smoky mountains

4 Easy Packing Tips for Your Next Gatlinburg Vacation

suitcase overflowing with clothes
June 30, 2014

No one enjoys packing, but it is a necessary evil we must endure to make it our favorite vacation destinations. To help you get through this boring (and often frustrating) task, we are sharing a few of our favorite packing tips. Be sure to keep these in mind for your upcoming Gatlinburg vacation!
(Back By Popular Demand: Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair Returns to the Smokies)
1. Use ziploc bags to keep liquids away from clothes.
If your shampoo or mouthwash bottles break inside your suitcase, it’s going to put a major damper on your vacation. To avoid this worst case scenario, be sure to put everything that could conceivably burst open inside its own plastic bag. This applies to sunscreen, toothpaste, makeup, and anything else that could make a mess. Trust us, it’s worth taking the time to bag everything up because it’s no fun to replace your ruined clothing.
2. Roll, don’t fold.
To make the most out of the space in your suitcase, roll your clothes instead of folding them. Your clothes will be less wrinkled and you’ll have more room! Consider using bands to keep your rolled up clothes together. Tissue paper is also great for keep wrinkles away.
3. Don’t go crazy with toys for your kids.
While it can be tempting to overpack toys for your children, it really isn’t necessary. Instead, bring a tablet or a smartphone so your kids will have access to a variety of games, videos, and activities during the drive to Gatlinburg. Many of our cabins come with awesome game rooms, so your kids will never be bored when they arrive in the Smokies!
4. Leave space in your suitcase for souvenirs.
Some people are so preoccupied with what they need to bring on vacation that they forget that they’ll want to take things home too! Gatlinburg is home to a world famous Arts and Crafts Community, so there’s a good chance you’ll be coming home with some gifts and souvenirs. Try to plan ahead by leaving an area of your suitcase wide open for a memento or two.
Now that you’re a packing expert, you can start planning your next Gatlinburg vacation! Visit our Gatlinburg Cabins page or give us a call at 1-800-235-2661.