Also, what time of year? I have always wanted to go and might finally make it next year. That’s a BIG state though…
My thought is to rent a small RV and do some touring. Maybe spend a day or two fishing.
Big question I didn't see an answer to is if you're driving from Vermont or flying into Alaska and then rent?
First time, it makes sense to do it when you have good daylight to see traveling which means sometime during the summer months.
I really wish I would of kept journals when travling when I was younger, and back then you'd always have to get your film developed when you came back.
For the locals, what is the train that you ride in your car ON TOP of the train? You go through a tunnel for a while and just an interesting experience riding your car strapped to the top of a train looking at the sights on the railway. Pretty certain I was around Valdeez or Whittier, but can't find anything on it online now. Think I took a ferry out of Valdeez though which means it should have been Whittier.
Been up there a couple of times, but over 20 years ago. It's a GREAT place to visit, but not sure about living (which I'm certain is fine with the locals LOL). ANYWHERE you drive, it will pretty much be an interesting time. Do remember driving up to Fairbanks, at least then, a drive you won't foget.
Denali is a must IMO.
My parents went after I told them about it and they loved it. Mom took a plane over the park and she has it on video, mountains were spectactular.
As others mentioned, checking out the glaciers is a must as well IMO.
When mom passed, dad started taking trips up to flyfish up there and he loved it (he still worked part time at a fly shop and they would run trips up). That said, he flew in, flew onto and out of the river and there was an outfitter who put him up in a bunk for his stay. Basic guided trip, be he ALWAYS loved it.
That said, it's been so long ago that perhaps things have drastically changed, but with Alaska not certain how much it could have changed.
Not sure about the passport debate, but as my wife and I are getting older and planning on more travel when the boy moves out, wife hit the nail on the head and told me we're just getting our passports so we don't have to worry about anywhere we want to go and just be done with it.