Eight Outdoor Attractions In Pigeon Forge For Thrill-Seekers

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  Abdul Aziz Sep 8, 2022

When you tell somebody, you are planning a trip to Italy. They always answer, “You must visit Florence in Tuscany!”. Florence is a typical river city developed on the two banks of the Arno, a city rich in history and art. Founded and inhabited by Italic people, Florence extends into a green plain, which is surrounded by hills dotted with cypresses, and olive trees, and also crossed by the Arno river. But above all: a city breathing art and culture everywhere!  No wonder Ginori 1735, the iconic porcelain brand, partnered with St. Regis Hotels & Resorts to present Café Ginori.  Café Ginori will blend the elegance of Italian cuisine with Italian artistry to make the tourism experience in Florence more happening.  So, what are the special attractions or the best places to visit in Florence, Tuscany? This Tour and Travel blog has all the answers. Special Attractions Of Florence in Tuscany Many of the travelers are asking, is Tuscany in Florence? And what is there? In the past years, it has been awarded internationally as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You are standing in the middle cradle of the Renaissance. The city is the hub of extraordinary literary, artistic, and scientific development that took place in the 14th-16th centuries. To visit Florence in Tuscany really means jumping back in time!  Note: Appreciated more than anything else is the urban architecture and the presence of traces of a glorious past on every street corner;  with the most iconic places such as the Duomo Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, etc. You Should Visit Florence For Its Art And Culture Known throughout the world for its artistic masterpieces, the colored marbles of the churches, and the high-sounding architecture, Florence is the city of the Medici, an ancient Tuscan family that became one of the most important dynasties in Italy and Europe. Nowadays, it is home to the most beautiful and important museums in the world; to name a few: the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, the Accademia Gallery, the Pitti Palace, Florence Cathedral and the Opera del Duomo museum, etc. Best Places To Visit In Florence, Tuscany, To Celebrate Its Art And Culture  With seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, Florence sees tourism as a key resource. Further, its average annual tourism revenue is 300 million euros, establishing its position as a global travel destination.  Further, Florence has places like San Casciano dei Bagni within 200 km that are growing as tourism hubs individually.  San Casciano dei Bagni has won the laurel of “Best Tourism Village” from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This village is growing for its rich biodiversity and culture.  “San Casciano dei Bagni receiving the ‘Best Tourism Village’ recognition is a testament to the charm and authenticity of Italy’s smaller gems. These villages showcase the excellence of our craftsmanship, gastronomy, traditions, and culture, representing the heart of our national heritage.”Daniela Santanchè, Italian Tourism Minister Nevertheless, these are the best places to visit in Florence, Tuscany.  1. Piazza del Duomo Piazza del Duomo, with its bell tower, Baptistery, and cathedral, is one of the best places to visit in Florence, Tuscany. Also, don’t forget to visit Ponte Vecchio.  2. Uffizi Gallery Location: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Hours Open: Tuesday-Sunday (8:15 AM to 6:30 PM), Monday Closed Uffizi Gallery houses the best collection of paintings and artwork from the medieval era to the modern period.  It was built between 1560 and 1580. 3. Piazza della Signoria Piazza della Signoria is the central square of Florence. It always has a lively ambiance and is Florence's epicenter of history and art.  4. Palazzo Vecchio Location: P.za della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Hours Open: Friday-Wednesday (9 AM to 7 PM), Thursday (9 AM to 2 PM) Palazzo Vecchio was built between 1299 and 1314 and was once the home and workplace of the Signoria of Florence.  5. The Accademia Gallery Location: Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy Hours Open: 8:15 AM to 6:20 PM, (Monday Closed) The Accademia Gallery is home to David by Michelangelo. It is the second-most visited museum in Florence after the Uffizi Gallery.  6. Pitti Palace Location: Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy Hours Open: Tuesday-Sunday (8:15 AM to 6:30 PM), Monday Closed Once a symbol of the power of the Medicis in Tuscany, Pitti Palace, or Palazzo Pitti, was also the seat of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine and House of Savoy.  7. Florence Cathedral Location: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Hours Open: 10:15 AM to 3:45 PM The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or Florence Cathedral, is the Cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Florence. The church, founded in 1296, was consecrated in 1436 by Pope Eugenio IV. It stands out with its huge dome structure.  8. Opera Del Duomo Museum Location: Piazza del Duomo, 9, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Hours Open: 8:30 AM to 7 PM Built in 1891 and renovated in 2015, Opera Del Duomo Museum has the original artwork of the greatest artists and sculptors across seven centuries.  Here, you will find the work of Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, and many others.  9. Florence City Center Covering an area of 505 ha, the Florence City Center still has the 14th-century boundary walls.  Also, it is a symbol of the Renaissance during the early Medici rule.  10. Siena City Center Siena City Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Tuscan Hills. It is famous for its food scene and medieval buildings.  