Thoughts on Itinerary - mobility issues

[ladybugva]

Would love any thoughts on our plans. Our biggest challenge is we have 2 people with slight mobility issues. No need for ADA compliance anywhere, but are debating a rollator for one. Would really love input.

 

First, we leave June 27, 2016 and return July 22, 2016.

 

We will not have a rental car. Parents simply don't want one and since this is on their dime, I have pushed as far as I can. So, while I know many will want to encourage a car, and it would be great, it ain't gonna happen. :S

 

There are 5 of us. Parents in their 70's. Mom has knee/back issues, dad has a prosthetic leg (but gets around fabulously, just have to be prepared). Myself in mid 40's. My 2 girls, 11 and 14.

 

Budget is relatively low but we want to enjoy ourselves and stay in nice/clean places. No car will make lodging a bit more expensive, we anticipate that.

 

We plan to fly into Fairbanks and do the riverboat while there. No car means we need to find lodging with shuttles.

 

Fairbanks to Denali on train. 2 nights in Denali. First day at the visitor center/dog sled at park, second day shuttles to the park, morning on last day at visitor center.

 

Denali to Anchorage on train for an overnight then on to Seward by train. Seward we will actually be there from July 2 - 7. Hoping to find a suitable B&B that is affordable. It is a long time to be in Seward, but the 4th messed up our plans slightly. It is ok, we will get a bonus day to see what the hubbub around the 4th is all about. Our thought is to do the "real alaska" tour there and a scenic cruise. We had an extra day built in for bad weather (don't want to miss the scenic cruising) but now actually have the 4th as another extra day.

 

Seward to Whittier. We are going to hire a private driver and debating stopping at the tram and AWCC on the way. Then 2 nights (I know, I will hear there is nothing to do here :)) so we can enjoy a full day out on a private boat the day before boarding our ship.

 

We are on Star Princess from Whittier to Vancouver. :D

 

Then we will do a bus tour around Vancouver, ferry to Victoria, bus to timeshare there for 3 nights. Ferry to Seattle for 3 nights in a timeshare there.

 

Whew, that is a lot. Any thoughts, tips, or advice? Anything you see you might change, where you recommend staying or eating? I hope after this trip to put together a good resource for those traveling with disabilities as it is difficult to get the nitty gritty in places.

[mapleleaves]

I don't exactly know what you're asking for here. But you're wise to start planning a year in advance given the circumstances. And the 4th is HUGE in Seward so you will need to make reservations well in advance.

 

Since you're planning a DIY trip, I suggest that you look at the Alaska forum of tripadvisor.com . Under TOP QUESTIONS there's a resource thread to help with trip planning. It has links to many helpful web pages, like a town visitor information site, transportation sites, Alaska.org, alaska101, etc.

 

In Denali being without a car means you need to find lodging that provides a shuttle to/from the park. ( Or there's an expensive taxi service.) To save money, look for a B&B,cabin, or hotel with fridge/microwave. If you don't mind a shared bathroom, there's a hostel in Denali that has private cabins.

http://www.a1cms.com/_dcc/accommodations/

OR, consider picking up a RT rental car in Fairbanks for the Denali visit, then return to Fairbanks, drop off the car, and catch the train next morning. This would open up a lot more lodging options, such as http://healycabins.com/cabins/

 

If you don't have plans for 4 days in Seward, I'd add a day to Fairbanks and to Denali.

 

I understand your parents don't want to TRAVEL by car, but if you're staying in Seward for 4 days, a rental would be worthwhile for your time there. The car will give you easy access to Exit Glacier for a ranger-led or self-guided walk, a drive to Cooper Landing to watch fishermen on the Kenai (the Kenai Princess has a nice lounge with a deck), or just to drive from one end of town to the other. There is a free shuttle thru town but you don't need to be in a 'herd' situation if you don't need to be. http://www.seward.com

 

There are a couple of chain hotels in Seward; Best Western and Holiday Inn. But consider a B&B with a kitchen...the Bears Den B&B which is across the street from the harbor.

Edited March 17, 2015 by mapleleaves

[ladybugva]

Thanks Mapleleaves, that is just what I was looking for. Thoughts and suggestions.:)

 

I didn't think about a round trip rental from Fairbanks to Denali. Will look into that! Thanks!

