Best resources for planning DIY Land tour pre-cruise

[MillbrookMom]

Early stages of planning for an Alaska cruise in May or June 2021 for my husband and my 50th birthdays.  We want to do a land portion (Denali) before the cruise and are wondering if anyone has used specific resources they found particularly helpful?  Website, books, etc.   Also, any suggestions for MUST see places or day trips would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

[mapleleaves]

How are you DIY'g ..... rental car, RV, bus,  train, bus and train ?  and for how long?

If it's just a 3 day trip to/from Denali, all you need is the Denali web site, the park reservation site, and Chamber of Commerce.

https://www.nps.gov/dena/index.htm

https://www.reservedenali.com/

http://www.denalichamber.com/

 

If you look near the top of this page, there are hundreds of past trip reports you can review.  Some of them include DIY land travel pre or post cruise.  Usually the first line of the report will say so.  Travellers generally include info on sights, activities, lodging, vendors, etc so they're a great resource.

 

For land travel, trip advisor is the best resource.  Go the Alaska forum and look under TOP QUESTIONS and you'll find past trip reports.  

 

If youre planning on a week of DIY, there are a lot of resources listed in this Resource link, but don;t overlook your library .... borrow Alaska travel books to learn about the various destinations and decide which areas best fit your interests and priorities.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2639556-2019-resources-for-planning-a-visit-to-alaska/

 

[MillbrookMom]

23 hours ago, mapleleaves said:

How are you DIY'g ..... rental car, RV, bus,  train, bus and train ?  and for how long?

If it's just a 3 day trip to/from Denali, all you need is the Denali web site, the park reservation site, and Chamber of Commerce.

https://www.nps.gov/dena/index.htm

https://www.reservedenali.com/

http://www.denalichamber.com/

 

If you look near the top of this page, there are hundreds of past trip reports you can review.  Some of them include DIY land travel pre or post cruise.  Usually the first line of the report will say so.  Travellers generally include info on sights, activities, lodging, vendors, etc so they're a great resource.

 

For land travel, trip advisor is the best resource.  Go the Alaska forum and look under TOP QUESTIONS and you'll find past trip reports.  

 

If youre planning on a week of DIY, there are a lot of resources listed in this Resource link, but don;t overlook your library .... borrow Alaska travel books to learn about the various destinations and decide which areas best fit your interests and priorities.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2639556-2019-resources-for-planning-a-visit-to-alaska/

 

Thank you.  We haven't decided how long yet, but from 3-7 days.   What we do and how long would influence modes of transportations.  Thanks for the info, it's a starting point for sure.  

[mapleleaves]

You're welcome !  Since your trip isn't until 2021, you have plenty of time to research and plan.  People underestimate travel times in Alaska so hopefully you'll have more than 3 days.   For instance a trip to Denali takes at least 3 days/2 nights; a day for travel each way and a day to ride a bus thru the park. 

 

Even if a car rental is a remote possibility, watch for deals in July, Aug or Sept 2020 for the 2021 season.  It can mean paying $35 a day instead of $150 a day!   Rental rates vary wildly from day to day, and sometimes its cheaper to pick up a car downtown Anc but other times its cheaper at the airport.  Reserve at the best rate you can find, then keep checking for another price drop.  Have fun with your research and planning!

 

 

Edited December 31, 2019 by mapleleaves

[Budget Queen]

On 12/30/2019 at 3:49 PM, MillbrookMom said:

Thank you.  We haven't decided how long yet, but from 3-7 days.   What we do and how long would influence modes of transportations.  Thanks for the info, it's a starting point for sure.  

Try your library for a copy of THE MILEPOST.    Go for as long as possible.   It’s a common mistake to underestimate time and distance.  Don’t do that.   😀.     Not sure what your reference is but a car rental is excellent for all trips.   And especially superior with limited time.    You can see and do a lot more on your own.  Far more efficient.   Tour packages are going to involve wasted time.