Help on Alaskan vacation

Actually just booked an Alaskan trip this past Monday. We are flying in to Anchorage taking the train to Denali for 3 days then back to Anchorage. Taking train from there to Seward and cruising from there to Vancouver. Booked everything through Holland America. Stops in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, also going through Glacier Bay. Taking inside passage to Vancouver. Price for everything including airfare to Anchorage, and from Vancouver, all rooms on land, transfers and taxes was $5800. All I have to pay for is food on land and excursions from ship. I researched a lot and it was a little more than if I piece mealed it together myself but piece of mind that everything was set up for me was worth a couple hundred bucks. We through a travel agent and prices were better than straight internet especially on air fair. Good luck should be a great trip for you.

Roger, I’m also thinking about an Alaska trip. We can probably do a full week. I don’t really want to do a cruise, but I would if that’s the best for a first timer. I’d rather fly in.

I find it kind of overwhelming trying to plan something because there’s so much to do. Any advice?

I have been to Alaska twice, both times on cruises from Vancouver and both times in May. We also took the Alaskan Railroad train to the Denali Park and enjoyed it very much. We went white water rafting thereat 10:30 at night in broad daylight. ....In Seward, we took a boat excursion to Resolute Bay and the Kenai Fiords National Park. We saw plenty whales and wildlife and the scenery was incredible. The boat took us right up to the glaciers.......We went to Anchorage. That is where we caught the train but I did not find that there was a whole lot to do and in the city itself........... One time we went up a week early and divided our time between Vancouver and Victoria which are two great places.

To really see various parts of the State you need several weeks, or multiple trips. Most of the good stuff can't be reached by road.

Most of the cruise excursions are places you can reach by DIY, well really all of them. I think what Roger was saying was you can't just drive places, you have to drive somewhere and then take a boat or plane from there. Where as the cruise most will take a boat and then take a smaller boat or plane from there.

Roger is right, later June is probably best...
What are you doing in Talkeetna? The food challenge? It's a good spot to set out on a hunt, but there are far more things to do around Anchorage...
Climb flat top
I like the long hikes, but there are several mediums that set out from Birchwood and Eagle River
If you like golf, play the creek course (it's like golf+Richard Attenborough)
Portage glacier
Just renting bikes and pedalling Anchorage trail system for a day is really good...

Also, late June, the reds will be running so you have to go to ship creek and watch them pull them in...
I like Jim's creek if you want to go fishing, it's up the peninsula...

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I think we’ll try the Seward, Anchorage, and Denali route.

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If you get time, stop in Talkeetna.

You could take the train the whole route if you wanted. I would rent a car and explore though. Give yourself enough time in Seward to go to the Exit Glacier too.