[mapleleaves]

Thanks Mapleleaves, that is just what I was looking for. Thoughts and suggestions.:)

 

I didn't think about a round trip rental from Fairbanks to Denali. Will look into that! Thanks!

 

It's only 2 1/2 hrs from Fairbanks to Denali. Not only would the car give you access to more affordable lodging in Denali and Fairbanks ,but you could also pick up snacks, beverages, etc for your cabin/hotel. Dining is quite pricey in Alaska! You might even pick up a small electric kettle in order to make tea, hot chocolate, instant cereal. Plus with a car you could utilize your time in Fairbanks to include the pipeline exhibit, Pioneer Park, the museum, cultural center and gold panning.

 

Another idea to cost out, send your parents on the train from Anc to Seward while you and the girls drive. (A one-way AVIS rental that you would have for your time in Seward, then drop it in Whittier). The drive would give you the opportunity to enjoy many stops along the Turnagain Arm ... Wildlife Center, gold panning, Portage Lake, Potters Marsh, look for Dall Sheep.

Otherwise PJS taxi in Seward has provided the ride to Whittier ... cost it out.

 

I would also encourage you to look at trip reports in the STICKY above. There are some great photojournals that provide lots of detailed information.

[Budget Queen]

Not sure how, "budget" is going to impact, but taking the train, is a huge expense compared to car/van rentals. You may want to rough price with this year's rates, then add 10% for a ball park. Just a suggestion, as I sometimes, see plans not realistically based on prices. For meals, budget 50% more than you would at home.

 

An alternative, I would suggest, is spend some time in Anchorage. Has plenty to see and do, and is well worth at least a full day.

 

Your current plan, of just an overnight- is grueling, with getting in late and leaving real early the next am. You do need an hour prior for check in.

 

You have a nice amount of time, and should do very well with your current plans. In Seward- you are going at a very busy time, do not expect any bargains with lodging rates. I've seen them triple in prices. :) As you probably have read, be well informed about your boat tours. There is NO way to tell weather on the gulf from Seward. So expect motion, and take precautions if prone, no matter what it looks like in Seward. You need at least 6 hours on the water. I will suggest, if this is not doable for some, then split up. This tour is too good to miss, if interested in seeing glaciers and varied wildlife. With all your time, the real interested people, consider going out again, Major Marine does give a repeater discounter. It's a whole another experience, in this jackpot wildlife area. :)

Be well prepared for huge crowds and sold out tours, waits at restaurants. :)

[ladybugva]

It's only 2 1/2 hrs from Fairbanks to Denali. Not only would the car give you access to more affordable lodging in Denali and Fairbanks ,but you could also pick up snacks, beverages, etc for your cabin/hotel. Dining is quite pricey in Alaska! You might even pick up a small electric kettle in order to make tea, hot chocolate, instant cereal. Plus with a car you could utilize your time in Fairbanks to include the pipeline exhibit, Pioneer Park, the museum, cultural center and gold panning.

 

Another idea to cost out, send your parents on the train from Anc to Seward while you and the girls drive. (A one-way AVIS rental that you would have for your time in Seward, then drop it in Whittier). The drive would give you the opportunity to enjoy many stops along the Turnagain Arm ... Wildlife Center, gold panning, Portage Lake, Potters Marsh, look for Dall Sheep.

Otherwise PJS taxi in Seward has provided the ride to Whittier ... cost it out.

 

I would also encourage you to look at trip reports in the STICKY above. There are some great photojournals that provide lots of detailed information.

 

Splitting up is another interesting thought.

 

I have really enjoyed reading the trip reports. The photos have been sooo helpful to know what to expect.

[ladybugva]

Not sure how, "budget" is going to impact, but taking the train, is a huge expense compared to car/van rentals. You may want to rough price with this year's rates, then add 10% for a ball park. Just a suggestion, as I sometimes, see plans not realistically based on prices. For meals, budget 50% more than you would at home.

 

An alternative, I would suggest, is spend some time in Anchorage. Has plenty to see and do, and is well worth at least a full day.

 

Your current plan, of just an overnight- is grueling, with getting in late and leaving real early the next am. You do need an hour prior for check in.

