Crucial Hiking Tips to Ensure Your Safety While Hiking

BY  Abdul Aziz May 2, 2023

If you are looking for a destination for your next vacation, chances are you came across Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Nestled at the foothill of the Great Smokies, Gatlinburg is a bustling town, continuously gaining a reputation as an ideal vacation destination. It offers breathtaking views of the mountains along with tons of outdoor activities and a rich culture full of history. However, before packing your bags, you must book accommodations first. Gatlinburg welcomes millions of visitors each year from all around the world, sometimes making it challenging for families to find suitable accommodations that cater to their needs. If you want to avoid this mistake or are looking to save some extra bucks, it is wise to book lodgings beforehand. This guide will share some tips on how to find the perfect place for your stay. Book The Best Lodgings For A Vacation In Gatlinburg: Things On Your Checklist Gatlinburg has the potential to become a case study for capitalizing on its proximity to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and beautiful landscape.  However, tourism development in Gatlinburg has been a continuous effort for 20 years. This consistent effort even showed in Forbes Magazine naming it one of the prettiest towns in America in 2012.   Under the leadership of Cindy Cameron Ogle, the City Manager, Gatlinburg has experienced this metamorphosis. Further, the Airbnb Market Data for 2023 in Gatlinburg shows a huge demand for short-term and long-term accommodations (temporary) in this part of the world.  The vacation rental company had 1,797 active listings in Gatlinburg as of 12th September 2024. Further, in 2023, Airbnb enjoyed an average occupancy rate of 66%. Also, the median rate of daily occupancy was $235.  So, being a hotspot for Tennessee tourism, Gatlinburg has many excellent accommodation options. However, you need to consider the following factors to optimize your experience.  1- Be Clear About What You Want: Whether planning a solo trip or visiting Gatlinburg with family, the first step is to decide what you are looking for from your accommodation. Even though Gatlinburg is a small town, it offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels and cabins to camping underneath the clear night sky. Note down what you will need from your accommodation and research different options. For example, a one-bedroom cabin is an ideal option if you are visiting Gatlinburg solo. On the other hand, if it is a family trip, consider booking a cabin with multiple bedrooms and basic amenities like a kitchen. It will come in handy, especially if you decide to stay on the outskirts. Many cabins also come with additional perks, like an indoor pool. It is an excellent, fun activity if you have kids. They can enjoy the warm, crystal-clear water while you plan for the day. By choosing Gatlinburg cabins with an indoor pool, you can also swim whenever you want without worrying about privacy or sunburn. 2- Location Is The Key For Booking Lodgings On A Vacation In Gatlinburg: Location is the deciding factor that can make or break your vacation experience. The primary purpose of the vacation is to unwind while exploring a new city and culture. You cannot do that if your location does not give you access to popular tourist spots. Choose a place that will put you in proximity to significant attraction spots and also allow you to enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery that Gatlinburg has to offer. Similarly, if the purpose of your location is pure relaxation, staying at a place located in a crowded area will ruin the vacation for you. In that case, you need to book a place that gives you access to mountains or hiking trails. Gatlinburg offers numerous challenging hiking trails, thanks to The Great Smoky National Park. If you are traveling by plane, you should also factor it in. Do not choose a place far from the airport or inconvenient to commute. Most cab services charge extra if your accommodation is located at a distance from the airport. You will also have to pay for public transport. You can avoid paying those additional chargers. 3- Research Different Options: Once you have decided on the type and location of the accommodation, it's time to go into research mode. Many credible websites, such as Airbnb and Booking, provide several options based on availability or your needs. Research the options by answering the following questions: How long are you going to stay? How many rooms will you require? Will you need cooking facilities? Do you have any special conditions? Do you need wifi, a pool, or any other additional perk? Can the place give access to public transport? Researching beforehand can save you from many mistakes. It can also help you plan your budget accordingly. For instance, booking a three-bedroom condo is a waste of money if traveling solo. Similarly, a one-bedroom cabin may not be sufficient for a family of 4. Take into consideration every option and choose the one that suits your needs. 4- Reviews Can Be Helpful: See what other people are saying about the place by reading online reviews. These reviews give insight into what other tourist experience about the accommodation. The reviews can be invaluable because they present the facts about the accommodation in question. When deciding between two or more accommodations, this information can be helpful because you can usually tell immediately how much the reviewer enjoyed the accommodations. You can also explore travel blogs for detailed reviews and ratings. The place with higher ratings usually indicates credibility. 5- Consider The Timing Of Your Visit: Since Gatlinburg attracts millions of tourists, the timing of your visit can matter the most. Gatlinburg is nestled between the mountains, and its pleasant weather during summer attracts millions of visitors. Most lodges are fully booked during summer, making it difficult to book accommodation. Many people also experience long queues for a table at the restaurant. And in a jam-packed season, it can be difficult for families to enjoy outdoor activities or explore the city to a full extent. 6- Book Early: If you do choose to visit Gatlinburg during summer, it is wise to book early. Imagine a family vacation is due, and you have taken some days off from work. Everything is in order except booking a place to stay. You go to the website only to realize that your ideal hotel or cabin is sold out for the days you want to visit. Therefore, always book early. Do not wait till the last minute. Booking early gives you peace of mind that your ideal place is waiting for you, and you can also save money because the price usually goes up during the busy season. Things To See On A Vacation In Gatlinburg On A Budget: A Quick Rundown Gatlinburg is one of the most budget-friendly travel destinations in the USA. Further, it is a great destination for family holidays.  September to October is the best time to visit Gatlinburg, and in case you have plans to visit the city this fall, you can explore the following places.  1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands between the borders of Tennessee and North Carolina. You can cherish the beauty of the Smoky Mountains here and encounter the most fascinating wildlife. Furthermore, it is a great place to learn about the Southern Appalachian culture.  2. Anakeesta Anakeesta, a theme park in Gatlinburg, is a great spot for family vacations. Enjoy mountain coasters and zipline tours here and behold the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.  3. Gatlinburg Space Needle https://www.instagram.com/spaceneedletn/p/Cu5ba8BRyfr/ Gatlinburg Space Needle is an observation deck. You can get the best views of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg downtown from a 400 feet height from Gatlinburg Space Needle.  Along with these places, you can also stop by the Moonshine Mountain Coaster, Gatlinburg SkyPark, Mysterious Mansion, etc.    Final Thoughts: Taking a vacation is an excellent way to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of the daily routine and recharge your battery. But most people find it overwhelming when it comes to booking. When planning for a vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is booking a place to stay during your vacation. Many people are stressed out when they plan for accommodation, but you don't need to worry about that. Follow the strategies discussed to avoid mistakes. The key is to identify your priorities and act accordingly. Read Also: Tips For Vacationing In Gatlinburg Great Vacation Ideas For Adventurers 4 Fun Trip Ideas To Plan For This Year

