We just returned from a 22 rig caravan to Alaska ...71 days w/36 total in Alaska. Caravan travel has pluses (route planning; reservations for campgrounds; reservations/arrangements for tours etc you likely would not do on your own; social opportunities; support group; etc) and it's minuses (group schedule, personalities, etc). Most caravans provide some opportunity for independence along the way, but people who "don't play well with others" likely won't like a caravan. We enjoyed the caravan and know that we saw things we would not have seen on our own. On the one hand we would liked to have spent more time in some places, but on the other hand that would require that we spend more time or skip other places. Like I said ...pluses and minuses ...a caravan can be a great way to see new places, but solo travel can also be rewarding ...take your pick, and enjoy your choice.