Four hikers are wearing coats and winter hats. They are facing backwards and hiking over a glacier. Alaska Specialist course text.

Alaska – A Destination Specialist Course – 2nd Edition

Alaska offers experiences that are as vast as they are unforgettable. Master the art of designing personalized journeys that capture the essence of the Great Land—whether it’s cruising through the Inside Passage, exploring Denali’s wilderness, or uncovering hidden gems far off the beaten path.

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This course is included! Visit the Education Hub and select the course. While you’re there, you can also explore the many other learning and career development opportunities available.

 

$89.00

INDUSTRY LEADING Training, FOR OVER 60 YEARS

Welcome to the Alaska Specialist Course

Alaska is a multi-layered destination that requires deeper knowledge, stronger planning skills, and a thoughtful approach to truly serve clients expectations. When you complete your learning journey through the Alaska Destination Specialist course, you will:

  • Apply regional knowledge of Alaska—including the Far North, Fairbanks and Interior, Anchorage and Southcentral, Southeast and the Inside Passage, and Southwest Alaska—to design meaningful travel experiences.
  • Differentiate and recommend cruise, cruise-tour (cruise plus land), and land-only vacation options.
  • Understand Alaska travel logistics, including the coordination of air, rail, cruise, motorcoach, ferry, and bush plane transportation.
  • Advise clients about essential travel considerations, including accommodations, packing, and seasonal expectations. 

Practical tips and advice

Receive a Alaska Destination Desk Reference for everyday use. 

Interactive Learning

Enhance your understanding with multi-learning activities, images, videos, and knowledge checks.

Application activities

Put your knowledge into practice and be ready to sell this destination by crafting amazing itineraries.

Become a Specialist

Establish your consumer-facing Certified Alaska Specialist brand by earning coveted and well-recognized industry certification.

Journey to Success

Your Learning Experience

Alaska comes alive in this immersive online learning experience through spectacular images, videos, interactive exercises, and so much more.

  • Students have 12 months to complete their studies, take the closed book multiple choice test and complete either their Destination Report or Experiential Checklist. 
  • Course length: 4 to 6 hours
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Course Curriculum

Why Alaska

  • Alaska  Facts 

Geography & Climate

  • Geography
  • Climate & Seasons

Arrival Information

  • Passport & Visa Requirements
  • International Arrivals & Departures
  • Immigration & Customs
  • Health
  • Money Matters
  • Local Transportation
  • Accommodations
  • Dining
  • Shopping
  • Activities & Entertainment

Cruising Alaska

  • Types of Alaska Cruises
  • Choosing the right Cruise
  • Popular Alaska Cruises Excursions

Far North

  • Navigating Alaska’s Far North
  • Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
  • Visiting Seasons

Fairbanks and Alaska’s Interior

  • Alaska Interior
  • Fairbanks
  • Denali National Park and Preserve
  • Western Interior

Southcentral Alaska

  • Anchorage
  • Kenai Peninsula
  • Prince William Sound

Southwest Alaska and Aleutian Islands

  • Southwest Alaska
  • Aleutian Islands

Southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage

  • Juneau
  • Ketchikan
  • Sitka
  • Glacier By National Park
  • Prince of Wales Island
  • Skagway

Culture & Custom

  • Greetings
  • Traditions
  • Special Events
  • Holidays
  • Festivals

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Alaska

Hidden Gems

  • The off-the-beaten path and hidden gems in Alaska

Selling Alaska

  • Experiencing Alaska In Different Ways
  • Matching The Right Alaska Experience To The Right Traveler

Alaska Travel Specialist

Become a Certified Alaska Travel Specialist and unlock the expertise to sell one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations. From glaciers and wildlife to cruises and remote wilderness, you’ll learn to design personalized journeys that capture the true spirit of the Great Land. With deep knowledge of Alaska’s regions, seasons, and experiences, you’ll confidently turn bucket-list trips into unforgettable, expertly crafted adventures.

To earn your Certified Alaska Travel Specialist Certificate:

Complete the program materials, successfully pass the 25-question, closed-book exam, and complete the Destination Report or Experiential Checklist in a 12-month time frame.

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Continuing Education Units

Successful completion of this course qualifies for 10 CEUs.

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Education HUB

Whether you’re aiming to grow your bookings, strengthen your expertise, or elevate your service, the Education Hub is your ultimate resource for continuous learning and professional success.

Start exploring today and unlock your full potential.

RETURNS/REFUNDS:

All products purchased from The Travel Institute are NON-REFUNDABLE. This includes memberships/subscriptions; online/downloaded courses and materials; textbooks and reference materials; and/or materials not created by The Travel Institute (3rd-party products). Damaged products will be exchanged for the same title.