 

You have a nice amount of time, and should do very well with your current plans. In Seward- you are going at a very busy time, do not expect any bargains with lodging rates. I've seen them triple in prices. :) As you probably have read, be well informed about your boat tours. There is NO way to tell weather on the gulf from Seward. So expect motion, and take precautions if prone, no matter what it looks like in Seward. You need at least 6 hours on the water. I will suggest, if this is not doable for some, then split up. This tour is too good to miss, if interested in seeing glaciers and varied wildlife. With all your time, the real interested people, consider going out again, Major Marine does give a repeater discounter. It's a whole another experience, in this jackpot wildlife area. :)

Be well prepared for huge crowds and sold out tours, waits at restaurants. :)

 

So hard to know how to price for a rental car. I hear there are some better deals in the fall for the next season sometimes. Based on this year (good idea to add 10%, I hadn't done that), it looks like it would be quite a bit more to rent a car than go on the train. Mostly because it is a large vehicle going one way I think. Of course, I am also banking on the coupon books having reduced train fare on them and am traveling with a child.

 

I am actually a bit on the anal side and looked up places to eat in the areas and menus to make the food budget. :o I didn't know about grocery pricing, so made that up. I think I will be too low on that but it is a ballpark and will add a little more after reading what you said. As I hear about good places to eat, I add them to the list with prices.

 

Good to know about Anchorage. I keep going back and forth on that one. Was hopeful that we would hit a weekend and go to the market but the 4th really messed us up.

 

We plan to do the longest boat tour and see which company we can find the best price on (they seem pretty comparable). Didn't even cross my mind to do 2 days. That actually sounds like a great idea! I have heard that this boat ride is the highlight of many trips.

 

Thank you!

[Tee & Chilli]

I booked the Best Western is Seward a year in advance and got a rate of less than $100/night.

 

Happy planning

[mapleleaves]

typically the good deals for 2016 will start appearing in July. For the past several years Enterprise has offered a weekly rate of around $150 ... it has happened in July, Aug or Sept. You just have be diligent about checking.

In July 2010 I reserved a minivan for $125/week for June 2011 ...from the Intl Blvd office in Anc.

I've never watched for a daily rate on a short term rental. You'll just need to check the vendors in Fairbanks to gauge the prices.

Edited March 18, 2015 by mapleleaves

[Budget Queen]

So hard to know how to price for a rental car. I hear there are some better deals in the fall for the next season sometimes. Based on this year (good idea to add 10%, I hadn't done that), it looks like it would be quite a bit more to rent a car than go on the train. Mostly because it is a large vehicle going one way I think. Of course, I am also banking on the coupon books having reduced train fare on them and am traveling with a child.

 

I am actually a bit on the anal side and looked up places to eat in the areas and menus to make the food budget. :o I didn't know about grocery pricing, so made that up. I think I will be too low on that but it is a ballpark and will add a little more after reading what you said. As I hear about good places to eat, I add them to the list with prices.

 

Good to know about Anchorage. I keep going back and forth on that one. Was hopeful that we would hit a weekend and go to the market but the 4th really messed us up.

 

We plan to do the longest boat tour and see which company we can find the best price on (they seem pretty comparable). Didn't even cross my mind to do 2 days. That actually sounds like a great idea! I have heard that this boat ride is the highlight of many trips.

 

Thank you!

 

Don't count on the coupons for Alaska RR. The last few seasons, have only been Denali /Fairbanks, with Anchorage/Denali full price. Anchorage/Seward has had more and more restrictions and not available every day. There are also number limits they accept, which will be very competitive in the timeframe you are going. So I suggest, you price everything fully and delight later if you get a discount.

 

If you continue without a car, your meal options are more limited and usually more costly.

 

So is a car now a possibility? With only doing the Chena River boat tour in Fairbanks, I wouldn't be going there just for that, - you may find going round trip Anchorage a more favorable option, as one way rentals have large drop fees.

[ladybugva]

We have secured a rental house for Seward that meets all of our needs and budget! Yay! We will have a kitchen and living room so that will be very nice. The kitchen will definitely help with meal cost! Booking early saved a lot as well.

 

Great to know when to start looking for rates. My youngest daughter and myself will be in Africa volunteering/safari the month of August so I will definitely do a lot of research in July and hope there are good deals available.

 

Very good to know on the RR. When do they start selling 2016 tickets and when do the coupon books become available?

 

If it were up to me, there would be no question. We would have a car for the first half. Unfortunately, it isn't up to me. But, since we still have some time, I am going to watch for good deals and if come across one work really hard to convince my parents. I think driving from Fairbanks to Anchorage is a much better option. Funny you say that about Fairbanks and only doing the river cruise. I actually told my mom the same thing but that boat is the thing she is most looking forward to on this trip. They were in Alaska briefly 15 years ago and didn't make it to Fairbanks.

