A. Alaska is so big, it has it's own time zone: Alaska Standard Time (AST). Alaska Standard Time is one hour behind Pacific Standard Time, and four hours behind Eastern Standard Time. So, if it's 1:00 pm in California, and 4:00 pm in New York, it's noon in Alaska.
Q. Do I need a passport to get to Alaska?
A. No. Alaska is in the United States of America. Alaska was the 49th state to enter the union, earning statehood in 1959. We use U.S currency, and electrical outlets are the same as everywhere else in the U.S. (110 volts, 60 AC).
Q. Is it really cold and dark all winter long?
A. No. The least amount of functional light the Anchorage gets is 7 hours and 35 minutes in the winter. Anchorage also doesn't have light 24 hours all the time in the summer. The 24 hour day-light only lasts for about 2 weeks. Although, northern cities, such as Barrow have much less light in the winter and more so in the summer.
Q. Do all people in Alaska live in Igloos?
A. NO! Actually, a lot of people in Alaska have never seen a "real" Igloo. We have regular houses, bars, nightclubs, hotels and restaurants. About 40% of "lower 48ers" are connected to the Internet, where as it's 60% in Alaska. We have running water, indoor pluming, and do not have to hunt all of our food. Even Native Alaskans (NOT called Ekimos) in "Bush" towns such as Barrow live in houses.
Q. Is the Mosquitoe really Alaska's state bird?
A. Nope. Although it's a fun joke, the mosquitoes really aren't that bad in Urban areas. While the mosquitoes up here are quite large, they won't come by and suck you dry, or carry away small children! Alaska's mosquitoes carry no diseases. In the "wild" I have noticed that they can get quite bad. "Bug Juice" is a must anywhere in Alaska you are, though.
