Alaska Master Thread

[Cheap dude]

Anyone have a trip report from alaska?

[Monsey]

No trip report but i was there and can help you if you have any questions

[PlatinumGuy]

http://mim.io/2694f1

I know the guide...

[michael]

Was there a year and a half ago. Was awesome. Sheraton in Anchorage took starpoints, and was very nice.

[Fan of Dan]

+1 I liked the sheraton anchorage when I was there.

[michael]

Another important point: make sure to drive off on the side paths whenever you drive around. I found many beautiful lakes, trails, and fishing spots. Was well worth the extra time I spent.

[Fan of Dan]

And it is imperative that you rent a 4wd which is allowed off road. The main rental agencies may not allow it so look at the local rental places as well. May be cheaper too!

[michael]

I found some cheap place for $25 per day. Rates went way up for the specialty cars, IIRC.

[Fan of Dan]

did you drive the Denali Highway?

[michael]

Don't think so. We drove south from Anchorage to Seward, a few hours drive. We then drove back and took a train up north to Denali. Wasn't worth it. If you can, you should definitely keep your wheels as long as you can, so you can choose where to go.

[whYME]

Anyone have a trip report from alaska?

Not yet but I'm hoping to drive there this summer

[Dan]

Not yet but I'm hoping to drive there this summer

Seriously?

[whYME]

Seriously?

Am I serious? yes.
Will it work out? I don't know yet.

[Dan]

Am I serious? yes.
Will it work out? I don't know yet.

Where will you be driving from?

Side note, is it better to see Alaska in the summer or in the winter when you can see the Aurora Borealis?

[whYME]

Where will you be driving from?

San Francisco area.

Side note, is it better to see Alaska in the summer or in the winter when you can see the Aurora Borealis?

That's actually a very big problem I've had trying to decide on that.
They say the best time for the aurora borealis is March or September, but chances are the only time I'll have for a serious road trip is in July or August...
Also, I assume (I haven't researched this enough yet) that during the winter you're a lot more limited in the places you could get to and the things you can see / do...

[Ergel]

San Francisco area.
That's actually a very big problem I've had trying to decide on that.
They say the best time for the aurora borealis is March or September, but chances are the only time I'll have for a serious road trip is in July or August...
Also, I assume (I haven't researched this enough yet) that during the winter you're a lot more limited in the places you could get to and the things you can see / do...

How long do you plan on road tripping for?

[Fan of Dan]

if you do go August you will love the weather. Best of all the long days rock! We did a 9 hour cruise on friday and had five hours after till shabbos. And that was with early shabbos.

[whYME]

How long do you plan on road tripping for?

Probably about two weeks.
Just driving time time from SFO to Alaska is something like 2 1/2 days which should leave about a week or so in AK.

Although right now it's probably closer to wishful thinking than actual planning...

[Fan of Dan]

if you are driving to Juneau then it may only be 2.5 days but to get to anchorage etc you have to go around through Yukon Canda which will make it like 4 days.

[Dan]

Probably about two weeks.
Just driving time time from SFO to Alaska is something like 2 1/2 days which should leave about a week or so in AK.

Although right now it's probably closer to wishful thinking than actual planning...

There was a lady on the DDFB page that was looking for someone to drive her car one-way from Portland, OR to Fairbanks.
Might want to contact her and negotiate free gas as well and then just use miles to fly back.