 

The beauty of planning so early is gathering lots of information (and opinions which may be more valuable in some cases) so when it is time to make bookings, you are ready. Thankful for this and TA that have friendly helpful people. Without it, I would not have known when Princess opened up their bookings (my dad wanted only one cabin on the ship on one date!!! so let me tell you we were on top of that). It also helped me learn how quickly Seward books for the 4th so we could arrange that. The rest I think can wait for booking, but it is really, really good to get all of our ducks in a row.

 

Still welcome any other thoughts or tips. Will definitely be on here a lot this summer scouring for information!!!

[ladybugva]

Ok guys, now I really need some thoughts. Super excited to secure a property in Seward for 7/2/16 - 7/9/16. And even more excited that the owner has my parents thinking rental car!!!!!! Just needed someone "in the know" to tell them. Comes better than from your kid. ;) Sandwich generation is tough - parents don't think you know anything and your kids don't think you know anything.;)

 

So with that, can anyone give me a ballpark estimate on a rental car, and help me figure out the most economical way to do this?

 

We were planning to fly into Fairbanks, spend a couple of nights, head to Denali, spend a couple of nights, head into Anchorage, spend a night, head to Seward, spend 5 nights because of it falling on the 4th, and then head to Whittier and spend 2 nights (although with a rental car more options than Whittier). With a car many more options become available. However, I have heard a one way rental from Fairbanks ending in Whittier can be very pricey.

[mapleleaves]

- if you plan to return the car to Whitter, AVIS is the only vendor in Whittier so you will only have 1 vendor to price.

 

- a cheaper option might be a one-way rental from Fai to Anc, then pick up a RT rental in Anchorage, and take a transfer to Whittier

 

So price 3 options:

 

1. AVIS one-way for the entire trip

 

2. any vendor for the one-way Fairbanks - Anc, then AVIS one-way for the rest of the trip with pick up in Anc, drop off in Whittier.

 

3. any vendor for one-way FAI - Anc, then a RT rental in Anc to be returned the day of or day before the cruise)

[ladybugva]

- if you plan to return the car to Whitter, AVIS is the only vendor in Whittier so you will only have 1 vendor to price.

 

- a cheaper option might be a one-way rental from Fai to Anc, then pick up a RT rental in Anchorage, and take a transfer to Whittier

 

So price 3 options:

 

1. AVIS one-way for the entire trip

 

2. any vendor for the one-way Fairbanks - Anc, then AVIS one-way for the rest of the trip with pick up in Anc, drop off in Whittier.

 

3. any vendor for one-way FAI - Anc, then a RT rental in Anc to be returned the day of or day before the cruise)

 

 

You are awesome!! Thank you. Off to research I go.....

[mapleleaves]

I think you're getting ahead of yourself.

At this point the 2016 summer dates for rental cars aren't even available so it will be difficult to find realistic prices. You'll only see prices for summer 2015 which are very high since peak season is just a few months away.

Firm up your itinerary first, then in June/July you'll be able to find realistic prices for next year.

 

 

p.s. another option to price .... rental car for 2-3 days in Fai for your Denali visit, train Fai-Anc, then RT rental car in Anc, transfer to Whittier.

 

p.p.s. the cheapest option would be to skip Fairbanks ... fly into Anc, pick up a RT rental car for the trip. Denali is only 5 hrs north of Anc .

[ladybugva]

Yes, it is really early to get an accurate price. We have to come up with a ballpark figure to get our trip insurance within the 15 day period of starting to book the trip. I hope to get a really good rough idea. If based on pricing now, the train will cost my family about $1350 (with no coupons). A rental car one way rental $1600 (obviously this can change dramatically) plus the gas and such. We may just not worry with the added incentive to get trip insurance early this time.

 

Route is super hard to figure out. At least for me. Would we miss a lot by not doing Fairbanks?

[mapleleaves]

 

Route is super hard to figure out. At least for me. Would we miss a lot by not doing Fairbanks?

 

The only thing you have planned for Fairbanks is the Riverboat so no, you wouldn't be missing out on much. Conversely what will you do with 7 days in Seward??? It's nice that you got a good rate on a house but at what cost to your overall vacation time?

