We are planning a two week trip to AK in July with a large group - 8 plus a group of 6 more friends who are local.

I'm finding the cost overwhelming to put us in 3 hotel rooms - my husband and I and 4 kids in an adjoining room and my parents in one. I'm also having a hard time finding a decent rental rate that will seat 8 people - UGH The cheapest I have been able to come up with is about 80-90 on an anchorage room and 150 on a car for total of about 500 a day or 7000 for just car and hotel -

Our plan is to base ourselves out of Anchorage and go S for 3-5 days for Kania Fjords, salmon fishing etc. and then go N for about 3-5 days for Denali.

Anyone know a cheaper way to do it- I figure we are looking at about 15 grand or so for 2 families for 2 weeks... I amlooking into home exchange to see if I can find anyone in Anchorage who may want to stay in the DC area for vacation but am out of other ideas.

I am also really concerned about taking kids on these long trips - 8 + for Kenai and that long for Denali as well - any thoughts, comments, feedback etc.

debokane:

You are addressing something that I have not covered in my ALaska Trip Report...YET!

Alaska in very very expensive. VERY.

An ALaska home exchange is probably not logical for what you outline. With so many people in your party I just do not know that the exchanges are that accomodating in reality.

You are right to be concerned about the kids. I do not know their ages or if the grandparents plan to help with their entertainment and care?

Good Luck. Although I budgetted my trip to the penny I spent much more than planned on necessary things such as food which is quite an expense in Alaska.

Happy Planning,
Oaktown Traveler

Did you try condos? Type in alaska vro. Vacation rentals by owner. Did you consider B&B's? Much cheaper.

We've taken several trips together with our kids and parents and I'll tell you--I had an easier time with the kids!!! They're so open to everything whereas the parents (one trip was with BOTH my parents, his parents and the kids--never ever again, even though I love them all dearly!)were a little more set in their ways. My wonderful dad's been gone four years now, though, and I'm so very grateful that we have the fun traveling memories that we do. My advice would be to plan some separate excursions and not be together 24/7. Two weeks is a long time for even the closest of families when traveling. I honestly wouldn't worry about the kids. I've found on long trips like that, though, that a few hours parked in front of the tube just vegging every once in awhile makes them happier campers then they're ready to go go go again after that. Three rooms just might be the way to go--at least for the latter part of your trip--everyone will be ready for some down time by then. Enjoy those three generations--sounds like a great trip!

I don't find Alaska as costly as most- hence my name. I would book 2 cars- look and compare rates- there is Dollar, Thrifty, Payless, Alamo. I rented last year for a $129/week with Alamo. Also consider an independent- cab save on the hefty taxes off airport. As for lodging- $80-90 is CHEAP going in July. The only cheaper option I can think of is a Hostel- with your group- you probably could get a private room that may undercut your hotels. There is also the option of a RV- they do hold 8 in a cozy arrangement. Probably would be your cheapest option of all? Alaska is a destination to be on the move- so I doubt a home exchange would work. Depending on where you are going on the Kenai- 5 days may be too much. As for the kids- take plenty of batteries and game boys. They will adjust.

I don't wish to appear unsympathetic - but a 2-week vacation for 8 people is never going to be cheap. The only place I can imagine where you might get rooms/car cheaper than that is Orlando - and then the Disney enrance fees get you. Perhaps you should consider a shorter trip. Or a car trip so you don;t have to rent one. Or having your parents pick up their own tab.

When you rent a vehicle, beware of stated seating capacity versus actual comfort capacity, even if some are kids. No one wants to be stuffed into the middle of the back row.

And few vans have enough luggage space for as many passengers as they will hold.