At 04:23 PM +07 on Friday, July 4, 2025, the life of Dylan Dreyer, co-host of NBC’s Today show, is anything but ordinary—a fact vividly illustrated by her recent whirlwind adventure across Alaska and London alongside her longtime colleague Al Roker. The 43-year-old meteorologist opened the doors to her fast-paced world, granting Us Weekly an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a week filled with stunning landscapes, royal pageantry, and heartfelt family moments. From glacier-gazing in Anchorage to rubbing shoulders with royalty at Royal Ascot, Dreyer’s journey showcases her ability to balance a demanding career with the joys of motherhood, all while sharing the experience with fans and her co-star Roker.
The trip began with a departure from her New York City routine, leaving behind her three sons—Calvin, 8, Oliver, 5, and Russell, 3—whom she shares with husband Brian Fichera. Dreyer, known for her sunny disposition and meteorological expertise on Today’s third hour, prepared her boys for her absence with open communication. “I talked about it a lot before I left because this was the longest trip I’ve been on in a while,” she told Us Weekly exclusively. Working Tuesday morning and not returning until Sunday afternoon, she reassured them, “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.” Her commitment to staying connected, despite a challenging time difference, underscores her dedication as a mother navigating a high-profile career.
Dreyer’s Alaskan leg kicked off with a flight to Anchorage, landing at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19. To manage her packed schedule, she split her luggage strategically. “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,” she explained. This logistical dance set the tone for a trip that blended work with wonder. The next morning, she teamed up with Roker and correspondent Kaylee Hartung to shoot segments, immersing herself in Anchorage’s natural splendor. One highlight was a fishing attempt, a nod to the region’s rugged charm, followed by a live broadcast of Today’s third hour from Mount Alyeska.
The Alaskan scenery left Dreyer in awe. “In Alaska, it was just the view,” she recalled. “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.” A particularly daring moment came when she and producer Cecilia ventured near a steep edge on Mount Alyeska, peering over to marvel at the vertical drop—a testament to her adventurous spirit. The segment, aired on June 20 to celebrate the Summer Solstice, showcased Alaska’s near-24-hour daylight, a phenomenon Roker jokingly dubbed “always sunny in Anchorage.” The duo promised viewers a taste of the state’s food, culture, and wildlife, from mountains to glaciers, fulfilling their pledge with vibrant on-air reports.
After Alaska, Dreyer’s journey took a transatlantic leap, covering over 4,000 miles to London for the 2025 Royal Ascot, arriving at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20—losing 24 hours due to the time difference. “I left at 2:30 on Thursday, and between flying around the world and also the time difference, I landed here at 2:30 on Friday,” she shared during NBC’s coverage on June 21. Despite the grueling travel, her enthusiasm shone through. “This is my favorite event to cover with you guys every single year. So, I made it!” she told co-host Nick Luck, her voice brimming with excitement. This year, unlike past Ascots where she sported multiple outfits, she packed just one colorful ensemble, a practical choice given her tight schedule.
Royal Ascot, with its blend of British tradition and glamour, captivated Dreyer. “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,” she said, her words painting a picture of the event’s elegance. The experience was a stark contrast to Alaska’s wild beauty, yet equally memorable. Her photo diary, shared with Us Weekly, captured candid moments—posing with Roker against Anchorage’s rugged backdrop and mingling with London’s racing elite—offering fans a glimpse into her dual roles as a broadcaster and a cultural observer.
Family remained at the heart of her journey. Before departing, Dreyer cherished time with Calvin, Oliver, and Russell, a ritual she holds dear amid her travels. Her eldest, Calvin, lives with celiac disease, a challenge she addresses publicly through Today’s “Cooking With Cal” segment, teaching viewers gluten-free recipes. Her London stop included a detour to a supermarket to stock up on gluten-free goods, stuffing them into an extra duffel bag. “Can’t visit the UK without stopping at the grocery store and filling up an extra suitcase with gluten-free finds!” she captioned an Instagram video, a practical yet personal touch that resonated with her audience.
Roker, a veteran Today personality, was a constant companion. The pair’s chemistry, honed over years, shone through as they navigated Alaska’s terrain and London’s social scene. Their trip followed a pattern of Today’s third-hour adventures, like their 2025 New Orleans tour and the 2024 Mardi Gras coverage. However, Roker’s absence from the June 23 broadcast, explained by Craig Melvin as a recovery day after the Alaska leg, highlighted the trip’s intensity. Roker, currently enjoying a break on Martha’s Vineyard with wife Deborah Roberts, had teased the journey on Instagram, sharing photos of fishing and mountain views alongside Dreyer and Hartung.
Dreyer’s return to New York on June 23, filling in for Roker, marked the trip’s end, but not without challenges. The rapid shift from Alaska’s wilderness to London’s sophistication tested her endurance, a “hot mess” moment she confessed to after landing in Anchorage with her hatbox in tow. Yet, her resilience—evident in past stints like hosting the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for Roker—carried her through. Her photo diary, a mix of professional triumphs and personal anecdotes, painted a portrait of a woman thriving under pressure.
The trip’s impact extended beyond the screen. Fans on social media praised her versatility, with posts calling it “a masterclass in multitasking.” Her Alaska segments boosted Today’s viewership, while Royal Ascot coverage drew new viewers, blending weather reporting with cultural storytelling. Dreyer’s openness about her sons and Calvin’s health endeared her further, reinforcing her role as a relatable figure in a glamorous world.
As the week closed, Dreyer reflected on the experience. “What an amazing few days!” she captioned a recap post, encapsulating the whirlwind’s highs—glaciers, royalty, and family ties. For viewers, it was a rare peek into the life of a Today star, proving that even amid a packed schedule, Dreyer finds magic in the moment, whether it’s a mountain vista or a royal carriage. With Roker by her side and her boys at heart, she turned a demanding trip into a story of connection, adventure, and love.
