Help! Last Minute Trip in June
Apr 11th, 2004, 01:28 PM
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Help! Last Minute Trip in June
We are a family of 5 that was planning a trip to Europe. Due to business constarints and the weak dollar we are looking for another alternative and are considering Alaska. BUT HOW??? Cruise or on our own? The kids are 20, 14 & 12. We live in NY (upstate) so will have to fly to Vancouver or Seatle.
PLEASE!! Help!!!
PLEASE!! Help!!!
Apr 11th, 2004, 03:52 PM
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You didn't say how much time you have,interests (ask the kids,too) and budget.
Are you prepared to drive all over and pay hotel bills and food or have all that included?
Many good cruises that include time interior (cruise tours). I would pick something that takes you back to the original destination (Vancouver or Seattle, eg) as flights will be more convenient and cheaper.-but,again, you never stated where your trip is starting.
So, figure it out first and let us know.
Are you prepared to drive all over and pay hotel bills and food or have all that included?
Many good cruises that include time interior (cruise tours). I would pick something that takes you back to the original destination (Vancouver or Seattle, eg) as flights will be more convenient and cheaper.-but,again, you never stated where your trip is starting.
So, figure it out first and let us know.
Apr 11th, 2004, 04:31 PM
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I don't know if you've priced things in AK, but using U.S. dollars doesn't make things very cheap there, if you're planning to do independent travel. From New York's JFK, Paris is slightly closer than Anchorage. The food is better in Paris. 
You won't need a rental car. If the choice is between a CRUISE and Europe, then those experiences are so much different that I can't offer a comparison. I guess all I'm saying is that going with the Alaska alternative may not be much of a money-saver over some destinations in Europe -- exchange rate or not. It could also actually consume more travel time than going to Europe, depending on what you're able to arrange.
You won't need a rental car. If the choice is between a CRUISE and Europe, then those experiences are so much different that I can't offer a comparison. I guess all I'm saying is that going with the Alaska alternative may not be much of a money-saver over some destinations in Europe -- exchange rate or not. It could also actually consume more travel time than going to Europe, depending on what you're able to arrange.
Apr 11th, 2004, 09:14 PM
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If considering Alaska- you need to determine if cruising- one way or round trip. A round trip packs a lot of great touring in 7 days. On a one way cruise- strongly consider adding at least 5 days for interior touring- take advantage of being all the way there. If going this route look at "multi city' options with booking air- no 2 one way tickets. With a group of 5 you will need 2 cabins on the ship. And you can clearly go much cheaper on your own vs a cruisetour on the interior portion. You are far from "last minute" I rarely book farther than 60 days ahead. Once you decide your routing- look at cruisemates- cruise shopping site, cruisecompete etc and be flexable for a bargain. Good luck!
I rarely book farther than 60 days ahead. Once you decide your routing- look at cruisemates- cruise shopping site, cruisecompete etc and be flexable for a bargain. Good luck!
