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4ina4x4 · 02-17-2025, 12:22 PM

Alan and I spent the summer of 2024 in Alaska, and I just recently published my final blog post in the RV ALASKA series on Reflections Around the Campfire. This last post – “Alaska by the Number$” – might be helpful to anyone trying to budget for a similar RV trip, even though travelers in 2025 may be dealing with a different exchange rate and level of pricing. I truly appreciated all of the information I found on iRV2 when I was planning our expedition; I’d like to pay it forward, and help out those who are in the planning stages now. Here’s the link to “Alaska by the Number$”: https://reflectionsaroundthecampfire...by-number.html.

I did include brief campground reviews, along with the cost of campgrounds and attractions we visited, throughout the trip as we traveled, as well as some tips we found to be helpful regarding financial transactions and insurance. If you’re looking for intel on a specific campground or destination, there is a “Search” box in the right hand column of the blog that may prove useful. I’d also be happy to try to answer specific questions anyone in the planning stages may have. I'm no expert, but I'll do my best.

The many hours I spent researching and planning our 2024 expedition paid off well. The trip was an amazing adventure, and we have no regrets.

Safe travels to all of you who are making the journey in 2025!

Mary

jacwjames · 02-17-2025, 01:25 PM

I don't read many blogs but took a look at yours. Nice job and thanks.

We went in 2009 by accident really. We bought our coach in 2008, the day I put a down payment down I was notified I'd be laid off. Went through with the purchase anyway since it was a heck of a deal, one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Then after getting laid off I actually had a job offer but decided I didn't want to live in or near Washington DC. The daily commute would have been ~3 hrs a day. I got stuck in traffic in Chicago when I made the decision I didn't want the job. Same day I called my wife and said June 1st I'm going to Alaska with or without you>> she decided to go.

We were gone 105 days. Great trip but doubt I'd do it again.

Thanks.

4ina4x4 · 02-17-2025, 04:35 PM

Thanks for your kind words, Jim. It sounds like your journey to Alaska was meant to be. I'll bet your wife was happy she signed on!

We, too, decided that we won't make the trip by RV again, despite the fact that we don't have a single regret about going. We checked off a number of bucket list items and camped in our 49th of 50 states. We had a spectacular summer, but neither one of us liked putting 20,000+ miles on the truck, or missing out on a full summer of our regular activities like boating and camping with our adult kids. Alaska does have a magical way of working itself into your heart, though.

Have a great 2025 camping season!

Mary

twogypsies · 02-17-2025, 11:26 PM

I made a reply on your blog but wanted to tell you I thoroughly enjoyed your details. I'm one for them, also! Our last Alaskan trip was in 2009 and we spent a little less than half of what you did. Times change, for sure. We also had absolutely perfect weather and very little rain unlike what you had. We also stayed at Stone Mountain and Seward's City Park on the waterfront. I hope those planning an Alaskan trip will read your report. It would be very helpful. Thanks for the great read!

4ina4x4 · 02-18-2025, 04:17 AM

Considering the amount of travel experience you have, I'm flattered by your compliments - happy to hear you enjoyed the post!

I work hard at researching and planning our travels because it's the details that often make the trip special to me, so it's time well-spent. As for the numbers, I definitely have an affinity for them and all they can tell me. I grew up in the banking field; my first job out of college was in the accounting department. Apparently, a love affair was born, and it has served me well for decades.

Thanks for your kind words,

Mary

ppine · 03-18-2025, 09:35 AM

If you have an RV, you will drive past places to boondock camp all the time. I rented a pickup with camper on it and never made a reservation or stayed in a campground. Public land is everywhere. I love Alaska and have made more than 10 trips there over the years. I like the State Ferry or flying to Anchorage and renting a rig and just heading out.

spock12 · 03-19-2025, 09:34 AM

I’m planning on leaving North Carolina June 16 or before, the date we leave depends on my granddaughters. They are not going with us. I’m not making any reservations. We went in 2017 and only made reservations one stop and should not have made that reservation. We don’t boondock but may do a little on this trip as diesel is a little high in Canada, I’m hoping all the politics is over by then. I want to visit Dawson City and ride the Top of the World Highway. I want to stay in Delta Junction for 5 days. Visit Homer, Seward and Haines. I have to leave Canada by October 1 as my passport runs out. I’m hoping to keep the cost down to $15,000, it was $12,000 in 2017. Last time we are going. I want to visit Quartzsite AR later this year and a few months in December and January of next year