First Time RV users

Hi,my wife and I are planning a 14day Rv trip of Alaska using Great Alaskan Holidays. We have never driven an Rv and will be driving a 30 footer. First question are we crazy to be driving this large of one on our first trip? How are the roads in Alaska? Also we are planning our trip based on the fact that we are amatuer photographers and Alaska has always been one of our dream trips. I read that you can just pull over on the side of the road for the night, is this true? We are going in mid July and would like to take some shots of bears ( like everyone lol) Katmai seems like a great spot for this am I correct? Do I need to book with a tour to see the bears and if we do are there any suggestions on who to use? Any suggested iteneries would be welcomed ( keeping in mind photography). I am planning maybe 3-4 days in Katmai, then up to Denali for another 3 days. I have read about Valdez and that seems like a great spot. As you can see we have many questions lol. I have bought Frommers and have ordered some photo guide books. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

JB

First Time RV users

Hello Jim, some of your questions were already answered. I brought your previous post to the top so you may reread answers to your questions posted in October. I strongly suggest you do search on this forum under bear watching and decide what types of trips suit you. Many options available. You may go an a day trip, camping, stay at a lodge. Only you can decide what would suits you the best regarding accommodations and prices. Yes, you have to have reservations sometimes many months in advance and for some places and dates may be already too late. We always go with Emerald Air and I written about our experiences many times on this forum. If you are planning on spending 3-4 days in Katmai National Park then you have no need for RV during this period. You need to fly to Katmai NP. Flights, accommodations and day trips to Katmai NP are not cheap.

Roads in Alaska are not any different than in New Hampshire. Similar to majority roads in NH those in AK are also in good shape. However, highways are just two lanes roads and lots of road constructions each summer.

I always suggest for those renting a RV for the first time to rent one for a weekend near your home town and get use to it. many tourists in Alaska drive RVs and they survive and we survive them too. Frommer%26#39;s book is a great tool for planning your first trip. In the beginning of this guide there is always a section titled ';The best'; or something like that. It should help you decide what places you want to include in your itinerary.

Katmai National Park, Denali National Park and Valdez are all wonderful destinations. Consider also Homer and Seward, both are located on Kenai Peninsula.

First Time RV users

Morning places - so glad you are so helpful here on the forum, especially during this busy time of the year!

JB - I am going to bump a post that will be very helpful to you as well. Good luck! :)

Our first motorhome trip was with Great Alaskan. We had rented the 30-foot and absolutely loved it. Keep in mind, 10 mpg so plan your gasoline purchases accordingly. Best book for RV camping was purchased thru Amazon.com, Traveler%26#39;s Guide to Alaskan Camping. Info in the book was very truthful and I would highly recommend purchasing it for your travels.

Well we have started booking for our trip and getting more and more excited. We have booked the 27%26#39; RV from Great Alaskan Holidays and three nights in Denali campground. We have also booked with Emerald Air to photograph the bears ( wife is a little concerned about being that close but we have been told that in 20 years there have been no aggressive bear incidents). We read that driving the RV down to seward/ Homer might be difficult because of the roads. Is this true? Also do we have to worry about break ins with the Rv when we are on day long cruises and bear trips any comments? We are thinking of taking a small boat glacier and wildlife cruise from Millers landing . Has anyone ever taken one and if you have is it worth the time? My wife used to get seasick and airsick but is taking new medication and air sickness hasnt happenned but she is worried about the small boats versuses the large boats at Millers any expierences would be helpful.

Thank you

JimB