overwhelmed & need a plan
Jun 4th, 2005, 09:34 AM
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overwhelmed & need a plan
We have never been to Alaska. My wife and I are looking at 10 days in mid August. The books, sites and discussions have overwhelmed us. Can;t somebody just plan our trip for us?
Obviously want to catch the highlights and maybe some offbeat stuff too.
Is renting a car essential or can we fly and train where we need to go. We like smaller inns and B&B just fine for places to stay. I don't see anyone discussing food. It is moot or are there great culinary finds?
Have a high school friend in Denali would like to visit.
Obviously want to catch the highlights and maybe some offbeat stuff too.
Is renting a car essential or can we fly and train where we need to go. We like smaller inns and B&B just fine for places to stay. I don't see anyone discussing food. It is moot or are there great culinary finds?
Have a high school friend in Denali would like to visit.
Jun 4th, 2005, 10:40 AM
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Yes- someone can just plan the trip for you. He/she is called a travel agent - and they will charge a substantial fee for this.
If you want to do it yourself - there is a lot of work/research involved. People here will be happy to provide advice on specific questions.
No one is going to plan the trip for you - just like no one is going to come clean your house for free.
As a first step go to a bookstore, buy a couple of good guidebooks and read them cover to cover. Then come back with questions.
If you want to do it yourself - there is a lot of work/research involved. People here will be happy to provide advice on specific questions.
No one is going to plan the trip for you - just like no one is going to come clean your house for free.
As a first step go to a bookstore, buy a couple of good guidebooks and read them cover to cover. Then come back with questions.
Jun 4th, 2005, 10:51 AM
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there was a post a few months ago about a tour company that arranged everything for you, but i think you go it on your own.
here's the thread...
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34579350
here's the thread...
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34579350
Jun 4th, 2005, 10:57 AM
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I have gone through about 100 post subjects, have books and have looked on thr web. And, as I said, am overwhelmed. Appreciate the sarcasm but thought someone might just have a trip they'd made already there.
Thanks for the thread.
Thanks for the thread.
Jun 4th, 2005, 11:59 AM
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it is overwhelming so i used an outfitter for the first week then had the confidence to get a rental car and just go. the first half of my trip was camping tho!
there are lots of tours out there. you should get a good book, i have always had luck with moon publications.
think about what you want to see. do you want to go to denali? or do you want to go kodiak island, do you want to fish for halibut off the homer spit?
do you want to see glaciers close up, and take a boat trip out of seward?
if you can get a handle on what you want to see you can start to see how to put it together. it's the only way unless you use a tour outfitter.
i suspect you can find them on the web - you can go to an outdoor site like gorp.com and go to their travel page. I suspect REI has tours too. good luck
there are lots of tours out there. you should get a good book, i have always had luck with moon publications.
think about what you want to see. do you want to go to denali? or do you want to go kodiak island, do you want to fish for halibut off the homer spit?
do you want to see glaciers close up, and take a boat trip out of seward?
if you can get a handle on what you want to see you can start to see how to put it together. it's the only way unless you use a tour outfitter.
i suspect you can find them on the web - you can go to an outdoor site like gorp.com and go to their travel page. I suspect REI has tours too. good luck
Jun 4th, 2005, 12:34 PM
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I can understand you being overwhelmed, but after reading your post and nytraveler's response, I do not see any sarcasm. There is a very fine line on these boards....you get information to HELP you make a plan. No one can make a plan for you, as vacations such as these are tailored to your personal needs. If you do not wish to use a travel agent, then the best way is the old fashioned way. Take our a pen and paper and write out everything you wish to accomplish on this trip, then connect the dots and make your own plan. This board is a tool for reference and information, not to plan out your trip.
I would also recommend buying a Fodors travel book on the area.
You can also "google" informations. After you have narrowed down your choices, then ask and or research here.
I would also recommend buying a Fodors travel book on the area.
You can also "google" informations. After you have narrowed down your choices, then ask and or research here.
Jun 4th, 2005, 01:46 PM
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Asking a question if culinary finds ``are moot'' reads as borderline snide, more insulting than inquistive.
OK, if you've gone through 100 posts, you certainly would have found references to Sourdough Mining Co., which is only a few posts down. It's tasty and good family fare. It's not innovative -- but it doesn't claim or try to be.
