travelprincess

I know we're packing a lot into 2 weeks but is this doable? We're not hikers etc. Just like to drive and take in the sights, nice places to stay and decent restaurants. We look forward to meeting the people, always a highpoint of a trip.
Also before I give the itinerary is it better to start in Anchorage and go north to Fairbanks and down again through Glenallen to the Kenai Peninsula or start in Anchorage and do the Peninsula first, then Denali, Fairbanks? Thanks so much. I've read so much at this point that I think I need a little guidance from someone who has done this.
June 4th arrive Anchorage
June 5th,6th Anchorage
June 7th to Homer
June 8th Homer - Seldovia
June 9th to Seward
June 10th Seward - MM Tour
June 11th To Talkeetna-Flightseeing
June 12th Denali overnight - Not going into
the park for long tour.
June 13th to Fairbanks
14th Fairbanks
15th Fairbanks
June 16th to Glenallen - overnight
June 17th back to Anchorage
June 18th morning flight home
Any comments are really appreciated. Hope this wasn't too long. Ipromise to post how things went when I return. Thanks you wonderful fellow travelers.

duh

Also going for 2 weeks. First trip.Any suggestions?
Day 1 arrive in anchorage go to Palmer
Day 2 Overnight Palmer
Day 3 Drive Hatcher Pass to Talkeetna
overnight Talkeetna.
Day 4 Drive to Seward (Beachfront)
Day 5 Seward overnight
Day 6 Drive to Girdwood(tram and
area glaciers)
Day 7 Drive to Anc. fly to Juneau
Beachfront overnight
Day 8 Juneau overnight
Day 9 Fast ferry from Jnu to Skagway
overnight Skagway
Day 10 Overnight Skagway
Day 11 AMHS ferry to Bellingham
Day 12 Ferry
Day 13 Ferry Arrive Bellingham.Stay in
Seattle.
Day 14 Fly home
Good luck travelprincess!!!

duh

travelprincess
are you staying over in Talkeetna?

travelprincess

Hi duh,
So much of this trip we'll be "winging" it. Hope to find b&b's along the way. We might or might not stay in Talkeetna depending on how tired we'll be. If we stay we'll go through to Fairbanks the next day. I really want to get to Homer. It sounds so beautiful. The ride there alone is probably worth it.
Happy travelling!

BudgetQueen

travelprincess- yes doable- but I assume you will overnight in Talkeetna?? (since you don't list another area that night). Be certain- you want all that time in Anchorage and determine what your plans are for your time? Same with Fairbanks?? It makes no difference your route when you are going.
Duh- verify that your car rental will allow driving on Hatcher- if it does purchase all the extra insurance, verify what your auto insurance coverage- some are VOID on gravel. I have done this and probably won't again due to the extra risks. Be certain to have a digital camera and take photos of the entire rental car before leaving the lot. It is not likely to be a new pristine car.

duh

yikes on the gravel road,i guess we won"t be doing that.thanks for the info on the rental also.

travelprincess

Thanks so much Budget Queen. Yes we will have a car and yes we will stay in Talkeetna.
I'm leaning towards only one day in Anc. now. Once we get to Fairbanks, and do the tourist things we can decide on how long we want to stay there. I really want to be able to stop along the way and just "smell the roses". We've been to Alberta, Jasper etc. (had a grizzly walk right in front of us on the highway!) so don't have the need to have to see everything. Just want to enjoy the things that we do see and most of all the people.
Thanks for the advise on the hotels in Anc. The Marriott is not taking points right now so I most likely will stay at the Sheraton. But for 2 nights I would be willing to splurge if the location was that much better. We're renting at Avis, right across from the Sheraton so that also is an advantage to staying there, but there's always cabs.
Again thank you for all your wonderful posts.
Can I ask what are your best experiences of Alaska? What in your opinion is not to be missed?

marion2

I hope you are planning on taking the glacial landing flight from Talkeetna. The flight to the Ruth Glacier was spectacular and the landing was awesome, a definite highlight of our trip. Also while you are in Talkeetna, go the museum. If the curator, Mad Dog is still there, you are in for a treat. He is very friendly and he leads an amazing life. You will find that many of the town's people are very artistic and multi-talented and are willing to share their stories.

duh

we are looking foward to meeting the local people....not into being with tourist all day.
travel princess we will be in talkeetna same time maybe see you in a local watering hole

travelprincess

Sounds good duh!!!! I'm getting so excited about this trip. 5 weeks from today!
Thanks Marion, all these tidbits of info are what make for a good trip.
Do you need reservations to go on the flightseeing trips? Or is a day or so notice good enough?

BudgetQueen

I recommend having McKinley flightseeing booked in advance. Especially if you want a "particular" flight. There are many variations available and also the option of ski landings. Summit flights are my preference, but a great deal can depend on your flying experience.