UPDATE ON THE ALASKA TRIP PRICING COMPARISON
ABD Alaska
July 16-23, 2018
$5,099 pp x2 = $10,198 for 2 people, 1 room
Hotels:
All hotels assume 1 Queen/King or 2 doubles, whichever is cheaper, and double occupancy.
Anchorage Marriott Downtown, 1 night = $359.95+$43.19 tax = 403.14
Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge, 1 night = $336 + $16.80 tax = $352.80
Grand Denali Lodge, 2 nights = $479x2 + 7% tax = $1,025.06
The Hotel Alyeska, 3 nights = $389x3 + tax = $1,337.04
Hotel Total = $3,118.04
Transportation:
Since there basically isn't any public transportation in the area, I will use the price for a rental car instead:
Pickup and Return at ANC Airport from July 16 to July 23 = $650 + gas, approximately $706
Meals (all prices are for 2):
Day 1:
Welcome Dinner at Bridge Seafood: Prices not listed, based on reviews about $90
Day 2:
Breakfast at hotel: $38
Private BBQ Lunch: $30 (estimate)
Dinner at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge: $130
Day 3
Breakfast at Talkeetna Roadhouse: $30
Lunch: Included in train ride, see below
Dinner at Alpenglow Restaurant: $140
Day 4
Breakfast at Alpenglow: $50
Lunch at Denali Park Salmon Bake: $80
Dinner on your own
Day 5
Breakfast at Alpenglow: $50
Lunch at Pizza Thyme: $60
Dinner on your own
Day 6
Breakfast at hotel: $50
Lunch on your own
Dinner included in Rafting Tour, see below
Day 7
Breakfast at hotel: $50
Lunch on your own
Farewell Dinner at Hotel Alyeska: $150
Day 8
Breakfast at hotel: $50
Total for all meals: $998
Activities:
Day 1
N/A
Day 2
Alaska Native Heritage Center: $50
Bike and Kayak Rental: $170
Day 3
Alaska Railroad Goldstar Car: $442
Day 4
Canyon Water Run Rafting: $194
Day 5
Happy Trails Kennels Dog Sledding Tour/Demonstration: Price not available, but since there is no sled ride included, estimate at $40
Day 6
Gold Panning: $40
Spencier Glacier Float Trip and Dinner: $853.04
Day 7
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: $34
Day 8
N/A
Total for all activities: $1,823.04
Summary:
Lodging: $3,118.04
Transportation: $706
Meals: $998
Activities: $1,823.04
Grand Total: $6,645.08
Price difference: $10,198 - $6,645.08 = $3,552.92
Things included in ABD but not included in booking on your own:
2 Guides familiar with the area acting as your personal concierge
Luggage service at all hotels and the airport
Private transportation that does not involve driving yourself
Several private meals at the restaurants mentioned above
Separate activities for children
Because this trip involves so many outdoor activities, it can be exhausting, so don't underestimate the value of things like charter buses and luggage service. Alaska is beautiful, but the weather and nature is unforgiving, even in the summer, so having local guides and organized outdoor activities feels much safer than just showing up and doing some hikes on your own. This is especially true in Denali, where there are very few hiking trails, and the ones that exist are somewhat extreme (the park encourages off-trail hiking, so they don't disturb the wildlife too much). I personally feel like I would want to spend more time on my own in untouched nature than doing organized activities, so I don't think this trip is for me. However, if you want a hassle free, safe way to see the wonder that is Alaska, then the activities they have planned are pretty spectacular. This is also great for varying ages of kids, since most activities are not too strenuous, or there are alternatives.
Biggest tip: make sure to make use of the on your own time in Denali. The park offers buses that take you deep into the park, where you'll get spectacular views of the mountains and possibly see bears, wolves, and moose in the wild. I don't think 2 afternoons is enough time to properly see the park, so maybe consider extending your trip by taking the train from Girdwood to Denali, or renting a car at the airport to explore the state park.
But the more I read on here (very helpful for planning DIY trips
), the more I think maybe one day.... I like how the kids form their own group and do kid friendly activities while the adults tour something else.