Reading further would produce results for the Girdwood's Double Musky (a personal fav) and the tram-accessed Seven Glaciers. There's Glacier Brewhouse in Anchorage, although I'd recommend Jen's, Orso and Simon & Seafort's as well. Several posts mention Ray's in Seward. There's also the Saltry in Halibut Cove.
Some might disagree, but there's little chow of note north of Anchorage.
If you hit a lodge run by Kirsten and Carl Dixon (they just sold Riversong, a wonderful place, but have two more), you are in for a treat. She's cooked a couple of times at James Beard House events.
http://www.kirstendixon.com/index.html
If you want something offbeat, hit the show at the Fly By Night Club in Anchorage. Excellent revue.
OK, if you've gone through 100 posts, you certainly would have found references to Sourdough Mining Co., which is only a few posts down. It's tasty and good family fare. It's not innovative -- but it doesn't claim or try to be.
Reading further would produce results for the Girdwood's Double Musky (a personal fav) and the tram-accessed Seven Glaciers. There's Glacier Brewhouse in Anchorage, although I'd recommend Jen's, Orso and Simon & Seafort's as well. Several posts mention Ray's in Seward. There's also the Saltry in Halibut Cove.
Some might disagree, but there's little chow of note north of Anchorage.
If you hit a lodge run by Kirsten and Carl Dixon (they just sold Riversong, a wonderful place, but have two more), you are in for a treat. She's cooked a couple of times at James Beard House events.
http://www.kirstendixon.com/index.html
If you want something offbeat, hit the show at the Fly By Night Club in Anchorage. Excellent revue.
Jun 4th, 2005, 03:25 PM
#9
Planning a 10 day visit to Alaska in summer is about as hard as seeing another human being along the Russian River when the reds are in. I will assume it's 10 days net, i.e., 12 days gross, allowing one day each for travel to/from.
1. Anchorage. Native Heritage Center, Earthquake Park, drive around Lake Hood floatplane base, eat at touristy restaurant.
2. Drive to Denali Park. Stop for meal and/or flightseeing trip at Talkeetna (budget and weather permitting.) Overnight in overpriced accommodation near national park.
3. Full day to ride shuttle bus into/out from park interior. See friends in evening.
4. Return to Anchorage; pass through town and overnight at Girdwood. Eat at Double Musky restaurant. Fairly long day.
5. Breakfast at Alyeska lodge bakery, then drive south to Homer. Visit Homer spit, look at galleries, see pop singer Jewell's birthplace. (You can't really unless you're a family friend - locally legendary family.)
6. Day trip to Seldovia and/or Halibut Cove. Alternatively, go Halibut fishing. Bring money, muscle, and something to put in your nose if you boat a big fish (they can be awesomely stinky, but great eating.)
7. Drive to Seward; stop at Exit Glacier if you need to. Evening at leisure. Note - try not to do this the night before a cruise ship is due to leave, as this will mean sleeping in the park. Also note that if the salmon derby is in progress, there will be a hell of a lot of people in pickup trucks who don't smell so good there too.
8. Day tour to Kenai Fjords. Overnight in Seward or head back to Girdwood.
9. Half day "26 Glacier" cruise out of Whittier. Overnight Anchorage.
10. Anchorage - day trip to Hatcher Pass or hike up to Flat Top, or flightseeing on float plane. Burger at the Arctic Roadrunner, or steak and alcohol at Simon's, or Mexico in Alaska, or Aladdin's (wonderful Middle Eastern in Anchorage - who knew?) or any number of good restaurants. Fly by Night at night, then red-eye departure or overnight before daytime departure on day 11.
It's now June and August bookings are going to be really hard to make. Get a book, hit the web, giddyup.
There, how hard was that? No charge.
1. Anchorage. Native Heritage Center, Earthquake Park, drive around Lake Hood floatplane base, eat at touristy restaurant.
2. Drive to Denali Park. Stop for meal and/or flightseeing trip at Talkeetna (budget and weather permitting.) Overnight in overpriced accommodation near national park.