11. Pienza The Historic Centre of the City of Pienza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is one of the best places to visit in Florence, Tuscany. It is also famous for its town-planning concepts during the Renaissance period.  12. San Gimignano San Gimignano, or the Town of Five Towers, will transport you to the medieval era. A preserved hill town, it also has Civic Museums, Contemporary art, and holy art.  13. Piazza Dei Miracoli (Pisa) The Piazza Dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, an architectural wonder.  Further, located in a port city, the Piazza Dei Miracoli is an expression of human creativity.  14. Villas And Giardini Medicei  With 14 villas and gardens, Villas And Giardini Medicei is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tuscany.  One of the best places to visit in Florence, Tuscany, Villas and Giardini Medicei, gives you an insight into the family that played prominent roles in the history of Italy and Europe during the 15th-18th century.  15. Val d’Orcia Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shows the beauty of the countryside in Southern Tuscany. It is famous for its ecological uniqueness and stunning landscape. Culture Also Means Food And Wine But the only culture of Florence in Tuscany is not only art & history, and it means food and wine as well. Florence is a food city (delicious food), and you really can’t go there without trying out its local specials: that’s part of the experience!  Things you should try in Florence: 1. CHIANTI WINE  Chianti wine is a red blend of Tuscany that is made from Sangiovese grapes. These are common tasting notes which include different types of red fruits, smoke, dried herbs, balsamic vinegar, and game. Perfect for any kind of aperitivo admiring monuments or to accompany your dinners in Florence!  2. PICI Pici is a type of fresh pasta, similar to spaghetti, which is made with water, flour, and salt. A simple preparation, typical of the Tuscan culinary tradition: a "poor" dish linked to peasant cuisine. They can be combined with different condiments, thanks to their ability to adapt to various preparations: you can, in fact, make them with cheese and pepper, with crumbs, with garlic, with ragù, and in many other ways. Yummy!  3. FIORENTINA One of the most popular Italian steak dishes, Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, is made of young steer or heifer that, in combination with the specific preparations. What preparations are turning it into one of the famous dishes in Tuscan cuisine.  It is a high cut, including the bone, and also cooked on the embers or on the grill, with a degree of "blood" cooking. Try to accompany this Florence in Tuscany special dish with your Chianti wine; a perfect combo.  Visit Florence For Its Welcoming People  Florence's inhabitants are something on their own; the Fiorentini are really strong characters, very different from the typical Italians international people know. The character of the Florentines is judged in a contradictory way. They are considered polite and honest, but their thriftiness, praised for being able to make money well, is often criticized. In Florence, people tend to say things to your face, and often when they do so, they are not too pleasant things. Don’t take it personally, it’s part of the culture! Learn some useful words:  Topping | Gnocchi Ganzo | Cool Grullo | A silly person Boncitto | A good guy Chetarsi | To be silent So Why Visit Florence? For many, Florence is a city they have only heard about, and important events and things to do, such as those in Rome or Venice, are not attributed to it. Wrong! Florence Is Full Of Things To Do!  Those who know the history of the world will know that Florence, with much of Italy, was the central hub of the Renaissance, and many works of art of the period can be found in this city. One of the most iconic sites that many are likely to recognize is the Duomo, a cathedral with a dome at its top.  The Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence also exhibits Michelangelo's David, one of the most famous sculptures in the world. When it comes to art and history, no one beats Florence for masterpieces! But there are also many fun activities for those who are not very interested in art. Tourists can take a day trip out of town and explore the wonderfully varied landscape of Florence in Tuscany. You can also taste local food and wines.  And events are also an option if you want to dive into the local culture for real. Music festivals, historical reviews, sports events, and much more! To learn everything about Florence and the reasons why you should visit it, learn more at www.ciaoflorence.it Reasons To Visit Florence In Tuscany |Ciao Florence Why should you visit Florence in Tuscany? Art, culture, food, and events. All you need to know about the city of Renaissance! Visit Ciao Florence. So when are you planning to visit Tuscany? Share your opinion through the comment sections. Additionals: Tattoo Bali – Tips Before Getting A Tattoo Canary Wharf: A Mini-Guide For Your Next Visit Top 3-Week Itineraries For A Perfect Tour Of Europe: T AND TB

BY  Mashum Dec 14, 2021

