vagabond

My husband and I have 2 weeks of vacation at the end of July, and we're thinking of visiting Alaska. We will be flying AS since we have one of these $99 Companion Fare thingies.

We've never been there before so should we go to Anchorage, Fairbanks or Juneau? Rent a car to visit all of three and then some? Take a bus?

What is the weather like then?

Can we really see Russia?

HSLD

First, yes you can see Russia, just make sure you have a smart phone with Google Maps. Works great!

I'd suggest Anchorage, rent a car and enjoy the drive from ANC to Seward (maybe a side trip through Girdwood and Whittier) and plan on many roadside stops. If you don't want to drive, take the train down to Seward for the day. In fact it's probably safer to take the train as you won't be looking at the road if you drive. Details here: Alaska Railroad Corporation > Home

Once back to ANC, you could also take the train up to Denali (or drive) to check out the park.

Weather is unpredictable, aside from planing on Alaska's four seasons: June, July, August, and Winter. July on the Kenai is better than weather in the Denali park in general, but you never know.

Bring bug dope, or just buy it at the ANC REI. goop-up.

In ANC I could give you lots of recommendations, just tell us what you wont to do.

FlyJSH

Indeed. Mosquitoes suck, but Black Flies will suck you dry!

Twin Wasp

Remember, there is no road to Juneau.

MD10PLT

How much time do you have. One of the more common trips is to rent an RV and make the loop from Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, GLennallen, Valdez, Anchorage. Lots to see along the way and can take between 1-2 weeks. Get a copy of the book "Milepost", it's online too. It will have all the required information on tourism and necessities along any road in Alaska. On second thought, having a copy of Milepost in Alaska isn't just nice, it's kind of a requirement. There aren't a lot of services along the roads and it can been a very long way between them, easy to get in trouble without the required trip planning.

One could also fill an entire week with just visiting the Kenai peninsula and Anchorage area. Third week in July is the largest Red Salmon run on the Kenai. Great halibut fishing too. Watch out for the grizzlies on the Russian river, been chased away a couple times myself.

As far as weather; its a statistical fact, in July you have a higher probability of seeing a brown bear in Denali than seeing the peak of Mt McKinley. Be prepared for rain at about 40 degrees. With that said, July is the best month.