3. Full day to ride shuttle bus into/out from park interior. See friends in evening.
4. Return to Anchorage; pass through town and overnight at Girdwood. Eat at Double Musky restaurant. Fairly long day.
5. Breakfast at Alyeska lodge bakery, then drive south to Homer. Visit Homer spit, look at galleries, see pop singer Jewell's birthplace. (You can't really unless you're a family friend - locally legendary family.)
6. Day trip to Seldovia and/or Halibut Cove. Alternatively, go Halibut fishing. Bring money, muscle, and something to put in your nose if you boat a big fish (they can be awesomely stinky, but great eating.)
7. Drive to Seward; stop at Exit Glacier if you need to. Evening at leisure. Note - try not to do this the night before a cruise ship is due to leave, as this will mean sleeping in the park. Also note that if the salmon derby is in progress, there will be a hell of a lot of people in pickup trucks who don't smell so good there too.
8. Day tour to Kenai Fjords. Overnight in Seward or head back to Girdwood.
9. Half day "26 Glacier" cruise out of Whittier. Overnight Anchorage.
10. Anchorage - day trip to Hatcher Pass or hike up to Flat Top, or flightseeing on float plane. Burger at the Arctic Roadrunner, or steak and alcohol at Simon's, or Mexico in Alaska, or Aladdin's (wonderful Middle Eastern in Anchorage - who knew?) or any number of good restaurants. Fly by Night at night, then red-eye departure or overnight before daytime departure on day 11.
It's now June and August bookings are going to be really hard to make. Get a book, hit the web, giddyup.
There, how hard was that? No charge.
Jun 4th, 2005, 10:42 PM
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I to agree, if you don't want to make plans yourself, then go with a tour, there are plenty to choose from, www.explorenorth.com has listings, and so does www.anchorage.net
I have been to Alaska many times, all different with vast variations in locations, YOU need to determine WHERE you want to go, then there is plenty of help for more specific information. If you want B&B's most certainly YES you will need a car, first off, few will cart you around or even pick you up. Traveling Alaska is distance, do a route spending a few days in a location of interest, then move on. As for Denali Park, best is to go into the Park to at least Fish Creek Via the SHUTTLE buses, more information www.nps.gov/dena
So my opinion only, you need a rental car, and reservations are necessary. Good, offered you a very good route to consider. Look at variations, and finalize your plans soon, already you will find plenty of sold out space.
I have been to Alaska many times, all different with vast variations in locations, YOU need to determine WHERE you want to go, then there is plenty of help for more specific information. If you want B&B's most certainly YES you will need a car, first off, few will cart you around or even pick you up. Traveling Alaska is distance, do a route spending a few days in a location of interest, then move on. As for Denali Park, best is to go into the Park to at least Fish Creek Via the SHUTTLE buses, more information www.nps.gov/dena
So my opinion only, you need a rental car, and reservations are necessary. Good, offered you a very good route to consider. Look at variations, and finalize your plans soon, already you will find plenty of sold out space.
Jun 5th, 2005, 03:25 AM
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You can follow one of the itineraries already posted and discussed. Customize your trip if you like fishing or some other hobby. A car is very necessary. You won't have trouble finding small inns and B&Bs because there are very few large hotels outside of places like Anchorage. Seward, for example, is just getting it's first Holiday Inn. We found that B&Bs ranged from wonderful with gourmet breakfasts to a room over someone's garage, cash only, please. Some require you stay more than one night. Halibut is served in all different forms and tastes better than anyplace else.
You could fly some places and then rent a car but the commuter flight from Anchorage to Kenai or Homer, for example, means you would miss the spectacular drive south from Anchorage. I think "offbeat" tends to be things most people don't see because they don't do any research. Read the Anchorage Daily News website at www.adn.com and check calendar of events and follow links. Check the newspapers when you get there. People who like planes, for example, might enjoy the Transportation Museum in Wasilla as well as seeing the float planes on Lake Hood.
You could fly some places and then rent a car but the commuter flight from Anchorage to Kenai or Homer, for example, means you would miss the spectacular drive south from Anchorage. I think "offbeat" tends to be things most people don't see because they don't do any research. Read the Anchorage Daily News website at www.adn.com and check calendar of events and follow links. Check the newspapers when you get there. People who like planes, for example, might enjoy the Transportation Museum in Wasilla as well as seeing the float planes on Lake Hood.
