As for how I plan the trips, I do a *lot* of research before hand. For example, for Gatlinburg, I started by looking at brochures my mom brought home from a TN trip and the top attractions online. I looked at a map and google streetviews of the main parkway to see where stuff was located in relation to each other. I called the different venues and asked them how much time to expect to be there. Then I made an itinerary based on location and time required. I usually “pad” the times to make sure there is enough time for everything and then include alternate activities in case we have extra time. I also create a budget for the minimum and maximum amounts I expect to spend so that I know how much money I will need.

Gatlinburg had an amazing amount of stuff to do there. We could have spent a week there and that isn’t even counting Pigeon Forge and Sevierville right next to it. I had not idea there was so much cool stuff up there.

When the kids are older I plan to do LOTS of field trips all over the place. I figure I’ll plan them out and then let anyone who has kids know we are going and you can join in as you like.

Also, how do you plan itineraries for trips like this when you’ve never been and aren’t familiar with the area? You did the same on a giganto large scale for your europe trip. I’d love to plan a vacation in a place that’s within driving distance like this but i would never have known you could do *any* of this stuff in Gatlinburg. Tell me your secrets so we can have fun vacations some day!