Need advice with September trip planning (Anchorage, Kenai: budget, hotels, travel)

[anya]

I am going to Alaska in the beginning of September (arriving and departing via Anchorage) for 10 days.I have only 10 days and I am the most interested in beauty of nature,scenary ,viewing the animals etc.I am not really interested in so called "city life" or "night life".I will rent a car at the airport in Anchorage and it will be basically self -driving tour....and now comes my dilemma...-...what would be the best tentative step by step itinerary for 10 days Alaska trip?..(I realize that 10 days is very short time ,really for such a "vastness"...but I hope for "a glimpse" )..I was thinking that perhaps I should head straight from Anchorage to Denali,than from Denali to Talkeetna (to take the Mc.Kinley flight) and later to Seward and from there take a cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park,spend some time on Kenai Peninsula and head back to Anchorage for my flight back-Do you have better suggestions for 10 days trip?what would be the most scenic route to take?I have been reading posts on this forum and I found that someone suggested also to fly to Burrow to have "unique Alaskan experience"-but I am not sure that 10 days will be enough to visit all these attractions(Kenai,Fjords,Talkeetna and Denali)-I do not want to be rushed ,and stressed out...I really want to enjoy the beauty of nature and breathtaking scenery of this beautiful region ..I would greatly appreciate any tips and suggestions Also-do you think that hotels reservations will be necessary in September?do I need to book Kenai Fjords cruise in advance ?I really did not want to make advance reservations because I prefer to be more spontaneous when traveling (stop whenever I want,and be very flexible) but I am afraid that I will not be able to find any lodging in Denali area without reservations-is it true also in September?I am rather on budget and would not like to end up with 300 $ a night lodging (because everything else is already sold out)-I will be forever in your dept for any any advice and suggestions.I am from Europe (originally) and this is my first trip to Alaska.Thank you so much for reading!-Anya

[Rance]

Have a look at Zedzul's thread on his recent trip to AK. Pretty much what I would recommend. Very scenic. And in Sept the fall colors should be out in full force. You will see some awesome scenery.

[anya]

Rance-I read your recommended tread..Thank you for your suggestion.I have not thought about going to Valdez but now I will make sure to include it it my itinerary...will need to do more planning and "research ",though...Thanks a million ,againAnya

[Rance]

I've never been...but I hear the drive to Valdez is very nice. Matter of fact I'm planning a trip down that way in August. Best of luck!

[anya]

likewise.....bon voyage ! for your trip to Sweden-have a splendid time and ...beautiful collection of memories....Let the aurora borealis always be with you enlightening your pathhave a wonderful and safe trip!!!!!!!-Anya

[BudinAk]

Originally Posted by anya

I am going to Alaska in the beginning of September (arriving and departing via Anchorage) for 10 days.I have only 10 days and I am the most interested in beauty of nature,scenary ,viewing the animals etc.I am not really interested in so called "city life" or "night life".I will rent a car at the airport in Anchorage and it will be basically self -driving tour....and now comes my dilemma...-...what would be the best tentative step by step itinerary for 10 days Alaska trip?..(I realize that 10 days is very short time ,really for such a "vastness"...but I hope for "a glimpse" )..I was thinking that perhaps I should head straight from Anchorage to Denali,than from Denali to Talkeetna (to take the Mc.Kinley flight) and later to Seward and from there take a cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park,spend some time on Kenai Peninsula and head back to Anchorage for my flight back-Do you have better suggestions for 10 days trip?what would be the most scenic route to take?I have been reading posts on this forum and I found that someone suggested also to fly to Burrow to have "unique Alaskan experience"-but I am not sure that 10 days will be enough to visit all these attractions(Kenai,Fjords,Talkeetna and Denali)-I do not want to be rushed ,and stressed out...I really want to enjoy the beauty of nature and breathtaking scenery of this beautiful region ..I would greatly appreciate any tips and suggestions Also-do you think that hotels reservations will be necessary in September?do I need to book Kenai Fjords cruise in advance ?I really did not want to make advance reservations because I prefer to be more spontaneous when traveling (stop whenever I want,and be very flexible) but I am afraid that I will not be able to find any lodging in Denali area without reservations-is it true also in September?I am rather on budget and would not like to end up with 300 $ a night lodging (because everything else is already sold out)-I will be forever in your dept for any any advice and suggestions.I am from Europe (originally) and this is my first trip to Alaska.Thank you so much for reading!-Anya

10 Day Grreat Alaska Tour

The day cruises of Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward are especially worthwhile...fantastic views of wildlife, nature, scenery, mountains, glaciers, ocean, etc. I have done this perhaps a dozen times, and never get bored or tired of it...

On your way to Seward, be VERY sure to stop here: Big Game Alaska : Wildlife Care & Rehabilitaion Center

Bud

[anya]

hello Bud

Yes!!! I am planning to take Kenai Fjord Cruise-I would not miss it for anything!!!...(do you think that I need advance reservations in September or is it ok to just show up,let say... one day prior scheduled departure and be able to buy a ticket ?)....and Thank you so much for your excellent suggestion about wildlife sanctuary!!!!!!!!!!...I would ,probably have not found this info on my own-I absolutely love the concept of this place !!!!...(I have always wanted to be a wildlife rehabilitator) ...but they are actually living this dream-beautiful thing to do!!!I certainly will visit this place!!!!Thanks a million ,Bud-Anya

[mal_flisk]

The drive to Valdez from Anchorage in September is beyond belief. Outstanding, gorgeous (basically indescribable).

[Alaskan_Adventurer]

Anya, your itinerary looks great. The trip to Valdez would really make it rushed, though. Valdez takes about 5-6 hours one way if I remember right. If you can't make the Valdez trip, you will have to eventually make Alaska trip #2. I highly recommend Homer if you can squeeze it in. It has to be one of the most laid back towns and it has the largest bald eagle population in the world. I have seen 30+ in a single area and you can almost always find one roosting or flying around. At any rate, have an awesome trip!

[Alaskan_Adventurer]

Oops, i forgot to add...you should be okay without reservations in September. The majority of the tourists are already gone or are leaving.