Roadtrip USA and Canada: Important tips! From Alaska to Arizona

Almost 10,000 kilometres from Alaska in the North-West of the USA, down to Arizona: a Road trip Route that has it. We give tips for the adventure and the dream of many Germans.

A Road trip through Alaska, Canada, and the West coast of the USA along the Arizona is a great adventure and the dream of many a German. We have now found the perfect Route: The freedom to taste, Marshmallows by the fire roasting under the stars in the sky stay the night, the stunning nature and close to the track again and again on new impressive sights encounter – these are the expectations with which tourists experience this car. But the Tour is supposed to be a real success, some preparation required. The following guide shows a possible Route, and gives helpful information about the individual regions and their metropolises. He also offers suggestions on what sights are close to the Route, and explains what to look out for in terms of accommodations, and regional characteristics. Everything at a glance:

Find out more: Tiguan-Roadtrip

Road trip through the USA, from Alaska to Arizona

The Alaska Highway is next to the Route 66, arguably the most famous road in North America. She used to be a simple dirt road, on which, as a rule, only military vehicles wrong, it is paved today, the total length of 2,300 kilometers, almost continuously. It stretches from Dawson Creek via Fort Nelson, Whitehorse, Haines Junction and Tok to Delta Junction.

Airports and AutovermietungenAm fastest Alaska is reached, of course by plane. A Charter flight from Frankfurt am Main to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport takes an average of nine to ten hours at a cost of between 750 and 1200 euros, as a contribution to the süddeutsche Zeitung. Unfortunately, there is no airport in Dawson's Creek, the starting point of the Alaska Highway, so the Tour can begin in Anchor. To note is that the aircraft in the main travel time, so in July and August, are often fully booked. It is therefore advisable to seek early for a Ticket. The same applies to the car rentals. Can be rented, for example, in Anchorage at the airport a car (information at adac.de). It is important to check whether the provider offers a branch at the destination, so in Phoenix Arizona. Alternatively, car hire can be booked for the partial sections of the Route. A further, however very cost-intensive Option is to leave the car for the Road trip to embark.

Over-caution möglichkeitenes on the track, numerous Motels, however, can be the distances between them up to 200 kilometers. Who is with the camper on the go, you can make it to one of the many so-called RV Parks. It is Campgrounds for RV and motorhome driver, which are equipped with electricity, running water and a sewage system. However, it is not an obligation, to this RV Park, camp for the night. In Alaska, it is allowed to spend the night at any time, at any alternate site. Similarly, it is possible to stay in the car or in a tent on the Campgrounds. This is clearly cheaper but also less comfortable than the Bed in the Motel.

Attractions close to the RouteDie Alaskan landscape is a huge attraction. Probably the most popular event in Alaska, the Iditarod dog sled race is held once a year in direct in Anchorage. However, especially the numerous National Parks in Alaska are worth seeing, of course, such as the Wrangell - St Elias national Park. With over 53,000 square kilometres, it is the largest national Park in the United States and one of the largest contiguous protected areas in the world. In addition to Black and grizzly bears, wolves, mountain goats, moose and caribou live there, among other things. Under www.nps.gov all of the other National Parks in Alaska, including the auxiliary are listed on the richer information.

What is important to note that in Alaska?The price level in Alaska is quite high, and finally, almost all goods have to be from the South imported. Especially food is not cheap. Withdrawing money is accepted by means of EC-card at many Places possible, and also traveller's cheques, as is the most common credit cards.

The local medical care is good, but also expensive. It should come in the Wilderness to an accident, flew the injured from the Park Rangers or medical emergency in a helicopter to the nearest hospital. Therefore, the conclusion of a foreign health insurance is more than advisable. The best time to visit Alaska is from June to August. If you want to experience Winter in Alaska, traveling between February and April.

Part 2: Canada - nature experience

Road trip: Canada – experience nature

Canada is known for its breathtaking scenery and its enormous expanse of land known and just British Columbia convinced the friends of nature from all over the world. While in Western Canada, the Rocky Mountains rise to the North, the numerous Islands of the Canadian shield. The last place on the Alaska Highway to the canadian border is Beaver Creek. The canadian border control takes place. The Route runs South through the city of Whitehorse and British Columbia to Vancouver. Good of 2,800 kilometers.

