Decided on Alaska-- Need Ideas for Itenerary...
 

We've decided on going to Alaska in late July, 2000, and we need some ideas for different things. We want to do some whale watching, see Mt. McKinley, go to Denali Park, pan for gold, see glaciers, and view other sites of interest like these I've listed. We need ideas on where to start out-- a central location from which to be based. Which is the best way to get around from place to place-- via bus or train, ferry or get a rental car-- once we get there? And any other ideas pertinent to our trip would be appreciated. We have a week to do all of this and not an unlimited budget, but our budget is a decent one. <BR> <BR>You can reply here or just e-mail me at [email protected] <BR> <BR>Thank You

When I saw the subject line I decided to check it, just in case it would be you, and sure enough it is! <BR> <BR>Thanks for updating us. Sorry that I can't really help with your question as I've never been to Alaska and don't know too much about it but most likely others here will have info. for you. Your subject line is well-written, so it should get people to read your post. <BR> <BR>I'm curious as to why you decided on Alaska, so if you don't mind, please tell us. Did my suggestion about saving Hawaii for the fall, winter or spring have anything to do with it? <BR> <BR>Well, in any event have a great trip and be sure to tell us about it. Oh, and watch out for those bears! <BR> <BR>;o) <BR>

Duke, the simple fact is that a week is really not enough time to see all the things you want to see. Alaska is so big, and the distances between places of interest so great, that the only way to combine trips to Denali, glacier viewing, a chance at seeing whales – in July most of the big ‘uns are in the high arctic, although Beluga or killer whales are always a possibility in Prince William Sound, Cook Inlet or Southeast Alaska – is by spending either a fair amount of time in airplanes, big and small, thereby consuming a lot of budget, or in a car driving almost all the time. <BR>But…if a week is all you have, then so be it. In my opinion your best bet is with a car, with the following route (either direction): Fly to Anchorage, then to Denali Park (for Mt. McKinley), a day on the bus (only way) into the park and back (maybe see the mountain depending on clouds, but certainly see wildlife), then looping over to Copper Center and down to Valdez, then by ferry across Prince William Sound to Whittier, then back up the Seward Highway to Anchorage (detouring to Portage Glacier if need be), then home, boom. You’ll see mountains, animals, glaciers, beautiful ocean and island scenery, interesting native communities, and historic towns. But you’ll see them through a windshield and you’ll probably be pooped at the end. Even a couple of extra days would help enormously, you might check to see if that’s possible. <BR>By all means get a copy of the Milepost to do route and accommodation planning, which will be important in July, the peak of the visitor season. You will need to book soon, especially for accommodation at Denali Park. Good luck! <BR>

Some suggestions: <BR> <BR>Rent a car; that way you'll be able to stop and view the scenery when YOU want to, not when someone else thinks it's the right time for you. You'll stop for scenery and/or wildlife often!! <BR> <BR>Do a loop, starting in Anchorage. If you can get unlimited mileage, you can save a bundle. We averaged 200 miles a day but didn't pay a single penny for mileage! A loop tour like the one noted above will force you to use the Alaskan Marine Ferry from Valdez to Whittier, which will require you have reservations. It may be best to make your reservation on the Ferry before anything else! Or you could just take a glacier tour from Valdez and drive back to Anchorage via the Glenn Hiway and see the Mantsuka Glacier. <BR> <BR>As noted above, the Milepost is an ABSOLUTE *MUST*. <BR> <BR>Skip gold-panning; it's just a touristy stunt. You can accomplish the same thing at a dozen tourist traps around the country. <BR> <BR>The above itinerary will allow you to see glaciers in Prince William Sound, which will be nice. If you want to walk up next to a glacier, check out the Worthington Glacier near Thomson Pass.

I frequently see comments (especially on the European boards) about how it takes 2 weeks to see this place or that place, etc. etc. That's just too simplistic a statement. I tdepends on what you want to get out of it, how you like to experience new things. <BR>The first time I visited Alaska I wanted a 'grand overview' of the highlights: Denali, Anchorage, Kenai, glaciers, shoreline cruise, wildlife, a little hiking. We had no trouble getting it all in in a week. Of course it's a 'keep moving' pace (which I enjoy) and that's not for everybody. But hopefully Alaska will be around for a long time, and a trip like that serves to help you discover the things you really enjoy. That way, if you choose to visit again, you can focus on a few things and dig deeper. There just isn't any way to know in advance what kinds of things will really strike a chord with you when you travel to places very different from those you've visited before. I try to see a lot of things in several days, with the hope that if there are things that really bowl me over, a return trip can be planned. <BR>As for itineraries, I agree with John's and Paul's comments. Rent a car. Driving is easy in AK (just watch out for the weekend tourist traffic to Seward in July...try to go on a weekday), and allows plenty of freedom to stop, hike, take pics, etc at your own pace. The scenery, even along the highways, is AMAZING. We took only an afternoon cruise along the Kenai Fjords Natl Park out of Seward our first visit, and felt it satisfied our desire to see some of the water and coast life adequately. Haven't taken another. <BR>You can check out the whales when you schedule your Hawaiian trip! <BR>

