There is doubt in my mind that we could have done it cheaper, maybe by as much as $1500 to $2,000, but we didn't have to so we didn't. As noted, fuel is out of your hands (we also had the Muncho Lake experience), but we could have saved $$ on campsites by boondocking more, especially in the lower 48. We did not buy a coupon book since we had both been on Alaskan Tours before and had done many of the tours and activities. I also like to seek out locals for opinions and options about sightseeing. We had our canoes, our bikes, and our feet, so we can amuse ourselves without spending much money. lizzie