You have a Smoky Mountain vacation planned and you’re excited! But the thought of packing intimidates you. That’s where we can help! We want to share some of our most helpful packing tips that will make the beginning of your getaway smooth and easy.
1. Make Copies of Travel Documents
Make copies of your important travel documents including passport, credit cards, driver’s license, itineraries, ticket confirmations, and any other important documents you may need while you’re away. You should also leave a set of your copied travel documents with your travel agent or a relative. You can also scan your travel documents and store them in your phone, along with emergency telephone numbers. By scanning or making copies of your travel documents, you will have immediate access to all important information if it is lost or stolen.
2. Carry Hand Sanitizer
With all of the craziness of the last few years, it’s probably a good idea to keep hand sanitizer with you at all times. You can get an attachment that goes on your purse, keep some in your car, or pack it in your suitcase. This will help you stay healthy and clean, especially when you aren’t able to wash your hands immediately.
3. Separate Valuables from Other Luggage
A huge packing tip we have for your Smoky Mountain vacation is to divide your valuables and clothes. Put your bank cards, cash, and credit cards as much as possible into different pockets in your clothing, handbag, or wallet. If you plan on bringing a nice camera, laptop, jewelry, or something else that’s special to you, you should pack it separately from everything else. This will keep it protected from damage.
4. Don’t Over Pack
It’s easier said than done, right? You should only pack necessary items and clothes you need while you’re away. Fortunately, the Smokies are full of grocery stores, clothing stores, and any other businesses where you can purchase items you might need.
5. Fill Your Prescriptions Before Leaving
An important part of packing for your Smoky Mountain vacation is ensuring you have things with you that you won’t be able to replace. The most common thing you might need but aren’t able to get is personal prescriptions. If you happen to get them filled at a common pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens, you may be able to get a refill. But if you use a private pharmacy or compound pharmacy, you won’t. So don’t forget to get all the meds you need before you go on vacation!
6. Only Pack 3 Pairs of Shoes
Pack only three pair of shoes: two casual pair and one dress pair. Shoes take up a lot of room and add excess weight in your luggage. You can wear the heaviest/bulkiest pair while traveling and pack the other 2 pairs. This frees up space in your suitcase for other things you might need.
7. Be Prepared for Any Type of Weather
The Smoky Mountain weather can sometimes be unpredictable, so you’ll want to pack for a couple of situations just in case. If you’re here in winter, you’ll want to pack a heavier coat and warm options. For the spring, summer, and fall, you might want to bring a light jacket and a rain jacket just to be safe!
8. Pack Heaviest Items First
If you happen to be traveling by plane to get to the Smokies, you have to consider how heavy your suitcase is. Another one of our tips is to place the heaviest items on the bottom of your suitcase (shoes, toiletries, books, etc).
We hope these packing tips help you with the next Smoky Mountain vacation you have planned! Have you decided where you’re staying yet? If you haven’t, look through our Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg cabins, and book one for the getaway today!
