Gatlinburg is one of the most picturesque tourist destinations in Tennessee. Located in the eastern side of Tennessee, practically in the footsteps of the Great Smoky Mountains and next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is a great place to unwind from your hectic daily routine.
You will find solace in cruising through the winding roads and taking in all the fresh mountain air.
For those tourists who are outdoor-loving, Gatlinburg is a great place. The famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood, Ober Mountain Amusement Park, Gatlinburg Sky Park, and Gatlinburg Space Needle make this vacation spot a must-visit place for tourists. Other than these, you can visit Wonder Works, Titanic Museum, Dollywood, and Ripley’s Aquarium with your family. Kids will get a lifetime experience enjoying the sights and sounds of these famous places buzzing with so much energy.
Sound exciting? Well, here are some tips to plan your vacation in Gatlinburg. Having some practical information about the city beforehand will assist you in planning a better trip.
Do Some Research on What You Can Do There
Gatlinburg shows are such fun that one finds it hard to miss out on them. These shows range from comedy to dinner shows to high-flying acrobatics. The performers are real professionals who know how to engage their audience and maintain their attention.
Downtown Gatlinburg is also a happening place. Spend some time downtown exploring various places. There are eateries, including steakhouses, and a lot of shopping destinations.
One amazing way to get an idea of the activities there is to check out the Gatlinburg live cam footage of a specific attraction to understand what’s unique about it.
Get Information About the Off-Season
The off-season falls in the spring, later part of fall, and by the end of the winter. When the weather isn’t very comfortable, there will be fewer visitors, and hotel rates may be lower than during peak season. So, always keep the season in mind before planning your trip. In addition, keep in mind when certain festivals and events take place because such events attract a large number of tourists, which can increase the prices of hotels and transport.
How to Create Your Itinerary?
Planning the itinerary is the next very important step toward your vacation plan in Gatlinburg. Don’t take this task easy. The itinerary is dependent upon how long and what type of vacation spots you intend to visit.
Remember, there are many adventures and attractions at Gatlinburg, so you must pick the ones you and your family prefer. Learn about the local culture through food, décor, customs, and day-to-day activities of the people and enjoy it, as traveling is the best way to learn about new things in an exciting and fun way.
Make a Budget
Set a budget. Know what each attraction costs, and make estimates of the prices of food and luxuries. Also, set a reserve for any additional expenses during your trip.
Gatlinburg’s vacation can fall heavy on your budget if you don’t consciously try to economize the trip. There are ways to economize, which you must consider before finalizing your travel itinerary. These include booking the tickets in advance on the discount offers, which will not only be economical but will also save the hassle of long queues.
Here are some tips to stay within your budget.
- For the sake of economizing your budget, remember to spend more time in the places which are for free and don’t get lured into a shopping spree. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great place to spend time, and there are no charges for that.
- Use the trolley to avoid paying the parking fee.
- If you are staying in a hotel with a complimentary breakfast, have a good breakfast and skip your lunch. You can consider some local restaurants for a relatively inexpensive supper at some place outside the hotel. If you are staying at a resort that has a kitchen or kitchenette, you can cook your own meals on some days to manage your expenses.
Decide Where to Stay
Where you’ll stay in Gatlinburg is an important decision you must make. The accommodation ranges from hotels to cabins on the mountainside. Where hotels in the downtown can be more comfortable, the cabins provide a perfect mountain view. Whatever option of accommodation, it has its own pros and cons. You will have to weigh up your options based on your budget, comfort, and convenience.
The Transportation
After the accommodation, transport affects your budget. Therefore, choose your options carefully. McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee, is the most suitable and closer airport. There are taxis; however, these can be expensive and are not an economical option if you have to travel outdoors. A rental car is a good alternative.
Travel Light
As the age-old tradition travel lesson goes, always travel light. It will help you stay comfortable and make moving about relatively easier. Your packing should also be done in a similar manner so that your baggage carrying doesn’t become cumbersome.
The Cuisine
While vacationing, the tourists must know the local cuisine. Gatlinburg’s pancakes are widely known for their special flavor, and ham is a delicacy here.
Don’t Forget to Have a Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is always recommended when planning a vacation to Gatlinburg or anywhere, for that matter. A number of road accidents occur, and without travel insurance, you can find yourself in trouble and end up spending a lot on the damages.
Get Ready for the Day with the Go Bag
In the Go Bag, put your belongings like a camera, snacks, water, cash, passport, glasses, and sunscreen. This is especially important if you plan to walk outdoors a lot.
Conclusion
What’s great about traveling to Gatlinburg is that there’s something for everyone. So, whether you’re going solo, with your partner, or with your family and kids, you can be sure to have an exciting time there.