How do you even start planning a trip to Alaska? This week Nancy Canter walks us through a two-week itinerary for exploring Alaska with kids.
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ON THE PODCAST
00:32 – Presenting sponsor LivItaly
00:50 – Talking with Tamara and Kim about New Year’s Resolutions
04:25 – Bullet journaling
09:30 – Alaska
10:05 – Talking with Nancy
12:53 – Land vs. cruise to Alaska
15:55 – Planning your trip
17:50 – What there is to do in Alaska
26:55 – Fishing experiences
27:36 – Viewing wildlife
32:45 – Venturing into Wrangell–St. Elias National Park
35:50 – Best times to go to Alaska
36:55 – Renting a car or not
38:55 – Staying in the RV vs. a hotel
41:10 – Restaurants
42:14 – Budgeting for your trip
45:50 – Where to take a family photo
47:45 – Nancy’s favorite travel gear
51:35 – What is your favorite app?
ABOUT NANCY CANTER
Nancy is a happily married mom of two boys, ages 8 and 3, who lives in Washington, DC. Although a lawyer by trade, Nancy loves the outdoors and cherishes the opportunity to explore the world with her family. She blogs at We Go with Kids and you can follow Nancy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
PLANNING A TRIP TO ALASKA
- Summer is the best time to explore Alaska. Temperatures are not a brisk and the daylight hours will be longer, so you will have more time in your day to see the state.
- You will need to start planning your trip at least a year in advance. Doing this will make dates and times easier to book for your adventures.
- Visiting Alaska in the summer does not mean that you will not get to experience a winter activity. At Seavey’s IdidaRide you can experience a dog sled ride. The dogs will pull you on gravel instead of snow. You will also be able to meet some of the new dogs and learn about the sport.
- If you would like a little more freedom to explore, visiting Denali State Park may be a better option for you and you family rather than visiting Denali National Park. At the national park you are not allowed to drive in the park and you must rely on the bus/tour transportation with set stops through the park. While in the state park you can drive to a trail and hike different areas of the park.
- Anchorage is a great location to use as a central port. You can fly right into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and drive to the surrounding areas and explore.
- Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve is a bit of a drive outside of Anchorage. Starting in Chitina is a 16-mile gravel path. You must be careful driving on this path. They warn you not to drive a RV on the path because if you breakdown you will not be able to get out. But you can park in Chitina and arrange a flight out of the Kennicott Glacier Lodge that will take you into the mountains. Once you are there it is stunning and you can book a different tours like a full day ice climbing tour, or a glacier walk, etc. .
- It is said that renting cars in Alaska is very expensive, but in reality it is not all that different then renting a car in DC. Especially if you book your rental in advance along with the rest of your trip. But a good tip would be too keep an eye on prices and if they drop rebook your rentals.
BEST PLACE TO TAKE FAMILY PHOTO
Nancy and her family hired a photographer to take their photo with Resurrection Bay in the background. This was a superb location with the crystal water, mountains and greenery.
FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR
Nancy and her family made multiple trips to REI before their trip to Alaska. Hiking boots were number one on their list of needed items, along with rain pants that came in handy for their time kayaking. They also made sure to wear layers during their trip so that they could shed clothes if the weather was a bit warmer.
MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST
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