BY Ankita TripathyNov 29, 2023

Nestled amid stunning Appalachian Mountain landscapes, Pigeon Forge provides endless options for adrenaline-filled outdoor recreation beyond notable music venues and dinner shows. From outdoor snow tubing to towering ziplines, this destination proves ideal for thrill-seekers craving gorgeous panoramic settings across adventures. Here Are Seven Best Outdoor Adventures In Pigeon Forge You Can't Miss The area offers outdoor activities for all interests, skill levels, and ages beyond regional tourist draws. This comprehensive guide showcases seven exciting outdoor pursuits enticing any visitor to deeply experience Pigeon Forge’s admirable natural splendor legacy from new awe-inspiring angles. 1. Pigeon Forge Snow: Year-Round Indoor Snow Tubing In the heart of Pigeon Forge lies a unique attraction that promises year-round winter fun: Pigeon Forge Snow. This one-of-a-kind facility brings the excitement of snow tubing indoors, allowing visitors to enjoy the thrill of sliding down snowy slopes regardless of the season. The magic of this place is in its ability to maintain a winter wonderland atmosphere all year, offering an excellent escape from the summer heat or a winter adventure without the chill. What sets Pigeon Forge Snow apart is its climate-controlled environment and suitability for all ages, making it an ideal destination for family outings or even a snow tubing birthday party. Imagine celebrating a special day whizzing down snow-covered lanes, followed by laughter-filled snowball fights, without worrying about weather conditions. This venue merges the joy of snow sports with the convenience of an indoor setting, ensuring every visit is filled with memorable and exhilarating experiences. 2. Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains The crowned jewel of Pigeon Forge’s wealth of outdoor adventure options is undoubtedly the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park, covering over 500,000 protected acres filled with rugged Appalachian Mountain landscapes and terrain. Choose from over 800 miles of diverse scenic trails spanning tranquil lush rainforests, panoramic mountain peaks, and breathtaking roaring waterfalls perfect for hikers of every age and skill level. Both casual travelers and avid peak baggers find plenty of hiking adventure in the park. Classic routes like the Laurel Falls Trail, Abrams Falls, and a walk to historic Cades Cove showcase stunning nature payoffs available after just a few miles. Meanwhile, fitness die-hards can challenge stamina by hiking 16 long miles roundtrip to summit impressive Mount LeConte's towering 6,593 feet. Wandering through this environmentally rich biodiverse wonderland area never disappoints in terms of sweeping views. From plentiful wildlife sightings across fields to stumbling upon hidden wildflower meadows, the diversity continues impressing visitors for decades and decades to come through well-maintained trails. 3. Ziplining Adventures For high-flying thrills, experience Pigeon Forge's gorgeous vistas alongside steep vertical descents across the thick verdant tree canopies with area ziplining adventures. Strap securely into climbing harnesses and helmets to safely soar down elevated steel lines, allowing you to masterfully navigate multiple adrenaline-pumping ziplines showcasing glorious Smoky Mountain forest, river, and ravine landscapes 2,000 feet up through breathtaking unobstructed panoramic angles. Between ziplines, elevated sky bridges transport you effortlessly between courses across jaw-dropping scenic platforms surrounded by mountainous valleys as expert guides share fascinating details about the ecology and terrain. The result feels daring yet comfortably smooth under the assurance of trained climbing professionals dedicated fully to maximizing your rich environmental views and exhilarating emotive sensations sliding with regulated speeds. 4. White Water Rafting on the Pigeon River For those bold, adventurous souls still seeking extra extreme outdoor thrills during their Pigeon Forge getaway, consider facing 12 miles of rowdy swelling Class III and Class IV rapids by signing up to tackle rafting daily expeditions along the winding Pigeon River! Groups of 6 to 12 participants paddle inflatable rafts as teams work together across the gorgeous river terrain, bobbing and weaving between spectacular boulder outlooks and stunning Blue Ridge Mountain backdrops. This water activity lets you dive right into the action, witnessing East Tennessee's natural majestic mountain waters from engaging new low-altitude angles. While providing a thrilling ride, reputable rafting tour companies like Raft One employ only the most experienced, fun-loving guides to man the paddling commands and expertly steer rafts straight through the most challenging rapids and tight passages along the cliffs safely with their knowledge of the river. 