Thanks! Seeing Alaska and spending proper quality time on that visit is on my bucket list. Your advice dispelled a number of wrong ideas, misconceptions and out dated ideas I had about it.
As Canadians, my wife and I have been to Alaska twice! The first time was 35 years ago, where we drove up the Dempster highway to Inuvik, then headed south for our first time in Alaska, of which we spent several weeks. Back then, at Whittier Alaska, you could drive up onto a railcar, which took you through the tunnel (now you can drive through it yourself!) where a ferry was awaiting us, to take us down to Valdez! Just out of Valdez, prior to getting there the ferry slowed at what I believe is the 'Columbia Glacier' where we saw chunks the size of a house fall into the ocean! There are many glaciers in the Valdez area of course. Our second trip was 3 years ago, during the summer months, of which we travelled with another couple who had their own RV as well. We boondocked together often, and after a trip in to Chena Hot Springs (definitely worth seeing) we camped alongside a small river, right on the creek-side itself. I won't get into all the sites, as we hit pretty well all the highlight regions of Alaska for the most part, and as mentioned, take as much time as you can, as the people are wonderful and the social aspect of the trip is worthy in itself! These previous trips where with smaller units, where we now have a diesel pusher motorhome, so getting to the 'outer portions of the state' won't be as easy, but we still look forward to our next trip to Alaska, as you truly cannot get 'enough' of it, after you return home and recollect the good times you had there, as well as the scenery and wildlife. On our trip 35 years ago, we had the opportunity to drive all the way in along the Denali ourselves, and even stayed at the 'end of the road' where the next day on our way out, the wildlife was immense! We saw Grizzlies chasing one another up and down the hills right in front of us, moose, fox and many many Caribou, some with HUGES antlers! It's definitely a trip one should do more than once folks!
We were there for 10 weeks in the summer of 2019 and feel like we just scratched the surface. We loved every minute, even though we broke an axle coming down into Chicken from the Top of the World Hwy. We are planning to return in summer of 2022.
Surprised I had not found this channel before. Lived in Alaska (Eielson USAF) for 3.5 years 79 through 83. Returned with the family for 2 weeks in a rented Motorhome in 99 and 11, and did a surf and turf in 07. All three trips 2 weeks long. Simply love it there and your advice is very sound. I have my own Motorhome now and plan to retire the end of 2021, so thinking about taking a much longer trip in the next few years.
Good info I'm leaving montanay in about a week driving an older well keptvlowvmiage motor home to my nephew he bought it and is paying expesrsvtobget it there it's been worked on extensively to make the trip my angzyety is prob my biggest issuie
Just stumbled on your channel…. Fantastic help . We are very experienced overland traveler’s in Australia but no idea about Alaska so will be checking out all your videos. Thankyou… oh yes love the free camping only way to go👍
My father and I went to Alaska during mid summer of 1993. We flew there and rented a SUV. That was the first mistake, we didn't need a SUV the roads were so good. I did the schedules for the trip and here I was smart. Everywhere we headed I arrived one day ahead in order to rest up. We brought along fishing rods but because of combat fishing we gave up fishing. The weather was something I remember. It would start to rain and a minute later the sun was out. I liked the weather and believe it or not bugs were not a problem while we were there and locals themselves said the lack of bugs was a blessing. As for the rental SUV, the windshield cracked from road rocks but practically everybody else up there had a cracked windshield.
Hey guys, great video as always! In September of 2018 we flew to Anchorage and rented a 22 foot class C, we spent a week on the Kenai Peninsula. Seward was great! Loved Homer, and our last night was spent on the shores of Skilak Lake. We couldn't have asked for better weather, I really didn't want to leave! Alaska is truly a special place.
We wanted to meet you this year, due to this pandemic it put a stop to it. I am too from Alaska and yes being from Alaska is different from a visitor.. raised as a child from 1979 .. it's the last frontier... maybe next year.. thanks for sharing
Great video.. my husband and I want to visit when we can get vacation time after this deployment.. we love the beautiful country.. it looks amazing plus your advice is sound!
We loved our trip to Alaska we loved the Alcan. And the dalton highway we took 3 months there we would move there but our parents are older and can’t leave Florida. Can’t wait to head back in few years without our youngest kids. Love your videos we camped in Seward.
Thanks neighbour for the last one...as a Canuck much appreciated! I plan to travel to Alaska, Yukon, Nunavit May-Sep 2020!Hope I get to meet you guys💛🇺🇸
Great video. I lived in Alaska years ago. 1976 - 1978 at Fort Greely (Delta Junction). I loved your list. We drove up to Alaska from Tennessee in 2017 and are coming back in 2020 so your list will help. We would love to meet y’all if you are around then.
