Alaska by RV, solo or caravan . . . . opinions please

[DOTLDaddy]

Being the compulsive, long range planner that I am, I am starting to think about an RV trip from STL to Alaska. This probably won't happen until 2015, but I don't want to wait much longer than that, as you never know what tomorrow brings. 😛

Anyway, I am quite sure this would be our one and only trip to Alaska, so I don't want to blow it. Should I try and plan such a huge trip myself, or spend a rather substantial amount of $$$ on a caravan. I know there are several companies that offer such caravans, but I have no idea which one is "best", if any.:@

[Scottiemom]

We spent two years planning our trip. We left Indiana May 20 and returned August 4. I used Mike and Terri Church's "Alaska Camping" as a guide on routes and days to stay, etc. I found it very well organized and a big help. Going by yourself means you can decide to stay a couple extra days or longer in areas that "strike your fancy." We met some people for whom that was their main complaint. . . they felt rushed and didn't get to explore areas they wanted. . . the sad part being they would probably never be able to make the trip again.

Since we travel with DH's serious medical problems, I opted for a satellite phone. It was great security for us, although we never used it.

We bought a small used motorhome specifically for this trip. We had our mechanic go over it and put new filters, belts, hoses, etc., on it. New tires also because they were 9 years old. Nary a problem. MinnieMee made the trip without complaint.

One big suggestion. . . if you go through Whitehorse, take a side trip to Sue.T's. She let us boondock in her front yard. We met her and Steve and the two dogs. She also offered assistance through her extensive contacts if we had any trouble on our journey. Although we never had any trouble, it was comforting to know help was just a phone call away.

Also, we booked the ferries on the Alaska Marine Highway System. That was our route out of Alaska. So when we saw our fill, we ferry hopped down through the inside passage. The ferries are very comfortable, they help you get your "low slung" RV's on without damage, and you an explore the towns at your leisure. We saw only a handful of RV's doing this. What an incredible experience. We booked state rooms on the long hauls and those that were overnight.

It was a great trip. I still can't believe we did it! I did blog daily, so if you like, you can read my blog.

Dale

[LYNNCCRN]

We're on the return-home in 3 days. I ordered all the visitor booklets from the various towns, read them all, then did some more internet research. It helps to know what type things you want to do --art galleries, Native American history & culture, museums (every little town has one), fish, 'tourist things'. We usually did not reserve RV sites & stayed in provincial parks when possible.
I started researching about a year in advance (library, internet, here, people who had been there) & felt ready to go.

Here's a must have - Alaska TourSaver book. $100 filled with 2 for 1 deals. Use it once & it's paid for itself & we also did some things we probably would not have done.

Most 'rv parks' are glorified parking lots. If drive the whole way, it's a lot of miles.

Canada usually doesn't accept Discover or Amex. Get some Canadian cash. Find a Visa or MC that does not charge a 'foreign transaction fee' (3-5%). Check your phone rates.

Sounds overwhelming but you've got lots of time. Have fun planning.

[RangerJay]

The only truly scary part I found about Alaska was the drive from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula - pretty much like one giant bumper-to-bumper caravan - with everyone wanting to lead the pack ......


Jay

[tony_lee]

We've been travelling on our own for 7 years - in more than 20 countries including to Alaska, Mexico, Morocco, Iceland, and Central Australia - all destinations that many RVers refuse to even consider doing by themselves and we have never had any problems regarding safety, health care, language and fitting in with local cultures. That doesn't mean we never hook up with another traveller for a day or two or three but that is always on the basis that it continues until one of us decides not to continue and no reasons need be given.

Only twice have I travelled with others - one was 40 years ago and ended amicably after a few days. The other more recent one was with 4 vehicles and one of the group turned out to be so incompatible with the three others that it just wasn't possible to continue.

We have come across some pretty large convoys and there is always quite a few who will admit that it hasn't worked out as well as they thought. One reason is they hate having to work to a strict timetable, and they really really hate having to keep up with the high average speeds that the timetables sometimes demand.

{we came across one caravan in Mexico where they travelled several thousand miles to get there and the first thing they did once they got settled was endure a long amplified chat from the waggon master followed by an exciting session of bingo - also delivered through a distorted PA system.}

[djackman]

Getting ready to leave Haines, AK after 7 weeks of being here at the Hitch-Up RV Park as you come into town. It is the best RV Park in the whole state of Alaska, and that is not just our opinion. The owners take such meticulous care of this park it is unbelievable.

The reason I am posting under this topic, is that we spoke with a gentleman today and he spoke with us about traveling with other RV's and he stated that he can not wait to be traveling solo again. So hard to all agree on what to do. Hope that comment helps you some.

Good luck planning your trip.

[AKsilvereagle]

I have lived in Alaska for 30 years and never had the need to caravan with any group anywhere in the far north (even in the Northwest Territories in my opinion is one of the most remote areas by road such as Fort Simpson, Yellowknife, etc.), the far north is not like going thru the Darien Forest in Panama or going remote in South America or some other area even more exotic or foreign.

I would travel upon the best way you feel more comfortable with, as we all own our RV's and live for our travels in order to roam around free.

Why would any of us want to caravan around in our own RV's is the real question, and if you have the right answers in mind then weigh in the factors....

