Relocating in August (Anchorage: lodging, vacation, house)

[kld_70]

My husband is leaving for Anc mid July and I am suppose to follow with the kids in August. We have read up on Alaska but I am still nervous. We are debating some issues. Should we sell/give away everything and get things when we get there or ship our stuff? We do not have a whole lot because we had a house fire a while back and havent replaced alot. The other issue is driving, shipping or selling my car before we leave. It is an 02 toyota camry. We would be driving/shipping from the Dallas TX area.

Thanks

[Rance]

If the car is in good shape drive it up. You can always use a vehicle here. A camry should get decent milage. And it might be cheaper to drive than ship it.

[scoobagirl]

drive it up. We're driving my soon-to-be daughter in law's car up in September. We are leaving from the Texas panhandle - it will take about a week - but the gas & lodging will cost about 1/3rd of what shipping would cost. Granted, it won't be a trip where we lollygag around - we want to get to Anchorage to see the kids so we will be traveling at least 10 hours every day.

How old are your kids, and do they travel well?

[rotorhead]

A lot of advice depends on who's paying for the move...you or the company?

[kld_70]

We are footing the bill for how we get there. He wants to fly upahead of us and have me drive up with the kids (ages 10,6, and 5 months). I get the bad end of the deal driving or flying since I will be doing it with 3 boys and he gets to fly alone

[Rance]

That don't sound right. It's a long trip and in some very remote country. Should really be 2 of you to alternate driving and resting. Plus navigating/map reading or changing a tire. That just don't sound right to me.

[DannyL]

Originally Posted by Rance

That don't sound right. It's a long trip and in some very remote country. Should really be 2 of you to alternate driving and resting. Plus navigating/map reading or changing a tire. That just don't sound right to me.

Amen to that. It's a loooooong drive.
Have you considered driving to Bellingham and taking the ferry the rest of the way?

[mal_flisk]

Just imagine yourself as a pioneer woman crossing the prairies alone. It will be a tough drive, and make sure that you have your jack and spare in good shape before you leave. If you get a flat, make sure it's repaired at the next available spot. Get the oldest to be involved in navigating and get some acitivities for the kids to do in the back seat. Hand held games, and such. Get each of them some dosposable cameras as well. Carry sandwich makings in a cooler, and lots of juice drinks. On that note, be aware that some stretches don't have the restroom amenities with a rest stop every 40 miles or so. Stomp on the "Stop touching me" bickering before it escalates. Limit your drive to about 400 miles max a day. scedule your trip around a "Milepost". It costs a little, but it is the best trip planner you will ever see, and has information on just about every mile on the Alcan.

[aquariusmom]

I assume he's going ahead to set up house- can't he fly back and then ride up with you? We've moved cross continent several times and it's always been a fun adventure- but it wouldn't have been if it were just me. My kids would have ended up duct-taped to the luggage rack or something.

[akroxy]

i have done it 3 times in one year with just me and my then 10 yr old.its not bad at all really..take your time and enjoy the wilderness.but then again i didn't ride up with a 5 month old,that might be a little stressful..its a great trip,lots of wildlife,lots of nice people,i have a 17 month old now and i been thinking of making another trip down for vacation but no matter driving or flying it will be stressful with 17 month old goodluck with whatever you choose..oh and it was just 2 years ago when i went back and forth so besides the road construction i doubt there is many changes..