
Let's face it. Vacations can be expensive. Very expensive. Everything adds up quickly, especially when you're taking the family along! And when you budget carefully and save for a long anticipated annual getaway, you don't want to waste precious resources on overpriced activities or pricey restaurants. So if you're heading to our favorite spot on the planet, Gatlinburg, here are some quick and easy tips to make your dollar count.
1. USE COUPONS
Take advantage of discounts and coupons. Look for discounted tickets to attractions, discounts on lodging, or even printable coupons for restaurants.
One of the best last-minute ways to save money is to purchase tickets online. There are plenty of attractions in Gatlinburg that offer discounts, and we find it's handy to have a digital ticket on your phone instead of paper that you can easily lose. Check out the discounts offered by the SkyLift Park (17% discount for those who plan ahead!), Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum, and Hollywood Star Cars Museum.
Another great way to save money is to go in a group! Parties of 20 guests or more will find special rates available. Be sure to check each website for great deals!
Planning on trying out more than one attraction? You can combine tickets and save money! Mix and match combo tickets really help cut costs, allowing you to add up to seven other Ripley's attractions to any aquarium ticket!
Be sure to check out the Smoky Mountain Coupon book for more great deals. Click here!
2. PLAN AHEAD
Plan ahead and book your vacation in advance. You can often find lower rates and other special offers if you book your vacation early.
Businesses appreciate early planners and will reward you with deals if you're searching for them. Lodging in Gatlinburg are at their lowest during January and February, during the low travel season, so pay attention to the calendar when booking your vacation. Cabin owners will be more apt to cut you deals when their vacation home is not booked up than when their month is completely filled with reservations.
Also, cabin rates are most likely lower during the weeknights than on weekends. Gatlinburg is still the same on a Tuesday, and most likely less crowded. Great way to save money.
Here's a calendar of Gatlinburg events coming up that you can plan your vacation around. Click here!
3. BOOK AN AIRBNB
Consider staying at an AirBnB instead of staying in a hotel. This can often be much more cost-effective and provide more space than a hotel room.
You will not only save on food by preparing homemade meals in the kitchen, but you can also save on parking, as well. Our kitchen at The Lazy Bear Escape offers everything you need to create amazing cuisine, eliminating the high cost of feeding a family at a restaurant. Plus, we are just down the road from a wonderful grocery store that has everything you need. And if you're traveling with friends, you can share all of the costs. Win win.
4. SEARCH 'FREE'
Look for free activities and attractions. There are plenty of free things to do in the area, such as hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or exploring downtown Gatlinburg.
Smoky Mountain FUN is not expensive! Don't buy into that lie! Did you know that the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (one of the most visited national parks in the country) is one of the few national parks with NO entrance fees? How's that for savings? Check out the free 20-minute orientation about the park at Sugarland's Visitor Center to start. The hiking is endless, and it's also minutes from The Lazy Bear Escape! Take a scenic drive, enjoy a picnic, watch the wildlife, and more!
Got kids? Well we have great news. Here's a list of all the attractions in the area that offer FREE tickets for kids! You can save a bundle by taking advantage of these deals. (Click on the name to go to their website):
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park: Children ages 3 and under receive free admission
Ripley's Aquarium: Children ages 2 and under receive free admission
Crave Gold Club: Children ages 2 and under golf free at Crave Golf Club
Three Bears General Store: Children under the age of 2 receive free admission
Beyond the Lens!: Children ages 4 and under receive free admission
Wonderworks: Children ages 3 and under receive free admission
Lazerport Fun Center: Children under the age of 5 receive free admission to Lazerport’s blacklight golf
Hollywood Wax Museum: Children ages 3 and under receive free admission
Paula Deen's Lumberjack Feud Show: Children ages 3 and under receive free admission
Soaky Mountain Water Park: Children ages 2 and under receive free admission
Titanic Museum Attraction: Children ages 4 and under receive free admission
Mama's Farmhouse: Children under the age of 5 eat free
MagiQuest: Children under the age of 3 receive free admission to MagiQuest’s mirror maze and pirate golf with the purchase of an adult ticket.
Anakeesta: Children under the age of 3 receive free admission
Buttonwillow Civil War Theater: Children under the ages 5 and under receive free admission
Alcatraz East Crime Museum: Children ages 7 and under receive free admission
Red Skelton Tribute Theater: Children ages 12 and under receive free admission
Country Tonite Theater: Children ages 12 and under receive free admission
Bush's Beans Museum: Bush’s Beans Museum is free to all visitors.
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