What Is The Closest International Airport To Gatlinburg, TN | An Airport Travel Guide

Jan 22, 2025

Last Updated on: Jul 8, 2025

Travel Blog

McGhee-Tyson Airport in Knoxville is the closest international airport to Gatlinburg, TN. It offers general, commercial, and military aviation services. Further, six airlines operate here, and they have flight services to as many as 25 destinations. 

The airport is equipped with the following modern-day amenities.

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Power Plug-In Sports
  • SmartCart
  • Service Animal Relief Area
  • Lactation Station
  • ATMs
  • Food & Retail
  • Information Booth
  • Free Phone & Wait Parking
  • Classic Shoe Shine
  • Customer Service

Furthermore, the airport promotes the artwork of regional artists in its Art in the Airport Exhibit section on the right of the TSA Security checkpoint. Moreover, the airport is compliant with ADA or the American Disability Act. 

So you will get wheelchair assistance at the airport, and for the same, you must contact customer service at (865) 342-3180.

Where Is The Closest International Airport To Gatlinburg, TN?

Where Is The Closest International Airport To Gatlinburg, TN

The Closest International Airport To Gatlinburg, TN, McGhee-Tyson Airport is located at a 12 miles distance from downtown Knoxville. The airport is south of downtown.

Further, the distance between the McGhee-Tyson Airport and Gatlinburg is 40 miles. 

It is a premium air service connecting East Tennessee to other parts of the world. Its complete address is 2055 Alcoa Highway, Alcoa, TN 37701. 

Need A Ride At The Closest International Airport To Gatlinburg, TN?

Need A Ride At The Closest International Airport To Gatlinburg, TN

McGhee-Tyson Airport has dedicated car rental counters. These counters are near the baggage claim of the airport terminal building’s lower level. 

You will get taxis, hotel shuttles, charters, car rentals, and ride shares from these counters. Uber and Lyft offer ride-share services here. 

Further, the car rental companies include:

  • Alamo (Reservation: 1 (800) 342-3210)
  • Avis (Reservation: 1 (800) 342-3210)
  • Budget (Reservation: 1 (800) 342-3210)
  • Enterprise (Reservation: 1 (800) 342-3210)
  • Dollar Car Rental (Reservation: 1 (800) 342-3210)
  • Car Rental Payless (Reservation: 1 (800) 342-3210)
  • National (Reservation: 1 (800) 342-3210)
  • Hertz (Reservation: 1 (800) 342-3210)

Moreover, the taxi services here are Sunday Taxi ((865) 518-1223), Tennessee Transportation ((865) 242-9719), and Discount Taxi ((865) 317-0554). 

In addition, Fairfield Inn & Suites ((865) 409-5950), Hilton Knoxville Airport ((865) 970-4300), etc., are some hotel shuttle services available at the airport. 

Economic Importance Of The Closest International Airport To Gatlinburg, TN

McGhee-Tyson Airport, the closest international airport to Gatlinburg, TN, is crucial for local tourism and the entire tourism scenario of East Tennessee. It keeps Gatlinburg and East Tennessee connected to other states of the USA and the rest of the world. 

Further, this airport has a significant economic impact on East Tennessee. At least 2,700 people work here, and the annual benefit of the airport is around $1 billion. Moreover, it indirectly supports the local economy through commercial aviation services. 

In addition, there are several tourist attractions near McGhee-Tyson Airport. You can visit them to learn more about East Tennessee.

Places To Visit Near McGhee-Tyson Airport

Along with being the closest international airport to Gatlinburg, TN, McGhee-Tyson Airport is also near a lot of tourist places. 

So, if you are planning a day out, you can visit the following places. 

1. Bicentennial Greenbelt Park

Address: 122 McCammon Ave, Maryville

Distance from McGhee-Tyson Airport: 6.3 Kms

The Bicentennial Greenbelt Park will be your go-to place if you want to explore Maryville-Alcoa Greenway. In the heart of downtown Maryville, this park is an oasis of tranquility.

This park has wide-open areas and benches to sit and talk with your friends. Further, this park houses the Greenbelt Lake Loop and Maryville-Alcoa Greenway.

