Community Forums

AceJohn6928 · 01-07-2014, 07:58 PM

We are thinking of doing a caravan to alaska this summer, can any one give us some information. We are going to a caravan event @Lazydays just short of Tampa on 01/31. Would appreciate some feed back if available. Thank you

Arch Hoagland · 01-07-2014, 08:57 PM

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f37/alaska-2014-a-187055.html

There is a person on that thread going on a 60 day caravan to Alaska.

twogypsies · 01-08-2014, 12:41 PM

You might want to check over on the Woodalls Canada/Alaska forum. Last year there was an extensive ongoing post on those heading to Alaska and some communicated the whole trip. At the very top of the page is a 'Sticky' that will give Alaskan travelers many, many helpful ideas on traveling. There is now a 2014 Alaska posting which is generating a lot of chatting.

Just a suggestion - It's not difficult to make the trip on your own. Many, many RVers do this. Alaska isn't anything like the old-time stories you've heard. It's no different than traveling the two-lane roads in the lower 48. We've gone alone and met some wonderful people along the way and many times you meet up with the same folks at another campground or town. It's fun.

In our opinion you would be so limited by being in a caravan. If you'd want to stay longer at a place, you can't , and if you want to leave, you can't. If you want to boondock alongside a gorgeous river or lake for a night or two, you can't. You'll just be in parking-lot-type RV parks. There are may things the caravans don't drive to see. They visit the main attractions which you can simply do on your own.

We spent a total of 10 nights inside Denali Nat'l Park - not planned. We were having great weather and seeing many animals so we took advantage of it. Think about it for other options.

AceJohn6928 · 01-08-2014, 05:52 PM

Thank you just the feed back we were looking for

Superslif · 01-08-2014, 06:11 PM

I agree with not hiring a Caravan guide. Have flown to AK. many times over the last 20 years to visit family near Fairbanks (Actually North Pole AK.). Usually stay for 15- 20 days. Will take side trips to Denali Nat'l Park, Valdez, Anchorage, Seward...No big deal driving...Just have to watch out for frost damage on some roads. Your not going to be banging down the hi-way at 70 mph...

Even the campgrounds never seemed to be full. Myself we are planning a AK trip in 16'. Take your time and see the sites. Buy yourself a Milepost...and see all there is on the way.

Aug. 2013 AK. pics

EDALLSAILS · 01-08-2014, 07:02 PM

Don't limit yourself to the sites of a caravan. We did one and wouldn't do another one. The roads are clearly marked. safe travels... ed

CampDaven · 01-08-2014, 07:19 PM

A caravan is like a guided bus tour, where you find a pearl you wish to stay near for another day, but you must get on the bus, and the rule each morning is "have your bags outside your hotel room door before 7AM".

We like to go it alone. :-)

TdogKing · 01-08-2014, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

You might want to check over on the Woodalls Canada/Alaska forum. Last year there was an extensive ongoing post on those heading to Alaska and some communicated the whole trip. At the very top of the page is a 'Sticky' that will give Alaskan travelers many, many helpful ideas on traveling. There is now a 2014 Alaska posting which is generating a lot of chatting. Just a suggestion - It's not difficult to make the trip on your own. Many, many RVers do this. Alaska isn't anything like the old-time stories you've heard. It's no different than traveling the two-lane roads in the lower 48. We've gone alone and met some wonderful people along the way and many times you meet up with the same folks at another campground or town. It's fun. In our opinion you would be so limited by being in a caravan. If you'd want to stay longer at a place, you can't , and if you want to leave, you can't. If you want to boondock alongside a gorgeous river or lake for a night or two, you can't. You'll just be in parking-lot-type RV parks. There are may things the caravans don't drive to see. They visit the main attractions which you can simply do on your own. We spent a total of 10 nights inside Denali Nat'l Park - not planned. We were having great weather and seeing many animals so we took advantage of it. Think about it for other options.

I agree ! We went on our first Alaskan trip alone this past Summer for 10 weeks . Enough people are doing the same thing as you . We met so many nice friendly RVer's along the way, spent nights all alone in turnouts but never ever felt unsafe and other nights there were 8-10 rigs pulled over for the night. The horror stories of the Highway conditions etc are a thing of the past. Yes the road might have rough spots and frost heaves but you drive as fast as quick as you want to slow down or stop. Everyone pretty much drives the same speed in the rough areas except the Trucks. None of it was a big deal to us and we had the time of our lives.

3catstravel · 01-09-2014, 10:00 AM

We've never done a caravan but did go to Juneau for 2 seasons to work for a tour operator.

Get yourself a Milepost and head to the 49th state. The roads are well marked. And if you see a sign on the side showing that there is a road issue, pay attention.

Traveling through Alberta, Canada & the Yukon be ready for the fuel price shock. And have your camera at the ready for some stunning scenery! Having the option to be able to stop as one wants - for me - is the way I want to travel.

However you decide to visit Alaska, safe travels. It is like no other place. Pack in layers! And make sure you have a rainjacket!

pagosajoe · 01-09-2014, 10:09 AM

Forty plus years ago, when I first went there, travel to Alaska was a real adventure - lots of dirt/gravel roads, and few places of business along the way, necessitating carrying spare fuel and extra parts for your car. Way different now. The Alaska/Alcan Highway is paved all the way, and there are many roadside businesses. As suggested - get the Milepost - it's invaluable, with maps and locations of gas/diesel stations, food, lodging, camping locations, and many other bits of information. I'd also recommend a case of mosquito repellant if you're headed there in the summer. The mosquito is referred to as the "state bird" among sourdoughs. Enjoy the trip - it's a fantastic place!

twogypsies · 01-09-2014, 11:27 AM

RE: Mosquitoes
It's not always bad. Our last trip was 2009 and it was reported as the driest summer for a long time. Absolutely no problems with bugs. Also, even in a mosquito 'season', you won't be bothered unless you get into the forests or swampy areas. Most places are just fine.

dennis45 · 01-09-2014, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AceJohn6928

We are thinking of doing a caravan to alaska this summer, can any one give us some information. We are going to a caravan event @Lazydays just short of Tampa on 01/31. Would appreciate some feed back if available. Thank you

There are a Plethora of opinions on this but it boils down to what ever you feel is best for you.
We were booked on this 50 day caravan last year but had to cancel due to changes in our residence. We are again booked for this year and looking forward to the trip.
We booked with this operator because it is a small group of not more than 15 rigs which we felt would be better than some of the larger 30-40 rig groups. All the reviews on this one have been very good.

50 Day Trek Overview

spritz · 01-09-2014, 08:41 PM

I sent for info on Alaska from a info add in a magzine and almost every day I get something from there.1st thing was a really nice road map, today I got 2 brochures on what to see and where to go. I think I would go like the rest and go by ourselves. Some good points made about going Solo. A guy from the car club took his 1941 Fleetwood up there, he said they had a blast.
Any bear /moose horry stories?
Thanks, Tim

mrschwarz · 01-09-2014, 09:51 PM

We made the trip alone in 2012 and are doing it again this year. We were in the same parks as some caravans. While the being in a group would be interesting, we prefer to go at our own pace. If we find a place we like, we stay longer. If there is a place that is not as interesting as we hoped, we leave sooner.