The route is difficult to figure out at this point because you haven't determined your priorities. I think you need to spend a lot more time researching what to see and do, then the itinerary becomes easier. Spend the next few months on research and an itinerary and by then realistic car prices will be available.

Personally I would not spend more than a few days in Seward, AND, I would put Seward at the beginning of the itinerary to avoid the 4th altogether. I'm assuming your parents don't want to spend more than 4 hrs a day in a car, and I'd put them on the train to Seward since that's the most scenic train leg.

My suggested route would be Anc-Seward-Girdwood-Talkeetna-Denali- Matanuska-Palmer-Anc- then a transfer to Whittier.

This would give you the ability to get a RT Anchorage minivan/SUV for around $300 a week. Plus you can plan activities in a way to avoid changing hotels every day.

[ladybugva]

Great thoughts, thank you! :)

[Budget Queen]

You've been all over the place with your ideas. In one day, you've already made changes. You are ahead of yourself. You need to find out ABOUT Alaska, first. And make lists of what you are going to do and where. THEN you can figure out the nights needed and route.

 

You already have jumped into a selection for Seward. I agree with Maple's points. That's a huge amount of time, that could possibility be far better used, touring Fairbanks, adding breaks in your driving time, alternative touring areas, on Kenai Peninsula, Valdez etc etc.

[ladybugva]

You've been all over the place with your ideas. In one day, you've already made changes. You are ahead of yourself. You need to find out ABOUT Alaska, first. And make lists of what you are going to do and where. THEN you can figure out the nights needed and route.

 

You already have jumped into a selection for Seward. I agree with Maple's points. That's a huge amount of time, that could possibility be far better used, touring Fairbanks, adding breaks in your driving time, alternative touring areas, on Kenai Peninsula, Valdez etc etc.

 

I actually find this a bit offensive, I hope that was not the intent. I have spent weeks researching and hours and hours reading websites and trip reports. Going from thinking no car for a month of research to finding out we were going to be getting a car does make a lot of changes, but that has nothing to do with not researching and being all over the place.

 

I find it logical since we have the ship booked to plan backwards. We know we are going to spend 2 nights in the Whittier area. One is a transit day with AWCC and stops along the way, one is a full day boat tour. Then we board the ship as early as we can and chill. Done. We can book lodging there now if we want to stay in the condo, but are struggling with saving money and staying in the condos or enjoying the location and "look" of the inn.

 

In Seward, we knew we wanted one day for the "real alaska tour" and one day for a boat cruise. It was suggested to add in a day in case of weather issues so as not to miss the boat as it seems to be a highlight. When we did that, we realized that put us there over the 4th and no tours are offered that day. Not a big deal, as the festivities on the 4th do look like a lot of fun. We think Seward sounds like a lovely area and a place we will really enjoy relaxing in. And I did like the suggestion of a second boat tour. So that puts us at 4 days/5 nights and allows us to do everything we want to do with a buffer or the chance to do a second boat tour. We booked a great rental that has a shower my dad can use, is walking distance for him to the library/sea life/beach/shopping/4th of July booths. It was the only one in town that was still available, in our budget that fit all of his special needs. Waiting to book that could have put us over budget or in a place that didn't work as well (they gave us this year's rates). I emailed many, many places. When I found out only one met our needs and was in our price range, I grabbed it. We are paying less than the rate of one room at the Holiday Inn for a 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment.

 

Having a car does change our plans from Anchorage to Seward so I do have a lot of catch up work to do here. I figure we will stay in a B & B there (have not researched yet), get up and go to the market as that will be a Saturday morning, have a look at anything we want in town, and head out midday. Then we can drive down, taking our time, perhaps stopping at the tram.

 

Backing up from Anchorage, we will be staying in the Healy area most likely. I am talking with a really nice homeowner that appears to have a place that will meet my father's needs and is about half the cost of a hotel room. Have received some great information about Healy that I tucked away in case a car came up and glad to have it now as I research this more. This is still a little fluid as we think we will spend 3 nights here but it could go to 2 or up to 4. We do know we want to shuttle into the park at least once and do the dog sled demo and the visitor centers. I will definitely take a hard look at this area. Hoping to get some good suggestions.

