I made that trip last year from West Virginia. Helped a friend move to Anchorage for a new job. It was an incredible drive to say the least and I will be doing it again. If your family likes driving adventures and seeing different things, then by all means take them. If they don't like long drives and all they will do is moan and groan, then I would fly them up. I plan on taking 3 weeks to get to Anchorage to visit my friend the next time and maybe 2 weeks back home. it will be a trip you will remember for a long time. I would take the vehicle that can handle some off road driving, nothing extreme, unless you want that. Also, make sure it can carry all your equipment for camping and minimal hotel stays. Enjoy it!