My Alaskan Road Trip Changed Me

Alaska changed me.

What started as a bucket-list trip quickly became something so much more. One of my closest friends was living there at the time, and we planned an unforgettable journey - one that blended iconic “must-do” experiences with personal, once-in-a-lifetime moments.

And honestly? This road trip almost didn’t happen the way we planned it. About six hours before departure, our flight was canceled. I found myself completely reworking our carefully planned, day-by-day itinerary on the fly - rerouting plans, shifting logistics, and trying not to spiral while also getting my family to Alaska. At the time, it felt stressful and overwhelming. Looking back now, it feels fitting somehow. Alaska is wild, unpredictable, untamed… and from the very beginning, the trip reflected that. 

We set out on an epic Alaskan road trip, covering as much ground as we could - while knowing even then that this is the kind of destination you don’t just visit once. Alaska calls you back.

In Denali National Park, we experienced one of those surreal, pinch-me moments - spotting the “big five” in the wild. Seeing animals in their natural habitat, in a place that vast and untouched, is something that’s hard to put into words. And it didn’t stop there. While driving through Alaska, we’d find ourselves pulling over to take in the sight of moose wandering nearby or bald eagles soaring overhead - those unexpected, quiet moments that end up meaning the most.

One of the most emotional experiences of my life happened on a wildlife cruise with Major Marine Tours. Surrounded by towering glaciers and endless water, we watched whales surface around us - alongside dolphins, sea otters, puffins, and more. It was overwhelming in the best way. I remember standing there, completely still, taking it all in - and realizing I had tears streaming down my face. It was one of those rare, powerful moments where you feel so small in the presence of something so incredible.

Meanwhile, my husband & son were inside the boat completely unfazed… eating hot dogs.

At one point I walked back inside, fully emotional, trying to explain the incredible, life-changing moment unfolding right outside the window, only to find them perfectly content inside having snacks. That’s what I loved so much about Alaska. It affects everyone differently. For some people, it’s the overwhelming beauty, the wildlife, the perspective shift. For others… it’s hot dogs on a boat surrounded by glaciers. Both are totally valid.

We also experienced Alaska in ways that were playful & unforgettable. At a local reindeer ranch, we got to interact with the sweetest baby reindeer - completely up close, completely unforgettable. We went on a “dry land mush,” where we met the incredible sled dogs of Dallas Seavey - learning about their training, their personalities, and the passion behind the sport. We even cuddled adorable future champions!

And then there was one of the most magical moments of all - visiting North Pole. Watching my son meet the REAL Santa Claus, fully believing in the magic of it all, is a memory I will carry with me forever. It was one of those simple moments that reminds you exactly why travel matters.

But Alaska also showed us its raw, powerful side. Along our journey, we saw areas impacted by wildfires - a humbling reminder of just how untamed & ever-changing this landscape truly is.

This trip was everything - adventure, beauty, emotion, connection. Not just to the destination itself, but to the people I experienced it with. Traveling alongside my husband & my son, visiting one of my best friends... sharing in these moments together made it even more meaningful.

Alaska isn’t just a place you visit - it’s something you feel. It shifts your perspective. It stays with you.

And it feels especially fitting that I now serve as Diserella Travel’s Alaska Destination Expert & Princess Cruises Brand Ambassador - turning that life-changing experience into a passion for helping others discover Alaska in their own meaningful, unforgettable way.

READY TO EXPLORE ALASKA?

📩 Reach out to Marisa to start planning or Request a Quote below.

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