Jun 6th, 2005, 11:04 AM
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Boy, you sure got some nasty replies; but a few helpful ones too. I would also suggest typing "trip report" in the search forum box after you've selected Alaska. Reading other people's trip reports always helps me decide on an itinerary when I'm visiting a new place.
Jun 6th, 2005, 06:00 PM
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As an add to Wednesday's commment, no way is a 3-4 day cruisetour add on a good option. You need far more time. Anything this short will have all the time in transit if you go to Denali park and only have included the worthless Natural History tour. Even with a cruisetour, you still need to do a big amount of homework and understand fully what you are purchasing. Way too many people do not.
There is a lot with these tours that is not disclosed, and may not be what you wish for. My recommendation with any cruisetour is to have a 7++ day add on.
There is a lot with these tours that is not disclosed, and may not be what you wish for. My recommendation with any cruisetour is to have a 7++ day add on.
Jun 11th, 2005, 10:53 AM
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Thanks for the many helpful comments. I have been doing the research and it is coming together. Ain;t cheap.
The shorter cruise would be a 3-4 day in Prince William Sound area. CruiseWest seems to have a good one.
Otherwise we would drive to other places.
Thanks for the tips.
Gary
The shorter cruise would be a 3-4 day in Prince William Sound area. CruiseWest seems to have a good one.
Otherwise we would drive to other places.
Thanks for the tips.
Gary
Jun 21st, 2005, 03:29 AM
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Gary,
We just returned from 2 weeks in Alaska. If you are looking for an inexpensive vacation, do not go to Alaska. I agree with the posters that have recommended reading over itineraries of other travelers here. The advice I got on this site proved invaluable to our experiencing such a wonderful trip.
You can fly and take the train to some places in Alaska, but then you will probably be limited as to what you can do once you get there. I'd strongly recommend renting a car.
There have been lots of food discussions at Fodor's forums. (Repete, I LOVED your first comment--thanks, I needed a good laugh!;-) ) We did not get a bad meal in Alaska, but some of the remote places don't have a lot of variety. We found that in those locales, we could get fried chicken and sides for a very reasonable price at the local grocery store. Follow Repete's suggestions for some great meals--he never steered us wrong!
Way to go, Gardyloo! As always, you offer great suggestions.
Gary, these folks know their stuff, and you'd have more info than most travel books if you just did a search of their screen names and read their postings on Alaska.
Enjoy! Alaska is not to be missed!
We just returned from 2 weeks in Alaska. If you are looking for an inexpensive vacation, do not go to Alaska. I agree with the posters that have recommended reading over itineraries of other travelers here. The advice I got on this site proved invaluable to our experiencing such a wonderful trip.
You can fly and take the train to some places in Alaska, but then you will probably be limited as to what you can do once you get there. I'd strongly recommend renting a car.
There have been lots of food discussions at Fodor's forums. (Repete, I LOVED your first comment--thanks, I needed a good laugh!;-) ) We did not get a bad meal in Alaska, but some of the remote places don't have a lot of variety. We found that in those locales, we could get fried chicken and sides for a very reasonable price at the local grocery store. Follow Repete's suggestions for some great meals--he never steered us wrong!
Way to go, Gardyloo! As always, you offer great suggestions.
Gary, these folks know their stuff, and you'd have more info than most travel books if you just did a search of their screen names and read their postings on Alaska.
Enjoy! Alaska is not to be missed!
