Vacationing in 2023 has made us realize how important it is to take time off. COVID-19 made us realize that we often took traveling for granted. Didn’t we all feel the urge to just go out there and explore the world when we were confined to our homes, with many of us working remotely and not even going out to grab a bite? Well, now that the lockdowns are over, it’s time for you to take a much-needed break and consider traveling. Gatlinburg in the Smoky Mountains is one of the most relaxing parts of the country and can give you the much-needed relaxation you are looking for. It can also be an active and fun trip for a family with multiple generations. This article is here to help you plan one vacation for the whole family, even if yours is the one like we’ve seen in Home Alone – with grandparents, cousins, uncles, aunts, etc. Here are some fun tips to consider for a vacation in Gatlinburg.

Pick out a fun and exciting place to stay

One of the most exciting parts of a vacation is picking the place to stay. A family activity you can all get behind is reviewing the options and choosing a place that suits everyone. When staying in the mountains, ditch the hotels and consider authentic mountain living instead. Cabins are a great way to experience the true essence of the mountains while also maintaining the comfort of a luxury stay.
The best Gatlinburg cabins, such as Hearthside Cabin Rentals, come in a variety of sizes with varying amenities for you to choose from.

Depending on whether you are traveling with a larger group or a smaller one, you can choose a cabin that suits your needs. This way, you can have everyone under one roof and spend time together without any space issues.

Let everyone chip their ideas in

When you’re planning a multigenerational trip, it can be super challenging to narrow down your itinerary. In most cases, every age group will differ immensely on what they want to do, where they want to stay, and even what they want to eat. Dealing with so many differing opinions can be tough, and skewing your trip in favor of any one group can lead to a failed trip.

Instead of prioritizing one group over the other, consider allowing everyone to chip in their ideas. Acting as a mediator can be useful here, and you can try to find a balance between everyone’s expectations. Putting together an itinerary where everyone has something on the list can make every age group feel satisfied and heard and can make your family vacation all the more harmonious.

Try out hiking in the mountains

Getting in touch with nature is a key factor in a mountain retreat. If you wanted relaxation, you might as well have stayed in the city or at home. Head out and explore nature as best as you can. Your family will love being out, and it’s one of the best ways to bond with your loved ones.

However, remember to be prepared. Stay on the hiking trail, keep a map, and make sure you have water and snacks on you. Though unlikely, people do wander off-track. Keep referring to the map, use your phone's GPS, and if possible, take a local guide with you.

Explore local cuisine

Each state has something or another that it’s famous for. Tennessee is known for its BBQ and Moonshine, so try and explore what they are famous for! Consider some of the many BBQ options they might have and some of the locally fermented Moonshine that they are famous for.
Moonshine and wine tasting is, of course, for people aged 21 and above; therefore, plan your trip accordingly. You might want to leave the kids with older members of the family, such as grandparents.

Also, please don’t drink and drive after your tasting sessions, especially if you are returning to your cabin after sunset.

However, there’s a lot for the entire family, too! You could all satisfy your sweet cravings at The Donut Friar, where you must try their Cinnamon Cake Donut. You can witness donuts being prepared right before your eyes. The café is also famous for its coffee, hot chocolate and eclairs.

Go for white water rafting

When visiting the Smokey Mountains, consider taking things to the next level and white water rafting in East Parkway. White water rafting is one of the most thrilling experiences you may ever engage in and must not be done without supervision and proper safety protocols.

However, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you may want to consider with your kids. Weigh the options and consider smaller rapids if you are new to the activity. Once you have familiarized yourself with the process, you can consider class 3 and 4 rapids; for now, stick to the little ones. This is an experience that can be exciting and attractive for people of all ages and can thus be super fun for the whole family.

Don’t overdo it

When you’re planning for several generations, you might end up putting together a vast itinerary. While this may seem exciting in theory, in practice, it can make everyone incredibly exhausted. Children and older people, in particular, can get worn out pretty quickly, and this can put a huge damper on your trip.

Instead of trying to squeeze in as much as you can each day, set clear expectations for everyone from the start and cap your itinerary at a maximum of one or two things to do per day. This can allow everyone to take their time and properly explore and have fun instead of feeling like they’re being rushed. While it’s a no-brainer that adults would appreciate slowing down a bit, doing so can be an interesting experience for the kids, too, and can give them a chance to properly immerse themselves in the beauty of the region.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for some top-notch family bonding, there’s nothing better than a family trip. Following this guide can help you ensure that everyone feels included and that you pick out the best activities that everyone can enjoy. With this guide, you can have a stress-free and memorable vacation in the mesmerizing Smokies.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.