Don't get me wrong, it's always nice once in a while to travel with a larger group such as a motorcycle club or organization together and all that, however if you feel you are an independent RV traveler like most of us, as they say -fugeddaboudett and just go explore on your own pace.

You will more than likely run into the common obstacles of the factors that Sue had posted such as road conditions and natural occurances that could throw off a scheduled plan or delay of a day or two but that is part of travelling the far north.

Did you know that they actually have Walmarts & McDonalds there? They really do.

Since this was mentioned, I had the McDonald's question thrown in my face a half dozen times once someone finds out I am from Alaska...

The last time when asked was back in 2001 when I arrived at McCarran Airport in Las Vegas, I walk by Carrot Top and said hi which turned out to be a 5 minute conversation while we both were waiting for our luggage, as he asks me where I am from and if they have a McDonalds in Alaska....I tell him well sure, we got like 12 McDumb----'s (of them) in the whole state.

He laughed hard at that one, and all the other Alaska jokes I was rolling at him one after the other.

[Veebyes]

This question comes up time after time. Going to ALaska is not like going to the moon. You have to pass through Canada. A very big place with lots of friendly helpful people. Alaska is very civilised too. Did you know that they actually have Walmarts & McDonalds there? They really do. The roads are pretty good too. Nowhere near as bad as some of the interstates in the Northeast. You won't find a gas station on every corner. Accept that fuel will be more than you are used to paying & enjoy the trip. You really don't need anyone to hold your hand.

[StanL]

We are in St. Louis area also and have a trip planned for next year. You are welcome to travel with us if you and go in 2014. Already have B-I-L joining us in their rig. We are going to take it slow and easy. We think this will be a six month trip. Leaving in mid-March and heading south - going to hit parks in Utah, Grand Canyon, Vegas and then over to Sothern California and up coast via 101. We plan to hit Canadian border around mid to late May.

[Less_Stuff]

"opinions please"

OK here's mine:
Your Comfort level is between YOUR ears.
Met a lady last spring in Baja Mexico she and her husband were in a caravan tour. She was very happy and said it was the only way to see Mexico.
I did not tell her, but I was touring Mexico alone and was very happy.
I've spent the last 10 years touring much of the US (including Alaska twice) plus some of Mexico and Canada. I've been alone and with others.
Never traveled with a Caravan and wouldn't want to but the lady I spoke to obviously enjoyed Caravanning.

Neither is better but each is better for some, sometimes.

[djackman]

Definitely do it on your own. You will build up your confidence after you are on the road a few days. We took 4 years to plan our Alaska adventure by ourselves and we are loving it. We are currently in Haines, AK. We were RV newbies when we left Massachusetts. Have been in Haines since the middle of June, not leaving till August 1st. Fell in love with it. (if we were in a caravan, would not have been able to stay here.)
Went halibut fishing in Ninilchik, AK. Visioned bears attacking our RV (haven't seen many in AK, more wildlife in the Yukon for sure) and all sorts of bad things. Felt naked without a gun, found we did not need one at all. Rough roads in spots, especially from Haines Jct. to Tok, AK. Just go slow. Visions so beautiful, especially in the Yukon on our way down to Haines, AK that will bring tears to your eyes. Take a deep breath, get yourself a Milepost (your bible while traveling to AK), and save your $$$$, have nice camera, and laptop to store all your pictures and have the time of your life! It has changed ours and we are now starting to think about full-timing in the future!

[uncle_t]

It is a matter of personal taste. We did a caravan to Baja and found it to be way way way too structured, pricey, and lackluster. We did Alaska 2 times on our own and loved it. Would never ever do 50 days with a caravan company. We leave at 8. we eat lunch here. we stop here. we tour here for 2 hours. we stay in this town for 2 days, etc etc. Really?????

[jessjerr1831]

DW & I are definitely not risk takers. But, in 2010 we went on our own to Canada & Alaska. We planned it as a series of stops, Denver to Sheridan, WY. Great Falls, MT. Calgary, Banff, Jasper. So on and so on till we got to Homer AK and started on our way home. Don't think of it as a long trip, just a series of short trips. Some parts were only 50-100 miles a day. No set agenda, Come and go as we pleased. It was great. Definitely would do it again.

[RoadLife]

We considered this too and decided to go it alone. We want to wake up when we wake up, not to someone elses schedule. We want to stop when the whim takes us. We did structured when we were working. Not anymore.

We planned the route and knew what day we wanted to arrive in Alaska and the day to depart. The route we changed along the way. The laptop helped us research the area we were in. It was a blast.

[RangerJay]

The great strength of caravans is that you don't have to do anything except drive.

The great strength of going solo is independence and flexibility.

The difference between the two is simply your own sense of exploration.

You'll have the trip of a lifetime - no matter what you choose.


Jay

[Chiefelectusn]

I am planning a trip to Alaska 2114 or 2115, first trip, probably 4-5 months from Florida and back.
I plan on my going alone, no caravan. I like the idea of playing it as it comes, weather probably the biggest factor. Do not like someone telling me I have to go or stay. Besides lots of friends to be made at every camp, every park, everywhere! The Alaska spirit of adventure!

Sue T. Says the people don't bite, so my recommendation is head out when you want and if you meet and become friends with people, play it by ear, or heart!