5. Horseback Riding For travelers desiring more gentle and intimate interaction experiencing Pigeon Forge’s exquisite wilderness independently, saddle up for a delightful afternoon escaping into the forests and countryside by horseback. Various local outfitters offer visitors guided horseback riding exploration trips winding at calming paces through sun-dappled alpine forests, verdant meadows, and the sprawling foothills of the glorious Smoky Mountains to feel completely transported, experiencing iconic Appalachian nature at smooth equestrian speeds. From beginner-friendly wilderness rides in secluded oak woodlands like those gently offered by Blanton Forest Horseback Rides to hour-long weekend Smoky Mountain guided tours better suited for intermediate-level riders and equestrians, Pigeon Forge stables like Five Oaks Ranch provide quintessential smoky mountain vacations centered on 40+ years respectfully showcasing the region's spectacular environmental legacy and local horsemanship at its finest. Related: Exploring Pigeon Forge As A Weekend Getaway 6. Mountain Coaster Rides A uniquely exhilarating alternative to traditional rollercoasters, round up your family or circle of friends visiting Pigeon Forge to experience tackling the staggering 4,000-foot precipitous near vertical elevation drop racing straight down alongside rocky scarps and beautiful streams aboard the impossibly fun mountain monster thrill coaster located directly within town limits. Riders feel intensified coaster forces directly by manually “driving” individual coaster cars completely independently, personally controlling faster acceleration speeds or braking cautiously through each sharp turn's plunging dips, numerous 360° corkscrews, and countless free-falling camelback moments all dictated by your selected adrenaline-chasing comfort across 3,500 cumulative thrilling feet of gravity-driven monorail track hovering through the dense forest. Mountain coasters like this bring many nonstop grins across most age groups and orientations. 7. Dollywood Lastly, no extensive guide of quintessential iconic attractions found within Pigeon Forge itself feels entirely complete without discussing the enormously popular thrilling theme park Dollywood located just minutes from downtown. People travel incredibly far distances just to experience their award-winning outdoor rides like Tennessee Tornado, Mystery Mine, and Dragonflies rollercoasters, deliberately designed masterfully to whip riders daringly through the authentic towering Smokies themselves! With additional shows, art demonstrations and concerts continually happening routinely across the park, even long waits next to various roller coasters continue rousing fun and local connections. Neighboring water park Dollywood’s Splash Country provides necessary summer heat relief while continuing friendly Appalachian-themed thrills through numerous towering slippery slides slicing through refreshing waterfalls. Combined, both flagship Dollywood parks offer families and outdoor thrill-seekers nearly endless amounts of entertainment possibilities fully immersed just steps away from the gorgeous natural forests and wilderness that have characterized the signature Smoky Mountain region since the frontier days. It's no wonder crowds return happy year after year! Conclusion In conclusion, Pigeon Forge and the surrounding vista-rich Appalachian Mountain landscapes deliver unlimited options supporting active thrill-seeking and challenging outdoor recreation rivaling any major global destination. From tranquil wildflower-lined hiking trails to daring whitewater rafting expeditions navigating Class 4 rapids, this eastern Tennessee vacation hub offers exhilarating excursions featuring renowned southern hospitality. Ultimately, balancing these physically demanding adventures with equal amounts of relaxing downtime, enjoying stellar comfort foods, regional arts and crafts demonstrations, plus live music performances, all reflecting local cultures and traditions. Pigeon Forge continues growing into the ideal quintessential family outdoor vacation destination that visitors return to faithfully enjoy year after year as annual traditions, always finding new hidden gems and welcoming surprises along the way. Start planning your own Smoky Mountain adventures exploring untamed wilderness now while basking in expedient modern conveniences! Read Also: Your Guide To The Perfect Pigeon Forge Vacation 6 Tips For Experiencing The Best Of Pigeon Forge 4 Tips To Enjoy A Comfortable Stay In Pigeon Forge

BY rimshaatherDec 2, 2021