BY  Shahnawaz Aug 2, 2022

45-year-old Preeti Maske, a mother of two, stuns India by making a Guinness world record in solo cycling. The Pune cyclist covers a long distance between Leh and Manali, becoming the first Indian woman ever to create this record. Preeti cycles for 55 hours & 13 minutes to cover this long distance. Preeti, the woman, was able to cover this distance. She has covered a long distance of 428 km with a total elevation gain of more than 26000 ft. On her way, Preeti also had to cross the highest pass (Tanglangla Pass). Tanglangla is over 17582 ft high, and some other passes on her path were higher than 16000 ft. When asked, Preeti answered, "It just happened." Preeti also added – Preeti said on Instagram – Feeling top of the world to ride the challenging route of Leh to Manali for Guinness world records and WUCA records, the terrain was challenging with elevation and constantly changing weather, could finish at 55 hrs, 13 minutes and 0 seconds. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Preeti Maske (@the_extreme_lady) While describing her long cycling journey, Preeti said – Managing sleep deprivation in a continuous and non-stop ride in a high altitude region was a big challenge for me. In addition, I had to take oxygen due to breathlessness at high passes twice during my adventurous journey A mother of two, Preeti has an inspirational milestone not only for Indian women but also for women worldwide. The Border Roads Organisation took to Twitter to confirm that she met all the Guinness Book of World Records requirements. https://twitter.com/BROindia/status/1541087396225089536?s=20&t=uxi3H-Skt76J7jBJReo2_A Preeti also holds the record for completing the Golden Quadrilateral route stretching through Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Rajasthan, Mumbai, and Pune. However, she is not stopping after finishing her Guinness record. She is already planning her next big cycling adventure. Read Also: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Auli? – Travel Guide Best Time To Visit Mount Abu – Travel Guide In 2022 Which Is The Best Time To Visit Kashmir? – Travel Guide

