Located on the very north of the US state is the United States of America’s furthest Northwest countries of Alaska and Greenland. Being home to 17 of the 20 highest mountains in the whole of the United States, it also includes the beautiful and wild Yukon River, being almost 2000 miles long and the third longest in the US. The Yukon River offers stunning scenery and is a perfect location in Alaska for photographers to capture some stunning and dramatic images.

In the south of Alaska, bordering Canada is the capital city of Juneau – not Anchorage as some may think. We would recommend visiting Juneau, although your starting point will probably be the bustling city of Anchorage. Anchorage is known for its cultural sights as well as the renowned Alaska Native Heritage Centre, which displays some of the traditions which the state is home to; a fantastic display of the culture here which is such an important part of the Alaskan history. Anchorage is also home to the famous Anchorage Gold Course, which is located on a hillside, just outside and has some stunning views overlooking the city.

Being a volcanic country, Alaska also has some of the most beautiful forests and landscapes, dotted with more than 100 volcanic fields – again, nectar to the budding photographer. Some of these offer geographically fascinating timelines dating back more than 2 million years. Within the Alaskan countryside there are believed to be 3000 miles of rivers. Some of these have become legendary for their fabulous fishing potential and it is documented that the World’s largest salmon ever was caught in the Kenai River, weighing a staggering 97.5 pounds. Kenai River and the Kenai National Park offer some truly wild and pristine tours.

A fact that may surprise you, is that Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined at more than 34,000 miles and is also the only state to have a coastline in three different seas, Arctic Ocean, Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea.

The Alaskan state sport is dog mushing, which was once the primary mode of transport across the state. The Iditarod Dog Sled Race is Alaska’s largest sporting event and attracts vast crowds from across the globe. It also offers a real picture of authentic Alaska and happens every year in March, and we strongly recommend you combine the timing of your holiday to Alaska to tie in witnessing this huge event.

Alaska’s extensive wildlife should not be missed as well; from bears (polar, brown, grizzly and black) is their state home, as well as wild bison, caribou and the mighty moose – have a go at moose calling when staying here, it is a must, doesn’t take very long, but there may be a few red faces due to hilarity at the end of trying it! There is believed to be around 30,000 brown bears in Alaska alone, which makes up for around 98% of the entire population in the US. One of the top predators in the state, to see one is nothing short of mesmerising and humbling.