Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
4 Things NOT To Do On Your Next Smokies Vacation – Part I
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on July 24, 2018
If you ask friends or family what you should do when vacationing in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll probably get more advice than one person can reasonably handle. And that's OK. It's always better to have more choices than fewer when you're planning a trip. But on the flip side of the coin, you'll probably rarely get advice about what NOT to do on vacation. And that's too bad, because sometimes, knowing what to avoid can be just as beneficial as knowing what to seek out.
So this week, lend us your ears as we pass along some trip-planning wisdom that hopefully will help you steer clear of a number of common vacation pitfalls. And then check back here next week as we offer even more helpful vacation don'ts.
1. Don't spend all your time with your phone in your hands.
Yep, this may be a toughie for some of you, but being too connected to your smart device could prevent you from being in the moment and truly enjoying and appreciating the places you're visiting and the sights you're seeing. Sure, take some pics here and there, but don't forget to put your phone away long enough to actually see, process and experience what you're doing. Also, if your children are accompanying you on this trip, you're setting a bad example for them be constantly checking e-mail and Facebook status, and you'll want to designate most of that time to sharing your vacation moments with them as they're happening.
2. Don't feed the bears.
We know that black bear sightings are often a highlight of any Smoky Mountains vacation, but don't let that fascination lead to a tragic outcome. How could that happen? Well, feeding bears human food is harmful to them. It's not the diet their digestive systems are designed for (the typical American diet isn't great for us humans either), and feeding bears leads to their being dependent on us for food. That, in turn, leads to bears encroaching on urban and developed areas to seek out their next meal rather than foraging in nature. Also, getting close enough to a bear to feed it is simply getting way too close. Human interaction can agitate bears, and if it happens to be a mother bear with her cubs, such proximity can especially be dangerous for any human(s) that might be perceived as a threat.
3. Don't forget to look for deals.
Vacations can be expensive, so you might as well take every measure to cut costs when you can (without sacrificing the quality of your trip, of course). So look for deals and discounts to the extent that they apply to the things you already have planned. You may find online coupons, deals and offers on the websites of the various attractions you're interested in. For example, at Smoky Mountain Ziplines, we offer daily discounts for military personnel, senior citizens and groups who visit our Sevierville zip line attraction. Also scour the local guide publications and brochure racks for money-saving coupons on attractions, lodging, shops, restaurants and more.
4. Don't forget to factor in the weather.
During summer months, it gets hot and humid, and the sun can be merciless from 93 million miles away. So if you plan to spend any time outdoors, and especially if you're going to be doing anything active like hiking, golfing or even visiting a water park, take precautions. Load up on sunscreen and make sure you stay hydrated. Water and sports drinks are good for keeping you hydrated; sodas, juices and alcoholic beverages are not. For those of you who are particularly sensitive to the sun's rays, consider wearing a hat and keeping exposed skin areas covered with clothing. And pay attention to your body. If you start feeling overheated, or if you actually stop sweating, seek out a cool area, take a break and start rehydrating.
