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Question

Any feedback on this plan I came up with? This is for our group of 6 that consists of the cattle ranchers from Texas ages 80 to 20.

Saturday - arrive mid-day in Anchorage, pick up car rental at airport and drive to Denali area, sightsee along the way

Sunday - do Denali stuff and then spend the night either at Denali or begin heading elsewhere and spend the night

Monday - Head to Anchorage and drop off car around 1 pm and then take train toward Seward area

Tuesday - figure out things to do in Seward area, possibly a private car rental to do some exploring and spend the night that direction

Wednesday - not sure what we can do this morning before we take the train or other transportation to Whittier to board cruise

Any feedback is greatly appreciated - as I know that I need to get lodging, flights etc booked asap bc this last minute trip is in July of this year.

Answer

Your itinerary for Alaska looks adventurous and feasible for a mixed-age group, but there are a few considerations to optimize travel time and enjoyment, especially given the ages range from 20 to 80.

Saturday – Arrival in Anchorage and drive to Denali:

Landing mid-day and immediately driving to Denali is doable but expect roughly 4–5 hours of driving, depending on stops. Consider stopping in Talkeetna for a quick stretch and sightseeing; it’s scenic and kid-friendly.
Since your group includes older adults, plan for multiple short breaks to stretch and use restrooms. Snacks and hydration are essential.
Book lodging in advance near Denali, as July is peak season.

Sunday – Denali activities:

Reserve a Denali National Park shuttle or tour ahead of time. The park shuttles allow you to explore deeper areas without long drives, which is good for older travelers.
Popular options: the Eielson Visitor Center shuttle or shorter 4–6 hour routes if some of the group may not want long bus rides.
If driving to a different area after Denali, keep in mind that it will be a long day; you may prefer staying overnight near Denali to rest and enjoy the scenery.

Monday – Return to Anchorage and train to Seward:

Dropping the car in Anchorage by 1 pm works if you leave Denali early in the morning. Factor in traffic and rest stops.
Consider booking the Alaska Railroad train to Seward in advance, as July is busy. The Coastal Classic route offers stunning views along Turnagain Arm.

Tuesday – Seward exploration:

With a group of 6, renting a private vehicle or van for local exploration gives flexibility for stops like Exit Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park boat tours, or short walks accessible to older adults.
Another option is a guided tour to see glaciers and wildlife, which reduces the stress of planning logistics for the group.

Wednesday – Seward to Whittier:

Consider taking the Alaska Railroad or a shuttle from Seward to Whittier. Travel time is about 2.5–3 hours, so plan the morning accordingly.
If time allows, short stops along the way can include scenic overlooks along the Seward Highway. Keep it light, especially for older members of the group.
Ensure arrival at Whittier gives at least 1–2 hours buffer before cruise boarding, as delays can happen.

Additional Tips:

Book accommodations and transportation as early as possible, especially for July, which is peak tourist season.
Pack layers, rain gear, and comfortable walking shoes suitable for all ages.
Plan for meals and breaks along long drives to keep everyone comfortable and energized.
Consider travel insurance given last-minute bookings and the complexity of coordinating multiple modes of transport.

Overall, your plan is solid, but keeping flexibility and avoiding overly long driving days will make the trip enjoyable for both the younger and older members of your group.

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