5 Skagway secrets that will save you money

Who doesn’t like saving money? In Alaska, it’s often difficult saving money because everything is so expensive. If you and your family of four go out for a burger and fries, you may have to take out a loan. When you’re visiting as a tourist, it’s even harder to save money because you don’t know any of the secrets. Well, that’s about to change, partner, because today’s blog is going to reveal 5 Skagway secrets for saving money that only us locals know about. Are ready to do some penny-pinching? Let’s getterdun!

Saving money often starts with a plan

If you want to buy a car, you save up money for a down payment. That’s called planning ahead, and it’s something you should do in all facets of life because it can save you money. After reading through today’s blog, you should fully understand what I’m getting at.

Skagway secret #1 – Pack your own essentials

What are essentials? These are the things you may need to make it through the day comfortably. One example of an essential would be ibuprofen or cold medicine. You may not plan on getting a cold or a headache while you’re on vacation, but it’s probably going to happen. One too many martinis in the ship’s casino could mean waking up with a splitting headache. If you’re planning a dog mushing tour the next morning, you’re going to want something to ease your pain. Medicine is expensive in Alaska and on your cruise ship, so just bring your own. This applies to other essentials like warm clothing, personal hygiene products, and avocados.

Skagway secret #2 – Book an independent group tour

Obviously, this only works if you’re traveling with a group. However, knowing this secret ahead of time may make it possible to meet some new friends on the cruise ship and then save money by taking a tour together. If you can get six or more people to agree on a tour package, there are independent local driver’s that will customize a tour just for you. Not only will you save money, but you can do whatever you want. Another bonus is that you won’t have to worry about some stranger with a terrible gas problem riding on your bus.

Skagway secret #3 – Plan a day hike

Once you’re done with your morning tour, you have the whole day ahead of you. Many people head back to their cruise ship, but there isn’t anything cheap on board. A better plan is to spend the rest of your day hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Skagway has numerous hiking trails to choose from with varying degrees of difficulty, so you don’t have to be in prime physical condition to enjoy a hike. Take along some food from the local store, have a cookout over an open fire, and enjoy the pristine solitude of Alaska. It’s cheap and may be the highlight of your vacation.

This Skagway secret tastes great!

Skagway secret #4 – Walk or buy the all-day shuttle pass

Downtown Skagway is not far from your cruise ship. If you can walk about 1/3 of a mile, you can make it. If you take the shuttle, it will cost you $2 every time you ride. If you have a family of 5, you can save $20 just by walking to and from your ship. If walking isn’t your thing, instead of paying $2 every time you ride the shuttle, just get an all-day pass for $5. Then you can ride as often as you like and go just about anywhere in Skagway. Pretty smart.

Skagway secret #5 – Book multi-port tour packages

If you’re going to purchase a shore excursion for every port, buy a package deal and save money. For example, we can set you up with whale watching in Juneau, a nature hike in Ketchikan, and a dog mushing tour in Skagway and then cut a discount for the whole package. If you’re traveling with a group, you can save hundreds of dollars.

We hope you enjoyed this helpful list of Skagway secrets, and we hope you enjoy all of that money you’re going to save. What are you going to spend it on? An ulu knife? A hat that says “Alaska?” A bottle of aged whiskey? A tip for your tour salesperson? The sky is the limit!