2. Louisville Mercantile

Address: 2940 Topside Road, Louisville

Contact Number: 8657243195

Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Monday-Friday). 10 AM to 4 PM (Saturday), Sunday Closed

Distance from McGhee-Tyson Airport: Around 3.3 Kms

If shopping is the therapy you need and you are near the closest international airport to Gatlinburg, TN, you must visit Louisville Mercantile. 

Here, you can buy the best jams, jellies, gift items, and recycled paper.

3. Lakeshore Park

Address: 5930 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville

Contact Number: +1 865-215-1722

Hours Open: 6 AM to 10 PM

Distance from McGhee-Tyson Airport: Around 12 Kms

Lakeshore Park, with the tagline “It’s Your Park,” is a go-to spot for a family day out. Here, you can enjoy the tranquility of a marshland with more than 1000 trees and birds chirping around. 

Further, it has many sports and fitness facilities like baseball, practice lawns, soccer grounds and fitness centers. Very soon, the park is going to have pickleball and basketball amenities. 

However, the best activity here is taking a walk down the miles of trails here. You can get the best view of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee River from here. 

Moreover, you can take your furry friends on a walk at Lakeshore Park. Having said that, you have to ensure that your pet is on the leash and you are leaving no trace behind after their walk. 

4. Maryville Farmers Market

Address: 306 E Broadway Avenue, Maryville

Contact Number: +1 865-268-9614

Hours Open: 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Distance from McGhee-Tyson Airport: Around 7 Kms

With the concept of farm-to-table cuisine becoming more popular, places like the Maryville Farmers Market are growing in importance. Here, the producers, or the farmers, grow crops, vegetables, and other produce, bringing those straight to you. 

It is a great initiative to boost sales and improve the livelihood of local farmers. Further, it helps to throw light on the agricultural traditions of Tennessee through a direct farmer and consumer relationship. 

Moreover, when you get fresh produce from the farmers, the essentials have better nutritional value, flavors, and taste.

5. Capitol Theatre

Address: 127 W Broadway Avenue, Maryville

Contact Number: +1 865-980-1966

Hours Open: 1-9 PM (Monday to Thursday), 1-10 PM (Friday-Saturday), Sunday Closed

Distance from McGhee-Tyson Airport: 6.6 Kms

Capitol Theatre, near the closest international airport to Gatlinburg, TN, is a premium entertainment spot in Maryville. The history of this place goes back to 1934. Further, it was completely renovated in 2008.

The ambiance here exudes the quintessential old Hollywood vibe. Moreover, it is used as a venue for corporate events, weddings, and other celebrations today. 

Are you looking for more attractions near the McGhee-Tyson Airport? Visit the Blount County Historical Museum, Brackins Blues Club, Resurrected Relics, etc. 

Also read

Share on Social Media

Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE Lake Clark National Park

Lake Clark National Park And Preserve: Very Few Know How It Preserves The Alaskan Spirit And Culture

