Alaska Caravan

sljohnson1938 wrote:

I find it amusing that those who 'would never take a caravan' have never been on one.

I think a person knows whether he likes to travel with others or not and you don't have to take a caravan to find out. We definitely do not. We prefer doing things on our own and enjoy the peacefulness and spontaneity.

Some folks like being around big groups and that's just fine.

I think for the Alaska trip many feel overwhelmed and apprehensive about doing it on their own. For that I say, break it down into small fragments just like you would be going from one state to another. Don't look at it as one big trip that has to be planned out. You don't need reservations except for perhaps July 4 weekend and Denali Nat'l Park. For those you can reserve just a few weeks prior when you have a better idea of when you'll be there. We know of lots of folks who didn't plan extensively. Just go!

The overall trip is not any different than traveling across the lower 48. There are many 'lonely' stretches of highways in the lower 48, also. There will be road construction but you find that anywhere you go. You just go slow. There are campgrounds, fuel stations, restaurants and very helpful Alaskans and Canadians along the way. You're not out there really alone. You'll meet up with the same travelers from place to place. They're all going to the same places. You can't get lost.

If caravans are your thing then definitely do it but I just wanted to stress that it really is an easy trip to do on your own.