 

Finally, Fairbanks. At this point we are trying to decide how many days to spend here - 1 or 2. And if we do just the Riverboat or also the Gold Dredge 8. My inclination is to fly in, go to one one day, one the next and head out that day. Still researching this area as a car really changes things here so things we didn't think we could get to we can now. I am emailing with a place here as well as a hotel that will work for my father's needs. There are actually many more options here so I am not as concerned with booking right away like I am in the other areas that there aren't as many options for him.

 

So saying I haven't researched and don't KNOW is really quite offensive. I was just hoping for some specific advice to add to what I have done. Thankful for the folks that have given me that.

 

I know most people do not plan so far in advance. When planning for 2 people with mobility issues and 2 children, I find that I must plan my trips far in advance to be able to meet those needs and get really good pricing. Some things like rental cars and plane tickets can't be purchased yet, but I can get a good idea of cost to work out a budget and know what I can and cannot add. In fact, one kind soul priced out the difference in car rental vs. train for this summer to give me an idea. This is going to be a 27 day trip. Lots of parts to it and I am grateful for all of the input I can get. Hoping I just read the tone of your post wrong.:)

[Budget Queen]

I actually find this a bit offensive, I hope that was not the intent. I have spent weeks researching and hours and hours reading websites and trip reports. Going from thinking no car for a month of research to finding out we were going to be getting a car does make a lot of changes, but that has nothing to do with not researching and being all over the place.

 

I find it logical since we have the ship booked to plan backwards. We know we are going to spend 2 nights in the Whittier area. One is a transit day with AWCC and stops along the way, one is a full day boat tour. Then we board the ship as early as we can and chill. Done. We can book lodging there now if we want to stay in the condo, but are struggling with saving money and staying in the condos or enjoying the location and "look" of the inn.

 

In Seward, we knew we wanted one day for the "real alaska tour" and one day for a boat cruise. It was suggested to add in a day in case of weather issues so as not to miss the boat as it seems to be a highlight. When we did that, we realized that put us there over the 4th and no tours are offered that day. Not a big deal, as the festivities on the 4th do look like a lot of fun. We think Seward sounds like a lovely area and a place we will really enjoy relaxing in. And I did like the suggestion of a second boat tour. So that puts us at 4 days/5 nights and allows us to do everything we want to do with a buffer or the chance to do a second boat tour. We booked a great rental that has a shower my dad can use, is walking distance for him to the library/sea life/beach/shopping/4th of July booths. It was the only one in town that was still available, in our budget that fit all of his special needs. Waiting to book that could have put us over budget or in a place that didn't work as well (they gave us this year's rates). I emailed many, many places. When I found out only one met our needs and was in our price range, I grabbed it. We are paying less than the rate of one room at the Holiday Inn for a 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment.

 

Having a car does change our plans from Anchorage to Seward so I do have a lot of catch up work to do here. I figure we will stay in a B & B there (have not researched yet), get up and go to the market as that will be a Saturday morning, have a look at anything we want in town, and head out midday. Then we can drive down, taking our time, perhaps stopping at the tram.

 

Backing up from Anchorage, we will be staying in the Healy area most likely. I am talking with a really nice homeowner that appears to have a place that will meet my father's needs and is about half the cost of a hotel room. Have received some great information about Healy that I tucked away in case a car came up and glad to have it now as I research this more. This is still a little fluid as we think we will spend 3 nights here but it could go to 2 or up to 4. We do know we want to shuttle into the park at least once and do the dog sled demo and the visitor centers. I will definitely take a hard look at this area. Hoping to get some good suggestions.

 

Finally, Fairbanks. At this point we are trying to decide how many days to spend here - 1 or 2. And if we do just the Riverboat or also the Gold Dredge 8. My inclination is to fly in, go to one one day, one the next and head out that day. Still researching this area as a car really changes things here so things we didn't think we could get to we can now. I am emailing with a place here as well as a hotel that will work for my father's needs. There are actually many more options here so I am not as concerned with booking right away like I am in the other areas that there aren't as many options for him.

 

So saying I haven't researched and don't KNOW is really quite offensive. I was just hoping for some specific advice to add to what I have done. Thankful for the folks that have given me that.

