What to lock in, in order. The top items are time-sensitive.
The trip framework is set: dates, route, and who we are staying with. What is left are the open choices below. They are ordered by urgency, most urgent first. Two bookings can sell out, so do those first.
Ferry or drive on July 9?
NowThis is how we get from Valdez back to Anchorage for the night flight home. The ferry is the scenic option through Prince William Sound, but it is the only sailing that day, so missing it means scrambling. Driving the Richardson and Glenn highways is safe and flexible, with no fixed departure.
This choice gates the next item: the ferry vehicle slot can only be booked once we commit to the ferry.
Recommended: the ferry, with the drive as a fallback if it is sold out or the timing feels tight.
Decide this week, so the ferry can be booked before it sells out.
Book the ferry vehicle reservation (if taking the ferry)
NowAMHS ferry from Valdez to Whittier, July 9, 7:00 am. Reserve the vehicle plus 2 adults plus 1 child; the 5-year-old travels free. Only about 33 vehicles fit per sailing and summer space sells out, which makes this the single most urgent booking of the whole trip.
Book as soon as the ferry choice is made.
ASAP. This is the item most likely to sell out.
Which Valdez cruise, and book it?
NowPick from three boats: the Columbia, the Meares, or the Lu-Lu Belle. July is peak season, so seats go early. Stan Stephens refunds in full if you cancel 16 or more days out, so booking now carries little risk.
Recommended: the Stan Stephens Columbia Glacier cruise (10:30 am, 6 hours, kid-friendly).
Book before about June 22 to stay inside the full-refund window, which is 16 days before the July 8 cruise.
Confirm Glennallen lodging (July 5-6)?
SoonPlan A is the Funky Château Airbnb in Kenny Lake. The fallbacks are staying with the Marchinis or booking the Copper River Princess Lodge. The Airbnb is a single cabin that can book up, and the Marchinis need advance notice, so this needs a nudge soon.
Recommended: confirm the Funky Château dates now, or lock a fallback if it is unavailable.
Within a week or two. This is a remote area with few rooms.
Book Valdez lodging (July 7-8)?
SoonNot chosen yet. There are plenty of Airbnbs in Valdez; aim for one near the harbor with a kitchen so we are close to the cruise dock and can cook.
Recommended: pick and book a harbor-area Airbnb.
Soon. Peak July fills up.
First night plan with the Nelsons (July 2)?
LaterAfter landing and picking up the car from the Nelsons in Anchorage, we either stay the night in Anchorage or drive straight to the cabin.
Recommended: settle this with the Nelsons based on arrival time and energy.
Closer to the trip.
July 5 stop on the drive to Glennallen?
LaterRoom for a short hike and a glacier view. The Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site has easy trails to overlooks, or we can settle for quick pull-offs along the highway.
Recommended: the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site as the one-stop choice. No booking.
Day-of.
If we drive on July 9, which hike?
LaterIf we take the drive instead of the ferry, there is room for one easy hike, for example Thunderbird Falls near Anchorage. No booking.
Day-of, and only if we choose the drive.
Anchorage on July 9 before the flight?
LaterA few hours in town in the afternoon or evening. Pick a dinner and maybe a short walk before heading to the airport. No booking.
Day-of.