Jun 23rd, 2005, 09:42 AM
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Just got back from a week spent in Anchorage, Homer & Steward. Fabulous scenery, great people, excellent food. In Anchorage, stayed at teriffic Alaska Frontier Gardens B & B. Went to zoo, Earthquake Park, Anch. Mus. of Hist. & Art, Alaskan Native Heritage Center, & Alaskan Native Medical center with great gift shop of native crafts & exhibit in lobby & stairwells. Lots of good art galleries, especially "Artique Limited". Great dinner at Jens & lunch at Thai Orchid, La Roma,Manneccis & Snow City Cafe. On way to Homer stop at Girdwood for tram ride & at visitors center at Portage Glacier. Homer is great. Stayed at Lands End & loved it; staff is very friendly and helpful. Get room with water view so you can look out on Katechmack Bay. At Center for Alaska Coastal Studies book a tour/hike on Peterson Bay with naturalist. Visit Pratt Museum & lots of small art galleries (Fireweed Gallery & Bunnell Gallery) with very high quality art work. Teriffic food at Lolas(halibut tacos) and Sockeye Thai. Cafe Cups is overrated. Gourmet quality food at Homestead restaurant. In Seward stayed at Edgewater Hotel. Do not take room overlooking lobby, very noisy. Staff helpful & nice. Go to Exit Glacier & take long or shorter hike to glacier. Alaska Sealife center is good. Supper at Rays was OK. All in all a memorable trip
Jun 23rd, 2005, 01:08 PM
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Sounds like you finally got a lot of good information from kind folks who love to travel. I have asked a hundred questions here and most everyone has been interested and helpful. I think as you write things down and actually track your trip on a map with miles written in, you will begin to get a good plan. We don't fish or Kayak, so that has influenced our choices, but I think we have a handle on the trip. No one mentioned getting a toursaver coupon book in these postings, but we heard it over and over one other sites. I ordered it on-line and it arrived in 3 days! Hurrah! I have reservations at several hotels, reserved the Talkeetna Aero flight and plan to use 4 or 5 others. I also got a Milepost book on e-bay -Thanks to BudgetQueens insistance! ;o) They are $26 in the book stores. They are in the MAP area, not the travel book areas of Boarders and Books a Million. Several clerks had trouble finding them. I got it for $6 + shipping on e-bay. We are also staying at 2 B&B's. The best thing when trying to cover lots of places, is to narrow it down so you can enjoy where you are, and try to stay at least for a 2 night minimum at any one place. So, wish us luck! I learned more again today by reading these postings. Every little bit helps.
Jun 23rd, 2005, 04:21 PM
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I'm going next Saturday for a week and it is VERY overwhelming coming up with a plan. I feel your pain. Fortunately, for me, I love the planning just as much as the trip (well almost).
Here is our itinerary:
Sat 7/2 Arrive 6:00pm ANC . Spend night.
Sun 7/3 Drive to Denali at a leisurely pace. Overnight Denali area.
Mon 7/4 Denali Nat'l Park shuttle at 8:30 to Fish Creek. Overnight Denali area.
Tues 7/5. 2-3 hour raft trip. Drive to ANC. Overnight.
Wed 7/6 Drive to Seward. Stop in Girdwood for 2 pm 2 hour scenic float. Overnight Seward.
Thurs 7/7 Northwestern Fjord Cruise. Overnight Seward.
Fri 7/8 3 hour Guided Kayak tour to Thumb Cove arranged through Millers Landing. Depart for ANC around 12 pm, stopping at Exit Glacier on way.
Fly out Fri 7/8 at 11:30pm.
FYI, all of our activities were booked using the Toursaver coupons so we got 2 for the price of 1. Great way to save some money.
Good luck and have fun.
PS. If anyone has any feedback on our plan, I would love to hear it. I'm hoping that we aren't going to push ourselves too hard. I received tons of valuable info from this board and I really appreciate it.
Here is our itinerary:
Sat 7/2 Arrive 6:00pm ANC . Spend night.
Sun 7/3 Drive to Denali at a leisurely pace. Overnight Denali area.
Mon 7/4 Denali Nat'l Park shuttle at 8:30 to Fish Creek. Overnight Denali area.
Tues 7/5. 2-3 hour raft trip. Drive to ANC. Overnight.
Wed 7/6 Drive to Seward. Stop in Girdwood for 2 pm 2 hour scenic float. Overnight Seward.
Thurs 7/7 Northwestern Fjord Cruise. Overnight Seward.
Fri 7/8 3 hour Guided Kayak tour to Thumb Cove arranged through Millers Landing. Depart for ANC around 12 pm, stopping at Exit Glacier on way.
Fly out Fri 7/8 at 11:30pm.
FYI, all of our activities were booked using the Toursaver coupons so we got 2 for the price of 1. Great way to save some money.
Good luck and have fun.
PS. If anyone has any feedback on our plan, I would love to hear it. I'm hoping that we aren't going to push ourselves too hard. I received tons of valuable info from this board and I really appreciate it.