BY  Abdul Aziz Jul 2, 2022

Thanda Private Island is a luxurious island located in the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, between the mainland of Tanzania and Mafia Island. Thanda Private Island is home to nature in its purest form and feels heavenly. Thanda Island will instantly become your Indian Ocean home as it's in the lap of mother nature, which offers adventures, good food, spa wellness, and much more. The resort spa for wellness is slightly different from the regular luxury resorts. Let’s have a look at what is a spa resort for wellness. Then the difference will be much clearer for you. What Is A Wellness Spa Resort? A wellness spa resort is a resort where the visitors are only asking for healing suggestions. But, yes, some inner and body wellness is the target. So the visitors are getting an exceptional list of body and mind treatment options. They offer yoga, meditation, and Reiki sessions with spa wellness to add even more to your health. At their island resort spa, they believe in nature, its conservation, and all the natural practices which connect us to nature. So, the Spa is among them as it rejuvenates your soul and body to boost healthy circulation and makes you calmer and happier. Facilities Of The Wellness Island Spa Resort  You will fall in love with the sight of an isolated, uninhabited tropical island off the coast of East Africa where the only gesture of human habitation is the rare conventional fishing show. Many of the visitors are asking about what to wear to a spa resort.  Hence these spa resorts are a little bit different than luxury resorts. But the fact is when you are on the wellness island, you can wear anything you want. That means your relaxed feelings are the most required steps.  The island enjoys privacy with family and friends having luxurious villas and two traditional Bandas. Enjoy their marine reserve, swim with whales and sharks, watch sea turtles nesting, and try every water activity there. Enjoy the exotic cuisine and indulge in regular spa wellness to charge yourself for the island's adventures.   What Are The Available Facilities In The Island Spa And Wellness? All the wellness resort spas are built in a remote and naturally beautiful place. So you know the beautiful natural ambiances are the great healers. And These are the largest advantages of vacationing in wellness spas. But apart from the natural ambiance, here are some of the other facilities you are getting in the island Spas. Natural therapies for the face and body that are mentally and physically rejuvenating. Professional care with expert spa therapists Luxury to experience spa wellness at any location on the private island To enjoy the best non-allergic and best products for the treatment. Lastly, enjoy all this with a magnificent view of vast oceans and other amenities. Yoga and other mind-rejuvenating excise facilities along with the mind refreshing massage facilities. Most wellness spa facilities include many oil and water massages. The fitness activity along with the aquatic sports facilities. A private island means the location is remote, and you can spend your vacations without crowds. You can fly to Dar es Salaam where the Thanda Island team will welcome you and take you to the island through helicopters. So, enjoy a grand welcome and luxury island spa at Thanda Island. Names Of The Few Wellness Islands Here are the four names of the popular wellness island. All of these islands are in remote places. All of the resort spa have luxurious facilities. So are you thinking of making your wellness vacation special?Then pick any form of these four options, and you are not going to represent your decisions. 1. Shanti Maurice In Mauritius  https://www.instagram.com/p/DCJlvbHh0pe/ Address: Coastal Road, Saint Felix, Mauritius Phone Number: +230 603 7200 Operational Hours: 24 Hours Google Rating: 4.5 Shanti Maurice In Mauritius believes, “We live our lives through our senses.” Along with having a golf course and a hub of various family activities, Shanti Maurice provides you with a journey of rejuvenation.  Dr. Avinash Ramapati Tiwari is the doctor and the man behind this luxurious wellness service. He comes with an in-depth knowledge of Ayurveda.  He will personalize the wellness service for you, aiming at your holistic well-being.  2. Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa In Thailand https://www.instagram.com/p/C7jhhJVs7OE/ Address: 102 9 Laem-Set Rd, Tambon Na Mueang, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand Phone Number: +66 77 429 800 Operational Hours: 24 Hours Google Rating: 4.7 Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa In Thailand works to eradicate your mental anxiety and stress. So, along with the wellness of your body, it also works to uplift your emotions and spirit.  Further, the approach to wellness is unique at this wellness spa resort. They go for a wonderful fusion of traditional Eastern methods of treatment with Western technologies and advanced medical research.   The wellness courses and sessions here are versatile, and you can attend courses like “Sleep Enhancement,” “Basic Balance & Revitalise,” “Basic Optimal Fitness,” etc.  3. Blue Waters Resort And Spa, Barbara https://www.instagram.com/p/C8fOiJYoFXE/ Address: Atlantic Ave AG Atlantic Avenue, Antigua & Barbuda Phone Number: +44 (0) 870 360 1245 (UK and Europe), +1 (800) 557 6536 (USA and Canada) Google Rating: 4.6 The Blue Waters Resort and Spa in Barbara is a noted destination for wellness tourism. If your muscles are tired and your mind is stressed, a visit to this wellness spa resort will do the trick. The treatments offered here come from a deep understanding of the complex physiology of a human being. In addition, unique technologies are used to address and cure your physical and mental health concerns.  You can avail yourself of facials, massages and various hair treatments. You can also opt for a complete bridal service.  4. Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort In Costa Rica https://www.instagram.com/p/DCmKdSEI9CU/ Address: Bodhi Street, Provincia de Guanacaste, Nosara, 50206, Costa Rica Phone No: +506 2682 0256 Hours of Operation: 24 Hours Google Rating: 4.6 Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort In Costa Rica is an all-in-one destination for surfers, wellness enthusiasts, and Yogis. Urban wellness and wellness tourism are currently two trends on the rise, and this Costa Rica wellness spa resort offers daily yoga classes and week-long yoga retreats.  You can also relax, restore, and rejuvenate with the wellness services at Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort.  Wrapping It Up: Wellness resort spa is popular for its marvelous natural ambiance. The facility of all the wellness resort spas is pretty unique. So you can easily pick a basis for your requirements. Some of the visitors prefer natural healing facilities, others also seek the gym and aquatic exercise facilities. So the facilities are different. So which one are you going to pick? Share your opinion in the comment sections. Additionals: Ski Resorts of Idaho The Last Ski-Only Resorts in the USA: Why Do They Still Exist? Spinnaker Resorts & How Do You Get Out Of a Spinnaker Timeshare