Seward, Homer, or both?
Jan 19th, 2009, 05:05 PM
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Seward, Homer, or both?
We have 7 days in Alaska. Flying in to Anchorage, then taking the train to Denali. That area for two nights, then thought we'd rent a car and go to Talkeetna two nights. Here's my question. After that, we are thinking Seward, Homer, or trying to do both. What do you think? Or should we do one or the other and try to do a day trip? And then take the train back to Alaska on our last day to catch our late flight home? Looking for itinerary suggestions. Thanks!
Jan 19th, 2009, 05:24 PM
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I don't think you can rent a car at Denali so do you mean you would train back to Anchorage and then rent the car and drive back to Talkeetna? That's lots of wasted time. I didn't love Talkeetna (we spent 1 hour in town then went to the wilderness to wait for our flightsee). Drive to Denali - this gives you more lodging options. Stop in Talkeetna on way there or back. Thats 2 nights. Then one night in Palmer on way to Seward. Seward 2 nights. One night in Homer and then back to Anchorage. There is no train from Homer to Anchorage.
Jan 19th, 2009, 05:44 PM
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You could take the train up to Denali, then use the Park Connection bus to Talkeetna, then Talkeetna to Anchorage and/or Seward. We didn't want to drive all the way to Denali from Anchorage (5 hrs.) so this is what we're doing. Stopping in Talkeetna for a night breaks up the bus ride -- about halfway. There are other things to do in Talkeetna as well, including rafting, etc. Here's the link to the Park Connection bus:
http://www.alaskacoach.com/
http://www.alaskacoach.com/
Jan 20th, 2009, 02:54 AM
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Talkeetna is a very small town. We made a quick visit but we did not have a flightseeing planned. The Kenai Fjords trip out of Seward remains one of the highlights of our AK visits. We have also taken a nature cruise from Homer to Seldovia but it's not as good, more sea otters, less orcas. But the Pratt Museum in Homer is wonderful. The drive between Seward and Homer is about 3 hours and the scenery is not very exciting until just as you approach Homer. The drive from Homer back to Anchorage is about 5 hours. Between Anchorage and Seward, the scenery is spectacular and there are other things to do such as the tram ride up Mt Alyeska.
Jan 20th, 2009, 05:01 PM
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I think I'm feeling a little overwhelmed planning the trip due to lack of time to devote to planning. Any thoughts on a travel planner in Alaska (one you actually used)? Or maybe even two, one for Denali area and one for Southern area?
Thanks again to everyone for all your comments.
Thanks again to everyone for all your comments.
Jan 20th, 2009, 05:15 PM
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Jan 21st, 2009, 02:27 AM
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Do a search on AK here on Fodors. There have been a lot of requests for 7 and 10 itineraries. See what worked for other people. Pay attention to mileage/time so you don't spend too much time in the car. Get a copy of the Milepost. I think you will be surprised at how the big city of Anchorage sprawls to the north. There are a lot of commuters in the morning but once you get past Wasilla, it becomes rural. No stores and restaurants lining the roads.
Jan 24th, 2009, 07:04 AM
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Stay only one night in Talkeetna ! Book and early morning flightseeing tour over the summit of Mt Denali.
We did both Seward and Homer. The highlight of our trip to AK was a one day bearviewing flight trip from Homer so, with limited time I would pick Homer, but if you prefer cruises, then Seward is the place.
We did both Seward and Homer. The highlight of our trip to AK was a one day bearviewing flight trip from Homer so, with limited time I would pick Homer, but if you prefer cruises, then Seward is the place.
Jan 31st, 2009, 02:14 PM
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I think you can get excellent completely accurate trip planning information here, that may be superior to a "trip planner" who is running a business??
Anyway, I find the train Anchorage/Denali limited. It's long, with way too many trees and just about parallels the Parks Highway. I always prefer a rental car, which can offer you FAR more along the way. 1 night is plenty for Talkeetna. In my opinion, Both Seward and Homer offer plenty, you really don't have time for both, with Denali Park. Decide which area is of the most interest?? I don't consider Homer, myself for less than 2 nights. It's possible to consider Seward for 1 night, IF you have early starts/late departures.
Anyway, I find the train Anchorage/Denali limited. It's long, with way too many trees and just about parallels the Parks Highway. I always prefer a rental car, which can offer you FAR more along the way. 1 night is plenty for Talkeetna. In my opinion, Both Seward and Homer offer plenty, you really don't have time for both, with Denali Park. Decide which area is of the most interest?? I don't consider Homer, myself for less than 2 nights. It's possible to consider Seward for 1 night, IF you have early starts/late departures.
Feb 25th, 2009, 04:33 AM
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Last summer we went to Girdwood, Seward and Homer - Homer was hands down our favorite. Some of that was probably due to the great weather and activities (including an Emerald Air bear viewing trip and True North kayak trip). We did not go north and did not feel that we missed anything (though of course we don't know what we missed!!) The scenery, wildlife and activities were abundant in the Kenai Peninsula. I posted a trip report if you are interested in where we stayed or other activities. I was glad that we went to Seward - we were questioning whether to go - but Homer was our highlight.
