First timer here, although I lurk quite a bit. Just a quick overview of my itin and would love any suggestions or don't do's as well. We only have 6 full days in Alaska. Day one: fly into Anshorage late. Staying at Anchorage Guesthouse. We are hostelling it all the way because of the price, the mingling with people from all over the world. We have private bedrooms at each hostel. Next day bike Tony Knowels Coastal for a few hours. 3 p.m. catch PC motorcoach to Seward. Spend the next few nights at Moby Dick's hostel. First morning in Seward we'll take the 8 1/2 hour Fjords cruise. Second day, guided kayak to Thumbs Cove and then Sea Life Center. Next day hike at Exit Glacier and then catch the train back to Anchorage. Spend night in Anchorage visitng museums, shopping etc and catch the 3 p.m. shuttle to Denali. Spend the next 2 nights at Mountain Morning Hostel. First morning in Denali, taking shuttle to Eilson and hiking. Next day in Denali, summit flight over McKinley, then hop on the 3 p.m. train to Fairbanks. Sleep at AH Rose Marie's and then fly out the next a.m.
Question about shoes??? Do I need to by some waterproof duck like shoes or will I be ok with a couple of pairs of running/walking shoes??? It seems like a silly dilemna, but I can't imagine walking around in slushy shoes if we get caught in a lot of rain. Everything else we have is waterproof. Advice on any the above would be so helpful!!

Well - it is your "first time" so I'll be gentle.

You really need to start a new thread w/ a better title. "Help with itinerary" could be askimg about anywhere in the country. At the very least put "Alaska" in your title.

All you need is just comfortable shoes.
If you want to do the 81/2 hour Seward Cruise, that's fine and I'm sure you'll have a great time, but the shorter cruises are just as good, too.
Exit Glacier is wonderful and is a very easy hike. No special shoes or clothing required. We also loved the Sea Life Center. Small but wonderful.

I took too many shoes. During our 3 week trip I wore either hiking shoes with waterproof bottoms that I got at LL Bean factory outlet or Birkenstocks. Unfortunately, we didn't go kayaking and I'm not sure what kind of footwear would have been recommended. I had packed sports sandals just in case. Personally, I hate shoes that tie. The weather was very dry during our trip but the hiking shoes gave me sure footing for climbing into boats, walking on the beach and trails. A friend who vacationed someplace else where there was a lot of rain complained that she had wet feet and her worn out running shoes were too slippery. She thought well worn would be most comfortable for a lot of walking but ended up being a very bad idea. Some of the dock ramps we used were very steep. The trail we hiked in Whittier was pretty narrow. I would imagine if the bushes were wet, it would be easy to get wet even if it wasn't raining. Good tread is important. Sounds like you have a great itinerary!

Best are 2 pair of walking shoes- use water proof spray. Cans available at Walmart. Do all your hostels provide transportation??? Some of these are very basic, just be prepared. You may also want to consider purchasing a toursaver book- if you haven't already. It would more than pay for it self with the Kenai Fjords boat, sea life center, McKinley flight, kayaking. All 2 for one coupons.

Well, thanks so much for the feedback. My favorite shoes do have some worn treads, so I will take some hiking boots with good treads as well. Sorry Janis, I thought because I was posting in the "Alaska" forum that I did not need to include that in the title. I'll know next time. Any more feedback would still be appreciated about the itinerary, hostels etc. I leave in 5 days!! Hooray!

Wow Bqueen, we are posting at the same time! I feel honored with your reply as I have been studying this board for months now and have got a tremendous amount of information from you. Yes, I'm using the heck out of my toursaver book. It is saving me a bundle! The hostels don't provide transport, but some of the buses will drop us off right there, some are within walking distance and 2 require taxi service. BTW, what's your opinion about my itinerary?? and the shoes, of course?
Thank you,
Lori

Hi sunchaser. We just returned from a similar trip--a little longer--and I think your itinerary sounds great. As long as you have a good pair of hiking shoes sprayed with water repellant, you should be fine. We also brought a pair of shoes just for walking, and something a little bit nicer for going out in the evening. We didn't need shoes at all for our kayak trip as the outfitter provided waterproof boots. I agree with BudgetQueen's standard advice by the way, about taking the earliest Denali shuttle to see the most wildlife. Have a great time!

Thank you all so much for your help and advice. I have planned so many trips with the advice from this board over the last few years.....fantastic! I will not be so shy to ask questions from now on.
Lori