Today’s Dylan Dreyer Brings Us Along for Whirlwind Alaska and London Trip

There is nothing ordinary about Dylan Dreyer’s life — and tagging along for a week of the Today cohost’s travels proves exactly that. Dreyer, 43, brought Us Weekly along with her for a week in her life by keeping a photo diary, from spending time with her three sons, Calvin, Oliver and Russell, whom she shares with husband Brian Fichera, to travels with costar Al Roker, to covering the Royal Ascot and more. “In Alaska it was just the view,” the meteorologist told Us exclusively of her most memorable experience in each place she visited. “We all stood in awe because you have glaciers and snow capped mountains all around you and then lakes down below the mountains. Just taking in the scenery and breathing the fresh air was magical.” Dreyer continued: “In London, I just love Royal Ascot. I love the pageantry of it. I was 20 feet away from the King and Queen as they came by in their carriage. It's so British and lovely. I really just love covering Royal Ascot.” Keep scrolling for a behind-the-scenes look at Dreyer’s whirlwind trip:

Spending time with the boys [Calvin, 8, Oliver, 5, and Russell, 3], before I leave for Alaska and London.

I talked about it [with my sons] a lot before I left because this was the longest trip I've been on in a while. I had to work Tuesday morning, and I didn't get home until Sunday afternoon. I just kind of kept talking about it, saying, “Don't forget, I'm leaving next week, but it's going to be so much fun. You can watch me when we're doing the show from Alaska. Then you can watch me in London. I'm going to check in and FaceTime but just call me whenever you want. I don't know when I can answer because of the time difference, but you can always reach out and I'll call you right back if I missed your call.” 

It was a lot of mental prep work for them, knowing I was going to be away. I filled up the freezer with different lunches and dinners so that even when I’m gone, it's nice for them to have home cooked meals [made] by me. It's like my little connection with them. 

Then I actually didn't talk to them that much because there's also an element of out of sight, out of mind. I made sure I checked in at least before bed, or maybe when I first woke up. There was at least one check in a day on FaceTime.

After a day of working for Al [Roker], I flew to Anchorage.

I touched down in Alaska at 7:00 p.m. with my hatbox for London!

Normally, I would have put everything in one suitcase, but because I didn't want to check my luggage and risk losing my hats and dresses, I had somebody else on our crew carry my Alaska stuff to Alaska, and I carried my London stuff, including my hats.

I was up early to meet up with Kaylee Hartung and Al to shoot some segments for the show.

I tried my luck at fishing in Anchorage!

I recorded the third hour of Today live from Mount Alyeska.

In Alaska, when you're standing at the top of the mountain, it's so beautiful, but this particular mountain was extremely vertical, so everything's kind of like an edge. There was one point when Cecilia, my producer, and I decided to walk close to the edge to see what was over the edge. We were holding hands. We were being very careful. 

Then everybody started screaming at us, “Stop, stop, stop! Don't take another step!” We didn't realize we were walking on an ice ledge, so there was nothing underneath it. If we kept walking, there was a chance the whole thing could have collapsed! Luckily, everyone was paying attention and stopped us.

Later that day, I flew from Anchorage to London with a pitstop in Seattle. Look who my seatmate was to Seattle! 

The most challenging part of jumping timezones was to not just eat and drink the whole time. I felt like I was always awake on a flight or eating lunch. At one point, we were eating lunch at nine o'clock in the morning, and then you're awake through the evening. Next thing I know I was on a flight at eight o'clock at night, and they're serving food on the plane because it's an international flight. I felt like it was always time to eat.

Finally made it to Windsor!

First stop: the local grocery store for the best gluten free finds. It's so much better than [in the U.S.] and so much cheaper. And for dinner, I have fish and chips because, as cliché as that sounds, it's just so delicious.

After waking up early, I broadcasted live from the Royal Ascot all day. I’m glad my hat made it there in one piece!

I flew back to New York City on Sunday morning.

I just sat on the ground and let the boys tackle me. It’s just my favorite thing. I never want to record it, because it's this precious moment that I just want to enjoy. I just sit on the ground, and they just cover me with hugs, and I love it so much.