Travel to Alaska - on our own or with a caravan tour???

[RVwife]

We are hoping to do a trip Alaska in the next 2 - 3 years ('26 or '27). For those of you that have been, did you go on your own, with a small group of friends, or on an organized caravan tour?

We are torn. None of our current RV friends currently have the time or resources for such a long trip. We are retired. They are not.

An organized caravan would give us the reassurance of help near by and on the way, should we need it. Downside is price and tour itneraries that don't include all of what we hope to visit. One of our goals is to visit as many National Parks as possible, realizing that some are just too remote.

Going "solo" (we are a couple so not just one solo traveler) seems possible and would offer us the most freedom and flexiblity to be on our own agenda and time frame. DH is relatively mechanically handy and I don't mind doing the trip planning and organizing. (I've actually already done a ton of research and laid out a rough plan, which is how I know that the caravans wouldn't cover all our bases.) We'd be in our 26 ft Class A, Thor Axis, coming from the upper midwest.

So, those of you who have made this trip; what was your experience? What do you recommend?

Judge, if you are still out there, didn't you take a caravan tour a year or two ago? If so, would greatly appreciate your thoughts. Feel free to PM me if you prefer. (I'd really like to know the good, bad, and ugly.) Thanks.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Just two cents and MY opinion. A few years (2020) ago this was high on our bucket list. We planned to pair up with wife's brother and wife who also had a newly purchased motorhome.

After exhaustive research our collective decision came down to the rough roads. Many folks have made this epic trip unscathed. We decided for us it wasn't worth the potential punishment to the motorhome... just to say we've been there. We felt confident the remoteness wasn't an issue... we relish that. It all came back to potential expensive damage to the MH. YOUR experience may vary considerably. We even considered renting... but the cost was prohibitive.

Instead we plan on getting far up into BC and Pacific Northwest and a tour of Canadian provincial parks.

[The Gritz Carlton]

"Judge" recently got back from a trip there...he would be the most up to date source. He may show up here or you could PM him. But...my observations...don't do it alone. Traveling with a bunch of others and following the pack isn't fun either. The only way we will do Alaska is through the ferry system out of Washington some day. Load your RV and travel cruise ship style there and back. A bit pricey but...that's what you save up for.

[yukongrant]

We live in the Yukon and have driven the Alaska highway dozens of times - every year for the past 6 years. It's the only way we can get to where we want to go besides flying. We are familiar with the road and the conditions. We always drive it solo.
Although we believe the roads are good - in fact we think they are great compared to the way they were 35 years ago - I am reluctant to tell anyone the roads are good. I've heard from many people about how bad they are. We hear the horror stories every year about the exact road we just drove over. If I remember correctly, Judge wrote a post of his experience. He had no problems personally. But about a quarter of the folks in his caravan did - especially with some of the mountain passes. Perspective!
We had a cousin make the trip last year who did his "research" on the Discovery channel. He packed everything he could - 6 spare tires; 50 gallons of extra gas; tools and spare parts to fix any conceivable problem. He had so much stuff he had to pull a car carrier with his Mercedes and extra gear.
As soon as he hit the mountains of British Columbia, he had problems. He could barely get over some of the hills; his brakes overheated going down and he smashed his car carrier jack going over a frost heave. In short, the road was terrible. He is a mechanic and his rig was not overloaded and he was not going too fast - always slower than 70 MPH.
My best advice regardless if you travel alone or with a caravan, make sure your rig is well maintained, has good tires, is not overloaded (less than the recommendation) and take your time. (70 MPH is way too fast for many stretches.) The Alaska highway is long and can be unforgiving. But we were on much worse roads this summer in northern Minnesota and Michigan and south of Chicago. In fact, I would much prefer to drive 1,000 miles of the Alaska highway than drive through the Chicago construction zone.
Again - Perspective.

[The Gritz Carlton]

The worst part about it is having to cross Canada...the Non 2nd Amendment Country.

[ador]

I agree with this. Had experienced it first hand this past July. We were sent to secondary inspection. It was our 3rd trip to Canada. First time sent to secondary inspection.


We are dreaming of the Great Alaskan trip in our RV as well. Maybe 5 years from now. We are still working and can't take the needed time off from work.

