Foto Journee Takes the Northern Lights – Preparation

Backstory

For the past three years, I’ve been very vocal about wanting to see the Northern Lights. Let’s be honest though—I was talking about leaving a cold environment to visit an even colder one, I already knew this was going to be a solo trip. So we’re talking single, Black female traveling to a location she has never been and has no support system there – you know #SagittariusVibes.

That said… SAFETY FIRST, which meant it was time to plan. My biggest considerations were:

• Where are the best viewing locations?
• What’s cost-effective?
• When is the best time to go?
• What else is there to do besides chase lights?
• And most importantly… will I be safe?

All roads pointed to Fairbanks, Alaska.

Why Fairbanks?
First, it’s domestic—so if someone needed to get to me, no passport stress. Second, I hadn’t been to Alaska yet, so boom—another state checked off the list. Third, the University of Alaska Fairbanks actively monitors aurora activity, which made it feel like the place to be. I usually have a lot of time off in November and December, and since the best viewing happens around the Winter Solstice (December 21), the timing was perfect. #Winning

Now, when I say this trip was three years in the making, I mean it. Mother Nature had her own agenda. To see the lights, you need two things: darkness and clear skies. For two years straight, my plans were completely derailed by serious snowstorms. And listen—I’m from Chicago, so you know it must’ve been bad if snow stopped me. But with unpaved roads and zero visibility, my danger flags were flying. No clear skies + unsafe conditions = hard no.

Fast forward to 2025, and we hit a solar maximum—basically the sun decided to throw a party and crank up activity. People all over the northern continental U.S. were seeing incredible auroras. Me? Not so lucky – and trust me, I tried. Finally, I said enough is enough—I’m going to Fairbanks.

With two years of research under my belt, I booked a non-refundable flight with no insurance (which is not how I normally move). But this time - No excuses. No turning back. #Stubborn

What Was My Route?

I flew Alaska Airlines out of Chicago and had two options: connect through Anchorage or Seattle. Prices were similar, and both made sense—but I chose Seattle. Why? Weather. If things went left, I could pivot, hang out in Seattle, and still make it home without concern.

To Drive or Not to Drive?

Normally, I rent a car for domestic trips outside major cities with easily accessible public transportation. I like flexibility and building my own itinerary, but this trip was different. An internal debate ensued in my mind on a regular basis – to drive or not to drive. It was like the battle of two shoulder entities:

Left shoulder:
“Girl, you’re from Chicago. You learned to drive in snow. You’ve been doing this since insert year.”

Right shoulder:
“…Yes, but even you don’t like driving when roads aren’t clear—and you don’t know these roads.”

Turns out the right shoulder was actually right. Research confirmed there are many unpaved roads, and because of the environment, rock salt like I’m used to isn’t really a thing. A long conversation with a kind local in Fairbanks sealed it.

Final decision: Ride shares around town and excursion companies for outings. It worked perfectly.

Where I Stayed

Fairbanks has plenty of hotel and lodge options, but since I planned to stay central (and had an early return flight), I chose SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks, located downtown across from the Chena River—and I’d absolutely recommend it.

Why it worked for me:

• Easy airport access
• Pickup location for excursions
• Walking distance to restaurants and bars
• Airport shuttle, daily breakfast, gym, pool, and hot tub
• In-room fridge and microwave

Since I wasn’t driving, I also ordered groceries to the hotel so I could keep my favorite snacks, tea, and water on deck. The staff were incredibly sweet and helpful, and the gift shop features stunning photography from a local artist (at great prices).

📹 Check out my YouTube video: “SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks” for a full walkthrough.

Time to Shop

Living in Chicago means I own cold-weather gear—but this was Alaska cold, and I was nervous my usual stuff wouldn’t cut it. Freezing after traveling all that way was not an option.

So I did what I do best: research. I lived on YouTube University and the internet, learning how to survive extreme cold in Fairbanks. The message was consistent:

• Wool is your best friend
• Layers are non-negotiable
• Waterproof everything

Armed with my itinerary, packing list, and current inventory, I headed to Amazon for reinforcements. If you’re from a warm climate, hear me clearly—this stuff adds up. Some places do offer gear rentals, but if you live somewhere cold, the investment is worth it. You’ll use it again.