Has Alaska become Americans’ dream vacation?
MORE Americans are looking to vacation in the States — and search data reveals the surprising destination that’s leading the way.
According to Google Trends, it seems as though we have started to ditch the beach for icy thrills, with record-high numbers of us looking up “Alaska cruise”.
Interest in domestic travel has surged in the past few years since the pandemic.
After months stuck indoors, we clearly rediscovered our love for fresh air, wildlife spotting and larger-than-life landscapes.
Alaska fits perfectly with this new outlook, as we increasingly seek nature-packed getaways.
The state’s appeal is plain to see — already one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations, the Last Frontier wows even the most seasoned travelers.
Think lush, secluded mountain ranges and abundant wildlife — from grizzly bears to towering moose.
Out on the ocean, passengers can see stunning spectacles like whales breaching alongside the vessel or seals chilling on ice caps.
But one of the things that appeals most about sailing these waters is the ability to set your own pace.
Want to spend days trekking across colossal glaciers? They’re there for exploring.
Prefer soaking in a hot spring with unbeatable views? Go and lap it up.
Many voyages let you do both: adventuring through rugged coastline and fully indulging in the relaxing facilities onboard afterward.
It’s the perfect blend of excitement and laid-back comfort, with a huge variety of trip types on offer.
Most long-haul cruises head out from Seattle or Vancouver and last about a week, although more travelers are opting for 10 to 14-day itineraries crammed with exploration.
Flying straight to Alaska is also an option, allowing for shorter, more intimate, and adventure-focused itineraries.
Smaller ships can venture where big liners can’t, offering hikes, kayaking, fishing, and other memorable experiences.
But with Google Trends showing far more searches for Alaska cruises than flights, Americans seem to want to take their time.
Most Alaskan voyages run between May and September, when the days are long, warm, and perfect for sighting humpbacks, orcas, and even bald eagles.
So it makes sense that online interest for voyages peaks around July and August.
Searches for cruises overall have soared in the past three years, with summer 2025 seeing the highest peak for half a decade.
Caribbean cruises still attract more online interest than Alaska though.
Curiosity for hot-weather retreats spikes in December and January, but Alaska’s popularity shows Americans also crave epic experiences as well as beach breaks.
The data trends suggest Americans are hungry for slow travel that mixes comfort with real adventure and wild encounters — all without leaving the country.
With pure escapism high on the wish list, it’s no wonder more people are setting their sights on Alaska.