For those of you who are considering a trip to Alaska here are our expenses for our trip. This might help if you plan to go but are undecided whether to take a cruise, travel with a caravan or travel on your own. We enjoyed traveling alone because of the total freedom it allowed, but it is not for everyone. Mileposts (thank you Randy and Santha) and a camping in Alaska book are very useful. We did not have a “plan” other than the direction we were going to travel and some things we wanted to do. FYI, I am a type-A personality, but Alaska is the Last Frontier, and I wanted to enjoy it without deadlines.
Our biggest expense was, of course, fuel. We traveled a total of 14,740 miles from Bracey, VA and back. We averaged 10.9 miles to the gallon (diesel). We spent $5,550 on fuel. Be sure to empty out all your rally gear, your awning lights, your 65 person grill. You won’t need them. You are going to be on the road and sightseeing; not sitting in a campground. Get that rig as light as you can.
The next largest expense was excursions and museums, etc. We spent $3,460, but this includes the flight to Katmai National Park to walk among the bears, which was $1,300 (and worth every penny, if you’re into that sort of thing). Most trips/excursions run $200 to $500 for two people. These include whale watching trips, fishing, Denali, riverboat cruises, etc. Plane rides can be more expensive, but, my, oh my, the view. These excursions really are part of the Alaskan experience. If you go on a caravan-type of trip some of them are included, but not the most expensive trips.
Next is camping fees. We camped from June 10 to September 8 and it cost us $2,690, excluding the 7 nights we spent at the national rally in Elkhart. Some of this would be covered by the caravan price if you went on a caravan. We did not make reservations, other than in Seward on a weekend because it’s a weekend getaway for Anchorage. We stayed in private campgrounds. There are many nice provincial parks in Canada, but we did not stay in any of them. I like my conveniences. Be sure to have at least a 30 amp converter. Campgrounds have 10, 15, 20 and 30 amp sites. There are very few 50 amp.
We spent $1,800 on eating at restaurants. Entrees start around $25 per person and it didn’t seem to be that much more in upscale restaurants. Adult beverages are almost double what you would pay in the lower 48.
We spent $1,360 on grocery store items. My suggestion would be to take whatever staples you can for the amount of time you will be on the road and only buy perishables. Be sure to take enough personal care products for the entire trip, as well as whatever you use to wash clothes. Having said that: I always buy stuff on the road that I can’t find at home. For me, it’s usually products from the UK.
We spent $1,420 on souvenirs, dog sitting, $ exchange fees. Next time I will take a credit card that does not charge you a transaction fee when you purchase items in a foreign country. Live and learn!
We spent about $600 on vehicle maintenance, including the rig. That includes oil change/filters and some little gizmos for the trailer.
If you have any questions, ask away. BTW, we ARE planning on going again. Plane and rail sounds fun!