BY  Sibashree Sep 10, 2024

Lake Clark National Park is committed to subsistence. It’s a sincere effort not to impact the “physical and spiritual culture of Modern Alaska.” Further, the park authority wants to pass on the park’s history to the future generation and the public. So, it was not surprising when the park sought public opinion on the exploration of its mineral tracts (Johnson Tract).  Located in the Johnson River headwater, Johnson Tract is a polymetallic project, and mining of gold, silver, copper, zinc, and lead is possible here. Public comments on “transportation and port site easements” are invited so that there is better accessibility to Johnson Tract. However, the more important aspect of it is analyzing the environmental impact of the project on the park.  There will be the following activities, and the analysis report will likely be published in the fall of 2024.  Hydrological assessment Geotechnical assessment Surveys of cultural and natural resources  But that’s not all! There have been many published stories, such as “Dena'ina Ełnena,” “Canneries, Cabins, Caches,” and more on this national park. Moreover, storytelling by the Native community or the tradition of oral storytelling is still alive here as a part of the “University of Alaska Fairbanks program.”  The things I have discussed so far show how the park is focused on preserving its personal and shared identities. Now, I will delve into some related details and also talk about what makes Lake Clark National Park special in terms of places to visit and things to do.  Preserving History And Culture At Lake Clark National Park  Do you know the original name of Lake Clark? Dena’ina people call it “Qizhjeh Vena,” meaning “a place where people gathered lake.”  Further, the people of Dena’ina, or Athabascan culture, have made this region their home for thousands of years now. How they see the lake and the surrounding land as the main resource of their lives will change the common perspectives about this national park. It is not just a preserved space with wilderness, interesting landscapes, and scenic beauty! It is an account of human history.  Women were always taught to be independent in this culture. They knew how to set snares and ground squirrels. This was an important exercise so that they had to never be dependent on others for food.  Athabascan people, originally from Alaska, started residing here. Further, with time, they encountered people from Russia, the USA, Canada, and Western Europe. Thus, their way of living evolved. However, they have made an effort to preserve their old way of living, and subsistence is still the key to their lives.  I have already mentioned how the oral and written stories preserve the cultural spirit of the park for posterity. Further, the Natural and Cultural Museum of the park preserves many artifacts, geological samples, and ethnographic items so that you can learn about the physical, spiritual, and cultural transformations.  Here is a breakdown of the total 248,402 items preserved at the museum. Type of ItemNumbers Archeological Artifacts34,363Park Archive Documents202,397Historical Artifacts, Documents, And Photos4,663 Biological Specimens6,838Paleontological Specimens47Ethnographic Items16Geological Samples69Objects of Art 9 The museum specialists take special conservation measures to make these objects available for posterity.  These Are The Historically Significant Places In Lake Clark National Park And Preserve https://www.instagram.com/p/B_VbC2clywQ/ Many areas of the park have names in English and Dena’ina. The names in Dena’ina are crucial if you want to understand their significance and the story behind them. Here’s a brief list of the historical places to visit in this park.  Dena’ina Tinitun or Trails  Ancestral Telaquana Trail Tanalian Point Hnitsanghi’iy 'The Rock That Stands Alone' (Priest Rock) Qizhjeh Vena or Lake Clark Kijik (Qizhjeh) National Historic Landmark and Archeological District While the sites have historical significance, they also speak volumes about Dena’ina values and way of life. For example, the trails here show the importance of social, cultural, and ceremonial participation among Dena’ina people. Many also believe that these trails are like “geological and educational maps” for future generations.  Subsistence Is The Key At Lake Clark National Park And Preserve Dena’ina people believe that the wilderness and animals will be good. It is we, humans, who have to be respectful toward them. To adhere to this, people in Dena’ina culture develop a communal understanding, and learn how to make the most of the limited ecological resources available. To maintain the art of subsistence, the people of Dena’ina culture focus on the following aspects.  