Taking a vacation isn’t always all fun and games. While your vacation is supposed to be stress free, relaxing, and rejuvenating, most vacationers expect there to be some bumps in the road. Whether it’s unexpected travel delays, angsty teens, or forgetting to pack your most important item, vacationers to the Great Smoky Mountains often encounter some sort of glitch on their getaway.
Aside from the physical aspects of travel, you can also encounter some trouble when it comes to combining multiple personalities on a family vacation. Weather also plays a factor, as do money concerns and time (there simply never seems to be enough of it). Luckily, there are many tactics, tips, and tricks you can use to make your Pigeon Forge vacation as stress free as possible. Check out our helpful hints below and you can enjoy looking forward to a stress-free Pigeon Forge vacation.
Take everyone in to account.
This is especially important when you are traveling with a large group or many family members. While you may be fascinated by the historical sites Pigeon Forge has to offer, other members of your group may crave more action. Start off by making a list, writing down one thing that every member of your group would like to do. Then, plan accordingly – create an itinerary and decide if your group is okay with splitting up for a day. You can even combine some plans – Dad wants to ride roller coasters, but Mom wants to go see live music? Combine both and go to Dollywood, where the park offers amusement park rides as well as musical stages with band performances.
Set a budget.
When you are on your Pigeon Forge vacation, the last thing you may want to think about is the stress of finances. Avoid spending too much by setting a budget ahead of time. You don’t necessarily have to plan out all of your expenses – account for large items, such as trips to attractions, dinner shows, or tours, and fill in additional expenses for gas, snacks, and souvenirs. It helps to plan how many times you plan on dining out – preparing meals in our Pigeon Forge cabin rentals with full kitchens can save you big bucks! We also have budget-friendly cabins, so be sure to check them out!
Don’t over plan.
Think you can drive to the Smokies, see the Titanic Museum, go to the Lumberjack Feud, and ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island all in one night? Think again. One of the main stressors on vacation comes from over planning your schedule. Allow yourself plenty of time to catch planes, drive cars, or ride the trolley. Select the attractions you would most like to see and set them as your only priority – if you and your family feel up to it, you can add additional adventures in during your stay. By setting reasonable expectations, you and your family can enjoy some relaxing free time.
Disconnect.
It can be tempting to check your work email or voicemail while you’re on your Pigeon Forge cabin vacation, but try to resist the urge. You requested your time off, your boss knows you are on vacation, so enjoy it! On the same note, don’t expect your vacation to magically make all of your issues at home disappear. A vacation can allow you to see things from a different point of view, perhaps allowing you to come up with a different solution to an issue. Take your time off to relax and decompress.
Pamper yourself.
Vacation is about feeling swept away from home. Do things you wouldn’t do at home, relax, and take time to pamper yourself. Unwind in a hot tub, soak in an indoor jetted tub, sleep in, and kick up your feet as you enjoy Smoky Mountain views. Just spend some time at a slower pace. Read that book you haven’t had time to crack open and enjoy the peace of the mountains!
