A mountain getaway. There actually might not be anything better on this earth, and Gatlinburg has no shortage of mountain beauty.
There is a very good reason (several, in fact) that Gatlinburg is one of the top vacation destinations in the United States. Its beauty and charm are second to none, and there is truly something for everyone.
Heading up to Gatlinburg is a ticket to amazing natural wonders, nights around the fire, and cozying up in a Gatlinburg cabin rental.
When you are ready to book your cabin rental, it may seem simple enough. Find cabin, hit “book”. But before you take the plunge, and before you make the trip, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Getting Ready for Your Gatlinburg Cabin Vacation
Just like with any vacation, there are things to consider. Some of them are universal travel precautions, like checking local weather and making sure your car is tuned up.
A few though, are specific to your mountain destination.
We’ll take you through five of the most important things to consider when you’re getting ready for your Gatlinburg cabin rental.
Evaluate Space Needs
There are cabins in Gatlinburg that will accommodate a family of 4 on up to a group of 40. Whatever your party size, you’ll be able to find something that fits your needs.
Sleeping space isn’t everything, though. Check the actual living space and make sure there is enough room in the cabin that no one will be tripping over anyone else.
Also, keep in mind that four adults may take up more space than two adults and two young children. Children, though, may need more space to spread out and play.
Just keep your space needs in mind when booking your Gatlinburg cabin, and you’ll be off to a great start.
Keep Bed Arrangements in Mind
“Sleeps 6” means the cabin sleeps 6, right? Pretty simple.
Well, maybe not.
“Sleeps 6” may mean three king beds, or a king bed, a full, and two twins, or any of myriad other options.
And depending on your party makeup, different bed combinations may just not be practical.
For instance, twin beds work well for kids and teenagers, but if your party is made up of married couples, it may not be quite as ideal.
Always check the exact sleeping arrangements as you book your cabin, so that everyone is happy once you get to this amazing town.
At American Patriot Getaways – nearly all of our cabins have a floor plan posted right on the website! You can find it directly beneath the photo gallery of the cabin you want to book.
Bring Your Own Groceries
Gatlinburg has grocery stores, obviously, but you still may want to bring groceries from home in a cooler, even if it’s just your favorites.
Because Gatlinburg is a destination city, you may find that products (even groceries) come at a premium. It can also mean crowded grocery stores.
This doesn’t mean that a run to the store for milk is going to break the bank. It just means that packing a few essentials isn’t a bad idea, especially if you are planning a special meal or have a certain item you can’t live without.
Stock Your First Aid Kit
Part of the fun of a Gatlinburg cabin rental is getting outside. The hiking and natural beauty are second to none.
Unfortunately, this can sometimes mean bug bites, twisted ankles or scrapes, and bruises.
Your cabin may have a fully stocked first aid kit, but it’s never a bad idea to bring your own, especially if anyone in your family has allergies or special medical needs.
You may want to include:
- Anti-itch cream
- Ice Packs
- Compression wraps
- Adhesive bandages
- Antibacterial ointment
Add in a good headache medicine, some anti-nausea meds, and any special items you need (think Epi-Pens or allergy meds), and you have yourself a good kit.
No one likes the idea of being sick or injured on vacation. But you would rather have all the items and never need them than need them and not have them.
Bring Some Home Comforts
Your Gatlinburg cabin is going to be fully stocked with towels, sheets, blankets, and entertainment. The owners of these cabins go to great lengths to ensure that their guests are well taken care of.
Sometimes, though, you just want a little piece of home, even on vacation.
Consider bringing your own pillows with you, especially if you are used to sleeping on something specific. No one likes waking up with a stiff neck.
Also, think about bringing a few favorite DVDs. Bonding with family on a movie night is wonderful in a cabin, and if you want something specific, better to bring it with than risk being without it.
If you have something specific you simply cannot be without, don’t hesitate to bring it with you. Be it your morning coffee, a child’s special lovey, or the ingredients for your favorite dish. Gatlinburg is meant to feel like a home away from home.
Involve Everyone
This seems like an easy one, but it’s sometimes easy to forget, especially if one member of your group is a natural planner.
Make sure you get input from every member of your party on what part of your Gatlinburg cabin rental they are most excited about, so you can make plans to accommodate everyone.
After all, there is no shortage of things to do in Gatlinburg.
Love the night life? Gatlinburg has no shortage of good music and venues for you to check out.
There are festivals year-round for those who want to try something new.
The great outdoors are always calling, and there is family-friendly fun around every corner.
This is even (and especially) important if you are bringing children along with you. Give them some control over your visit. This gives them a sense of ownership over the trip and helps get them really excited for their time in the mountains.
When you are in Gatlinburg, time should stand still for a little while as you soak in the mountain beauty and southern hospitality.
As you get ready for your trip, keep a few of these tips in mind so that you can have the most amazing vacation of your life.
Come join us in Gatlinburg and book your cabin today!
