Saturday, November 5, 2011

Inexpensive Day Trips from Madrid

debod temple in madrid Kimberly Sharpe

A trip to Madrid offers anyone an unforgettable experience. As a bustling, urban metropolis with old world charm, the city provides a wealth of shopping and dining experiences. Travelers may also wish to use Madrid as the perfect hub to plan day trips into the countryside. Surrounded by an abundance of sightseeing opportunities, the adventure-seeker will find no shortage of fun things to do.

With Spain's rich history and dynamic culture, there is an endless bounty of things to do outside of the city. You can drive, but you can also hop on the tourist bus - sort of a public transportation option for tourists. Before you head out, consider purchasing a Madrid Card which will allow you to bypass queues and get you into many places for free. The pass includes discounted admission to many popular attractions within and outside the city, and you can also purchase the card with tourist bus tickets so that your transportation to these day trips is taken care of.

Approximately 2.5 hours from Madrid sits Consuegra. Visitors can opt to drive the distance, or ride on a public bus transport system. A popular destination in October, the region boasts an abundance of purple saffron flowers that turn the fields purple. During the month, the region also hosts the annual Saffron Rose Festival. In many ways, it is the Spanish equivalent of Fall leaf peeping season in the United States.

Consider riding the bus to Manzanares El Real or drive. The region is home to two castles. The 15th-century Castillo de Mendoza has been completely restored to its former glory. The Madrid Card offers visitors free admission. The region around the town offers visitors a diverse trail system for day hikes to view the countryside. During the winter season, Manzanares El Real draws skiing enthusiasts.

Visitors with children may want to spend the day visiting the Warner Brothers Theme Park. The park has roller-coasters, a wide array of rides for all ages, shows, resteraunts, and shopping. Children can meet the characters that have appeared in numerous Warner Brother's movies. While you are not inclined to get a true taste for Spanish culture here, it is a little slice of theme park fun for antsy little ones that might be tired of touring art museums.

Visitors who want to spend the day in Aranjuez can reach the town by one of the local train systems that runs out of the heart of Madrid. Aranjuez, home to the country's royal residence, also offers numerous gardens for visitors to spend a leisurely day strolling through. Within the town, visitors will also find a large water park to cool off from the excessive heat of the day. The Bullfighting Museum also offers the chance to learn about local customs, history and events. Visitors may also want to picnic along the picturesque Targus River. The town provides numerous picnic sits for locals and tourists to enjoy. Visitors can use the Madrid Card to gain admittance into most attractions in the town.

Catch a bus or drive to Buitrago. Within the heart of the region sits the world-renowned Picasso Museum. The area also boasts Moorish walls which provide numerous photography opportunities.

Madrid provides the perfect starting point for any day trip. The middle of the city is the heart of the AVE train system, visitors can quickly reach Toledo, Seville, Malaga and Barcelona. The town also has a good bus system that offers leisurely transport into the countryside for tourists and locals. Some visitors may wish to rent a car for the day.


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Summer Vacation Destinations

Grand Canyon hiker Summer is a great time to hike the Grand CanyonHeather McDonald

It seems the travel bug?bites everyone during June, July and August,?but what are the best summer vacation destinations? The answer depends on what your definition of summer fun is,?though there are definitely a few travel hot spots that stand out from the rest.

Bask in the glory of summer at one of these popular vacation destinations:

It is?sunny year-round in Hawaii, but that doesn’t stop the a steady stream of tourists from hitting the islands'?famous beaches during the summer months.?Visitors come for the surfing and the white sand beaches, but Hawaii offers other adventures for those who find sunbathing a bore. Once you get tired of your deck chair, explore Hawaii’s hiking trails and active volcanoes, or take a helicopter?or boat tour.

Italy’s island paradise Capri sees a major tourist influx during the summer months, and for good reason. Gorgeous beaches, striking Medieval architecture and white washed beach villas make Capri a playground for the rich and famous throughout the year.? However,?it is the summer?months when?business really booms.?Keep in mind that?Capri?isn’t for the budget conscious.? The luxury getaway has?a price tag to match its glamorous surroundings, though?if you’re looking for that once in a lifetime experience, this Italian isle?is a perfect fit.

If the beach – and the relentless heat – aren’t your cup of tea, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula beckons. This family-friendly vacation destination makes for an active getaway for the entire clan.? The?area?boasts 1700 miles of shoreline along three of the Great Lakes, which yields?plenty of canoeing, fishing and hiking. Rent a cabin and explore during the day; enjoy family cookouts at night. The temperatures stay comfortable, so you don’t have to worry about?high humidity levels.

