Considering another Alaskan vacation in 2007

I am trying to decide on a location for our 2007 summer family vacation. We have been to Alaska 3 time previously, and are suffering withdrawl symptons since we didn%26#39;t go this year, and are considering returning.

This is what we have done in the past:

2003- Inside passage cruise from Vancouver

2004-Cruised Vancouver - Seward and spent 3 nights on the Kenai peninsula

2005-10 day land vacation visiting Denali (stayed in Healy), Talkeetna, Girdwood, Homer, and Anchorage

I am still even trying to decide between a cruise or land vacation, but I am leaning toward a land vacation. I don%26#39;t want to move around as much, perhaps stay in 1 or 2 places. I am considering returning to Homer and spending most of the time there (renting a condo), but I would love your ideas about visiting places we haven%26#39;t seen.

We are interested in: wildlife, relaxation, scenery, nice accomodations (preferably house, condos, or cabins). We will be a group of at least 7, ages 8 - 76.

Considering another Alaskan vacation in 2007

aliso, I have a bad news for you. More often you travel to Alaska your withdrawal symptoms are going to become stronger after each trip and soon you are going to start thinking about places you want to visit not only in 2007 but 2008, and every year after that. I%26#39;m speaking from my own experience.

Anyway, from Homer try to take a bear watching trip to Katmai National Park and visit Halibut Cove and Seldovia, go hiking across Kachemak Bay .

After your stay in Homer drive to Whittier and take the ferry to Valdez for 2-3 nights. It would be a long, 4-5 hours, drive to Whittier from Homer and you have to make in time for the tunnel opening.

Drive to Chitina from Valdez and fly from there to Kennecott for 2-3 days to visit the largest national park. Unfortunately, no house, condos, or cabins in Kennecott or McCarthy

After returning to Chitina take Richardson Highway to Glennallen and connect there with Glenn Highway towards Anchorage. Stop for a guided hike with crampons on Matanuska Glacier. Before that you may consider lunch at the Copper Center Roadhouse. You have an option to make a detour to Hatcher Pass on the way. you need to make choices what to do and see if you don%26#39;t want to stay overnight in that area.

If Anchorage is going to be your final destination spend 3-4 days there. Many things to see and do for people of any age. Native Heritage Center, Museum of History and Art , Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Eagle River Nature Center all should be on the top of your list.

I suggest you read all posts here on Valdez, Kennecott/McCarthy in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Anchorage. Then decide what places would be most appealing to your family and chose one, two or three.

Have fun planning your trip.

Considering another Alaskan vacation in 2007

The most awesome Alaska eperience I ever had was going to Katmai National Park. I would HIGHLY recommend this trip, especially if you aim to see some bears. Bears are EVERYWHERE there. It is an exhilerating and exciting place. You can camp at Katmai or stay in the lodge (very expensive). During the summer months you can witness the bears as depicted in wildlife photographs standing at water falls with fish in their mouths. There will be bears on the beach, on the trails, and all around you. It was fascinating! A trip you would never forget.