Insight Guide Alaska is a comprehensive travel guide to one of the world's most exciting destinations. Full-color photos throughout combine with the lively text to help you discover this vast state - Alaska is more than twice the size of Texas, is home to 17 of the nation's 20 highest peaks, and has more active glaciers than the rest of the inhabited world. Our "Insight recommends" section outlines top attractions and activities not to miss, while features by local writers cover a whole range of subjects - how to choose a cruise, staying in a wildlife refuge, getting around by ferry, native art and artifacts, the world's most challenging dog sled race, gold-panning and how to spot a bear. Over thirty Places chapters cover the entire state, from the Panhandle in the southeast to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in the far north. Evocative accounts of the state's national parks and varied wildernesses combine with lively descriptions of the main towns and cities, all illustrated in full color photographs. Maps throughout help you get around, and the travel tips cover all the practical information you'll need, such as how to get around, how much to budget for your trip, and extensive listings on where to stay and where to eat.