Cruise America RV rental has great advice on Anchorage and the surrounding area from renowned Alaska travel writer Tricia Brown, author of The World-Famous Alaska Highway and former editor of ALASKA magazine.

When you rent an RV in Anchorage, keep in mind that travel routes are limited. "You can go north or south," Brown says. "That's it." So pick a direction - or stay in Anchorage for great cultural and historic sightseeing - and read on for Tricia's expert advice on places to take your Anchorage RV rental.

Trips in Anchorage

No Alaska RV road trip is complete without spending time in the city of Anchorage. Backed by the Chugach Mountains and surrounded by national forest on one side and water on the other, this city of 350,000 residents is an island in a sea of natural elements - and a beautiful one at that. "In the summer they call it the city of flowers," Brown says. "The blooms are so big because of the midnight sun - it's a short, intense growing season."

For a cultural experience, take your Anchorage RV rental to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where you'll find historical and contemporary exhibits on the native peoples of Alaska, from American Indians to Eskimos. "They have native artists there who are working on carving or doll making," Brown says. "It's a great immersion way to see what life was like for them, and what life still continues to be."

Trips to the North

Head north from the city on Glenn Highway with your Anchorage RV rental and you'll enter a fisherman's paradise in no time at all: Palmer, just 40 miles northeast. "You can get a fishing charter lined up ahead of time," Brown says, so it's easy to plan your fishing trip in Anchorage, Alaska here.

If you're feeling adventurous, head to the historic village of Talkeetna, around 120 miles north of Anchorage at the base of Mount McKinley, North America's tallest peak. The jumping-off spot for experienced climbers heading up the mountain, Talkeetna also offers recreation for those less prepared to scale mountaintops. "Your average Joe can get a flightseeing trip and fly around the peaks of Mount McKinley," Brown advises.

Finally, no Anchorage RV rental vacation is complete without dog sledding. Head to Wasilla, just 10 miles from Palmer, for the Iditarod headquarters, where you can ride on a go-kart behind a team of sled dogs and tour the dog-mushing museum.

RV Trips South of Anchorage

Drive south in your Anchorage RV rental and you'll discover the Kenai Peninsula, where "every month has a rush of different Salmon," Brown notes. From Russian River Reds to the Kenai Kings, this is the ideal place for a fishing trip in Anchorage, Alaska. Known for its Russian Orthodox roots, the peninsula is also home to distinctive blue onion-dome churches and, like much of the state, excellent seafood options.

Try Homer, an "arts community-slash-fishing town," Brown says, for stunning ocean views and fun, friendly locals. Or take your Anchorage RV rental to Whittier, 75 miles southwest of Anchorage, for a marine life-filled day cruise.

Finally, Seward, around two hours from Anchorage, is a must-see on your Alaska summer vacation trip. "Even on the rainy days, it's breathtakingly beautiful. If you don't have any money, you can just walk the docks," Brown says. "Seward has the Alaska SeaLife Center, where there's marine research going on, but it's also a living museum."