Nice couple; even though i DID kid y'all...just HAD to; guess it was some sort of "Texas thing"... Your synopsis of all things Alaska was helpful!! (Especially the prts about The Alaskan RR, and the comments regarding Canada: those comments were "spot-on"--- 😃🙃👣 Again, THANKS for a VERY GOOD review!!
No matter how long you plan to stay, it's not long enough. It's a big state and an unbelievable amount of things to see. Come early and stay as long as you can.
Teaching my grandson to drive my Stick he drives an Auto I traveled my life but this expedition, Doing the Marine Highway there still looking to where to get off and drive hopping a crossover barge but not able to find those routes. want to stay out of Canada because of Covid restriction, looking at 7 weeks also fishing license. wasn't clear have a one from Alaska or can use yours from the lower 48 states? Hubby and mom in-law love fishing Grandson doesn't need one yet age. and I don't fish.
I think your grandson will be a pro and manual transmission by the end of your trip. Fishing licenses are state issued so you will need Alaska licenses.
@@outliersoverland my brother in[law is working on that for Hubby and Mom in-law She can fish free in California because of Disabilities. She Loves fishing. Me I Love taking pictures while they fish I do my thing.
Been watching you guys now for several years and this is one of your best videos ever! Bookmarked it in my Alaska folder amd from a trustworthy and knowledgeable source:)
hi guys, we have been following/listening to your videos…we are coming! Summer 2023, Alaska here we are! Now, big question for you: safe? Boondocking as well? And what about August? Too late? We are planning Denali for 5😂 days, mid august, and then we are traveling slowly out…mid September. Glad I found this new video! Thanks for all the tips :-) Remi, the silly 🇨🇦 rver…
Thank you. I’m glad you’re finding the Alaska series helpful. We haven’t been home in over two years, but Alaska is safe. You need to exercise high caution in the population centers such as MatSu, Fairbanks and Anchorage. I can only image the junkie problem hasn’t gotten any better. The rainy season starts along the coast in mid August so visit the Kenai peninsula ASAP. The interior fall foliage is beautiful, there’s a chill in the air, berries are ripe, you can see the Aurora and there’s less people.
Biggest mistakes: 1) Not coming to Alaska (duh). 2) Giving into fears - what might happen to your rig over 5,000 miles or being in remote places without cellphone service? 3) Forgetting Alaska is more than a destination. Experience it - it's the last frontier. 4) Over planning your trip. You do not need to map out every detail of your journey. 5) Trying to do too much when you're short of a time. 6) Not spending enough time in Alaska - get there early and stay as long as possible. 7) Leaving too late - winter comes in October and you can get stuck in a snow storm. 8) Hang out in Alaska in September if you can. 9) Don't listen to the wrong people about advice on coming to Alaska. When in doubt, seek multiple opinions. 10) Use these videos as a guide. 11) Embrace Boondocking (free camping). It's just you and nature. 12) If possible, don't bring a giant rig. You can get off on dirt roads with a smaller RV. 12) If you take the RV caravan tours from the lower 48 to Alaska, you are missing out on adventure. 13) You must carry a first aid kit. Healthcare facilities are sparse. 14) Make sure all adults know how to drive the RV. Be prepared. 15) Not bringing enough tools and maintenance items for your rig can be problematic. Tires: You don't need two spares (until you do!). 16) You will want to consider bringing a rifle for bear protection. Alaska is firearm friendly. 17) Firearms are also for people protection. 18) Spending too much time in Anchorage and other cities. Crime. Lock your car and valuables. 19) Be sure to take advantage of water sports. 20) Not taking advantage of the fishing. Bring your gear and get a fishing license. 21) Go deep sea fishing. 22) If you're a sportsman, you can hunt grouse, caribou, and deer. 23) You don't have to see Denali National Park. But it is nice if you can! 24) Not riding the Alaska Railroad. It is amazing. 25) Pony up for a once in a lifetime adventure. Take a helicopter up to the top of a glacier. 26) Catch a quick flight to Barrow or Nome. It's still native Alaska. 27) Rules of the road: Most are 2 lane highways. Road construction. Motor homes, etc. Lots of traffic. Don't engage in road rage. Relax. Pull over so I can pass at 110 mph/200 km. 28) See Canada while you're here. You've come this far, what's another side trip?
great great great video I have done everything you said lol only thing we planned is gas, dump, and boondocking but we will be there for a month would love to meet you if you are there we will be there in August and September take care
Thanks for watching. It’s taken years of dedication, discipline and hard work to get to this point. We have a course about location independence on our website hisandhershub.com Never give up on your dreams, we live in an amazing time and it’s possible.
