A group of 6 of us our planning a vacation to Alaska this next summer (2004). We have already done a 7 day cruise of alaska, so are looking for other ideas.

We are just back from eruope so a train vacation in alaska would br great. Is there such a thing?

Would renting RVs be cheaper?

What other ideas do people have?

Take a look at the thread titled: Is This Itinery Too Much? (or something like that.

I am not being curt when I suggest you use the topic seach for ALaska.

Many GREAT idea here and on other sites mentioned in the details of the posts.

Happy Travels

Oaktown

There is SO much of alaska to see. I would suggest that you/members of the group go to the library or bookstore and read all that you can on the state. Then you can narrow it down-where do you want to go/see. DEFINITELY you need to see the interior. While a cruise is nice, I have been to the interior only a few times and feel like i haven't even begun to see alaska. I think Denali area is a must and would second the suggestion to check out these boards as well as other travel/cruise boards to review. I would also get as much info from the tourist boards of the various areas/cities in AK and check AAA when you want to book any trips as a discount for 6 will be considerable savings (I know since 6 of us just returned last week!). Have fun planning-that is one of my favorite parts.

I have taken the train the entire length interior, gone the RV route and rented many many cars. All have advantages with a rental car probably the most. The one thing I missed with the RV was the contact with residents- I greatly prefer staying at B&B's and certainly in Alaska this is a great way to go. My opinion only but 6 is too many in a RV, I would think you would need 2.

I think you should fly to Fairbanks, then take a visit to Barrow, then ride the Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks south to Denali, Talkeetna, Anchorage, and Whittier. Cruise Prince William Sound for a day, and when you're finished with your visit, fly on from Anchorage.

Just like to remind all you folks who suggest going to bookstores or libraries for help that not everybody lives where there are bookstores, never mind bookstores with travel books about Alaska in them. And lots of folks live where the library, if there is one, doesn't have any travel books for distant destinations like Alaska if they have any travel books at all.

That's why the Internet and travel forums are so helpful to people who don't have bookstores and libraries in their towns. Just because we live off the beaten path doesn't mean we don't like to travel.

we did the RV for a week last year and loved igt. We rented from Great Alaskan RV. THey were very good, located right at the airport, and there rental includes a state park pass which can save you a few bucks if you stay in state parks. We stayed in eagle river - right outside anchorage adn at Byers Lake in Denali State Park. BOth very nice

You won't see much of Alaska using the train system which is limited. Trains operate between Seward AnD Anchorage and Anchorage and Fairbanks. There is no betweeen cities bus system. Use of an automobile provides the best opportunity to see some of Alaska. The only problem is renters don't allow you to drive vehicles on unpaved roads. To get to many interesting places involves use of other than paved highways. Visit a local library or bookstore and get a copy of The Milepost. It is the definitive source for anyone wanting to drive in Alaska




.