How to Save Money on Your Next Gatlinburg Vacation
Published Jun 26, 2022
Have a good time without putting a Smokies-sized dent in your wallet. Here’s how to save money on a Gatlinburg vacation.
1. Choose a Cabin Rental
Get more space, privacy and amenities for your dollar. If you bring a group, you can share costs. Cabins’ kitchens, washers and dryers, and free, ample parking save you dough, too.
2. Visit During the Off-Season
Summer and fall are peak travel seasons here. Visit in January or February, when cabin rates are at their lowest point. Cabin rental rates often are lower on weeknights. Come see us during the week–Gatlinburg attractions will be just as much fun on Wednesday as on Saturday!
3. Watch for Rental Discounts
Third party companies want you to book your cabin through them. Why use a middleman when you can book your cabin directly and get a 10 percent discount? Save even more if you’re an active or retired fire, police or military service member.
4. Eat In
Vacationers spend an average of $60 a day for restaurant meals for each adult. Save on food by preparing meals and picnics in your cabin’s fully equipped kitchen.
5. Explore the National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free. Hike, splash in streams, spot wildlife, take a ranger-led tour or visit historic sites without paying a dime!
6. Buy Tickets in Advance
Attractions offer discounts on tickets you purchase online, at their own websites, before your visit. Save money and avoid standing in ticket lines on the day you visit!
7. Buy Combo Tickets
Combined tickets to more than one attraction saves money. For instance: Already planning to visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies? Look for their mix-and-match combo tickets letting you add up to seven other Ripley’s attractions to any aquarium ticket. Want to explore the historic Titanic Museum Attraction but also get your science on at WonderWorks? Look online to find them paired at a discount.
8. Find Attractions Where Kids Get in Free
You’ll find plenty of places where kids three and under are welcome for free! Older kids can catch a break, too. Country Tonite admits kids 12 and under for free, and Alcatraz East Crime Museum is free for ages seven and under.
9. Enjoy Free Events
Gatlinburg hosts free events year-round, like the lights of Winterfest, music and storytelling at Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales in summer, or the River Raft Regatta on July 4.
Reserve your Gatlinburg vacation cabin today. Fun and frugality get along just fine here!
