With the arrival of long-awaited summers, you can finally enjoy 8-9 weeks of pure relaxation and entertainment. If you’re part of the 85% of Americans considering vacationing this summer, why not make it memorable by planning a perfect trip? The country offers something for everyone, from stunning beaches like Sullivan’s Island to the serene Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the nearby town of Pigeon Forge, which has 10 million yearly visitors.
However, before you pack your bags and head off to these stunning vacation destinations, you need thorough research to map out your summer game plan. You will need a USA Sim Card to help you navigate without the fuzz. You can also use a Travel Esim that allows you to use different SIMs without needing to replace a physical SIM card. Utilize the following strategies to ensure a smooth, memorable, and exciting trip.
Selecting the Perfect Destination
With so many incredible destinations, how do you choose the best vacation spot? Going somewhere relaxing but exciting without breaking the bank is ideal. So, consider the following factors while choosing your location.
- Weather and climate
- Local culture
- Attractions
- Trip duration
- Accessibility
You can read travel blogs or browse through photographs to gain in-depth information about potential destinations. Looking for a top-ranked summer destination like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park would be best. According to Travel USA, it ranks as the 15th best summer vacation in 2023 because of its scenic beauty and cost-effectiveness. You can experience the wilderness of the mountains and explore Pigeon Forge at the same time.
Pigeon Forge is only a 20-minute drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so you can easily access the activities in both of these parts during your trip. This destination ticks all the boxes on your bucket list. You can enjoy entertainment throughout your trip with comfortable weather and moderate summers, fun attractions like indoor flying, and free concerts on The Island at Pigeon Forge. For the best experience, consider planning a vacation to summer utopias like Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains, which are popular tourist hubs.
Preparing for the Trip
Almost 50% of Americans don’t plan their vacation days. It is an understandable issue with the clashing schedules of each family member. However, knowing how long everyone’s vacation days are and planning a trip can ensure everyone makes the most of their summer. Here are a few other preparations you should make:
Manage your budget
According to a 2022 summer vacation survey, 33% of American vacationers went over budget, with 27% reporting spending over $2,000 on their last trip. Furthermore, 80% of Americans have changed their summer plans due to inflation. You don’t have to compromise on your dream vacation.
- Setting your priorities and allocating your budget
- Researching the costs of each destination
- Saving up for a vacation fund
- Hunting for discounts and deals
- Overestimating expenses rather than underestimating them
- Pay in advance for your trip to maintain your balance
You should also track and monitor your expenses during your trip to adjust your budget throughout the vacation. Keeping an eye on your spending prevents you from unexpectedly running out of money, letting you enjoy your vacation without financial stress.
Research nearby Accommodations
Having your accommodation ready is the most crucial aspect of planning your trip. You want to avoid reaching your destination and finding no rooms available. Searching for nearby rooms or cabins can is essential for a comfortable journey. Suppose you’re going to The Smoky Mountains. In that case, you can search for cabins in Pigeon Forge, so you won’t have to travel long distances. You can search for places by availability or amenity on popular travel sites for the best deals, discounts, and accommodations. For amenities, you can choose to have:
- Big-screen TVs
- Fireplaces
- Charcoal grills
- Foosball
- Private pool
You spend half of your vacation time in your accommodation. Regardless of whatever amenity you choose, you should pay attention to reviews and travel blogs to make sure you’ll get your money’s worth and enjoy a comfortable stay.
Pack Essentials
Packing travel expenses ensures everyone enjoys a comfortable and hassle-free trip. It can even save costs on last-minute purchases.
Packing items may vary according to each person and the destination. For example, if you’re hiking in The Smoky Mountains, you’ll need a rain jacket, hiking boots, and bug spray. Some general essential summer items can be:
- Sunscreen
- Toiletries like shampoo and toothpaste
- First aid kit with band-aids
- Phone chargers
- Travel documents
- Reusable water bottles
- Snacks
Remember to make an essential items list according to your destination’s needs and activities. You can adapt this list to your preferences to ensure you have everything you need during your trip.
Plan Fun Activities
Engaging in fun activities during your summer vacation creates lasting memories. Planning everything you want to do during your trip builds anticipation and excitement, making your trip worthwhile. However, if you don’t have anything currently on your bucket list, here are a few ideas:
1. Seek delectable cuisines
The best part about traveling to new locations is trying local delicacies and specialties. For places like Pigeon Forge, you can find the best food to satisfy your taste buds, from stone-baked pizzas to classic cheeseburgers. However, to experience the islands’ unique taste, you can try Margaritaville’s Jimmy’s Jammin’ Jambalaya, known for its great taste.
2. Attend a teddy bear workshop
If you want to engage in a fun bonding activity with your kids, consider taking them to a Build-A-Bear Workshop at Pigeon Forge. You and your kids can choose from multiple characters to create the perfect souvenir to bring back home. Not only do you create a wholesome memory, but you get to take that memory back with you as an adorable stuffed bear!
3. Go to an amusement park
If you genuinely want to experience the thrill of summer, you can’t skip visiting an amusement park. Take advantage of Pigeon Forge’s Dollywood, the #1 Theme Park in the United States, full of exciting rides and mesmerizing shows. Check a few items on your bucket list this summer by riding exhilarating rides you haven’t sat on before. A day at an amusement park in Pigeon Forge is an experience you will want to experience during your summer vacation.
Conclusion
Summer is the perfect escape to spend quality time with your loved ones and create irreplaceable memories together. Planning a summer vacation for your family shows that you care and cherish them, so you should take full advantage of this list to experience the perfect trip.