Everyone should travel abroad and explore the mysterious corners of the world at least once in their lifetime. And what better place to start your journey than Europe, which literally has it all. From quaint little hamlets to breathtaking natural wonders, bustling spired cities to soul-soothing golden beaches, Gondola rides in the Venetian canal to romantic candle-lit dinners atop the Eiffel Tower. Not to mention, the friendly indigenous folk, the local cultural events, and the refreshingly unique food. Indeed, traveling across Europe is sure to turn your life around for the better, enriching it with precious memories of interesting adventures. But there are a lot of factors to take into consideration before you can begin this Euro trip. Let me help you with a few backpacking tips if you prefer to travel on foot and point you in the right direction. Here are 5 Backpacking Tips for an Unforgettable Euro-Trip: Everything depends on your budget. If you can afford to stay in one of those pricier hotels, then go for it. But if you’re a backpacker, then you might want to save on the accommodation costs, for which there are plenty of options. Here are a few helpful backpacking tips: 1. Seasonal Selection: If it is during wintertime that you decide to begin your Euro-tour, then head over to the places with the best skiing facilities and the most tasteful New Year parties, like Finland, Sweden or Austria, etc. In the case of the spring season, perfectly balanced between the dying winter and the emerging summer, select Netherlands, Greece, France, or Ireland as your European destinations, in full bloom. For an autumnal golden view mixed with browns and greens, travel to the Mediterranean. As the tourist traffic dies down, enjoy the pleasant quietness of the coastlines and explore the eerie cities of Spain and Italy, etc. Finally, if the hot summer season is your choice for the trip, then make your way to the Baltic regions, the eastern Slovenian mountains and the wonderful Balkan coastline. Just make sure to pick your season wisely and not begin your journey haphazardly. 2. Euro-Train Travel There are many ways you could go around Europe, but the best mode of transportation for backpackers is the railway. It is featured in many wanderlust movies, like Before Sunset (2004) which shows the characters getting the most out of their journey via train travel. You can order these movies by visiting here, for further inspiration. Why the train, you ask? Well, for starters, you can better enjoy the multi-colored view of the European landscape from your train window, rather than from an airplane. Other than that, if you sleep overnight in your cabin on one of those long rides, then you’ll save on accommodation costs. Plus, most countries require a single train pass, like a Eurail or an Interrail Global pass, in order to become accessible. Cool, right? 3. Accommodation Options Visiting Europe is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From searching hotels in west London to packing your bags for the southernmost tip of Prague, there is so much to do. If you truely want things to be just right, here are a few useful tips: Guesthouse: This is a private mode of lodging, where the hosts allot one separate section of their house to a paying guest for staying in. It also goes by the name of the bed and breakfast. You can book your spot in such guesthouses online by going for digital accommodation apps like Airbnb etc. They give a much homelier welcome than the super-formal hotels, so you won’t feel home-sick. Hostel: Also known by the name of an ‘inn’, this accommodation system goes way back to medieval times. It is an establishment that gives inexpensive lodging and food to students, workers, and travelers mostly. Book your rooms beforehand to avoid any sort of inconvenience. Camp: If you want to truly test yourself and connect with the nature on the rawest level, then book your spot on a well-equipped camping site. It is not only quite affordable, and but comes with a special bonfire bonding. University Stays: Most of the universities in certain countries offer cheap lodgings to students. You can avail of this option as well. There are other accommodation options too, but these are the ones which I’d recommend. 4. Cultural Delve Once you reach a place, be sure to collect as many experiences as you can, and such experiences begin once you indulge in the local cultures. Festivals are a major part of any culture, so plan your trip around such events in advance. There’s the orange battle festival in Italy, the bullfight in Spain, the shamrock-jeweled St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Ireland, and the interesting naked run Roskilde festival in Denmark, etc. In addition to such events, be sure to savor the curious, indigenous cuisines. Instead of going to the expensive restaurants, save on your backpacker’s budget by eating like the locals. Refresh your taste buds with the multi-colored street food. Popular dishes include French crêpes, Denmark’s smørrebrød, the Italian trattoria, currywurst of Berlin and the Belgian fries, etc. Apart from this, the best option would be to cook your own food. Handpick ingredients from the local markets, which come with their own titillating flavors. Markets are a hubbub of interesting activity. Don’t forget to add them to your tour. Do buy small souvenirs, like key chains, to hang from your backpacks. 