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

The worst part about it is having to cross Canada...the Non 2nd Amendment Country.

[RVwife]

Thanks to all for the comments.

I have looked at taking the ferry, at least one way. It sure is pricey, but could also be a different adventure than we've ever done.

Agreed, don't want to damage the MH, but ours is a 2018 so not brand new. Some minor dings might be the price for a great adventure (and we have full glass replacemnt on our insurance so that will hopefully take care of the inevitable windshield issue.) By the time we take the trip, we may decide that the age of the MH is reason enough to trade it for something newer once we return from the road trip anyhow.

We are prepared to take it slow. Frankly, we don't drive the MH 70mph anywhere. (That could be close to cause for divorce.) And we are from Michigan, where our governor campaingned on the promise to "fix the damn roads!" Much of the worst is 300 miles from us, down near Detriot. The fixing is finally happening. There is construction everywhare right now.

Don't get me started on driving in Chicago and vacinity. I grew up learning to drive in Boston. But Chicago is a hard NO. We go to great lengths to skirt far enough away.

Our rig has been well maintained by DH. New tires this year. When we were at an FMCA rally a month ago, we availed ourself of the vehicle weigh staion. We were well balanced and underweight, so I think we'll be OK on that count even if we add a little more baggage. (Hey there is a limit to the space you can fill anyhow.) We don't tow anything.

Have also had experience with the steep and winding road of Palo Duro Canyon and the evirons around Bandalier NP in NM. Hopefully the Canadian Rockies won't pose a problem. We sure look forward to enjoying time there too.

Not worried about a 2nd amendment issue. We are more likely to be caught for having some "contraband" cherries or other fruit in our 'fridge.

Again thanks all.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Very good logic about the age of your MH and potential trade. Sounds like you guys aren't rookies concerning what can (and will) go wrong on an extended trip.

Just remember... you likely will be loaded heavier with provisions and tools... I have that habit.

For some folks... especially if you're getting up in years it's a chance of a lifetime. If you DON'T do it, will you regret it later? Will you have another chance?

It's a personal choice with no right or wrong answer.

[Bob Nodine]

Originally Posted by RVwife

We are hoping to do a trip Alaska in the next 2 - 3 years ('26 or '27). For those of you that have been, did you go on your own, with a small group of friends, or on an organized caravan tour?

We are torn. None of our current RV friends currently have the time or resources for such a long trip. We are retired. They are not.

An organized caravan would give us the reassurance of help near by and on the way, should we need it. Downside is price and tour itneraries that don't include all of what we hope to visit. One of our goals is to visit as many National Parks as possible, realizing that some are just too remote.

Going "solo" (we are a couple so not just one solo traveler) seems possible and would offer us the most freedom and flexiblity to be on our own agenda and time frame. DH is relatively mechanically handy and I don't mind doing the trip planning and organizing. (I've actually already done a ton of research and laid out a rough plan, which is how I know that the caravans wouldn't cover all our bases.) We'd be in our 26 ft Class A, Thor Axis, coming from the upper midwest.

So, those of you who have made this trip; what was your experience? What do you recommend?

Judge, if you are still out there, didn't you take a caravan tour a year or two ago? If so, would greatly appreciate your thoughts. Feel free to PM me if you prefer. (I'd really like to know the good, bad, and ugly.) Thanks.

We did the trip in 2016. We did our own thing with 5 motorhomes. We took a month to get to Alaska, spent a month there, and a month to get back home. If you do not drive the Alaska Highway you will miss a lot. You could drive up and take the ferry back.

There will some rough parts of the highway in the Yukon but the experience is worth it. You will see many RV's on the road.

Buy a Milepost to find out what is along the way.

[rtaggio]

Go on your own, you're not going to Uranus, you are driving your house. If you plan on traveling during the summer season, there is always going to be others on the same roads and at worst you boondock where you had a problem. Get a starlink and you will never be out of touch or far from assistance. You're retired, time doesn't matter and following a schedule would be torturous to us.
We had a tire issue and were camped in a Tire shop parking lot in Seward from Saturday night to Monday noon, didn't cramp our style or our plans (we don't travel with a plan).

