Caravan Trip to Alaska

We went in 2013 as a once in a lifetime trip, cross it off the bucket list and be done with it.

Along the way we realized it was an amazing adventure and we're going back!

AKsilvereagle wrote:


An RV caravan is better than being crammed in a tour busload of people on a tight schedule of when to wake up, when to eat (where to eat is not a choice), when to be on the bus, when to stop, when to see the sights-ok now back in the bus we gotta go, when to sleep, etc...

This is exactly what a RV caravan is!!

I will also endorse on what most everyone has posted on this topic, if you look up "independent" in the dictionary you should see a small picture of me next to the word.

However I will also endorse for those who feel comfortable with travelling in a large group, knock yourself out (I would definitely RV caravan in other regions of the world other than North America if I had the opportunity or incentive).

An RV caravan is better than being crammed in a tour busload of people on a tight schedule of when to wake up, when to eat (where to eat is not a choice), when to be on the bus, when to stop, when to see the sights-ok now back in the bus we gotta go, when to sleep, etc...

...and heaven forbid if a road washes out making it impassible, or closed due to fires, or other weather related type of road closure, an overbooking of a location by mistake of the tour guide or lodging establishment itself to where they relocate a group to another place (pretty much where else lodging is available at that moment) or any other mishap that alters a planned schedule you will potentially miss other sites to see where tour guides make alternate plans or retreat depending on the situation at hand.

An RV caravan does have more flexibility on alternate plans as you don't worry so much about the lodging element compared to a bus tour, however a non caravan RV'er will have the greatest advantage of flexibility of waiting it out for a road to reopen, or waiting for the rain to subside, as you will see the same exact places and even more places that a caravan will (at YOUR own pace and schedule).

Road closures do not happen often but they do happen and temporary in most cases as given this post upon a detailed perspective, one might want to consider weighing the factors upon an RV trip to the far north whether independently solo, independently double, or with a large group.

They had a national commercial slogan a while back which also applies for a trip to Canada and Alaska that goes like this :

It's so easy.... even a caravan can do it !

We went last year and will be going again next year. I agree with everything said and you should be able to make up your mind with all this good information!

Search this Forum for `caravan' then search the results for `Alaska' for previous posts.

I just returned from a solo car-camping trip to AK. Well, I wasn't really solo, I had my three dogs, but they refuse to change tires.

I might add I'm an older woman with a really bad back. I didn't stay in campgrounds but boondocked and stayed in a few B&Bs when I wanted a shower. Some of my boondocking spots were pretty epic, but that's another story.

I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. It was a lot of fun and I liked being able to travel on my schedule to wherever I wanted. I don't think I could ever caravan with anyone, yet alone a real caravan. Too restrictive.

Moved from Campgrounds to RVing in Alaska

Expect 10-15 miles of heavy construction areas with sizable rocks, gravel, dust, etc. And you won't be on a single paved lane. Entire road is ripped up, culverts replaced, etc. Just another Alaskan trip experience.

Good point, I had height and speed conversion chart on the dash. We were solo but got to know several people in a caravan (meet them at 4 different camp sites) and you've heard some cons but there are also pros.

A caravan is more like a luxury cruise as everything is planned and set up with reservations. The tail gunner will make sure you get help if needed. You don't check in at a CG and the host will be waiting to guide you in either by radio or car. A bus will pick up the group for a tour or dinner or whatever is part of your tour. You'll make friends in the group and have them to share the experience. A morning meeting will discuss the days activities and or driving. So there are advantages.

I thought that a caravan was very expensive and it is but I was amazed at how much we spent in 2013. Tours, plays, dinner etc add up and since it was our first trip we wanted to do a number of the popular ones.

Our most expensive tour was the Fjord Express passenger ferry from Haines to Juneau and back. Highly recommend this tour as the owner/operator is extremely knowledgable and works hard to make it an interesting tour. I hesitated at the $160/person but would do it again without hesitation. SE Alaska is beautiful but you won't see very much of it unless you get out on the water.

I do disagree with the comment about the roads as there are significant frost heaves. There are also significant rocks on the Canadian chip and seal roads, expect damage. Alaskan roads are better maintained. As I tell my friends there is no problem going the speed limit - just bring enough money to buy a new rig!

We did Alaska last summer. A caravan wasn't even in the picture as we are too independent for that. Maybe I want to turn somewhere to see something and the caravan goes the opposite direction? Maybe I want to leave early the next AM or stay an extra day? We saw several caravans during our trip. Kind of fun to watch. Wagon Master says "next pull off or rest area we are stopping", but not enough room for the total caravan, so some are on down the road mixed with everybody else. And believe me they stop at all the touristy stuff and shuttles to the trinket shops. Maybe I don't want to eat at the salmon restaurant they are shuttling to. And if you break down the caravan will move on, schedules, schedules! Reminded me of my days in the Army. Formation and more formations. And the cost is very prohibitive in our mind. But if you are into it, they do give you a windshield sticker with what number you are and what caravan group you are with, you know just in case. Oh and I almost forgot, name tags and they might even throw in a jacket with their logo on it of course.