 

I know most people do not plan so far in advance. When planning for 2 people with mobility issues and 2 children, I find that I must plan my trips far in advance to be able to meet those needs and get really good pricing. Some things like rental cars and plane tickets can't be purchased yet, but I can get a good idea of cost to work out a budget and know what I can and cannot add. In fact, one kind soul priced out the difference in car rental vs. train for this summer to give me an idea. This is going to be a 27 day trip. Lots of parts to it and I am grateful for all of the input I can get. Hoping I just read the tone of your post wrong.:)

 

Good grief, you are on a public board. Sorry you don't like my answers, but you have written about "budget" several times. Some of your plans are very costly with alternatives available. The advice of determining your activities is a good one, with the suggestion of following with the itinerary.

 

You HAVE made some significant changes in a short time, and I see over and over, poor plans made with piece meal reservations, disjointed itineraries resulting, wasted days. etc. Doesn't matter to me, but, it's pointed out, again, because this is a public board. I'll exit from this line.

[ladybugva]

Good grief, you are on a public board. Sorry you don't like my answers, but you have written about "budget" several times. Some of your plans are very costly with alternatives available. The advice of determining your activities is a good one, with the suggestion of following with the itinerary.

 

You HAVE made some significant changes in a short time, and I see over and over, poor plans made with piece meal reservations, disjointed itineraries resulting, wasted days. etc. Doesn't matter to me, but, it's pointed out, again, because this is a public board. I'll exit from this line.

 

 

Guess I didn't take it wrong.:( Sorry we plan differently. I have planned for my family for trips around the world and for people with disabilities, planning is a bit more challenging and doesn't fit the "norm" with how you do it. I understand you do it differently and that is ok. Just don't appreciate being insulted for how I do it. We have always had to plan around lodging and it has always turned out fabulously. Mostly thanks to wonderful people on travel boards giving us great advice.:) You have some great thoughts and would love to hear those, but could do without putting me down for how I have to plan. When someone has mobility issues, you are greatly limited in choices. I don't understand your comment about costly choices with cheaper alternatives. I must have missed any specifics on this and in my research we haven't found any. We go cheap so we can stay longer. If I am missing where the cheaper alternatives are, please let me know.

 

Would welcome anymore tips on how to plan the first leg of our journey. We are really looking into Fairbanks/Denali/Anchorage now. Thanks in advance!

[mapleleaves]

Sorry, but I too thought your plans and ideas seemed very scattered. The questions you were asking, and the number of them, made it sound like you were just beginning the research process. That is why I too suggested you take additional time to research in order. That's offensive to you?

 

Yes, this is a public forum, so you get what you get. It's not like we're paid travel agents sitting in a phone bank waiting for people to call so we can plan their trips. We volunteer our time to answer questions and help people make the most of their time. If you don't like the answer, you ask again and see who else responds. But why be offended and criticize BQ?

 

I won't be checking this thread again. Good luck with your plans; hope you have a good trip.

[ladybugva]

Sorry, but I too thought your plans and ideas seemed very scattered. The questions you were asking, and the number of them, made it sound like you were just beginning the research process. That is why I too suggested you take additional time to research in order. That's offensive to you?

 

Yes, this is a public forum, so you get what you get. It's not like we're paid travel agents sitting in a phone bank waiting for people to call so we can plan their trips. We volunteer our time to answer questions and help people make the most of their time. If you don't like the answer, you ask again and see who else responds. But why be offended and criticize BQ?

 

I won't be checking this thread again. Good luck with your plans; hope you have a good trip.

 

Wow, I really don't understand the reaction here. :confused: Seems really off compared to others, but I guess different strokes for different folks. I still wonder if it is perhaps not understanding tones, but is what it is. Suggestions to research are definitely not offensive and pointers on what to research are actually great. :) Definitely not trying to irritate anyone myself, just trying to gather information and put the pieces together. Perhaps I am not explaining well enough how difficult it is to plan with disabilities and then to add a major change like going from train to car travel. Will do better in other questions I ask. :)

[sweetsleep]

Car rental-if you are a Costco member, see what price they can get you. At least with them you don't pay extra for a second driver.

Depending on which airline you are planning on using, you may want to see if you can get a good deal on an air/car package versus buying separately?

Don't know if there is a Costco or Walmart(probably?) or Sam's club where you will be but you would save a lot of money on food items there. So a rental car would be helpful to do that.

Since there are 5 of you, perhaps you can figure out a way to use 1 or 2 suitcases between the 5 of you to buy nonperishable foods and pack them?Peanut butter,tuna,various granola bars,cereals,coffee,juice boxes,powdered drink mixes,etc? Or just have everyone tuck a few items in each suitcase.