5. Nightly Forays One word: pubs. Even though the days are full of invigorating explorations, nights are equally alive with inebriation in the European countries. So, there are plenty of reasons to stay up late and go on nightly forays. There are hipster dives in London and Berlin, ruin bars in Budapest, and wine tastings in France and Italy. Moreover, the flamenco music scene in Seville, historic pubs of Oxford, and cafes in Brussels are a must-visit too. Do not miss out on these dark, happy hours by wasting them away on sleep. One important tip that you should definitely keep in mind is that your safety is your own responsibility once you go backpacking tips across Europe. So, do not take any chances with expensive cameras or jewelry, and always be on your guard. Especially, when you go on the roads less taken and explore under-the-radar areas, like Berat or Olomouc. Be sure to take the basic precautions to stay safe. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: How long is the backpacking trip to Europe? A:  For larger Europen sites you will need 2 to 4 full days and 3 to 5 nights. For smaller sites, you will need 1 to 2 days maximum. So it all depends on how much time you can spend on your trip to Europe.  Q2: Is backpacking to Europe is cheap? A: If you choose the peak time which is the Summer season, then it is going to be expensive for you as well as the place will be crowded. To have a smooth trip to Europe with any crowd and also where accommodations are 50% cheaper, travel during the shoulder or offseason. Q3: Are hostels in Europe safe? A: Not that much, the common security issue you will face is theft, especially in larger cities like Paris and Rome. therefore the hostels have lockers that save your belongings from getting robbed. But always carry your purse along with your passport, credit cards, IDs with you.  Q4: Is there any age limit to take a trip to Europe? A: Hostels and Hotels will only allow you if you are 18 or above, otherwise a guardian accompanying you will be nice. Exception when counted, Germany’s Bavarian Region does not consider this age thing in most hostels.  Wrapping Up: So, whenever you plan your backpacking tips journey, be sure to pay attention to the aforementioned tips. These will surely benefit you in the long run and make your Euro-trip bump-free. Read More: How to Choose A Backpack 10 Best Places To Visit In Europe Top 3-Week Itineraries For A Perfect Tour Of Europe

BY Ariana SmithNov 15, 2021

Have you always wanted to travel around the world? Or perhaps you have been bitten by the travel bug and are keen to plan your next trip? Either way, there is probably only one thing holding you back from jumping on the very next plane to your preferred far-fetched destination. Money. Unfortunately, the traveler lifestyle does not lend itself well to those with a less than favorable bank balance, especially if you want to visit the top attractions and marvel at the must-see sights. That being said, there are ways that the average Joe (or Josephine) can afford to travel in style in the same way that those with a trust fund can. That being said, there are ways that the average Joe (or Josephine) can afford to travel in style in the same way that those with a trust fund can. All that you need to know is  how to pay off your debt and travel. Sell your possessions: Although this may seem a little extreme, if you are serious about traveling the world, you will have to make certain sacrifices. If you are planning to travel for several months or even a year, you may want to consider selling your car, as it will just be sitting unused while you are away anyway. This is a good option if you live in a city that boasts a good public transport system. Other possessions you may want to consider selling include: Unwanted clothes Furniture Jewelry Old tech devices anything that you do not need or want anymore could be easily transformed into cash for your next adventure. Work in a summer camp: The beauty of working in a summer camp is that not only will you earn a decent wage that you can save up to fund your travels further, but your flights, accommodation, and food are all included in the initial price. For example, if you choose USA summer camp, for only $399, you can travel to explore the United States and earn some extra spending money while you are there. You do not need to have any experience with children to apply, and you will get the chance to make some great friends and enjoy new and exciting experiences. Scale down your social life: If you love nothing more than partying with your friends at the local bars and clubs or dining out with your partner at expensive restaurants, then now is the time to cut back on all these little luxuries. You might be surprised by how much money you are spending on going out and socializing. Instead, make the effort to cook your own meals from scratch, buy drinks from your local supermarket, leave your debit/credit card at home when you go out, and take a limited amount of cash. It is a good idea to cancel any unnecessary subscriptions and memberships such as weekly magazines and going to the gym. You will get plenty of exercise when you are backpacking through India or hiking in the Himalayas. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: How much money do you have in the travel fund? A: The general rule for funding for traveling is at least expenses put away of three months.  Q2: Can you get paid to travel? A: yes you can if you are willing to work along the way instead of just paying you can also earn. Some gigs will cover your transport cost and some will pay for the entire trip and maybe there are some gigs that will send you home with more money than you started with.  Q3: How can I travel for free? A: look for work exchanges     Travel to the old country for free     Swap houses       Babysit, house sit, or pet sit. Q4: Can traveling be a job? A: Whether you are thinking of a career shift or just getting started, you can always find a job to trip on. The training a job that offers traveling is always hard, but the investments can be covered once the journey starts.  Read Also: Top 3-Week Itineraries For A Perfect Tour Of Europe: T AND TB 5 Backpacking Tips For An Unforgettable Euro-Trip Your Next Road Trip: 4 Tips Before You Depart