Who says your summer trip has to be all about the great outdoors? A city break could be your ticket to fun.? Just ask the thousands of people who flock to Las Vegas every summer. In Sin City, you still get to soak up some rays at the majestic and elaborate pools housed at most Vegas resorts, but there’s much more to take in. World-class shops, resturants, night clubs and casinos make Vegas a summer adventure wonderland.

Speaking of city breaks, hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to London during the summer months. Although summer is the most expensive time to check out this European capital, the expense can be well worth it, as you enjoy taking in all of the famous London landmarks. Once you’re done sightseeing, tour the area's famous?shops and dine at world-class restaurants that dot the city.? Also, don’t forget to check out the West End to take in a show or head to Brixton or Camden?to?enjoy?local bands in action.

Make like the movie stars and head to New York’s Hamptons for a glamorous summer beach experience. The nightlife in the Hamptons is legendary, and there’s a good chance you could spend your evening hobnobbing with the rich and famous. During the day, enjoy the beaches?and local vineyards.? You can also?do some shopping at the one-of-a-kind boutiques that dot the main seaside villages.

There are 388 National Parks in the United States.? With so many options, you can essentially choose your own outdoor adventure, including?hiking the Grand Canyon and white water rafting through Yosemite.? If sitting around on your summer vacation just won’t do, get out there to explore nature by foot, boat or bike, and then throw up a tent at night so you can sleep under the stars.

Nothing makes a summer vacation better than getting a good deal when you book?your trip.? One of the best ways to save on a summer escape is to find a package deal.? Doing so allows you to?reduce the cost of flights, hotel rooms and car rental.? Instead of paying for each individually, travel packages combine different features and offer them to you?for a single?discounted rate.?

Another way to save is to be as flexible as possible with your travel plans.? For example, you can?save a ton of money by flying midweek rather than departing?to your vacation destination on a Friday night and returning Monday morning.? Likewise, many hotels offer reduced?rates to last-minute travelers?in an effort to fill?their properties to capacity.???

Finally, look for travel discounts from organizations and clubs, such as AARP and AAA.? Active duty military personnel and veterans can also score discounted rates at hotels and reduced-price admission to top tourist attractions across the United States.


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Summer Vacation in Houston, Texas

Houston skyline Michele Wanke

Planning a fun-filled summer vacation in Houston, Texas, requires a game plan. With so much to see and do in the popular southern tourist town, you need to buckle down and research possible itineraries to ensure that you make the most of your seasonal getaway.

When it comes to wrangling some down-home family fun in the summer sun, it doesn’t get much hotter than Houston, Texas. America’s fourth largest city has something for everyone, from massive parks and high-tech adventures to art-tastic exhibits and dozens of historic hot spots. Houston is also home to some of the most popular tourist attractions on the planet. If you are planning a summer vacation in Houston, Texas, be sure to stop off at the following must-see sites:

Escape the scorching summer heat by diving into Houston’s Downtown Aquarium. The massive structure features Texas-sized adventures for visitors of all ages. At the center of the awe-inspiring six-acre entertainment and dining complex, sits a 500,000-gallon aquatic wonderland which boasts more than 200 species of aquatic life from around the world. Along with dozens of denizens of the deep, the aquarium also houses the sunken hull of a 17th century Spanish galleon shipwreck, ruins of a lost Mayan civilization and a 20-foot long Reticulated Python. If that’s not enough to float your boat, then consider that the aquarium also features a Ferris wheel, a train ride that tunnels through a shark tank, and a couple of white tigers.

No matter what the season, Space Center Houston is rated as the city’s number one tourist attraction. The facility provides out-of-this-world experiences for guests thanks to its various interactive displays and famous moon rock. You can also view astronauts training for their next space walk, blast off in a space shuttle simulator, and tour the Astronaut Gallery which houses the planet's best collection of spacesuits. Astronaut John Young's ejection suit and Judy Resnik's T-38 flight suit are just two of the most memorable spacesuits on display in the gallery.

Kids of all ages will roar with excitement during a summer trip to the Houston Zoo, which proudly holds the title?of seventh most-visited zoo in the United States. The massive animal refuge is conveniently located in Hermann Park, and features an array of more than 4,500 exotic animals including koalas, tigers, vampire bats and meerkats. In addition, Houston Zoo also offers a number of animal encounters that allow guests to get up close and personal with its furry residents. In fact, you can crawl right into the piranha exhibit and go nose-to-nose with some of the world’s most endangered species courtesy of the zoo’s see-through exhibits. Also, don’t miss the chance to cool off at the McGovern Children’s Zoo. The play area boasts eleven water features, including five jet fountains and three foaming fountains, in a Galveston coastal fishing village setting.

Located in the upscale River Oaks neighborhood of Houston, the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a stunning mansion nestled on 14 acres and houses a collection of priceless American Folk Art, furniture and antiques dating back to the 1600s. The gardens are equally spectacular and are in full bloom during the summer months.