Mosquitos. I tell everyone to get a few Thermacell's And even when I camp and see a fellow camper suffering from mosquitos. I will give them a Thermacell to help keep them away. It keeps other incects away as well. I have not found an effective way to keep black flies or horse flies away yet though.
Hello from England (today) Thanks. That would be Clam Gulch. I think you will enjoy the video. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-2yYeUdPteZg.html
Y'all really need to start a business setting up trips for us. Sort of part travel agent part guide. Let us tell you our bucket list items and you help us fill in the blanks. Would be something I'd pay for. We can't make up for a couple of years though 😔
We have thought about setting up some type of untraditional tour or event but have a hard time committing to being in one place for so long. Until then we are always available for private consultations.
Hmmmm....I recognize lots of shots in & around one of our favorite campgrounds, Deep Creek Recreation area. Been to Alaska 4 times & agree with so many points. The North is NOT the dark side of the moon. The roads are worse in the lower 48. People try to do what should be a 3 month trip in 3 weeks mid US rtn. People have no idea how big & how scenic Canada is. What is a shot with a handgun going to do to a bear. It will make him very angry, that is what.
What do you think of a 70 year old woman (retired ER rn) and dog in a Prius? Perhaps staying in a hotel every three nights or so. I have been there on a land/cruise trip and I have a friend near Wasilla. Would I be foolish?
I hope to travel to Alaska from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Starting in June and taking two months to see as much as we can. Traveling with four other couples with various rigs. We hope Covid will be under control by then. The plan is to do a big loop up to Fairbanks down to Anchorage and then back into Canada. Many stops along the way! Any tips are Welcome.
2nd time. I heard you, Don`t be afraid That was cool. we went 7 kids two parents, a month at a time in smoky mountians in Two test .Awsome......... maybe a 3rd time rerun. I read along on transcripts . CC not as good.
After I saw this video, I want to try next time. I will be pulling my small travel trailer (23' long). Did you drive from WA to Alaska via Canada? When is the best time to go?
If you are going I like to drive. Try to find good maps of Canada the only maps I could find on the road changed scale as you went north. the farther north you are the less info there is which I found to be a problem. I have driven 4 round trips. have fun Darold
Of all the Vlogs I follow yours is my favorite for your down to earth presentation. Can you tell me how long do the northern lights hang around before and after the summer time, really want to photograph them on our next journey in 2021. I agree with you about Anchorage, seem a big different in the city between our 2015 and 2018 trips in Alaska.
Thank you very much. The Aurora is actually present year around but when it's light most of the night we can't see it. It starts getting dark later at night in September and around April is the last of the pitch dark.
Hello there. Great vlog!! I drove to Fairbanks last year 2019 in a pickup with my 2 dogs, this year planning to drive again solo w/dogs...with a 30' RV pull trailer and I'm a bit apprehensive about finding pull through gas stations and getting through Canada self-contained. Any advice for me greatly appreciated. 😬
I’ll be up there next summer and stay until October. I’ll be in an overland rig, so pretty compact. BTW, which MyMedic pack do you carry along? You have a 12v freezer but would you recommend I have my catch seal wrapped and flash frozen, before packing it in my freezer.
You’re going to love it in your overland rig, so many great places to get off the main roads and explore. We have their FAK and then we ordered a handful of additional items Rebecca liked from them. You reminded us that we need to make our video about what’s in our first aid kit.
Also do some research on the building and original purpose of the Alaska highway ----Books and RU-vid... lots of history to be found, it will make you appreciate the Hwy that much more
I would be guilty of over-planning but what about excursions such as Meare's Glacier. It looks like it's already being booked from Valdez for August and Sept. I'd love to just roam but it seems I need a specific date far in advance to be sure to have the glacier tour opportunity. What are your thoughts?
Unfortunately the ways of the Lower 48 are catching up with Alaska. Places like the Seward Waterfront Campground are 100% reservation. It’s probably a good idea to make reservations for important things. Thanks for watching.
Excellent, thorough info. I’ll be watching this video several times. Would you recommend changing factory tires to a more durable tire like Lynn & Owen did? Just bought a Ford Transit Van. Gonna do this very soon. Coming up from Georgia. I’m a licensed gun owner? Does that qualify me through Canada or is it more complicated? Where was that beach you were motoring down on the video? Do you still do charters? Would love to catch some of those incredible Halibut 😲😊. Yum. Thank you for this video.
