Your First(?) Alaska Trip Made Easy; What to Pack, What to Wear, What to Do

Your First(?) Alaska Trip Made Easy; What to Pack, What to Wear, What to Do

Planning an Alaska vacation can feel big. Remote. Wild. Maybe even a little intimidating.

The good news? An RV trip with Great Alaskan Holidays turns Alaska into one of the most comfortable, family-friendly road trips in North America. You’ve got your hotel, kitchen, and adventure-mobile all in one.

This guide walks you through the practical stuff — what to pack, what to wear, etc. — so you can book with confidence and start dreaming about wildlife, glaciers, and wide-open roads.

🚐 Why an RV Is the Best Way to Experience Alaska

Alaska RV trip ideas aren’t just popular — they’re practical.

  • No constant packing and unpacking between hotels
  • Kitchen onboard = easy family meals & lower food costs
  • Bathroom access anytime (huge win with kids)
  • Stay right where the scenery is
  • Wildlife sightings often happen right from the road
  • Total flexibility if weather or plans change

For families especially, an RV removes stress and adds freedom.

Flying Into Anchorage: What Happens Next?

Your adventure starts at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Alaska’s main gateway.

What to expect on arrival day:

  • Although there is certainly some flexibility when booking flights into Anchorage, many arrive late evening or around midnight
  • If you are arriving after normal business hours, you may choose to stay in your RV as an ‘After Hours Pickup’.  Here is a link containing all of the relevant information for this type of an arrival https://www.greatalaskanholidays.com/pages/pickup-return-process.  You will need to grab your own transportation from the airport for this type of early arrival.
  • If you are arriving during normal business hours, please take advantage of the Great Alaskan Holidays Complimentary Airport Shuttle Service.  Simply give them a call when you land and we’ll take it from there.
  • Or, plan to stay at an airport-area hotel or other area lodging your first night
  • Get a good night’s sleep before pickup day

Getting to Great Alaskan Holidays the next day:

  • The rental facility is about 10–15 minutes from the airport
  • Complimentary airport shuttle service, Taxi, or rideshare is quick and easy
  • Many guests schedule a pickup time mid-morning or early afternoon
  • Allow about an hour for orientation — they walk you through everything

That orientation is key: by the time you leave, you’ll know how to drive, park, hook up, and operate the RV comfortably.

What to Pack for an Alaska RV Rental Adventure

Good news: you don’t need to overpack. Alaska summer travel is about layers and smart essentials.

Clothing Basics (Think Layers)

  • Light jacket or fleece
  • Waterproof rain jacket (essential)
  • Long-sleeve shirts
  • T-shirts
  • Comfortable jeans or travel pants
  • Leggings or lounge pants
  • Sleepwear
  • Undergarments & socks

Footwear

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Waterproof hiking shoes or boots
  • Flip-flops or slip-ons for campgrounds

Weather & Comfort Gear

  • Sunglasses (long daylight hours!)
  • Hat or cap
  • Light gloves (great for boat tours or chilly mornings)
  • Small backpack for day trips

Personal Essentials

  • Toiletries
  • Medications
  • Insect repellant
  • Sunscreen (yes, even in Alaska)
  • Lip balm
  • Refillable water bottles
  • Camera (or iPhone) with charged batteries or re-chargers

RV & Road Trip Helpful Items

  • Snacks for driving days
  • Travel coffee mug
  • Reusable grocery bags
  • Phone chargers & car adapter
  • Portable battery pack
  • Camera or smartphone with storage space

What to Wear in Alaska in Summer

Alaska summer isn’t freezing — but it’s not beach weather either.

Typical summer temps: 50s–70s°F

The Golden Rule: Dress in Layers

  • Base layer: T-shirt or long sleeve
  • Mid layer: Fleece or hoodie
  • Outer layer: Waterproof jacket

For Glacier Cruises or Boat Tours

  • Warm layer
  • Hat
  • Windproof jacket

For Hiking & Wildlife Viewing

  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Light jacket in your daypack
  • Bug spray (especially in June & July)

Reducing First-Time RV Travel Anxiety

It’s normal to wonder, “Can we really do this?” The answer: absolutely.

Here’s why families feel confident after pickup:

  • You have immediate access to an Orientation Video, as well as a physical book manual inside of each motorhome, both of which are very, very thorough
  • RVs drive more like large vans than buses
  • Campgrounds are built for beginners
  • You’ll see other RV travelers everywhere
  • Support is available if questions come up

Most first-time guests say by Day 2 they feel like pros.

Best Alaska Road Trips for First-Time RV Travelers

If you’re searching best Alaska road trips, these routes are favorites:

1. Anchorage → Seward (Kenai Peninsula)

  • Mountains, glaciers, coastal wildlife
  • Great for boat tours and marine life
  • Scenic highway driving

2. Anchorage → Talkeetna

  • Quirky small town
  • Incredible views of Denali on clear days
  • Easy, relaxed drive

3. Anchorage → Homer

  • Dramatic ocean views
  • Halibut fishing capital
  • Beachcombing and wildlife

4. Anchorage → Denali Area

  • Big landscapes
  • Moose sightings common
  • Iconic Alaska scenery

These are the core of many unforgettable Alaska RV trip ideas.

Food & Groceries: Easier Than You Think

  • Major grocery stores in Anchorage before departure (WalMart, Carrs/Safeway, etc…all within a couple of minutes from your pick up) 
  • Smaller stores in most towns
  • RV kitchens include stove, fridge, and storage
  • Cooking a few meals saves time and money

Pro tip: Shop once in Anchorage for staples, then refill along the way.

The Real Magic of an Alaska RV Vacation

The moments you can’t plan:

  • A moose by the roadside
  • Eagles overhead
  • Kids skipping rocks at a glacial lake
  • Sun still shining at 10 PM

An RV doesn’t just take you to Alaska — it lets you live in it….it lets you experience Alaska!

Ready to Turn “Someday” Into This Summer?

With the right packing list, a smooth arrival plan, and easy road trip routes, an Alaska RV vacation becomes simple, comfortable, and unforgettable.

And once you’re on the road, you’ll wonder why you ever felt nervous in the first place.