Nascarcruzin
Home is where the RV is parked.
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Joined: 01/06/2005
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This thread reminds me of the Wal-Mart thread, if you take a caravan or stay at WM, you may be criticized. There is much to offer using a caravan. I will PM you.
Ronnie & Rebecca
Check out our journal: North to Alaska
Another website to view our trip to Alaska:
Adventure to Alaska
FMCA #388387
Full-time RVer's since 2004
Monaco LaPalma Workhorse chassis 37' 2-slides
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Ken & Barbie
New Boston, MI, USA
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Joined: 07/19/2004
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i agree with Kitchenl7, we also used RV Alaska Tours. We highly reccommend Spike. He has a mechanic on staff, external defibrulator, satellitephone and vhf rdios for clients as well as wireless internet access via his portable setup.
To use or not use a caravan does bring out a lot of discussion.
Ken and Barbie
Ken & Barb
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bee_46
Jarrettsville, Md
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Joined: 02/03/2005
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We have traveled twice by ourselves, but ran into three caravans toward the end of our trip this year. After talking with those folks with the caravan we did find out that if you have trouble and get left behind you can join a later caravan with the same company coming through. They had someone join them from an earlier trip. Thinking along those lines it might be wise to pick a trip earlier in the schedule rather than one at the end of the season or at least check out if that is a particular company's policy. Most of the folks we talked to with the caravans were enjoying themselves. We just choose to be more flexible with our schedule.
Bobbie
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NevadaJim
Minden Nevada U.S.A.
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Joined: 11/04/2004
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We went with the Good Sam tour and it was a great experance. The travel times were relaxed and flexable,the tours were great and plentiful,meals were best in the area and the wagonmasters were knowable,pleasent and helpful. I would recomend them without any reservations. An add plus were the people on the tour we made many new friends that we still see or hear from. Have fun
JimandJerry@charter.net
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427435
Rochester, Mn
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Joined: 11/12/2005
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Aerosnitch,
What kind of a rig and how old is it? I understand your logic for wanting to go with a guided tour. More important, however, is what shape is your RV in. At most, your tour "guide" will just arrange you getting towed to the nearest service facility. If parts are needed, you will be stuck there for several days while the tour group goes on and leaves you behind. So much for their support---you should ask what happens to your paid for campsites, group dinners, and local sightseeing tours if you can't keep up due to mechanical problems.
Consider spending the money that a tour service charges you (above and beyond what campsites would otherwise cost you) and invest in a road service policy (coach net is highly recommended) and having someone go over your RV.
Mark
2000 Itasca Suncruiser 35U on a Ford chassis
2003 Ford Explorer toad with US Gear brakes,
ReadyBrute tow bar, and Demco base plate.
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Bmach
Spfld, Ma
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Joined: 08/26/2004
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I too question the reason for a tour group. Yes I do understand the security of it while you are with them. My wife and I like making out own plans and being able to stay longer or leave earlier if we choose to. We can see what we want when we want to. If you concerned about breaking down while between towns rent a satellite phone and you are never out of reach. Use the internet and arrange your plans during the winter and go from there. If you feel the need to go in group go for it, you need to do what will make you feel comfortable. Enjoy AK is a wonderful place to see!
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Nascarcruzin
Home is where the RV is parked.
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Joined: 01/06/2005
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Just wanted to make one more point for a caravan. I wanted to whitewater raft in Denali, dh did not want to go. It was so very nice to go with a group of people I was familiar with, instead of being a single woman, feeling alone.
Rebecca
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wayne_tw
South Dakota/Georgia
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Joined: 07/21/2007
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I have been on one caravan, and I did and saw things I would not have otherwise seen and done. Yes, some of it is pretty stupid, and with the herd mentality I sometimes even laughed at myself. As far as safety is concerned, I don't think that is an issue in an Alaska trip. Yes there are many long spaces between towns, but no more than anywhere in the lower 48. In short, if you enjoy organized tours, you will enjoy a caravan. If you like to explore on your own without someone else dictating your schedule, then you will not like a caravan. I would not, however, just go on an Alaskan caravan just for the safety factor.
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