Stay möglichkeitenin every major city, numerous Hotels and pensions in different price ranges. Surely, that is the most convenient but also the most cost-intensive possibility of Overnight stay. In the outskirts of towns and close to the Highway a number of Motels. Especially in person the Night in a B&B Bed and Breakfast is also. Usually it is the guest room in a private house, and at Breakfast you can relax, entertain with the house of lords. But real adventure-take advantage of holidaymakers, as in Alaska, the many campsites in Canada. Wild Camping is not seen in Canada, however, and can be punished Rangers with penalties.

Attractions close to the Route Close to the Route and shortly behind the border is the famous Kluane National Park. In the over 22,000 square-kilometer Park, which was included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage, is the largest Glacier outside the polar region. For the exploration of the Park, enough time should be scheduled. There are various Hiking routes of varying degrees of difficulty. Under faszination-kanada.com for more information about the fascinating UNESCO world heritage site.

Always worth a visit, is the Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park, which is located in British Columbia, and to reach from the Highway is good. He draws on two major physio-geographic zones – the Spatsizi Plateau and the Skeena mountains. With almost 700,000 hectares, this National Park is one of the largest and most important in Canada. It is originally a hunting area by the Tahltan Indians. In addition to grizzly bears and black bears, the Wolverine, marmots, and Arctic squirrel are to be found there. Wild camping within the National Park is not permitted, however, there are several rustic Campsides in the Park, in which you may sleep and in which it is part, fire pits and outhouses. Reserved can be, here are the rule “first-come, first-serve”.

Cities that are worth a visit Before in the South of Canada to the border of the USA is crossed, should be paid to the two Metropolitan cities of Vancouver and Victoria be sure to visit.

Vancouver is located directly on the Pacific ocean and is located only 45 kilometers from the United States. Impressive skyscrapers forming the Skyline of the city and there are a variety of Bars and Restaurants, but also for recovery from the big city hustle and bustle. Once there, you should take a leisurely stroll through Stanley Park, the largest urban Park in Canada. To learn a lot about the history of Canada, there are in the Museum of Anthropology.

Victoria is the capital of the canadian province of British Columbia and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The buildings and the life style in Victoria are very much influenced by England, which is why Victoria also as the most British city in North America. Especially country houses, Parks and gardens are inspired by the British style. The extensive cultural offer attracts numerous visitors from near and far in the city. To mention, here, for example, the jazz festival International, which takes place each year on the last weekend of June and with over 300 different music groups are present. The Indian roots of the Region, the First People´ reminds;s Festival, which is held every year at the end of July or beginning of August.

What to consider in Canada?The price level in Canada is in Central Europe comparable. Also, the health system and the medical care are very good. Exactly, like in Alaska, must be the long distances considered. Here, too, a foreign health insurance is worth it, in the event that an emergency rescue must be done by helicopter. Furthermore, the crime rate in Canada is relatively low, and social differences have far less problems, such as, for example, in the US or in South America. By the North-South gradient of the Rocky Mountains, it can also be far to the South is still very cold, what tourists should adjust themselves.

Part 3: The USA - a Potpourri of impressions

Nights on a Road trip

The border to the United States is happening, it continues through the States of Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada, until, finally, Arizona will be reached. Just under 3000 kilometers must be covered until the target is in sight, with much of the route on the West coast of the USA along. On the Route to numerous attractions and vibrant cities, such as San Francisco or Las Vegas.

Accommodation in principle, it is in the USA, easy to find, even without a reservation for a suitable place to sleep, which corresponds to the own Budget. Only on holidays or in the big national Park, a reservation is advisable. In General, can be between Hotels, Motels and Camping to be decided.

Motels there are many along the Highways. They offer the great advantage that the car can be parked, usually close to the room, which facilitates the Loading and Unloading. Although Motels are much cheaper than Hotels, but they also offer far less protection against burglars and fewer amenities. In the cut is to be expected for an Overnight stay in a simple two-bed-room $ 40 per night. Middle-class room for 50 to 70 dollars.

Much cheaper travellers in Hostels. For eight to 20 dollars per night, however, there is very little comfort. With the European Hostels, those in the United States are not to compare.

However, the American's favorite Accommodation on the trip was the Camping. Accordingly, the number of created rich and generous, so are the campsites. On state places a unit fee must be paid for the Parking space, regardless of how many people want to stay there. Numerous free Parking spaces and camping places in the USA, including GPS-you can find the data under http://panamericanainfo.com/camping/. Wild Camping is banned on the West coast of the USA. As a result, the risk of forest fires should be reduced, because frequently, these are caused by careless campers, or unsecured fire.

