Not Just
for Dummies Any More
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Alaska for Dummies, Second
Edition
by Charles Wohlforth
Who must have this book: Anyone who wants to
go to Alaska but doesn't know where to start.
Who should have this book: Anyone looking for
a solid reference book filled with planning advice.
ISBN: 0764517619
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I
always thought the name of the Dummies series was unfortunate. In
my computer career, I have found these to be very valuable guides
for every topic I have read. This book is no different, it is a very
solid guide, filled with valuable information from a veteran Alaskan
guide book writer, Charles Wohlforth.
Like most of the Dummies Guides, it is well laid out and introduces
you to Alaska in a gentle, helpful way. Also, like other Dummies Guides,
when you reach the end, you are very well educated about the topic.
In this case you will know a lot about Alaska and how to plan your
trip to the state.
The writing is very accessible and the advice and information are
great. The only unfortunate thing is that with such a picturesque
state, there are no photographs at all. To me this seems to be a wasted
opportunity. So it’s not the most beautiful guide in the world
but it is filled with great information.
One word of warning, Wohforth also wrote the Frommer’s guide
to Alaska. Do not buy both guides, because much of the information
is repetitive between the two. If you just want a reference book,
get Frommer’s. If you want a planning consultant, get this book.
Overview
The book is broken into several broad sections, Getting
Started, Ironing out the Details, South Central, South East, Off the
Road System, and an appendix with Top Ten lists of activities and
worksheets. Each section leads you through the process of planning
your own personalized Alaskan trip.
The Getting Started section gives you a list of things that shouldn’t
be missed when you are in Alaska. It makes sure you know of the essential
Alaskan experiences that should not be missed.
The Ironing out the Details section digs into the nuts and bolts of
your trip. It makes sure you have lined up all the transportation
and lodging for the trip. Also it lays out some obviously hard won
knowledge about traveling with children. (See his other book Frommer’s
Family Vacations in National Parks.) He is very thorough in making
sure that you dot all the I’s and cross all the T’s so
there are no surprises when you get to Alaska. He is very realistic
with budgets and timing which will help you keep the scope of your
trip in reason. Especially look at his sample Itineraries, they are
very good samplers to Alaska and may be the best use of a single week
in the state.
Author
Charles Wohlforth is a Alaskan native who has written
several travel guides including Frommer’s Alaska and Frommer’s
Family Vacations in National Parks. His latest book is the Whale and
the Super Computer. A book about global warming’s affects on
the Arctic region.
Other books by the Author
