Pre-planning for first long duration trip upon retirement

Scotia Banks in Canada is a partner with Bank of America. No charges for their ATMs.

Nobody has mentioned it but should look into a credit card that doesn't charge extra fees for use in Canada. We got Bank Of America's Travel Card for our trip.

Sorry for not posting earlier to thank all who chimed in! We do appreciate it greatly!

The only time limit we have put on ourselves is we would like to be back home by 3rd week of October. Plan on beginning the trip early May.

On the trip north thru the providences of Canada, how available are campgrounds and boondocking opportunities?

There is a TON of info out there and a tremendous amount to digest! So glad we are starting early for planning! The RV'ing forums and YouTube videos are fantastic resources.

Thanks for the past responses and for any future ones! BTW - We/I do plan on visiting the Salty Dawg - how could we not?

Whoa!!! Somebody made a booboo. The road to the Badlands would be I-90, not I-80. Whew!
In 2017, we left North Idaho on May 15th heading to Alaska. The weather was just beginning to turn nice, but some mud on the roads from the oil companies in Canada. The lower Canada roads were a little short on "pull over: spots, but once we got higher toward the Alcan, more places appeared to stop for the night.
It took us a week to get to Tok, about 2600 miles from home. You have about twice that distance each way. When you drive to Ak, you have to go through Tok each way--nice RV places with wash racks to clean the goop off the rig.
We used a credit card for gas purchases, which got the best exchange. Canada means higher prices for everything.
We installed Rock Tamers on the truck, which helped the front of the trailer, but they really threw the gravel to the sides. Also put in a screen in front to the radiator, but never needed it. Never had any damage from driving or other drivers.
Stop often, visit museums, absorb the culture, got to the zoo south of Anchorage, visit Homer, Seward, Denali, & Fairbanks.
The BEST RV trip ever.
The cost ran about $1.00 a mile for everything---$7,000 total. This included a Halibut trip, some eating out, some RV parks, Denali bus trip, ice cream, and a stop at the Salty Dog.

It was mentioned about damage to the RV from the trip. What type of damage and how prevalent is it? What steps can be taken to avoid it?

Someone mentioned touring the west. The large wildfires in western USA have become a yearly routine in the summer and fall months and now closing all the NF in California. This is likely to continue for the long-term until everything is eventually burned up. I live within 50 miles of three large wildfires.

Probably the biggest adjustment will be slowing down and losing track of time and days of the week.

Take whatever time you want whenever you want to.

pitch wrote:
Alaska should be a month or so on its own.

Alaska should be all summer - 3 months. Why rush? How often would you do the trip?

If you are going to Alaska, forget sightseeing CONUS. No way to do justice to the American west in 3 months. Alaska should be a month or so on its own. Make it two separate voyages or extend the one to a year. Just too darn much to experience!

Thanks for all the advice! We have a lot to consider but one thing is for certain - both the wife and I want to do this! I truly appreciate the time you all took helping us on our way especially on the planning side of things.