The Ethics of Taking Hunters need to donate some part of the meat to the ill, old people, and families. This exercise shows how the tribe prioritizes communal bonding. Further, along with food distribution, the exchange of knowledge and resources is equally important in this culture.  Hunting and Trapping https://www.instagram.com/p/B8M_BvyHeUx/ Hunting animals, especially caribou and moose, is important for survival. Further, the distribution of meat according to the “Ethics of Taking” also builds community cohesion.  Trapping is a year-long activity here. Small animals such as mink, river otter, and Alaska hare are trapped to support living. However, Dena’ina people learn the skills of not hurting others or non-targets while trapping small animals.  Plant Harvesting Dena’ina families use various parts of the plants for different purposes. They collect food from the plants, and some of the plants also have medicinal properties. Further, trees and plants are often sources of tools, fuel, wearable accessories, and ceremonial essentials for them.  Berries grow in abundance here. Northern black currant, crowberries, and blackberries are some common varieties. Crowberry and blackberry leaves are used to cure diarrhea. Further, the stems of crowberry have medicinal properties that cure kidney problems.  Fishing and Fish Camps Summer and fall are the seasons of salmon in the Lake Clark National Park and Reserve. During these seasons, this national park has the largest salmon migration in the world. Further, families reunite and celebrate, and tourists flock in great numbers to the park to see and catch salmon.  Pike, trout, grayling, and whitefish are other varieties of fish found here. In addition, there are Nundaltin Q’estsiq’ and other fish camps where fish is processed and a temporary community is built.  Ethnographic studies further support all these subsistence activities. These studies related to fishing and other outdoor activities and the art of Dena’ina people living around Lake Clark are crucial. These studies help the local people to respond better to the economic, environmental, and sociocultural changes.  Things To Do At Lake Clark National Park And Preserve The vast wilderness and unique geological features make Lake Clark National Park suitable for hiking, camping, boating, fishing, rafting, and many other outdoor pursuits. Make the most of your time at the park! 1. Rafting In The Wild River https://www.instagram.com/p/CeSJ6Hbo0gw/ Tlikakila, Mulchatna, and Chilikadrotna are three wild rivers in the park. All these rivers are great for rafting. However, you must adhere to the Alaska Office of Boating Safety guidelines to avoid mishaps.  2. Fishing https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvz9q0ns6ms/ May to October is the best season for fishing in the Lake Clark National Park. Lake Clark is the main fishing hub here, and you can also explore Crescent Lake and Silver Salmon Creek.  3. Hiking  https://www.instagram.com/p/CrgO6IoOATU/ Tanalian Trails are the most popular for your hiking expeditions in this park. You can walk to Tanalian Mountain, Kontrashibuna Lake, Beaver Pond, and Tanalian Falls.  Many hikers also try hiking the Lake Clark and Upper Twin Lake trails.  4. Bear Viewing  https://www.instagram.com/p/C9kRPM2OYmi/ Silver Salmon Creek, Chinitna Bay, and Crescent Lake are the best sites for bear viewing in Lake Clark National Park.  5. Camping  https://www.instagram.com/p/BCO9H6jgnnr/ The area near Hope Creek is suitable for camping. Cook Inlet Coast is another place where you can put up your camps.  Knowing The Wildlife At Lake Clark National Park And Preserve Lake Clark National Park And Preserve is the place where you will get to see a bear in the stream and coming out with a salmon between its teeth. Very few people know that this national park is home to as many as 37 terrestrial animals and 187 bird species.  Nonetheless, have a look at the table below to learn about the animals you will meet at this national park.  MammalsBrown bearsBlack bearsDall sheepCaribouWolvesMooseBirdsGolden-crowned sparrowBald eaglesGolden eaglesTrumpeter swansSea ducksOlive-sided flycatcherFishSockeye SalmonArctic GraylingRainbow troutPike Did You Know? People in the Lime Village believe that olive-sided flycatchers and golden-crowned sparrows announce the arrival of the salmon season (around 3.1 million every year).  Birds are seen around the inland lakes, mountains, and coastal areas.  Before You Set In… Lake Clark National Park is a place less trodden by. Here is a quick glance at the things you need to know.  Established: 2nd December, 1980 Area: 4,030,006 Acres Number of Visitors: 16,728 (2023) Best Time to Visit: Late Spring to Early Fall Highest Point: Redoubt Volcano (10,197ft) Visitors Center:  Port Alsworth Visitor Center  Entry Fee: Free Best Mode of Transport: Small Planes Run by Authorized Air Taxi Companies Yelp Rating: 4 Star Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