BY Sharmita SheeJan 18, 2018

 Asia has seen a considerable rise in travel and tourism in the last decade. They have finally taken the tourism business seriously. This has been implemented to such an extent that even countries like China have opened up their gates for the foreigners not only for travel but also for business and academic activities. However, Asia, as a travel destination, is a new place for many travel aspirants. Especially for the American citizens for whom, Asian destinations are quite famous these days. There is more than one reason for this. Firstly, most of the Asian countries as destinations are cheaper than their European counterparts. Further, Asia has always been a land of mystery for most of them through their experience of reading the childhood fantasy stories. Thus, an Asian trip for the Americans has always been a different experience. This has made sure that the traffic from America to Asia has received a major boost in the last decade or so. Nevertheless, the first-timers must know certain things regarding the continent before setting off for travel. Research regarding the regulations of the places Off late there has been changes in visa regulations in quite a few countries. Like in China, huge changes have been implemented making the visa regulations easier but different from what used to be. Thus, it is essential to know regarding the existing rules to avoid any hazard during the tour. Further, most of the Asian countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months in order to provide you with an entry visa. Thus, you might be in serious trouble if the validity of your passport is not looked after well ahead of travel. 1. Know regarding the ATMs in advance: These days in Asia, you would seldom come across a place where you would not find an ATM. Then, there would be odd places where there would not be an ATM to help you out. Thus, research regarding the place in a proper manner before you set out for a journey, as it is better to know which place requires you to carry cash and which place does not. 2. Avoid purchasing SIM cards:  Most of the Asian countries are reputed for free Wi-Fi. You would normally find complementary free Wi-Fi services in the hotels you put up in. Thus, it is no longer worthy to buy a SIM card while traveling to the Asian countries these days. Not that the Sim cards would cost you a huge amount, but why spend even a single buck if you Can get your job done for free. 3. Have knowledge regarding the cab fares:  Cab fares might be an important issue in Asia. It is better to do some research regarding the existing cab fares for the places you have planned to travel before reaching the places. If you are ignorant regarding them, there are chances of the drivers robbing you with amounts much higher than the actual rates. 4. Having US$ always helps:  Nothing is better than the possession of the local currency of the place you are traveling. This is applicable not only for an Asian travel but also all the places around the world. However, remember that in most of the Asian countries, along with their local currency, US$ is also accepted. Thus, as US travelers, there would not be much problem if you are carrying US$ with you. 5. Always possess toilet papers and hand sanitizers:  There would not be many places where you would get either toilet papers or hand sanitizers for use in the public toilets. Thus, it is always a healthy habit to carry both in your backpack while traveling through Asia. 6. Maintain your calm:  When you are travelling a foreign country, never ever get into a tussle with any of the inmates of any country which so ever. Remember that the natives of those countries would always support their fellow citizens. On the hind side, it is always a good idea to learn a few phrases in their native tongue like a hello or a thank you. Finally, we can come to the conclusion that every country has their habits and their own set of cultures. Thus, it is always good to travel to a particular place not only for enjoyment but also to have a bit of their culture so that the experience transcends to something that can be cherished for a lifetime. Read More: Tips For Improving Your Holiday Experience. 4 Tips for First-time Travelers to Bali. 6 Expert Packing Tips that will make your Trips more Fun. Glow your New Year at these Bangalore Events.