In possibly the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression, America has found itself cutting back and desperately searching for ways to save money. All across America people are riding bikes, using coupons and cutting up credit cards. Frugality has become a “cool” epidemic sweeping the United States. While all this is great and probably needed, it can become very tiresome and difficult to maintain. Although vacations can be the first discretionary spending to be cut, if planned well, they can add a lot of stress relief to a hectic time period in American culture. I can here you now. How can I take a vacation when all my money goes to bills and debt? Well, listen up. There are several places that you can travel to on less than a few hundred bucks. One destination not to over look is Gatlinburg Tennessee.

Gatlinburg Tennessee is less than a day’s drive from over half of the US. This means that you might only have to spend about $60.00 for a one way trip to Gatlinburg. This beats the heck out flying to Hawaii or the Florida Keys. Plus, a scenic drive through Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains will add some fun to your vacation.

One large expense of your vacation can be finding the place to lay your head at night. Gatlinburg is full of cabins. Definitely hundreds, and possibly thousands of Gatlinburg cabins are available for rent. If you are willing to spend the time and research, you should be able to find a cabin for less than $100 a night. In fact, most Gatlinburg cabin rental companies offer budget cabins. Most are still nice and very comfortable, but they might not come equipped with a big screen TV or several game tables. You might have to sacrifice some amenities, but remember you really need a vacation not a few added amenities.

Food can also be a large vacation cost if you do not plan properly. You are going to eat and spend money for food regardless, so what is the difference on whether you are at home or in Gatlinburg Tennessee. Take some food and save some of the weekend’s grocery money to spend in Gatlinburg TN.

One last thing that can eat up money is attractions. Here is a helpful hint. One of the most visited attractions in Gatlinburg and the United States is the Great Smoky Mountains. There are over 800 miles of hiking trails. This wonderful attraction is free and can be very fun for the entire family. In fact, the Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited national park in America.

This vacation will not fix all your problems or make life perfect during this rough trial America is going through. However, this short weekend getaway will help revive your energy and remind you why you are working so hard.