READ MORE wendy's breakfast hours

Wendy’s Breakfast Hours: When To Visit Wendy’s For Breakfast?

BY  sagnika Aug 8, 2023

Are you searching for Wendy's breakfast hours? If your answer to this question is a YES, then you have fortunately reached the right place! If there is one place that people often like to go to in order to eat out, it is Wendy’s. Wendy's is also known for its "Frosty" dessert, which is a combination of a milkshake and soft-serve ice cream. Over the years, Wendy's has expanded its menu to include a variety of items, including chicken nuggets, baked potatoes, and more. However, there is yet another thing that you simply cannot look past in their menu. And that is the breakfast menu. Speaking of it, when do they start serving breakfast in the first place? Let’s take a look at their breakfast hours… A Little Brief On Wendy’s! Wendy's is a popular fast-food restaurant chain known for its square-shaped hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads. The company was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio, USA. The restaurant's signature item is the "Dave's Single," which is a single-patty hamburger made with fresh beef, served on a square bun with various toppings. The restaurant chain is recognized for its humorous and memorable advertising campaigns, including the famous "Where's the beef?" catchphrase from the 1980s. Wendy's is one of the major players in the fast-food industry and has locations across the United States and in several other countries around the world. Wendy's Breakfast Hours: When Can You Get Breakfast At Wendy’s? According to Wendy’s official website, Wendy’s starts serving breakfast as early as six-thirty in the morning. Breakfast will be served at each location starting at 6:30 a.m. local time and ending at 10:30 a.m. The majority of places that provide breakfast begin their service at 8 a.m. local time. Additionally, four locations in Colorado, Maryland, Mississippi, and Washington stated that breakfast service ends at 10:30. As you can see, the breakfast hours can change depending on the location or outlet of the restaurant. That is why, It is best to take a look at the location of your nearest Wendy’s outlet before you head over to have a bite of their Breakfast menu. So, When Does Wendy’s Stop Serving Breakfast? It is best to verify with your local Wendy's to clarify their precise breakfast hours since they can change by region. At 10:30 AM, breakfast is often finished: Wendy's breakfast often concludes at 10:30 AM, as a general rule. In other words, if you want to order something from the morning menu, attempt to do so before 10:30 AM. While the majority of Wendy's restaurants stop serving breakfast at 10:30 AM, some locations may continue to sell breakfast dishes all day. Once more, it's smart to ask your neighborhood eatery if they serve breakfast all day. products on Wendy's breakfast menu: There are many different products on Wendy's breakfast menu, including breakfast sandwiches, croissants, biscuits, burritos, and more. What Can You Get At Wendy's For Breakfast? The new breakfast menu from Wendy's is a fantastic way to enjoy well-known breakfast items without spending a fortune. There are several filling alternatives on the chain's morning menu, including the morning Baconator, Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, and Maple Bacon Chicken Croissant, among many more. You should be aware of this if you haven't tried it yet and are still debating. At the very least, something you might be interested in learning. On every one of their breakfast sandwiches, Wendy's uses actual eggs. In fact, every item on the menu is created to order and includes a freshly cracked, grade A, genuine from-an-actual-chicken egg, with the exception of the sausage and egg burrito. What About Wendy’s Frosty Cereal? A breakfast variation on the popular Chocolate Frosty dessert is Wendy's Frosty Cereal. It is a limited-edition product made by Kellogg's that went on sale in retailers in late 2021. Mini marshmallows and "chocolate flavored multi-grain cereal pieces" make up the cereal. With every Wendy's purchase, each box contains a valid offer for a free small Frosty-ccino or Frosty. How To Check For Wendy’s Breakfast Hours? Now that you know about the breakfast hours at Wendy’s it is time for you to learn how to search for their exact hours depending on the location or outlet. Here are some of the things that you can do: Head over to the official website for Wendy’s. Go to the store locator. The "Breakfast" checkbox can be found under "Filter Options." Enter your zip code, city, or state. Press "Search." When you scroll down, you'll see a list of places on a map, along with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Can You Order Wendy’s Breakfast Menu All Day? While it is true that you will get the breakfast menu at Wendy’s early in the morning, this is not exclusive. This means that you can order the menu generally at any time of the day. However, only certain parts of the menu will be available. This is what the official website states for their breakfast menu and hours: Our breakfast menu is served only in the morning, though it is perfectly understandable if you crave it during other parts of the day. Bonus: When Does Wendy’s Serve Lunch? Wendy's typically commences its lunch service right after breakfast concludes, typically around 10:30 AM. Nevertheless, lunch hours may differ depending on the location, so it's advisable to verify the specific lunch hours with your nearby Wendy's restaurant. Once lunch service begins, you have access to Wendy's regular menu, offering a diverse selection of items, including hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and more. Wrapping It Up! In case you were searching about Wendy's breakfast hours, I hope that this article has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, feel free to let me know. All you need to do is scroll down until you reach the page's bottom. Then leave your comments and queries in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you! Read Also: Burger King Breakfast Hours: What Time Does Burger King Serve Breakfast? Chick Fil A Breakfast Hours: When Do They Start Serving Breakfast? Taco Bell Breakfast Hours: When Does Taco Bell Serve Breakfast?

