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Aerial view of Gatlinburg TN

6 Ways to Save Money on Your Gatlinburg Vacation

One of the reasons people put off vacations is because of the price tag. However, your next trip to the Smoky Mountains doesn’t have to break the bank. With the help of our money saving tips and tricks, you can enjoy your vacation without having to worry about checking the bank account. Here are 6 ways to save money on your Gatlinburg vacation:

1. Take Advantage of Our Coupons

We are proud to help you save money in the Smokies. That is why we offer a variety of Smoky Mountain coupons that cover everything from local attractions to delicious restaurants. We can also provide you with the best rates for your cabin in the Smokies. There is no question the biggest expense when it comes to a vacation is lodging. Our goal is to help you lighten the load on your wallet by presenting you with some of the best cabin deals across the Smoky Mountains. As you begin to plan your next vacation, visit our specials page to see how much money you can save!

2. Use the Gatlinburg Trolley

Gatlinburg TrolleyThe Gatlinburg Trolley is a great way to travel through Gatlinburg. Not only do you not have to deal with driving through traffic, but the trolley is also FREE! That means you don’t have to waste your own money on gas to get where you need to go. The trolley system has stops set up all throughout Gatlinburg, including at the Mass Transit Center located at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Guests can use the trolley to get into downtown Gatlinburg without fighting the traffic. You will never have to wait long on a ride, as there are 20 trolleys continually driving through town looking for passengers.

3. Find Cheap Things to Do

While you will want to experience some of the most popular Gatlinburg attractions during your vacation, there are also some activities that are off the beaten path that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is a fascinating place to visit and the price tag is very reasonable. Adult admission tickets are just $3, while children ages 12 and under get in free. Plus, you can use your admission fee towards a purchase in the gift shop, making this museum one of the best values in the Smokies! There are plenty of other affordable activities throughout town, including moonshine tasting, window shopping on the Parkway, and exploring the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community.

4. Explore the Great Outdoors

Gatlinburg Trail in the Smoky MountainsOne of the best ways to save money on your Gatlinburg vacation is by simply exploring the beauty of the Smokies. You can do this in a multitude of ways that are free of charge, including hiking and scenic drives. The Gatlinburg Trail is a fun place to enjoy a walk with your family that is close to town. In total, the trail travels 1.9 miles one way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of Gatlinburg. Along the way, you will travel alongside the Little Pigeon River which offers incredible views. You will also pass by foundations and chimneys of several old homesites that are over 150 years old. For more hiking adventures, take the short drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

5. Cook in Your Vacation Rental

Whether you are staying in a hotel, condo, or cabin, you can save a great amount of money just by cooking some of your own meals. Most vacation rentals in Gatlinburg offer a fully equipped kitchen that you can use to fix everything from snacks to gourmet meals. Planning to cook in a couple of days during your trip will save you money from not eating out. While you should still plan to dine at some of the amazing local restaurants around town, you will be amazed by how much you save just by fixing a couple of meals for your group.

6. Spend Time in Your Vacation Rental

home theater in a Gatlinburg cabinMany of the rental options in the Smokies come with marvelous amenities. In order to get the most for what you are paying, be sure to take advantage of these luxuries. For example, if your cabin has a private indoor pool, plan to spend one evening swimming with your family so you aren’t wasting the amenities you have at your disposal. Smoky Mountain cabins typically come with all types of free entertainment for your family, including home theater rooms, game rooms, hot tubs, and much more!

Check out all our Smoky Mountain coupons to learn about more ways you can save on your Gatlinburg vacation. We look forward to seeing you soon in the Smoky Mountains!