales, for example, aren't all that rare to be spotted during these cruises and are most definitely a sight for sore eyes. During these boat trips, you'll also cruise past enormous glaciers, one of nature's most beautiful wonders and also a must-see while visiting.
Lastly, a visit to Anchorage's national park is something you simply cannot skip, hiking along the trails and simply past the breathtaking nature there is to behold is an activity that must be done.

Anchorage is everything you don't think it is, the locals are warm and welcoming, just as the weather is during the summer and there is a variety of things to do that very much surprised me. Prepare to be anything but disappointed while visiting Anchorage, because it is worth all the rage.