Tourists, how we love them so! Each year the residents of Alaska wait anxiously for the month of May to roll around so that their commute time to work can be twice as long and their wait in line at the grocery store can somewhat resemble that of a traveling circus. Although the influx of human life in the serene state can be a bit overwhelming at first, Alaskans are proud to share their state with anyone that has a passion for the great outdoors.

Alaska is the largest state in the nation, yet is still so wild and untouched. So naturally, it’s no wonder that tourism is ranked as the second largest industry in the state. With an economic impact upwards of 4 billion dollars annually, it’s hard not to love the tourists. But with that love comes lots of laughs. From stopping in the middle of oncoming traffic to take a picture of a bear, to posing with inanimate objects, here are 20 surefire ways to always spot a tourist in the land of the last frontier.

  1. Bear Spotting: Let’s all move to the left side of the bus and hope it doesn’t tip over.

Flickr/Josh Kellogg

  1. Pose With Antlers: Because nothing says “rugged” like pretending to be a caribou.

Flickr/Grant Eaton

  1. Cruise Ship Sighting: The unofficial ceremonial start to tourist season.

Flickr/ Jill/ Blue Moonbeam Studio

  1. A Timeless Photo: You know, to show the grandkids.

Wikimedia

  1. Always Classy In Alaska: Every tourist has this photo on their camera reel.

Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

  1. Lick The Ice: You know, just to make sure that it’s really ice.

Flickr/ Terry Feuerborn

  1. Pose With The Wildlife: The moose are kissing, how cute.

Flickr/ Diane Cordell

  1. Every Kids Dream Come True: A trip to the North Pole wouldn’t be real without a picture of Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Flickr/Teofilo

  1. Urban Gold Panning: Need we say more?

Flickr/David Casteel

  1. Peace Signs For Days: No tourist photo is complete without the dueces.

Flickr/Nicole Yeager

  1. Stuffed Bear In Airport: Must document immediately.

Flickr/Mel Green

  1. Fish On: Let’s just pretend it’s real for the photo.

Flickr/Stephen Conn

  1. Met Some Gold Panners: Really bonded with the locals.

Flickr/Cristina Della Rosa

  1. A Totem Pole: Must all gather ‘round.

Flickr/Brian Roberts

  1. Glaicers: 150 photos of ice is absolutley necessary.

Wikimedia

  1. Choo Choo: When the trains a rollin’ - the tourists have arrived.

Flickr/Oklanica

  1. Dog Mushing On Gravel: With six grown adults leading the way.

Flickr/maduarte

  1. Poop Photo: Because documenting your new Xtratuf’s and colorful bear poop just makes you feel so wild.

Flickr/Travis Scat

  1. Into The Wild: Dedicated tourists will make this hike just for this photo session.

Flickr/Ronald Woan

  1. Alert: Motorhomes on roadway. They are coming for us.

Flickr/Kim F

Well it’s a fact: Alaska is known for attracting people that seem to “dance to the beat of their own drum.” And believe it or not, these are all surefire ways to spot a tourist in Alaska. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever spotted a tourist doing in your state?

Flickr/Josh Kellogg

Flickr/Grant Eaton

Flickr/ Jill/ Blue Moonbeam Studio

Wikimedia

Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

Flickr/ Terry Feuerborn

Flickr/ Diane Cordell

Flickr/Teofilo

Flickr/David Casteel

Flickr/Nicole Yeager

Flickr/Mel Green

Flickr/Stephen Conn

Flickr/Cristina Della Rosa

Flickr/Brian Roberts

Flickr/Oklanica

Flickr/maduarte

Flickr/Travis Scat

Flickr/Ronald Woan

Flickr/Kim F

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