The Rough Guide to Alaska [Paperback]

Paul Whitfield (Author)

Book Description

Series: Rough Guide Travel Guides | Publication Date: May 31, 2004

The Rough Guide to Alaska is the indispensable guidebook to one of the world''s greatest adventure destinations. The Rough Guide will ensure the reader gets the most from their time in this extraordinary region. The opening pages feature a full-colour introduction to Alaska''s highlights, with inspirational photography of the stunning sights and activities on offer, from viewing the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights to cruising the epic highways. There are evocative accounts of the state''s vast wilderness, from the majestic peak of Denali to the glaciers of Prince William Sound, and lively reports on Anchorage, Fairbanks, and all Alaska''s rough-hewn towns. There is also expert advice on the multitude of outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, rafting, fishing and kayaking plus lesser known activities such as panning for gold or riding a husky sled.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Has everything the casual visitor to Alaska is going to need - trip after trip after trip."

Product Details

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Rough Guides; 2 Sub edition (May 31, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843532581
• ISBN-13: 978-1843532583
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,407,535 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Paul Whitfield was born in the UK in 1961 and emigrated to New Zealand with his parents aged 13. He spent formative years in Auckland and Hastings before moving to Christchurch to study Chemical Engineering. The food industry put a roof over his head for a few years but his real home was on the road, travelling through the Americas, cycling through Europe and North Africa and trekking in Nepal. Wanting to share his experiences, he started writing travel guidebooks for the Rough Guides in the early 1990s, first in Scandinavia quickly followed by guides to Wales, California and New Zealand. With these under his belt he branched out to Alaska, Mexico and Yosemite National Park. All the while he was complementing his writing with photography, both for Rough Guides and OurPlace World Heritage, documenting UNESCO World Heritage sites. He now lives in his adoptive homeland, New Zealand.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive information on the vast Alaskan wilderness, October 10, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Rough Guide to Alaska (Paperback)

The Rough Guide To Alaska is the most complete and superbly organized of the travel guides to the northernmost American state. Along with comprehensive information on the vast Alaskan wilderness, there are reports on events and sights of Alaska's major cities and tourist destinations, as well as reliable recommendations for dining, lodging, and travel. Enhanced with more than 60 maps and full color photography, The Rough Guide To Alaska is the perfect trip planning resource.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars outstanding guidebook, June 14, 2005

By 

Smallchief - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Rough Guide to Alaska (Paperback)

I used the "Rough Guide" on a recent visit to Southeastern Alaska. I found the recommendations regarding hotels and restaurants in Juneau, Ketchikan, and other cities to be accurate, useful, and up to date. The guide is well-illustrated and mapped and provides brief detail on places of interest and things to do.

One of the best features of the "Rough Guide" are the abundant sidebars which offer the reader interesting tidbits of history, folklore, and Alaskan people. Also very good is the annotated reading list at the end of the book which recommends a large number of additional books to read. You will find just about everything you need to know in this guide to plan your trip and to learn what you should about Alaska. My only criticism is that it may be a bit skimpy on information for the fisherman and hunter -- both major attractions in Alaska.

Smallchief

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoy Alaska through this book, March 8, 2007

By 

S. C. Sorensen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Rough Guide to Alaska (Paperback)

We ordered all the guides to Alaska, and this is just TOPS. We planned our own drive through, and then contacted a Alaska Tour & Travel and they booked the hotels, car, etc.
Paul Whitfield has done a great job of putting together the information, and just so personable. He covers all seasons, mentions stays, stops not covered in the general books by [....], Fodor's, etc.
FIVE STAR!