Roads to drive, sights to see, things to do, places to visit, tips and interesting tidbits - all about your Smoky Mountains vacation

Trip Planning

Why Smart Travelers Are Ditching Airbnb and Vrbo

Airbnb and Vrbo trained travelers to think they’re the only game in town. They’re not. They’re just the most expensive middlemen in travel history. 
Next time you fall in love with a vacation rental, take five extra minutes to search the property name or run the photo through Google Lens. You’ll almost certainly find the owner’s direct site - and pocket hundreds of dollars that were never necessary to pay in the first place.

 

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Trip Planning

Do I need to pay to park my vehicle in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park holds the distinction of being the most frequented park in the country. It remains one of the rare parks that doesn't require an entry fee - a condition established through early land donations in the early 20th century, pivotal to the park's inception. You do not have to pay to enter or drive through the park, but all motor vehicles parked within the park boundary for more than 15 minutes will need parking tags. No fees apply for parking periods under 15 minutes, allowing visitors to enjoy quick stops at scenic spots without charge.

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