Hey Duke. Anchorage is a natural base camp. It's where I live and we get to all the places you've discussed easily...on the road system. <BR>Also, check the Great Alaskan TourSaver: http://TourSaver.com <BR>It's got a ticket for a free ride on the Dome Car (train) to McKinley, a free cruise in Prince William Sound, salmon bake at Denali, gold panning, fishing, etc. Oh, yeah, a couple of glacier cruises too. <BR>Anyway, fly to Anchorage. Plan on spending a day getting to McKinley and a day there. Plan on spending a day in Anchorage to go glacier cruising--then budget some time to go south to Seward and the Kenai Peninsula for fishign, scenic cruising and so forth. Happy Trail. sm

If you do take a tour in Denali Park, try to schedule it reallly early in the morning (i.e 5 a.m.) for the best oppportunity to see wildlife. We saw so many animals (including 17 grizzlies!) whereas several people I know who have done the trip at later times in the day have seen very few animals. We also say Mt. McKinley completely free of cloud cover (that was a bonus and had nothing to do with the time of day I don't think!) Alaska is wonderful - I'm sure you will love it. Thge Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Whittier and then a cruise in Prince William Sound to see the glaciers is worthwhile for a day trip.

My husband and I went to Alaska for 10 days last July and we loved it. We rented a SUV and slept in it about 5 nights to save a little money - which worked for us but depends on whether or not you like car camping. We went to Denali (didn't see the mountain) but did see some wildlife such a bear and a grey wolf but the scenery is breathtaking. It is worth a stop on the way at Princess Lodge for lunch. <BR>We also spent a lot of time in the Kenai - Homer and Seward. We especially liked Homer and we car camped on the Spit. We also took a water taxi to Seldovia and spent the night in a Tent Bed and Breakfast which was great! I was so impressed with how tourist friendly Alaska was but traffic can be quite treacherous particularly heading to the Kenai. One place to stop for lunch/dinner is just outside of Anchorage in Girdwood at a restaurant called Chair 5 - good bar food and great beer selection! <BR>We also took a sight seeing ferry in Seward where we saw a lot of whales and glaciers. We skipped Valdez and Whittier as we heard they were not worth the trip! <BR>Anyway have a wonderful time.

If you get to Girdwood, try the Double Musky restarant on Crow Creek Road. GREAT place!

A week in Alaska and leaving in a couple of weeks is a real challenge. <BR> <BR>I agree with the other posters about making the loop from Anchorage to Valdez, although there is nothing much to see in Valdez. However, the trip across Prince William Sound is worth it. <BR> <BR>I was in Alaska for 5 weeks in 1996 and traveled over 10,000 miles and just scratched the surface. If you had the luxury, I'd say a week on the Alaska Marine Ferry would be fun, but the odds of getting a stateroom now are nil. <BR> <BR>I also agree with the other posters that the 'Milepost' is the thing to get. It is the Bible and is extremely accurate. <BR> <BR>Your biggest problem now will be to find accomodations. Do not go anywhere without reservations. There are not always that many choices in some of these towns and they will probably be full. Unfortunately, your itinerary may depend on where you can find lodging. <BR> <BR>Two recommendations... <BR> <BR>The Voyager Hotel in Anchorage. Next to the Captain Cook downtown. Wonderful service. <BR> <BR>Lands' End in Homer. I recommend a room on the bay for maximum enjoyment. <BR> <BR>Good luck!

I just wrote you a really long note and then zapped it before I got it sent and now have to go. If you still need info, please email me. We just spent 3 weeks in Alaska in June, - have lots of ideas, but don't have time to retype them now - sorry - let me know if you still need help. Alaska is wonderful - can't say enough good things about it - think I can give you some good help.

We just spent a week in Alaska, going from Fairbanks down to Seward. I really preferred taking the Alaskan Railroad, rather than driving or going by coach. That way, both my husband and I enjoyed the scenery. The Railroad is very comfortable; the guides and conductors are very friendly and helpful. And you can't beat the scenery along the way!