Alaska Deals?

Re: Alaska Deals?

• karimychel

  December 2011

  Alaska in the summer is expensive. You can make your money go a bit further if you go at the beginning or end of the the summer. It also depends on where you want to go and what you want to see. Denali National Park closes on/about Sept. 15th. 

  

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• bringjoy2theworld member

  December 2011

  Is that including airfare?  You are going to be hard pressed to do Alaska on that budget from Rhode Island.  You could do one of the first or last cruises for about 1,200 (inside room) for the two of you, but the flights to Seattle/Vancouver will probably be about $700 or more.  That leaves $600 for excursions, activities, transportation, tips, etc... It is possible, but will be tough.

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• stumpy

  December 2011

  I would absolutely try to increase your budget. I would wait and save up some more money. Like pp said, with an inside cabin and airfare, you barely have any money for excursions. (and the excursions ARE Alaska) Yes, there are some paces were you can just wander around town, but there are so many things you can do and will miss out if you don't save up.

  Sorry if I am sounding like I am bursting your bubble. I am all for "cheap" and discounts, but even with the cheapest everything, you won't be able to do much. (Oh, and I LOVED Alaska so much that I am going back this summer . . . last time we got a balcony and I highly recommend it for Glacier Bay. hat is, if you choose a cruise with Glacier Bay.)

  I would sign up for deals on individuals cruiselines, but even with amazing discounts, you don't have a lot of wiggle room. (And remember, there are taxes, tips, etc . . . )
  

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• riderpunk

  

  December 2011

  Probably not going to be able to do a cruise...I only have so much time off in a row I can take off, and sorta want to get there without wasting anytime by loosing any days at sea.  Didn't realize it be so expensive.  I was trying to get a few trips in this year to use our vacation time, but if budget does not allow it, then I guess I can cross it off the list, at least for now.  I will search around and see what I can find. Thanks for everyone opinions.  
  

  

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• sunshine_day_dreams member

  

  December 2011

  I think whether you can do it on that budget or not depends on how long you want to stay, and how luxurious of accommodations you're looking for.  H and I backpacked through AK a couple of years ago for 19 days and spent less than $5k, including airfare from DC, many excursions, food, souvenirs, etc.

  We used the Great Alaskan Tour Saver and booked our trip around the deals in there.  We got 2-for-1 flights to Glacier Bay, train tickets to Denali, hotel nights in Anchorage and Seward, tours, etc.  We spent $100 for the book and saved well over $2k on the whole trip.

  We went in September, so we got shoulder season rates most places.  We also backcountry camped while in Denali, and that saved a lot of money.  Accommodations in Denali are expensive.
  

  
  
  

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