Page 291 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Alaska

TR A VEL INFORM A TION  289

DIRECTORY
American Automobile
Association
3565 Arctic Blvd, #D5, Anchorage.
Tel 344-4310. ∑ aaa.com
Car Rental Companies
Alamo
Recreational vehicle in Alaska Tel (877) 222-9075.
The Great American RV ∑ alamo.com
Avis
Every summer, people from the Lower 48 head north in motor homes Tel (800) 230-4898.
equipped with every imaginable amenity, including televisions,
satellite dishes, microwaves, gas cans, showers, bicycles, and row- ∑ avis.com
boats. Many pull trailers carrying the family car or a pair of ATVs (all- Budget
terrain vehicle). The snail analogy is enhanced by the fact that the Tel (800) 527-0700.
slow, heavily loaded RVs cannot reach speeds acceptable to drivers of ∑ budget.com
smaller cars, and winding or busy roads can rapidly become jammed
as traffic backs up behind a string of RVs. RV driv ers should note that Cheapwheels Rent-a-Car
in Alaska, drivers must pull over by law if more than five vehicles are 7201 Jewel Lake Rd, Anchorage.
being held up behind their vehicle. Tel 561-8627.
∑ cheapwheelsrentacar.com
Denali Car Rental
limits vary in towns, and during 244-mile (390-km) leg between
school hours, limits in school Coldfoot and Deadhorse on the 1209 Gambell Street, Anchorage.
Tel (800) 757-1230.
zones drop to 20 mph (30 kmph). Dalton Highway.
Local police and the Alaska Enterprise
State Troopers enforce speed Tel (800) 261-7331.
limits with particular vigilance Off-Road Driving ∑ enterprise.com
in and around Anchorage, While traveling in remote parts
Fairbanks, and Juneau, and in of Alaska, it is important to Hertz
road construction zones and have the latest maps, check the Tel (800) 654-3131.
‘safety corridors’ (Anchorage– route in advance, and be aware ∑ hertz.com
Girdwood, Sterling–Soldotna, of seasonal dangers. If there is Thrifty
Wasilla–Knik, and Wasilla–Big a chance of snowfall, it may be Tel (800) 367-2277.
Lake), traffic fines are doubled. best to change plans, as snow ∑ thrifty.com
The blood alcohol content could make an other wise
limit in Alaska is 0.08 percent viable route impassable and RV Rentals
and there are heavy penalties few minor roads are main-
for driving while drunk. tained in the winter. A 4WD ABC Motorhome Rentals
is essential in many areas, 3875 Old International Airport
especially in the winter and Rd, Anchorage. Tel 279-2000,
Gas Stations (800) 421-7456.
during the spring thaw. Minor
Fuel is much cheaper in the US routes may have unbridged ∑ abcmotorhome.com
than in Europe, but prices do river crossings that become Alaska Motorhome Rentals
vary, and gas is sold by the impassable to low-clearance 150 N Ingra St, Anchorage.
gallon, not by the liter. In remote vehicles after rain, and many Tel (800) 323-5757, 277-0877.
areas, drivers may pay a third forestry roads are little more ∑ bestofalaskatravel.com
more than they would in major than parallel ruts meant for
cities, and prices may double logging trucks. Avoid driving Clippership Motorhome
along the Dalton Highway and off-track, as it damages Rentals
other gravel roads. All stations are vegetation and increases the Tel (800) 421-3456.
self-service, and take most major risk of the vehicle bogging. ∑ clippershiprv.com
credit cards at the pump. At While information about Cruise America
non-automated stations, drivers the weather and routes will 2230 Cinnabar Loop, Anchorage.
may have to pay in advance. be available at tourist offices, Tel (800) 671-8042.
The cheapest gas is found at local residents should also be ∑ cruiseamerica.com
stores such as Fred Meyer, Carrs, able to help. It is wise to inform
and Costco. Those trav eling local tourist offices of your Great Alaskan Holidays
on remote routes should carry route and return date, and 9800 Old Seward Hwy,
extra gas as stations can be few report back to them upon Anchorage. Tel 248-7777.
and far between. The longest returning. Carry extra water, ∑ greatalaskanholidays.com
stretch without fuel is the food, and gas for emer gencies.

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