Help!

Question

We had our family in Alaska 18 years ago when the kids were teens for 5 or 6 days. We rented a motorhome and really enjoyed that.

I would love to come back and do a cruise before or after. The problem is the family had expanded and if everyone comes could be 12-13 of us! 15 passenger vans seem hard to come by? And lodging for that many will probably be an issue? An Airbnb would be awesome but I'm not sure it's an option? I've also considered renting a motorhome,but I would need 2! So any suggestions on cost effective ways to get around and places to stay?

We are interested in scenery, some hiking and wildlife! I considered flying to Fairbanks and working our way to Seward, but it sounds like the one way fees are expensive.

Open to ideas and options to get started.

Answer

Planning a trip to Alaska for a large family group of 12-13 can be challenging, but with careful planning, it’s definitely doable. Here’s a detailed look at transportation, lodging, and itinerary considerations for your group.

Transportation Options:

Motorhomes/RVs: Renting two motorhomes is a practical option, especially if your group enjoys flexibility and camping. Consider renting larger Class C or Class A RVs that can sleep 6-7 people each. Keep in mind that driving in Alaska requires careful planning due to long distances and limited road services.
Passenger Vans: 12-15 passenger vans are indeed limited in Alaska. Booking well in advance is crucial. Check local rental agencies in Anchorage or Fairbanks rather than just national chains, as local providers sometimes have larger vehicles.
Combination of RV + Car Rentals: Another approach is to rent one motorhome for part of the group and 1-2 smaller SUVs or vans for others, splitting driving duties. This can reduce costs and help with parking/logistics in towns.
Cruise Option: If you plan to combine a cruise with land travel, consider doing the cruise either at the beginning or end of the trip. Cruise lines often allow group bookings, and you could shuttle your party by smaller vehicles to the port city like Seward or Whittier.

Lodging Options:

Airbnb / Vacation Rentals: For a group this size, look for large homes or lodges, especially near Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Seward. Booking multiple nearby units in the same area can also work. Check early as large rentals are scarce in popular Alaskan towns.
Hotels / Inns: Some hotels offer adjoining rooms or suites that can accommodate families. For convenience, consider staying in multiple properties along your route rather than one base.
Campgrounds / RV Parks: If traveling by motorhome, staying at campgrounds is an option. Many state parks or private RV parks have full hookups, but some may not accommodate multiple RVs if the area is crowded. October can be cold, so plan for off-season amenities.

Route and Itinerary Suggestions:

Flying into Fairbanks and heading south to Seward is a classic route. The one-way motorhome fees can be high, so you may also consider a round-trip with Anchorage as the start/end point, adjusting stops to minimize extra charges.
Key scenic stops include Denali National Park (Fairbanks to Denali), Talkeetna, Anchorage, and the Kenai Peninsula (Seward / Homer). Wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities are plentiful along this route.
If combining with a cruise, you could spend 4-5 days on land, then embark from Seward for a 7-day Alaska cruise. This allows the group to experience both interior and coastal Alaska without overly complicated logistics.

Cost-Saving Tips:

Book accommodations, motorhomes, and van rentals as early as possible, especially for a large party.
Consider splitting meals and cooking in your Airbnb or RV to save on restaurant costs.
Mix paid guided tours with self-guided hikes and sightseeing for a balance of cost and experience.

Overall, the key is flexibility and early planning. Combining a motorhome with smaller vehicles, strategically booking Airbnb or lodges, and carefully planning the route will allow your large family to enjoy Alaska’s scenery, wildlife, and hiking without logistical headaches.