Sometimes a nice vacation is all you need to relax and focus on yourself. And, if you’ve chosen Pigeon Forge as your next vacation spot, you’ve already got the first part of planning a trip right. Located in Tennessee, this serene town has something for everyone; it’s no wonder it welcomes more than 10 million people every year. Whether you want to see natural attractions, museums, or parks, Pigeon Forge has got it all.
However, as wonderful as a vacation might sound, planning the perfect trip can be a nightmare. But, with the right steps, you can plan an amazing hassle-free trip.
Although trip organizers can do all the hard work for you, their travel itinerary might not exactly fit your requirements. And, you may end up doing activities you don’t enjoy and hamper your vacation. So, here are some tips to help you plan the perfect trip to Pigeon Forge.
-
Learn more about your destination
Before any trip, it is necessary to learn all about what the place has to offer. This means you should learn about all the different activities or attractions the city has and which ones you should visit.
In Pigeon Forge, you’ll be overwhelmed with the number of things you can do. Here, you can also find many amazing retail stores and factory outlets to satisfy your shopping needs. You can visit the Smoky Mountain National Park, beat the heat at Dollywood, or visit the Island for a fun-filled day with your family.
And it is absolutely necessary to book tickets to the famous Pigeon Forge dinner shows like the Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, and Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
-
Decide the duration of the trip
The next step is to decide how long the trip will be. The duration of your trip depends on your plans. For instance, if you want to tour Pigeon Forge only, you might not need much time, but if you want to visit a neighboring town like Gatlinburg, you can extend your trip.
Here are some things to keep in mind to help you decide the duration of your trip:
- Your mode of transport can determine how many days you’ll need. If you go by air, your trip will be shorter. But, if you decide to go by road, it can extend your trip by a couple of days.
- It is important to keep your budget in mind while deciding how many days you will spend in Pigeon Forge.
- If you plan to stay more than a week, keep an extra day with no planned activities. This will act as a buffer for any problems you may face on your trip.
-
Plan your itinerary
An itinerary will allow you to plan each day of your trip. This includes where you’ll go, things you’ll need, and the time it will take to go from one place to another. If you visit during peak times, you must consider waiting time in cues outside entrances and traffic.
Creating an itinerary is important as it:
- Allows you to make the most out of your budget
- Prevents you from wasting time deciding what to do on your trip
- Prevents you from missing out on any important activities or attractions
- Allows you to book the best deals and get discounts if you plan and make bookings beforehand
-
Get tickets
After the initial planning is complete, the next thing you will need to do is book the tickets. You can travel to Pigeon Forge by bus, air, or car. If you choose to travel by air, you will need to rent a car from the airport to your hotel, as the airport is around 41 miles northwest of Pigeon Forge, i.e., McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). If you know your travel dates, buy cheap non-refundable air tickets. But, if you’re not sure about the dates, get refundable tickets to avoid any issues during rebooking.
Apart from that, if you plan on going during peak season, it is important to book tickets a couple of months in advance to avoid increased fares.
-
Book your accommodations
Booking your hotel beforehand is crucial for a smooth and bump-free trip. You will be tired from traveling already and looking for a hotel on top of that will be stressful. So, it is important to search for suitable accommodation in advance. This way, you will be able to get the best accommodation in your budget, and you might also bag some great deals or discounts.
Pigeon Forge offers some amazing accommodation options for its tourists. These include apartments, hotels, cabins, and villas. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect place to stay:
- Book your hotel through trustworthy booking sites.
- Search for suitable places through travel blogs, guidebooks, or travel websites.
- Consider the location. For instance, check whether restaurants are nearby, if it is close to the bus station, etc.
- Read the hotel’s online reviews.
- Check the facilities or services offered or included in the room price.
-
Pack accordingly
Packing your bags is the last thing you need to do before leaving for your perfect vacation. While packing, it is important to remember the duration of your stay, the weather, and the places you will visit. Here are some tips to help you pack:
- Keep an extra sweater or two, even if the weather is warm.
- Keep hiking shoes and a pair of comfortable shoes for walking long distances.
- Keep a swimsuit if you plan on going to a waterpark.
- Keep a formal dress or something similar if you plan on going to nice restaurants or on dinner dates.
- Remember to keep a first aid kit, allergy medications, or any other medications you might need.
- Pack necessary toiletries.
- Always remember that you need less than what you think while packing.
Conclusion
As good as a vacation might sound, planning one might not be as easy. You may get overwhelmed with all the booking and creating the perfect itinerary to optimize your experience. But, following a step-by-step guide can help make it easier to plan a vacation. So, take out your planner and plan the perfect Pigeon Forge trip with these tips.
