Can't move there - So recomendation on trip. (Anchorage, Homer: rent, motorhome)

[AtlantaCruiser]

I have for the last couple of years dreamed of taking a 2 month drive to and around Alaska. Unfortunatly life is getting in the way and I actually just moved farther away (denver to atlanta).

So the next best thing I have finally budgeted is a week trip this year to visit. Question is, how on earth can I get a feel for Alaska in only one week?? What/where could my wife and I do/go to really see alot of Alaska? This may seem like a silly question asking those of you who live there but I figure you would know best. Thank you in advance for any advice.

[Rance]

You can get a free vacation guide at www.halalaska.com, if driving order a milepost travel guide at www.themilepost.com, more info at www.alaskanha.org (broken link), fly up and rent a motorhome at www.abcmotorhome.com, info on Denali State Park at www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/units/denali1.htm, guided trips at www.alaskadiscovery.com, or you can request free brochures at www.alaskamagazine.com/freebrochures
Yuo can do and see alot in a week, if you have some way to get around.
Hope this helps and enjoy your trip!

[Las Vegan Cajun]

My wife and I did an Alaskan cruise 11 years ago and that has been the best cruise I have been on, and I have been on several. We arrived in Anchorage departed from Seward visted Sitka, Juneau, Ketchican and ended in Vancouver. All it took was that one cruise to Alaska that sold my wife on wanting to move to Alaska.

[KWBoyd]

If you fly into Anchorage and rent a car, you could drive to Denali on day 1, tour the park day 2, drive back to Anchorage via Hatcher Pass day 3, drive down to Homer day 4, back to Seward or Whittier day 5, take a wildlife/glacier cruise day 6, and back to Anchorage day 7. That would be a lot of driving on a couple of days, but if you want to see a lot of gorgeous country in a hurry, it would do the trick!

[AtlantaCruiser]

You all rock! Thanks for the advice. Please keep them coming.

[Las Vegan Cajun]

I would also look into the Alaskan Railroad trips too. http://www.alaska-railroad.com/schedule.html#rates I haven't been on one but from what I've read it sounds like a great way to see a lot of Alaska and not have to do the driving.

[Rance]

I also should add...www.kenaipeninsula.org for the 2007 discovery guide, if you get a chance to make it down south of Anchorage.
I've only ridden the train from Portage to Whittier. Not bad but a short. I'm pretty sure going from Anchorage north is well worth the trip.

[AtlantaCruiser]

Great posts, thank you! My wife and I are thinking the first week of June should be the best weather without too many mosquitoes. This sound about right to all of you?

[Las Vegan Cajun]

It probably depends on where you go that will determine the mosquitoe factor. We went on our cruise the first week of July in 1996 and not once did we encounter any mosquitoes. Even when we left the ship for shore excursions we didn't see any.

[Rance]

The leaves should be growing on the trees by then. Mosquitos won't be to bad...just big. But that makes it easier to slap them!