not a popular opinion but....
I really don't like that Anchorage-Fairbanks drive. I was in Anchorage for 6 years before I finally drove it. My brother was visiting from Chicago and wanted to go. It was a very long, mostly boring drive. There was one really cool stop--Hurricane Gulch I think it is called.
Other than that, I didn't care for it. Don't think I'll do again. I usually fly up Fairbanks when I go to a client about 50 miles south of Fairbanks. Then drive that 50 miles.
Anyway, if you can drive one way and fly the other that would probably be best.
Lastly, a little coincidence....my boyfriend who currently lives here in Anchorage is getting ready to move to Australia at the beginning of August. If you have time in Anchorage, send me an email and maybe we can all get together for a drink. There are a few other Anchorage Flyertalkers that would probably be happy to join us.
Stefanie