Alaska RV Trip Planning Guide
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Alaska RV Vacations - Planning Makes Perfect
RV trips require a lot of planning, and that planning is based on the type of RV trip you want to have - it will be different for every family. Do you want to have an adventure? Do you want to have a peaceful trip? What areas do you want to explore? These are excellent questions to ask before building the trip itinerary.
However, the most important question that you must ask yourself is how much time you will have for your Alaska RV vacation. The amount of time that you have is going to determine where you go and how long you can stay at each destination. Start with determining how long you want to vacation in total, and then decide how much time you'll be taking to travel to and from Alaska. You might want to travel for seven days, for example, but it might take a day or two to actually get to Alaska, depending on where you live. Don't forget to account for this time when planning.
The next area to look at is what exactly you want to see and do. You may have to do some research to get a good idea of the many different attractions that Alaska has to offer, such as Alaskan national parks, Alaska fishing trips, bear watching trips or glacier tours. From there you can then decide which destinations are for you and which ones are not. Alaska has something for everyone, so research well in order to make your experience a rewarding one.
Once you have determined what areas you want to travel to, it is time to bring out the map. Find these areas on the map and highlight the routes that you are going to take. This will minimize the chances of getting lost or getting behind schedule. Also, when doing this you must ask yourself if you want to take the scenic route or if you want to take the route that will get you to your destination the quickest. This is going to be dependent upon how much time you have to take the trip. If you only have a short period of time to take the trip, then there should not be too much planning or you'll be rushed to see everything that you want to see. If you have a couple of weeks to take the trip, then you will be able to see more and spend more time in each destination. You may even be able to take the scenic route if you are not concerned with how long it takes you to arrive at your destinations.
Another thing you want to do to make the trip go smoothly is to go to the store and buy everything you need before the trip. Don't make the mistake of buying these things while you're on the road. What happens is you end up losing time since you'll be shopping, as well as money, since prices will be higher in tourist destinations. The only time you should stop at the store while on the road is if you've forgotten something, but the best way to prevent that is to make a list of everything you need and check it off as you pack it.
And speaking of lists, it is a good idea to create an itinerary for when you are on the road. The itinerary should outline the places you want to go, when you go there, and how long you stay. That way you are able to see all of the attractions that you want to see instead of having to go home with a trip behind you that doesn't feel complete. By following these tips, you are able to make your RV trip through Alaska go smoothly without worrying about not having enough time or not seeing the things that you wish to see.
Alaska RV Camping Trips - From Anchorage to Sites Far and Wide
Alaska is a BIG place - too big to drive in a single day. Perhaps that's why so many tourists choose to travel Alaska in a motor home. With the states numerous national parks, majestic mountains, and tourist oriented cities, a motor home trip to the land up north has plenty to offer. So how, exactly, does one prepare for and have a successful Alaska RV trip? Proper planning is key.
The peak time for an Alaska motorhome vacation is during the summer months. The sun is still out past midnight, and the temperatures are not bitterly cold. If you decide to travel the state, a tourist must know what to expect.
Despite Alaska's northern latitude, the temperatures are fairly moderate, sometimes even hot during the summer time. Temperatures at coastal cities and camping areas tend to cap at around 60 to 70 degrees F during the peak summer months. Go farther inland, and the temperatures rise to 90 degrees. The coastal areas see a lot of rain as well. The latitude of Alaska also means that the sun is up until midnight or later, depending on how far north one travels.
Motorhome camping is perhaps the most comfortable, easiest way to see the land, but what if you don't have a motor home? Don't fret; just plan in advance. Alaska has dozens of motor home renting businesses. However, these businesses often have their entire fleet of motor homes rented out and/or reserved by mid spring. Get your reservation for a motor home early. A simple search of Alaska motorhomes will render many web sites where motor homes can be rented. Don't be afraid to haggle over prices, either. Prices aren't necessarily set in stone. The earlier you reserve a motorhome, the cheaper the rent will likely be. Make sure you shop around, too. One never knows when a better deal is available from another company.