READ MORE summer wardrobe essentials

Splurge Or Save? Finding The Sweet Spot For Summer Wardrobe Costs Before Your Next Trip

BY  Ankita Nov 12, 2025

One of the many things that my husband keeps bugging me about is what to pack when we are going on a trip. It is still okay if it is a winter trip, as he knows all the jumpers and jackets he needs to pack. For summer trips or whenever we are traveling to a warmer city, he can never decide.  And with my son now all of 12, he acts like a carbon copy of his father. He never knows what to pack for his summer excursions or holidays.  Now, this may sound like a trivial issue. However, it is a serious concern, considering Travel+Leisure has dedicated an entire post to the ideal travel clothing in 2025.  Though the post is essentially for women, it has some great ideas about how to build the perfect summer wardrobe for men without compromising comfort.  Shopping for summer wardrobe essentials for a trip can be a real budget buster. One minute you're browsing for a simple t-shirt, and the next thing you know, your cart is loaded with designer everything.  But here's the reality check. You don't need to spend your rent money to look good when the temperature rises. The trick is knowing when to open your wallet wide and when to keep it firmly shut.  Invest In These Summer Essentials Some pieces are worth every penny you spend on them. Take polo shirts, for example. A cheap polo will pill after three washes and lose its shape faster than ice cream melts in July. But a man's quality designer polo?  That will look sharp season after season. The fabric stays crisp, the colors don't fade, and the fit doesn't go wonky after a trip through the washing machine. Swimwear is another no-brainer for spending more. Nobody wants their swim shorts to fall apart mid-vacation or turn see-through after one dip in the pool. Quality swim gear holds up to chlorine, salt water, and countless pool parties. Also, you have to be particular about your innerwear. This is the innermost layer of your clothing, and your personal hygiene or comfort depends on the lingerie you wear.  Skip The Splurge Here Trendy stuff that'll be out of style before Labor Day? Save your money. That neon tank top with the weird geometric print might look cool now, but it's probably heading straight to the back of your closet come fall. Basic tees are another place to be smart with your cash. Sure, an $80 plain white t-shirt might feel luxurious, but a $15 one from a decent brand will do the job just fine. Save the big bucks for pieces that really matter. The 70/30 Game Plan Think about your summer budget like this: put most of your money into the stuff you'll wear constantly. That means: A couple of great pairs of shorts that fit perfectly Solid polo shirts and casual button-downs One really good pair of swim shorts Comfortable shoes that won't fall apart Save about 30% of your budget for the fun stuff. Bright colors, bold patterns, and whatever trend is taking over social media this year. How To Spot Quality Worth Paying For Good summer clothes have a few telltale signs. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen keep you cooler than synthetic blends that trap heat and sweat. Check the seams, too. If they look like they were sewn by someone having a bad day, skip it. Fit matters more than the price tag sometimes. A $40 shirt that fits like it was made for you beats a $100 one that's too tight in weird places. Don't Fall For These Shopping Traps Store credit cards promising instant discounts sound tempting, but that 25% off today could cost you way more in interest later. And those "limited time only" sales? Half the time, the same deal pops up again next week.  Don't let pushy salespeople rush you into buying something just because it's marked down.  Sleep on big purchases, especially if you're already questioning whether you really need another pair of khaki shorts. Also watch out for: Bundle deals that make you buy stuff you don't actually want just to get a discount on what you do need. "Buy two, get one free" offers that trick you into spending more than you planned. Impulse buys at the checkout counter that are budget killers disguised as good deals. Smart Shopping Tricks Now, to begin with, my husband initially complains. But it is he who does the maximum shopping at the end-of-summer sales. Once he is inside the trial room, it’s like a never-ending wait as he will keep trying all that he has picked in turns.  Last August's leftover inventory becomes this May's wardrobe refresh at half the price. Yes, you have to plan ahead a bit, but your bank account will thank you. Also, think about how many different ways you can wear something. A plain navy shirt goes with everything. A shirt covered in flamingos? Not so much. Building Your Summer Collection The golden rule to have all the summer wardrobe essentials for your next trip? Start with the basics. When the basics are right, you have the chance to layer them or accessorize them according to the weather conditions and local etiquette.  Personality pieces are also important, especially if you are going on a business trip or have some specific events to catch up on. Get a few neutral-colored essentials that play well together, then throw in some color and pattern to keep things interesting. Don't feel like you need to replace everything at once, either. Maybe your shorts are still good, but your polos have seen better days. Replace what's actually worn out, not what's just boring you. In addition, I keep some budget aside for shopping for summer clothes at the new location we are visiting. In this way, I can also avoid excess baggage charges when flying.