Perhaps I am a freak, but a tour to me is sheepherding and the last thing I want to be a part of. Of course our style is to boondock 1st and go to a RV park or RV "last" resort as our last choice.


Everyone has a different opinion as to what is right for them, so I'll end this by saying, don't fear making the trip alone or without the security of a tour.

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

The worst part about it is having to cross Canada...the Non 2nd Amendment Country.

Amen

[RVwife]

We'll be pushing 70 if we do this in the next 2 -3 years, which is the plan. We might have gone a little bit sooner, but with Covid and an aged horse at home, we weren't ready to be that far away for that long. Very sadly we will be saying our last good byes to the horse before winter. Alaska has been a bucket list item for us since we bought the RV, so we are starting to push up to "now or never" and will have the complete freedom to be free of a tight schedule on our trip. We'll just have a route of the things we want to see, explore, and experience,

We would love the camaraderie of a few friends/travel companions making the trip, but are a bit concerned that a carvan will indeed be a bit more of a sheep herd than we really would like. We tend to seek out unusual places and spend more time exploring things than many people. Anyone interested in joining up to creatr a small group of like minded RVers in search of an Alaskan adventure?

Coming from the midwest, we are figuring 2+ weeks to get to Alaska, a month to 6 weeks to see the state, and another 2+weeks getting back home. Probably shooting for somewhere between mid-May and August. No hard and fast timeline (except maybe a confirmed campground reservation for 4th of July weekend and also for Denali NP). Bookdocking is certainly in the cards. State park campgrounds are also on our prefered list. Resort parks are our "last resort."

Drive up, ferry back is certainly up for consideration.

I've checked the (slightly outdated) Milepost out of the local library several times. It gave me many ideas of what to go see. We will certainly buy and travel with an up to date copy.

[Chateau_Nomad]

My wife finally officially retired (well mostly) last July. We're pushing 70 too, as well as her retired brother and his wife in Colorado. This is our second year of teaming up for extended trips... we're leaving Monday for about a month in Appalachian eastern West Virginia. Did 6 weeks in Colorado last year. Next year is tentatively Utah & Idaho... possibly two months worth of travel.

We are loving this extended travel style, and it's especially enjoyable having travel companions who are like minded in travel style. We all have the mindset that if we don't do this travel now, we may never get another chance.

[Bob Nodine]

Originally Posted by RVwife

We'll be pushing 70 if we do this in the next 2 -3 years, which is the plan. We might have gone a little bit sooner, but with Covid and an aged horse at home, we weren't ready to be that far away for that long. Very sadly we will be saying our last good byes to the horse before winter. Alaska has been a bucket list item for us since we bought the RV, so we are starting to push up to "now or never" and will have the complete freedom to be free of a tight schedule on our trip. We'll just have a route of the things we want to see, explore, and experience,

We would love the camaraderie of a few friends/travel companions making the trip, but are a bit concerned that a carvan will indeed be a bit more of a sheep herd than we really would like. We tend to seek out unusual places and spend more time exploring things than many people. Anyone interested in joining up to creatr a small group of like minded RVers in search of an Alaskan adventure?

Coming from the midwest, we are figuring 2+ weeks to get to Alaska, a month to 6 weeks to see the state, and another 2+weeks getting back home. Probably shooting for somewhere between mid-May and August. No hard and fast timeline (except maybe a confirmed campground reservation for 4th of July weekend and also for Denali NP). Bookdocking is certainly in the cards. State park campgrounds are also on our prefered list. Resort parks are our "last resort."

Drive up, ferry back is certainly up for consideration.

I've checked the (slightly outdated) Milepost out of the local library several times. It gave me many ideas of what to go see. We will certainly buy and travel with an up to date copy.

I have two comments:

Do not discount Canada, there are many things to see there. Take your time and use the Provincial Parks. Most are not staffed and use what is referred to as an "iron ranger". It is just a metal box that you put your camping fee in. Always be on alert for bears as they often are looking for food. Don't leave food out and stay out of their way and you will be fine.

In 2013 one of the tour companies was offering a discount on their tour thru Montana and Wyoming including Yellowstone. We had wondered about the tours and figured it would be worth the $3000 to find out how they worked. The camaraderie was wonderful but the tours are too fast paced for us and we did not like being tied to their schedule.


