Arctic Travel Forum

My family is planning on going to Alaska in July 2004.

What is the best thing for the money when travelling to Alaska with a family of 10 people?

Hi There!

Taking an Alaskan Cruise might be something to look into! (You get to stop at all the "neat" places, do all the cool things (kayak, whale watch, hike, shop etc.). Lots of bang for your buck!

Another HUGE plus is that there are so many activities that you can all do different things (if tempers get short) and then regroup on the ship!

Check out: www.hollandamerica.com

Cheers!

Dana

Depends on how you're traveling--and what interests your family has, and how active (and curious) your group is. There's everything from the group travel packages by rail/plane/cruise ship, if you want to stay in the more accessible urban areas, to your just renting a car to hit the highway at your own pace for some of the world's most beautiful scenery and good eateries....and fishing!!!! There are great places to hike, and everything outdoorsy from paragliding to kayaking. Traveling to more remote areas gets awfully spendy very quickly because you have to fly...but then that's where the 'real' Alaska is. (We who live[d] in Anchorage sometimes forget that Anchorage is not the be all/end all of Alaska.)

For my money, there's nothing like driving, especially if you have camping gear and aren't in any hurry...

The bus ride through Denali Park is interesting and you get to meet the Grizzley's. Flying in a bush plane is exciting and exploring the Fairbanks University's Museum is amzing. They have an incredible collection of tribal artifacts and handmade kayaks, canoe's etc.. The Chugach trail out of Anchorage is wonderful and the town of Whitehorse is interesting.

HI!
I must say 10 people makes it pretty expensive but can be a great experience. Travel to Alaska in general is fairly pricey but worthwhile. I live in Fairbanks myself and will never move:)
Your cheapest flight in would be to Anchorage. From there I would rent a large van or motorhome. This will give you the freedom to drop some off on tours while others go do something else. Packages are per person and would add up quickly. If your family is outdoorsy I would camp or rent chalets, cabins, or BandBs. Many of them are run by older helpful couples and give info on what to do. You are going during the best time of year for roughing it:) Be sure to drive to Homer and camp on the Penninsula where you can easily do clamming,fishing and exploring. Try to book a small boating tour out of Homer or Valdez. Rent a cabin out of Denali and do some hiking and rafting.
In Fairbanks you can enjoy the Riverboat Discovery and driving to Chena Hot Spring Resort for a swim. If you really like camping I would drive north of Fairbanks up the Steese Highway and enjoy the scenery. This would give you the most bang for your buck. Enjoy!