Whether you drive your own motorhome or rent a motorhome in the state, Alaska has plenty to see. With over 4 national parks and monuments to tour, all located throughout the state, you'll have plenty of time to sit back and enjoy cruising in an RV. Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords, Glacier Bay, and Wrangell St. Elias national parks each have RV camping grounds, priced at around $40 per night. The campgrounds provide sewage hookups and running water, as well as electricity outlets to run the many electrical appliances that come with rented motorhomes.
Perhaps roughing the mountainous regions isn't your style. The major cities of Juneau, Nome, and Anchorage all have motorhome parks located right inside the cities. The port of Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, has an RV park located just minutes from downtown Anchorage. Anchorage itself has many sites within the city to see. Anchorage provides fishing, hunting, golfing, and hiking tours. You can even try your hand at angling in a 50 pound salmon, assuming you have the guts.
If driving under the noon day sun is your primary objective, perhaps a motorhome tour group would suit your fancy. Alaska tour groups, such as Alaska Travel Adventures, hosts highway tour groups. Ranging from the 11 day Klondike Fever tour to the 22-day Highways Adventure, touring groups such as Alaska Travel Adventures can be your guide to seeing, and enjoying, all that the Alaskan landscape has to offer. Be prepared to pay, though. Tours cost $,2000+ for a 12-day tour, and well over $3,000 for the 22-day tours. The price covers an RV rental and a tour guide. You must cover gasoline costs, meals, etc.
Alaskan motorhome tours are perhaps the easiest way to see the state in comfort. With a lot of research and extensive planning, you can make the most out of your trip to the northern land.
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Traveler's Guide to Alaskan Camping: Alaska and Yukon Camping with RV or Tent (Traveler's Guide series)
Price: $13.28
List Price: $21.95 |
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The Milepost 2008
Price: $18.25
List Price: $27.95 |
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Alaska Atlas and Gazetteer (Alaska Atlas & Gazetteer)
Price: $12.94
List Price: $19.95 |
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- Alaska National Parks
Alaska National Park overviews. There are 19 national parks including Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, and Glacier Bay. - Alaska Campgrounds
A complete list of Alaska campgrounds and camping tips from an expert. - Motorhome Rentals in Alaska
Great Alaskan Holidays rents motorhomes and helps people plan their Alaska RV vacation. - Alaska Fishing Licenses
The official place to buy an Alaska fishing license. Do it online with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Alaska Weather Report
- Short Term Forecast - Cape Fairweather to Cape Suckling Coastal Area (Alaska)
Short Term Forecast Issued At: 2009-12-17T06:13:00 Expired At: 2009-12-17T12:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://paya.arh.noaa.gov
- Winter Weather Advisory - Cape Fairweather to Cape Suckling Coastal Area (Alaska)
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE Issued At: 2009-12-17T05:58:00 Expired At: 2009-12-17T14:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://pajk.arh.noaa.gov
- Short Term Forecast - Taiya Inlet, Klondike Highway (Alaska)
Short Term Forecast Issued At: 2009-12-17T06:05:00 Expired At: 2009-12-17T12:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://pajk.arh.noaa.gov
- Short Term Forecast - Haines Borough, Lynn Canal (Alaska)
Short Term Forecast Issued At: 2009-12-17T06:05:00 Expired At: 2009-12-17T12:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://pajk.arh.noaa.gov
- Winter Storm Warning - Haines Borough, Lynn Canal (Alaska)
URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE Issued At: 2009-12-17T05:58:00 Expired At: 2009-12-17T14:00:00 Issuing Weather Forecast Office Homepage: http://pajk.arh.noaa.gov









Camping Dan says:
10 months ago
Great guide! My daughter is off to college this fall and I will spend this upcoming winter preparing for a big trip to Alaska. I have been dreaming about this one for a long time and cannot wait.