Clothing, foods, music, art, design…each new year brings new trends in many different industries. The travel industry is no different. If you’re planning any type of trip in 2020, read on to see what’s expected in travel trends this coming year – from green travel to local experiences and more.
One of the great trends that’s expected next year in travel is a focus on the traveler, especially the traveler’s experience (as it should be!). Instead of worrying about the business of it, companies are expected to offer personalized and better service to guests! At Cabins for YOU, that focus has always been in our name: YOU. We’re a family owned and run company that knows how important family (and couple, and group, and friend…) vacations are. You work hard for your money, and we want you to feel like you got the most for it, so we work hard to offer you a vacation that we would love and appreciate as well. Ask us about special gift baskets and additions for your vacation, let us know if you’re celebrating a special occasion (we’ll see what we can do!), and make yourself right at home in our cozy cabins packed with amenities!
Another 2020 travel trend you can look forward to: a focus on experiential travel. What does that mean? It means a focus on travelers – YOU – incorporating local experiences into vacations. We have you covered there too! At Cabins for YOU, we know the Smokies. We’ve screamed on the roller coasters, seen the view of the Parkway from the top of the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, posed with “celebrities” at the Hollywood Wax Museum, sipped the moonshine, tapped our toes to the live music, tasted the sweet Southern sides…you name it, we’ve done it. And we’re happy to share it all with YOU! Along with our blog where you can read up on what’s happening throughout the year, you can also chat when you call to book! We all love the Smokies and are happy to share our favorites. The area also boasts plenty of local festivals and events designed to give you a real taste of the Smoky Mountains.
Eco travel, or green travel, is another top trend for 2020. Many people are incorporating more green practices into their lives, from recycling and reusable water bottles to alternative transportation and more. It’s actually really simple to practice eco travel while in the Smokies! First, instead of driving everywhere, you can hop aboard the trolleys in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, which are both good for your wallet and less taxing on the environment. Even better, you could walk! Remember to bring your favorite reusable water bottle to forgo plastic bottles, and you can even pack your own trail snacks and picnic lunches instead of buying pre-packaged items.
Another trend expected is more solo travel. While families and groups still love traveling together, many people are opting for traveling on their own – even when it’s not just for business. After all, we can all use a little time to ourselves, right?! Thankfully, at Cabins for YOU, we have plenty of cozy 1-bedroom cabins perfect for solo travelers. They have a wide range of amenities, but some you might find include big screen TVs and Blu-ray players, fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, king-size beds, relaxing deck spaces, mountain views, hot tubs, and more.
One trend you may not love is the possible rise in flight and rental car prices. But again, we have the solution for YOU. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN are convenient to many U.S. cities. While some would definitely require a bit of a road trip (which can be a vacay all its own!), we are within just a few hours of many places. Instead of flying, just hop in the car! If you do fly, instead of getting a rental car, you can take advantage of walking, trolleys, rideshares, or a mix of all. In fact, some rideshare companies are pairing up with rental car companies for more options.
Why the Smokies?
For 2018, Tennessee – and the Smoky Mountains area – rated higher than the average city in the U.S. for visitor satisfaction, value for the money, friendly and helpful people, and the feeling of safety! The area brings in many generations of visitors and has an almost equal percentage of visitors in each season of the year! That means, no matter when you want to visit, you’re sure to have a fantastic stay.
*Numbers based on 2019 TN Vacation Industry Report
The Smoky Mountains is focused on you as well, finding ways to offer something for everyone. Colorblind viewfinders have been installed in several areas across the state, www.kidreviewedtn.com gives you reviews from actual kids, and at Cabins for YOU we have cabins with no steps to the entrance, accessible options, and amenities to fit any need!
What’s NEW in the Smokies
Ken Burns’ Country Music aired on PBS September 15, 2019 and showcases country music across the US, including much in Tennessee! Gatlinburg’s Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2020 and has 490 new exhibits to explore. At Anakeesta, one of the area’s top attractions, there are always new additions. And at The Island in Pigeon Forge, the flying theater attraction is scheduled to open in 2020!