Alaskan trip for first timers

[fndmom]

We did a trip to Alaska about 10 years ago where did a combo of train/rental car. We flew into Anchorage too a train to Denali for a few days. Then we took a train back to Anchorage where we rented a car and drove down the Kenai Peninsula saying a night or two in Seward, Kenai/Soldotna and Homer before driving back to Anchorage to fly home. It’s beautiful and I highly recommend.

[debtex]

We did this a few years ago, rented an RV in Anchorage and drove to Denali, Seward, Homer. It was a blast, and having your home with you like a turtle was absolutely awesome. Every third vehicle on the roads is an RV in summer.

We had no RV experience, but it was really super easy.

[some1livesinamerica]

Originally Posted by debtex

We did this a few years ago, rented an RV in Anchorage and drove to Denali, Seward, Homer. It was a blast, and having your home with you like a turtle was absolutely awesome. Every third vehicle on the roads is an RV in summer.

We had no RV experience, but it was really super easy.

2nd this. Me and 3 other people visited alaska back in the fall of 2014, we rented a RV for the first part of our trip. Must sees in my opinion
1. kenai np, if you are in good shape physically, you should hike the harding icefield trail, the view up there will make you go speechless.
2. Denali np is also a must see, take the bus tour. i saw a bear that was probably 20ft from our bus.
3. Denali hwy, this is where renting a RV truly becomes beneficial. Majority part of the 160mi hwy is on unpaved road and there is no restroom or restaurants on the hwy, so driving a RV will make your life much more convenient and pleasant
4. Wrangell st elias np, you can book a tour and see the ice cave
5. valdez, take a kayaking tour, you wont regret it
6. matanuska glacier, it is the largest glacier in alaska that can be reached by vehicle

In terms of cost, we rented the rv for 8 days, 9 nights, spent $1,500 for the rental, including insurance. You get about 10mi/gal on the RV. Also, you need to find a campsite to park your RV at night, around $30/night. Together, we ended up spending around $2,600 on the RV(rental, gas and campsite)
For 3 people, if you decide to rent a RV and spend 10 days there, you are looking at probably around $6,000.

[photoman_6]

i enjoyed a great cruise/drive trip- flew to anchorage, drove around for three-four days, and then embarked on a cruise from anchorage for seven days. The cruise ended in Vancouver and then flew back home. I thought it was the perfect combination.

[nitynity]

Thanks for the response guys, sounds like flying/driving combo is the best option for us. We are just 2 adults and a kid. So RV won't be worth it.

[cordata]

Pick up a copy of the Milepost - the book itself is amazing ... a must for a driving vacation in Alaska. Even though no RV, if you are a camper at all, throw in a tent, don't stay in hotels all the time. Homer Spit is a pretty interesting place to camp. Take some eye shades to try to sleep in the midnight sun... kid may be disoriented about that.. Have fun.