Attractions close to the route, named after the first President of the USA George Washington the state of Washington is located directly behind the U.S. border, and is the first Federal state on the Route to Arizona. Because of its variety of evergreen conifer trees Washington also bears the nickname “the Evergreen State”.

The state has to offer three stunning National Parks, the Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park and the North Cascades National Park. A glimpse into the lives of Americans in the 19th century. Century get visitors, if you visit the Ebey´s Landing National Historical Reserve near Coupeville. On the 70,5 square kilometers area historical farms, which are still in operation today.

The coniferous forests are left behind and the journey continues in the state of Oregon. The Route leads along the coast. A trip to the giant sand dunes, which stretch along the coast from Florence to Coos, is worthwhile in any case. Also impressive is the Oregon Caves National Monument in the Siskiyou Mountains in southwest Oregon. About 90 minutes, the guided Tour lasts for caves by the 1874, discovered in limestone. Who goes like in the old days, can make the junction to the caves on Highway 199 also just have a rest stop at Bridgeview Vineyard, one of a German-American family owned and operated winery.

It continues in the Golden State, California. About 60 miles North of San Francisco, the protection area Point Reyes National Seashore is located on a Peninsula with the wild cliffs and crashing Waves. In the midst of the protected area, the infamous San Andreas fault, which is due to its tectonic activity for the numerous earthquakes in the Region.

The coast is leaving route and the travel direction of the desert, more precisely in the state of Nevada. Who is ready to leave the Route for a short time, can be a trip in the Death Valley National Park. It is located in the Mojave desert and is the driest national Park in the United States.

The highest ever measured temperature was 56.7 degrees. About Las Vegas, the next in the process is discussed in more detail, it goes to the Grand Canyon national Park, which is already in Arizona. Before that, however, the monumental Hoover Dam is happening. The Grand Canyon National Park is probably the most impressive National Park in the United States. Already Teddy Roosevelt said that the Grand Canyon was probably the only place that every American should have seen.

Metro Poland, which is worth a visit may now want to still apply the large metropolises, which are on or near the Route. All of Seattle in Washington state, what is the Needle for his Space, a 184-metre-high lookout tower, is famous, is not missing. The many green spaces for Seattle as a livable city, and once there, you should also check out the Woodland Park Zoo and EMP Museum. The Experience Music project Museum stands out with its extraordinary Form and the contemporary pop culture is dedicated.

Also a Must-see San Francisco, not only because of the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Also, the Union Square and San Francisco Cable Cars dominate the city. If you like, you can pay a visit to the infamous prison island of Alcatraz for a visit. It was said that Alcatraz is the only high-security prison didn't break out. Today, the island is home to the San Francisco Bay prisoners no more. Under reiseziel-kompass.de other famous sights in San Francisco.

The next major metropolis on the Route to Las Vegas. The player-town in the middle of the desert is known worldwide and is popular with tourists from near and far not only for the Film “Hangover” the greatest popularity.

In addition to the monumental hotel complex, the famous Casinos and the many Shows in Las Vegas for his small Wedding Chapels is known. Where else can give a Couple of finally, with Elvis as the best man, the Yes-word? For more interesting facts about Sin City in the middle of the desert, please refer to the comprehensive Las Vegas Guide casino earner.

The capital city of the destination state of Arizona is Phoenix. The goal of the trip is reached, before it goes back home, should be the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo visited. The art and culture of the native American people is seen in the Heard Museum.

What to consider in the USA?

Who's driving the West coast of the USA, along, travels through different climate zones. The perfect time to travel there is not so. In the Northern regions, so also in the state of Washington must be expected between September and may, always with snow. In southern California, however, the whole year round, a mild climate, while the cold ocean currents in San Francisco provides for cooler weather conditions. Depending on the dollar exchange rate shopping for German in the USA can be quite cheap. This is especially true for clothing, but also for camping article. Food of the Andes best in one of the large supermarkets, such as Wal-Mart,. While it can often be with a credit card, nevertheless, it is advisable, plenty of cash, so www.usa-ti.com. The crime rate in the United States, especially in the big cities is quite high, however, are affected in the rarest of cases, tourists from Attacks, so the contribution of “security in the United States – High crime rate”.

Car hire and airports

By plane: from the Phoenix Sky International Airport, and back home. Before that has yet to be given the hire car back. This is directly at the airport. Here, too, the side of the ADACs can help again.

A Roadtrip from Alaska to Arizona is definitely an adventure, but also a great challenge. Who is prepared perfectly, with the entry requirements and local conditions of employees and sufficient time schedules, however, will experience an unforgettable trip and priceless memories to take home.