Living in a truck camper shell is amazing as I am a truck camper. It really bothers me if things inside my camper shell are not well organized. At the beginning of my journey, I couldn't manage the ways to keep everything in place, but over the years with my research, I have gathered creative truck cap camping ideas. If you are an ardent traveler, then it is necessary for you to have creative ways to vibe with your gear, who becomes your one and only companion on the road. I was always very fond of decorating my stuff and when I finally had the chance to have a truck and decorate it, I never stopped having creative truck cap camping ideas. I have buddies who are just like me love to adventure, or maybe I am like them, but there is one thing that makes me and my friend Mr. Truck different is the way we look after each other. Launching Winter 2022, The Klubb is a new kind of social app that is redefining wellness for the next generation of movers and shakers. Designed for high-performers, The Klubb takes the private club experience and packages it into a user-friendly social app that gets you, "Outside. Together". Join the waitlist today to be a part of the next evolution of social apps. In the meantime, check out their journal, Klubb Mag, for amazing athletic vacation destinations and outdoor activity recommendations Enough about the story of me and my life. It's just something a truck camper will relate to. In this article, I will be sharing my 7 creative truck cap camping ideas with you guys who are new to this world. Let's dive in! 7 Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas To Use In Jungle Adventures I am an adventure freak therefore the most places I visit are Jungles. I love how busy roads turn into greenery, instead of honks I hear birds of different types chirping, how a deer suddenly plays the role of a stop sign. I love everything about nature. But there are disadvantages as well when you don’t have a concrete shelter to spend your day and night underneath. You can also stay here if you like solo travel. Here are some creative truck cap camping ideas that have helped me and will help you too. 1. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- Simple Sleeping The place you are going to create for sleeping totally depends on the model of your truck. But let me tell you my Toyota Tacoma camper shell has a very comfortable sleeping spot. The sleeping place in any camping truck is easy to build. My truck has notches on the sides of the bed that let me lay down straight without bending my knees. I have placed two sheets of plywood on top of my bed, which is covered with an outdoor carpet as I am really sincere about my stuff getting damaged. 2. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- DIY Drawers As I said earlier that I like things organized, therefore to keep my tiny things secured I went with wheeled latching boxes, which you might use for under-bed storage. Apart from the sleeping platform I really needed to install sliding drawers that help me keep my clothes, jewelry, and kitchen accessories safe. It is quickly accessible as well. Add some locks to your drawers if you have something precious to secure. Other than that prevention is better than cure. 3. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- Drawing Drapes The most important thing to do is to have privacy even if it's a truck you are living in. To maintain privacy hanging drapes is as important as decorating the inside of the camper shell. Installing drapes is also a creative interior idea. Drapes do not only give you privacy, but you don't have to open them when you are inside. You can keep them open when you are out of your camper shell, as it will keep away the prying eyes that search for your belongings. 4. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- Bedding Sleeping in a truck bed is very different from sleeping on a bed in a room. In my camper shell, I have built boxes over the wheel wells, on both sides of the truck. I did it because I travel with my pooch and he is very comfortable in his own place, especially where he sleeps. Therefore I have two beds in my camper shell. My friends generally call this idea of mine a truck bed camping setups. And I am pretty good at setting up things in small spaces. The two beds leave an aisle in the middle of them to let me and my pooch swing our legs. You can also check out truck bed camping videos on Youtube. 5. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- Solar Lighting Now, who doesn't want to decorate their place with some lights? As you know lights are not only for decorating but it really helps at night, when I am camping just right outside a jungle. I let my lights rest on the dash of my truck to get all the energy from the sun rays in the morning till noon. In cloudy weather this might not work, therefore you should always have a backup plan like having a rechargeable kong headlamp. 6. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- The Ultimate Drawer I also have this mega drawer of mine, though I have small drawers too, this big drawer takes in all the stuff I have and storage for other things. I actually don’t regret installing it. But one thing you must consider is that large drawers should have dividers. The dividers help you find things or else everything will get tangled with each other and things will be hard to find. Packing cubes are another creative interior idea that is really good for soft gear and clothing. 7. Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas- The Workplace Since I am a writer and I earn my living through it, I had to have an office in my camper shell. Ask me how? I managed. Let me break the ice. At the end of my truck, the place where the door opens is where my office is situated. I have installed a flexible wooden slab, screwing the base to the walls of the truck. Now I can easily sit on the edge of my bed, where my pooch sleeps. And pull the slab towards, place my laptop on it and voila!. It is big enough to keep my food bowl and coffee cup on it. Wrapping It All Up Here you go with all 7 Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas To Use In Jungle Adventures. All of the above ideas are applied by me in my own way. You don't have to do the exact thing I did. Rather try to outsmart these ideas by bringing more creativity to it. You can also try a DIY truck topper, and see where it gets you. All the best for the life you have ahead of you. A small message from one traveler to another. Leave a comment in the comment section and share your experience with me. I would love to read them and reply as fast as I can. Read More: 10 Best Nude Beaches In The World A Guide To National Parks In Virginia – Latest Guide What To Look For When Purchasing A Beach Tent For Vacation