I want to come visit Alaska from the UK - Totally confused as when to come.. (Anchorage: rent, hotel)

[tigre79]

Originally Posted by Floyd_Davidson

Spending big bucks getting to Alaska and visiting only the places, such as Anchorage, that are the most similar to locations Outside, is a shame and a waste.

I've got to say, as someone who visited for two weeks and stayed on the road system, there was a whole lot up there that wasn't anything like anywhere I've been down here. Of course, I spent all of an hour or two in Anchorage, and did feel a rather familiar vibe around there and Fairbanks, to say the least. I'm sure even McCarthy is a whole lot more like a Lower-48 town than Barrow is, but it's still pretty different from where I live.

I think it would be wonderful to visit some of the towns and villages off the road system. But not everyone has the money for the flight, especially on a first visit when there's a lot of things people might want to see. I don't think it's pointless to visit Alaska if you can't manage it. I'll bet there's plenty to do and see, and plenty of interesting people to meet, no matter what part of the state you're in.

[Jonotastic]

Originally Posted by Floyd_Davidson

Yes you do have to fly to such a "tiny town", if you want to get your money's worth from visiting Alaska!

Barrow is one of several Alaskan bush locations that are uniquely Alaskan, and yet still accessible to tourists. The same is true of Bethel and Kotzebue.

Spending big bucks getting to Alaska and visiting only the places, such as Anchorage, that are the most similar to locations Outside, is a shame and a waste.

Did you read anything else in my post or did you immediately stop when you read the first two lines...my post said nothing about staying in Anchorage for 2-3 weeks and I guarantee you, Denali, Valdez, Hatcher's Pass, Matanuska Glacier, Exit Glacier, Worthington Glacier, Kenai Fjords, Girdwood, Seward, Kenai and all the areas in between are not similar to any other area outside of Alaska.

[Floyd_Davidson]

Originally Posted by bortstc37

if someone is planning on visiting a bush hub or two, i'd definitely recommend unalakleet over nome, unless said person has a big interest in mining/mining history and gold rushes and whatnot. i haven't been to bethel yet, so i can't say much there, but i do also like dillingham a whole lot. and i've heard that kodiak island is pretty top-notch...

The above is a very good recommendation. I wouldn't put Dillingham on the list myself, but can't object if someone else does.

Nome, much more so that Dillingham, has too much history from the Lower-48 and not enough from Alaska. As stated, for those with an interest in gold mining it is a fabulous place to see (and so is Fairbanks).

Unalakleet gets my vote any day!

[RayinAK]

Keep in mind that you may be able to fly straight to fairbanks from Germany. I don't know if it costs more to fly from Europe to Fairbanks, or from fairbanks to Europe. However, a fly to Germany from fairbanks is not too expensive.

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by tigre79

I've got to say, as someone who visited for two weeks and stayed on the road system, there was a whole lot up there that wasn't anything like anywhere I've been down here. Of course, I spent all of an hour or two in Anchorage, and did feel a rather familiar vibe around there and Fairbanks, to say the least. I'm sure even McCarthy is a whole lot more like a Lower-48 town than Barrow is, but it's still pretty different from where I live.

I think it would be wonderful to visit some of the towns and villages off the road system. But not everyone has the money for the flight, especially on a first visit when there's a lot of things people might want to see. I don't think it's pointless to visit Alaska if you can't manage it. I'll bet there's plenty to do and see, and plenty of interesting people to meet, no matter what part of the state you're in.

If I well remember, there was a guide in McCarthy who would take customers out on a hiking tour on some glacier nearby. I saw an episode of World Treker where "Ian" was traveling through Alaska and took that tour. In my view, late August and Early September would be nice times to travel to Fairbanks. It's not cold, and the foliage changes to a myriad of colors, great for photo excursions.

[roadfamily6now]

Originally Posted by Marty Van Diest

As as been said before, you won't be able to see Alaska in 3 weeks. But you can at least see some nice mountains, snow if you want, scenery that will knock you out, and have a good experience.

Don't fly to Adak...do you realize how far that is...from anything?

Do go to Barrow.

If you come in mid to late March it should be sunny, light, and lots of snow.

If you want summer come in mid to late June. If you come in May you will see the trees just getting their buds depending on where you are.

You can get around in Fairbanks and Anchorage on busses, otherwise you will have a tough time. In Barrow, or other small towns, large villages you should be able to get a taxi or just some local to take you where you can't walk.

Either way, you will only get a taste of Alaska. I have lived here all my life, I have never been to Juneau, Barrow, Kotzebue, or Adak. I would like to visit Barrow and Kotzebue...no desire to see Juneau or Adak. I grew up on the Yukon and lived in many other places off the road system, but still have never seen Alaska in over 50 years.

I have been to Adak and it is really cool but not really worth the trip "just because". After the base closed down, is there anything there anymore anyway? Caribou and some rundown old Navy housing........

I too have lived in Alaska for a while and have attempted to see as much as we could on the road system. I agree that you really need a lot more then 2 -3 weeks.

I see tons of hitchhikers here in Alaska in the summer. Can you bring a buddy to tag along? I would hike and camp the whole time. Good Luck!

[roadfamily6now]

Originally Posted by RayinAK

Keep in mind that you may be able to fly straight to fairbanks from Germany. I don't know if it costs more to fly from Europe to Fairbanks, or from fairbanks to Europe. However, a fly to Germany from fairbanks is not too expensive.

This is a sensible Idea! I am sending my Daughter to Germany from Anchorage next summer on Condor air. $500 Euros My German friends say this is an AWESOME price!

[roadfamily6now]

Another idea is to hook up with Easy Does It Charters out of Delta Junction. They will take you to an awesome fishing camp out on George Lake. You can only get out there by plane or by boat or 4-wheeler (in the dry season). It is AMAZING!
They have handhewn log cabins to stay in. you can catch Pike all day long! They are HUGE and abundant.

[Floyd_Davidson]

Originally Posted by Jonotastic

Did you read anything else in my post or did you immediately stop when you read the first two lines...my post said nothing about staying in Anchorage for 2-3 weeks and I guarantee you, Denali, Valdez, Hatcher's Pass, Matanuska Glacier, Exit Glacier, Worthington Glacier, Kenai Fjords, Girdwood, Seward, Kenai and all the areas in between are not similar to any other area outside of Alaska.

Maybe, in addition to a little traveling in Alaska, you should take a look at the Lower-48 too.

[Floyd_Davidson]

Originally Posted by tigre79

I've got to say, as someone who visited for two weeks and stayed on the road system,

You spent two weeks in Alaska and are an expert on all of it. Wonderful, but the shame of it is you haven't got a clue what you missed. It isn't something you can even imagine, because there simply is nothing like it in the Lower-48.

It is an abject waste to spend the cost of visiting Alaska and then drive the highways to look only at the part which is similar to the Lower-48! And your post is the proof of it. You disagree with a variety of Alaskans that have actually seen the parts of Alaska you say aren't worth the money.

The areas around Anchorage, the entire road system, and Fairbanks, are all beautiful. They are worth seeing too, if you have the extra time and the extra money. Bush Alaska is unique, and is essential if you want "see" Alaska.