Daughter driving to Anchorage from Spokane on Feb. 1st for college. Help, what route is safest for her to take? (Haines: hotels)

[rowenc]

My 20 year old daughter will be driving to Anchorage at the end of January for college. What is the best route to take from Spokane and any other helpful tips would be greatly appreciated. I know I am crazy to even think she can. She does however know what it is like to drive on icy/snow packed roads, and also extreme temperatures, we live in South Dakota. What should she pack for extra car parts, etc. The internet has been very helpful about getting her ready, but sometimes it is better to hear right from those who have done the drive and survived. Let me know any insights to help in not wanting her to drive.

[Arcticthaw]

We tell everyone to buy a Milepost, travel guide, it is full of information she will need.
Don't drive the Cassiar Hwy in the winter. Pack extra warm clothes, a shovel, and extra fan belt. In fact put a new one on and save the old one as a spare. Remember Janurary is one of the coldest months to travel.

Check out the other threads on this forum about traveling in the winter. Try a search for the topics. Lots has been written recently on the subject.

[stiffnecked]

There's really only one way. And that's up the Alcan. Get a Milepost. Get gas before your tank get's below half. Get a CB radio. For most to the trip there is not any cell phone service. Encourage her and make sure she's prepared. If your worried about it that much, then the next option is to take the time off work and drive up with her. Then you can fly back. Imagine all that bonding time.

[alaskarain]

Make sure she leaves Haines Junction early enough to get to Tok, thats a long stretch and very desolate. Its a real bad time of the year for her to be making that trip alone and probably not that experienced. I did it in marcn of last year. Make sure she has chains and knows how to use them. Once you get to that area you lose radio stations, cell ohone service and in my case my GPS device

[Rance]

Order a milepost travel guide here:
Alaska Travel Guide and Alaska Trip Planner, The MILEPOST: Alaskan travel guide and Alaskan trip planner for Alaska, Yukon Territory, British Columbia, Alberta and Northwest Territories

She can get a free guide and map here:
Drive North To Alaska - Request a Free Guide

She'll need a passport, proof of insurance, flares, a spare gas can, 1 and perhaps 2 spare tires (she can change a flat correct?), winter gear (snow suit, boots, etc) and money for hotels along the way. She does not want to be driving fatigued and end up swerving into oncoming semi's or tumbling down some gully in 30 below weather. And watch for Bison and Caribou and Moose on the roads! She's driving alone?

[cobolt]

Is there any way you can get a driving companion for your daughter, whether it be you or someone else? I really think that would be better. And do not have her drive at night. Make sure she stops and stays at a hotel, inn, someplace warm where she gets a good night's rest.

[Rance]

I'm almost tempted to volunteer. I wouldn't mind the drive that time of year. And I would hate like heck for anything bad to happen for a lone traveler out in the middle of nowhere.

[warptman]

I want to go! Pick me pick me, I've done it 13 times.

[Rance]

Warpt is prolly better qualified. Actually I'm hoping to have a visitor the end of March so I'd better stick around for that.

[warptman]

The nice thing about driving in the middle of winter is that there are no RV's to get in your way.