Here is our group at Mile 0 of the Alaska Highway.

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by RVwife

We'll be pushing 70 if we do this in the next 2 -3 years, which is the plan. We might have gone a little bit sooner, but with Covid and an aged horse at home, we weren't ready to be that far away for that long. Very sadly we will be saying our last good byes to the horse before winter. Alaska has been a bucket list item for us since we bought the RV, so we are starting to push up to "now or never" and will have the complete freedom to be free of a tight schedule on our trip. We'll just have a route of the things we want to see, explore, and experience,

We would love the camaraderie of a few friends/travel companions making the trip, but are a bit concerned that a carvan will indeed be a bit more of a sheep herd than we really would like. We tend to seek out unusual places and spend more time exploring things than many people. Anyone interested in joining up to creatr a small group of like minded RVers in search of an Alaskan adventure?

Coming from the midwest, we are figuring 2+ weeks to get to Alaska, a month to 6 weeks to see the state, and another 2+weeks getting back home. Probably shooting for somewhere between mid-May and August. No hard and fast timeline (except maybe a confirmed campground reservation for 4th of July weekend and also for Denali NP). Bookdocking is certainly in the cards. State park campgrounds are also on our prefered list. Resort parks are our "last resort."

Drive up, ferry back is certainly up for consideration.

I've checked the (slightly outdated) Milepost out of the local library several times. It gave me many ideas of what to go see. We will certainly buy and travel with an up to date copy.

Sounds like a great plan. If it were on our list we would attempt. Good luck. We hope to make it to 70
We started these bucket list items at age 53.
We live in this world...

"Often we won't make decisions about what is good, nourishing or important to us because we are worried about how other people might feel. So instead we “set ourselves on fire to keep other people warm”. We allow other people's issues to determine our actions and life choices."

"When our time on this earth is done, money or material things will not matter, but the fun, love, time, and kindness we've given others and our pets will shine and live on forever."

"Love like rain does not choose the grass it falls on"

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by Bob Nodine

We did the trip in 2016. We did our own thing with 5 motorhomes. We took a month to get to Alaska, spent a month there, and a month to get back home. If you do not drive the Alaska Highway you will miss a lot. You could drive up and take the ferry back.

There will some rough parts of the highway in the Yukon but the experience is worth it. You will see many RV's on the road.

Buy a Milepost to find out what is along the way.

Congratulations! We could not do that drive.
We flew there. Good news we were upgraded to 1st class free. Anchorage & Seward are amazing.
We drove all over.
Amazing sushi.

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

My wife finally officially retired (well mostly) last July. We're pushing 70 too, as well as her retired brother and his wife in Colorado. This is our second year of teaming up for extended trips... we're leaving Monday for about a month in Appalachian eastern West Virginia. Did 6 weeks in Colorado last year. Next year is tentatively Utah & Idaho... possibly two months worth of travel.

We are loving this extended travel style, and it's especially enjoyable having travel companions who are like minded in travel style. We all have the mindset that if we don't do this travel now, we may never get another chance.

You are fortunate.
Our retired family members are not like minded.
Challenges with mostly they are NEVER on time and don't care. Don't like walking or hiking much.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by Scubawise

You are fortunate.
Our retired family members are not like minded.
Challenges with mostly they are NEVER on time and don't care. Don't like walking or hiking much.

Wife has just the one "like minded" older brother. In younger years they used to rent pop-up campers and travel. The rest of the extended family have no desire to travel the way we do. We are fortunate to have them to share travel with!

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by Chateau_Nomad

Wife has just the one "like minded" older brother. In younger years they used to rent pop-up campers and travel. The rest of the extended family have no desire to travel the way we do. We are fortunate to have them to share travel with!

Absolutely..
On occasions we booked sites next to us & they cancelled. Other times they arrived 2 days late.
Other times no call till 9pm having lora worried all evening.
I put a stop to the madness

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by Scubawise

Absolutely..
On occasions we booked sites next to us & they cancelled. Other times they arrived 2 days late.
Other times no call till 9pm having lora worried all evening.
I put a stop to the madness

Sorry to hear... but yes we have some family (and friends) like that. Perennially late. Some of them are so chronic they will probably be late for their own funeral!