Alaska

From early April into May, Southeast Alaska awakens. Bears, baby animals, migrating grey whales and birds, budding forests, snow-covered peaks, gushing waterfalls, and Aurora Borealis sightings can be part of your experience. Plus, it's crowd-free.

Long days of Alaska summers mean extra playtime. Temps are warmer, so there's better access to higher elevation hikes. And humpbacks are back en masse. Come summer's end and into early fall, wildlife gets busy—mating, migrating, and feeding up for winter.