Thanks for watching. Unless the manufacturer put a junk tire on with known problems, I wouldn’t spend the money. It does not transfer to Canada. You’ll need to ship it to a dealer in AK for your stay and send it home the same. Those are the beaches on the western side of the Kenai Peninsula. That specific shot was near Clam Gulch. I haven’t done charters since 2012.
Here’s the video from the beach. DANGEROUS ALASKA OVERLANDING • Gambling with High Tide! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-2yYeUdPteZg.html
I spent 7 months touring BC Yukon and Alaska, and still missed 3/4 of what there is too see, Deffinatly take your time in BC it is FANTASTIC. There are thousands of rec sites that are free to stay at 14 days each, on beautiful lakes, water front feet from your site and at many you'll be all alone or only one or two other wise campers. Get yourself a BC. BACKROADS MAPBOOK, IT WILL SHOW ALL THE FREE AND PAID CAMPSPOTS AND TELL YOU ROAD CONDITIONS AND CAMPSITE SIZE AND LOCATIONS, type of fish to catch and how big they MAY be. Places to put in canoe's kayak's and where to take out. Where the off road trails are and all the hiking trails you could not possibly do in a lifetime. By far the best $20.[can] you'll ever spend CHEERS Steve h.
Hey guys, new subscriber from Calgary here. Thinking about September 2020 if things get back to normal. Do you have any favourite boondocking spots in the interior other than the old Denali hwy? We already did it in 08 and was great 👍 Thanks!
Welcome and thanks for watching. September is a great month to explore the interior. In the middle of august is the start of rainy season along the coast. Have you done the Taylor Highway to Chicken and Eagle? We've never been there but the Petersville Road looks promising. McCarthy Road to Kennicott is amazing. Nabensa Road looks promising. Most people rave about the bear viewing in the fall in Haines. Hope this helps.
Generally speaking you can stay well into September. If you hit snow just stop and wait it out. That time of year it usually doesn’t stick to the roads for long. Nowadays the weather is very unpredictable, but a lot depends on how well your rig handles the cold. Condensation and moisture are tough to control if not adequately insulated.
I totally disagree with bear spray if it's windy not going to work also for someone who does not know how big a grizzly is shooting your bear spray to early is a problem
I guess a rookie could prematurely discharge their bear spray, but if you do that a gun probably wouldn't be much help unless you shoot a bear in a neurological spot like the head, their metabolism keeps their blood oxygenated for a long time.
Go north and keep going, only planning you need to do is to plan to spend the whole summer and then plan to go back next year to do and see things you missed. We went summer of 2018 Class A and a tow car and with friends in there own RVs we had a blast :-)
Please don't let the planning fear stop you! You can plan to infinity and beyond then your plans will be dashed by the first "hiccup" in the plan. It's best to have a loose plan then just do it. My wife and I got our first ever RV on April 15, 2019 then hit the road to Alaska on June 20. We mapped a general route then winged it. Use Google maps to guess your next destination then use camping apps Campendium and Allstays to find a camping location. We winged it for 7 weeks with no campground reservations. We discovered that listening to suggestions of other travelers improved our trip immensely. Stay loose and adventurous and the rest will take care of itself.
You’re going to love it. Keep in touch. Our plan is to ship out next spring. Not sure if we are going to head east, west or south first. There is something very exciting about starting in Asia.
@@outliersoverland Hey cool that you are now starting your world trip. When you are in Europe and explore Iceland and Scandinavia, you will notice that is quite similar to Alaska. Lots of pure nature, wonderful fjords, salmon fishing and free boondocking (at least in Scandinavia, not in Iceland). We will start in March to Caucasus (Turkey, Georgia and Armenia) and Iran. But may be our paths will cross someday.
What, exactly, are "Alaska Things"?!!?😅😅🤔 (do you ALSO recommend a degree?!!) (A MEDICAL DEGREE...or, just a first-aid kit?!!? 😅😅 And...the GUN...!!) .
Nice guidelines but PLEASE DON'T KILL the Beautiful Animals, you have enough food and you don't need to eat them, don't need to entertain yourself on their pain, future generation won't be able to see them if every visitor start killing them off! Please remove the hunting section, pls consider pls
@@outliersoverland imo hunting is needed when there is difficulty getting food in the woods and food now is abundance and convenient, hunting now becomes a pleasure entertainment. If you can, please don't promote. Appreciate if you don't. thank you