I’ve lived in Alaska for 21 years. Here are 11 of the biggest mistakes I see first-time visitors make.

Alaska is a popular tourist destination in the summer. Pascal RATEAU/Shutterstock After living in Alaska for 21 years, I’ve seen a fair share of tourists make common mistakes.   Educate yourself on Alaska Native culture and traditions and make sure to respect them and the land.

If you want to see the northern lights or the Iditarod, consider visiting during the winter. Some tourists try to do too much in a single trip. Mount Denali is a popular Alaskan destination.

bcampbell65/ShutterstockAlaska is huge. It’s one-fifth of the size of the lower 48 — the contiguous United States — and larger than California, Montana, and Texas combined. Even though it’s technically possible to visit all of the major spots along the road system over seven to 10 days, doing so will likely leave you exhausted and feeling like you didn’t experience much of anything.

So unless you’re planning an extended stay, focus on exploring a single region. If you want to see southeast Alaska and the Inside Passage, book a cruise or use a combination of planes and ferries to travel between cities. Opt for lodging on the Kenai Peninsula if you want to come home with fresh halibut and salmon or get a close look at glaciers and sea animals.

Anchorage has a thriving arts and culture scene, excellent options for dining and shopping, a well-maintained citywide trail system, and easy access to Chugach State Park. It can also serve as the starting and stopping point for adventures north or south. If you want to visit Denali National Park, then make Fairbanks — about a two-hour drive away from the entrance — your home base to explore the interior.

And expect to mostly travel by plane if you want to go to Kodiak or Valdez and check out the Arctic. Don’t disrespect the Alaska Natives or their land. Alaska Natives have lived in Alaska for thousands of years.

Ric Jacyno/ShutterstockAlaska Natives were here for thousands of years before colonization. Every tourist and non-Native who has made Alaska home is a guest in their homeland, so be respectful of both the people and land.  For example, if you’re unsure how to pronounce the name of a place, dish, or landmark, just ask.

And never mock the customs or traditional foods. Leave no trace behind when you visit trails, and if you’re taking from the land — whether fishing, hunting, or harvesting berries — take only what you need. Another great way to show your respect is to learn about these cultures and traditions at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage.

It houses art and artifacts, holds dance performances and demonstrations of traditional games, and offers guided tours of life-size, outdoor village replicas.   You shouldn’t expect to see the northern lights in the summer. A view of the northern lights over Fairbanks, Alaska.

Hailin Chen/ShuttershockThe northern lights, or aurora borealis, is a beautiful display of colorful, dancing lights caused by charged gaseous particles in Earth’s atmosphere. It’s not impossible to catch them dancing across the sky during the summer, but it’s not very common. If seeing them is a must, plan a trip in the winter to Fairbanks, which usually has the best light show.

Make sure you’re prepared for the weather by packing layers. Fleeces are great for layering. Little honey/ShutterstockEven if you visit in the summer, don’t only pack sweatshirts, puffy coats, and pants.

Temperatures and weather vary by region, but you can expect averages in the 60s Fahrenheit during peak summer, possibly reaching the 70s or 80s. This may drop into the 40s or 50s overnight.  Weather can also change within a single day.

You may wake up to cloudless blue skies and sunshine, only to be caught in the rain that afternoon. The key to staying comfortable is to dress in layers. A non-cotton base topped with fleece will wick away moisture and keep you warm.

Then add a waterproof coat and sturdy shoes or boots to stay dry.   Use common sense when interacting with wildlife. Moose are quite common in Alaska.

Steve Bower/ShutterstockWildlife sightings are a definite highlight of any Alaskan vacation. Fatal attacks from regularly spotted animals — like bears, moose, and wolves — are rare, but use common sense if you see any wildlife. Always maintain a safe distance, don’t try to feed them or otherwise attract them with food, and never pet them.

 When out on the trails, make noise to alert animals of your presence and research what to do if you cross paths with one. Also, consider packing some bear spray – just make sure to aim it in the bear’s face and not toward yourself. You’re missing out if you only visit Alaska during the summer.

The Iditarod is an annual long-distance sled-dog race. Amy NewmanSince the winter can be dark — with just hours of sunlight in some places — and very cold, summer is the state’s tourist season. But for those willing to brave the weather, winter in Alaska is amazing.

It’s also somewhat more affordable since it’s the off-season. There’s an excellent chance you’ll catch the northern lights, and there are plenty of opportunities for downhill and cross-country skiing, fat-tire biking, snow machining (or snowmobiling), and more. If you come in March, you’ll also be able to catch the Iditarod, the annual long-distance sled-dog race.

Share your itinerary — it’s better to be safe than sorry. Be safe while enjoying outdoor adventures. Katerina Klio/ShutterstockAlaska’s outdoor adventures are beautiful but they come with risks.

Make sure to give your family, friends, or even the hotel’s front desk a copy of your itinerary, especially if you’re heading out alone. Should something go sideways on your trip, knowing where to start a search will make it easier for rescuers to track you down if you don’t return when expected.  Don’t skip the museums.

The Anchorage Museum is quite popular. Linda Harms/ShutterstockMake time to visit one of the state’s many museums. They’re a great way to learn about Alaskan history and artwork, as well as Alaska Native customs and traditions.

The Anchorage Museum, Alaska State Museum in Juneau, and Museum of the North in Fairbanks are the big ones, but many communities have small museums or exhibits at the visitor’s center that share the history of the area. You’ll leave with an increased appreciation for the state that’ll enrich your adventures. Try to buy ‘Made in Alaska’ or Alaska Native souvenirs.

A Silver Hand means the souvenir was made by an Alaska Native artist. Amy NewmanSouvenirs are a must-buy on any trip, but make sure you leave with something authentically Alaskan and not another mass-produced trinket made overseas. Look for the “Made in Alaska” logo — an image of a mother bear and her cub — which signals that at least 51% of the product was produced in the state.

Or look for a Silver Hand, which means your item was made by an Alaska Native artist.  Pull over on highways if you want to enjoy the views. You can see great views while driving down Alaska’s highways.

Galyna Andrushko/ShutterstockMany tourists want to stop and take in the view or snap photos while they drive, but the “vehicle turnout” signs on Alaska’s highways aren’t just friendly suggestions. If there are five or more vehicles behind you, you’re required to pull over to let them pass.  Double-check that your rental car fits your plans.

Many car-rental companies in Alaska have restrictions on what roads you can drive on. Henrik A. Jonsson/ShutterstockAlaska’s main highways are paved, but often riddled with large potholes thanks to studded tires and winter road maintenance.

However, many of the other roads are gravel and minimally maintained, so several car-rental companies prohibit driving on them. Before booking, check the terms of the rental agreement to make sure your plans don’t include traveling on any roads typically deemed off-limits, such as the Denali or Dalton Highway. Read the original article on Insider.