We have never been to alaska and have decided to forget the cruise and fly to Anchorage and tour around for 8 nights. WE will be going in August. Any suggestions for an itinerary? thanks

There are few roads so look at your interests, pick a road and stop along the way. A NECESSARY reference is THE MILEPOST, try your library or purchase a copy after 3-04. Sample routes- round trip Anchorage- Fairbanks, loop Anchorage- Fairbanks- Glenallen- Anchorage. round trip Kenai Pen (Seward, Homer). GRAND loop- Anchorage- Fairbanks- Valdez then either back via the Glen Highway or ferry to Whitter- Anchorage. Get to your library and take out all the Alaska tour books, especially Fodor's and Frommers, great concise guides. Request each area's visitor guide- again plenty of information.

I would second the recommendation to buy the most recent Milepost guide (www.themilepost.com). It is updated annually, and is tailored to folks who are driving.

Denali is a must-see. You will need to park and take a shuttle bus into the park itself. Try to get there as early in the morning as possible, because the clouds commonly obscure the mountains before noon. If you can afford it, there is a cool helicopter trip that lands on a glacier. Also, there are some fine wildlife and rafting trips (http://www.alaskatravel.com/alaska-tours.html)

I would take a day-long boat tour out of Seward, to College Fjord/Kenai Fjords and/or Prince William Sound.

I would not drive all the way to Fairbanks if I only had 8 nights - it is not that impressive.

would take a day-long boat tour out of Seward, to College Fjord/Kenai Fjords and/or Prince William Sound.

I would not drive all the way to Fairbanks if I only had 8 nights - it is not that impressive


Trips to College Fjords and Prince William sound are out of Whittier. I disagree- I love Fairbanks and there is plenty to see- you just have to know where.

Spend at least a day in Anchorage. Not only are the museums and the Native Heritage Center really nice, Anchorage also has the best selection of Made in Alaska gifts to take home. Be sure and eat at least one meal at the Glacier Bay Brewhouse!

We went this past July for 8 days. Rented a motorhome which is the way to go.North... Go to Denali for as long as you can.South...Seward. Everything is beautiful between these two points. Nothing much to see north of Denali. Arctic Circle is full of mosquitos, that's all there is there. Have fun!

Nothing much to see north of Denali. Arctic Circle is full of mosquitos, that's all there is there. Have fun!

Have to fully disagree- plenty of great touring opportunites above Denali.