In addition to the aforementioned attractions, Houston is also?known for having one of the most vibrant music scenes in the nation. The city’s hot and humid conditions are ripe for outdoor summer concerts. During the summer months, Houston sizzles with a full slate of live concerts played at outstanding outdoor venues, such as the Showground’s at Sam Houston Race Park and Miller Outdoor Theatre. The summer concert series boasts a diverse mixture of talent to please everyone in the family, from classical music to rock, pop and jazz.

To view a complete line-up of summer acts and get more information on where to go during your summer vacation in Houston, Texas, visit the Houston Visitors Center website. Ask for a visitor's packet geared to your needs to make planning for your crew a cinch. If you're traveling through Texas on your way to Houston, you can visit TravelTex to use their highly-acclaimed trip planner which features an interactive map, so you can plan pit-stops along the way.


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Yosemite National Park Day Trips

Michele Wanke

With so much to see and do in the expansive 760,000-acre park, taking a day trip of Yosemite is possible, but not highly recommended. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a try. There are ways to explore the legendary travel spot in a single day, though most require research, careful planning, and a can-do spirit.

Ideally, a trip to Yosemite National Park would include a few days to wander the 1,200 square miles at your leisure. However, most visitors don't have the luxury of strolling through the entire park for days at a time. Rather, many tourists prefer to experience as much of the park as possible in a single day. The trick to accomplishing this feat is to prioritize and organize. Once you know exactly what you want to see and how you want to view it, you can select from one of several Yosemite National Park day trips, including:

Vernal Falls

Yosemite is known around the world for its spectacular waterfalls. According to the National Park Service, more than 3.5 million people travel to Yosemite each year to view the stunning water features. It is possible to tour all of the park's falls in a single day by driving to each and then walking on the public trails. Sample tours include:

Bridalveil Fall: The paved trail spans .5 miles round-trip and takes about 20 minutes to complete. You start in the parking area and climb to the base of the falls which flows year-round. Expect an easy hike in spring and early summer; however, you may encounter icy conditions in winter. Lower Yosemite Fall: This one-mile trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible and takes about 30 minutes to complete round-trip. The falls trickle from July through August, but gush during early spring. Upper Yosemite Fall: Hiking to this amazing waterfall is only recommended if you are in good health. The 7.2-mile hike is strenuous and can take up to six hours to complete depending on how fast you climb. However, the pay-off for your work is unbeatable, as the trail leads to the top of North America's tallest waterfall. Vernal Fall: This trail to this falls is closed during winter, though in the spring and summer you can find excellent views of Vernal Fall from the footbridge located about a mile from the start of the trail. Beyond the bridge there is a steep granite stairway consisting of more than 600 steps which will lead you to an area that offers unprecedented views of the waterfall.

If you are looking to really make your day trip to Yosemite a unique adventure, then consider touring the majestic park by mule. You can saddle up with these options:

Two-hour ride to Mirror Lake: Ideal for seniors or those looking for a gentle ride with unique photo opportunities. Two-hour Tuolumne Meadows trail ride: Offers excellent views of Yosemite's high country, including Cathedral Range, Johnson Peak and Mammoth Peaks. Half-day ride to Clark's Point: Features amazing views of Vernal Fall, though it comes at a price. The trail is rather rough and includes scaling a steep slope. It is best suited to riders in good physical shape Half-day ride to Twin Bridges: Opportunities to take excellent pictures of the surrounding scenery are behind every rock and tree. These rides are by advanced reservation only. Please call the Tuolumne Stables to make your reservation

Keep in mind that all mule riders must be seven years old and at least 44 inches tall. In addition, guests over 225 pounds cannot be accommodated on the mules.

rock climber

Take your day trip to Yosemite to new heights by partaking in a rock climbing adventure you'll remember forever. Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service has been a staple at the park since 1969. Knowledgeable guides offer rock climbing lessons and supervised climbs that allow you to view Yosemite's most stunning features from unique vantage points. Choose from beginner or advanced climbs that can last from two to seven hours. Climbing gear is available for rent or you can bring your own for all-day ascents. Private lessons are also available.

If your visit to California is severely limited, then consider signing up for a day trip tour which includes transportation to and from the park. Several companies, including Extranomical Tours, will pick you up from select hotels in downtown San Francisco and take you to Yosemite by van. A typical day trip includes a fully guided tour of Yosemite National Park with commentary, photo ops of Half-Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls, plus a hike to a Giant Sequoias grove.

Most guests choose to pack a picnic and refuel at one of Yosemite's many awe-inspiring scenic points. However, if you prefer, you can dine at one of the parks top-rated restaurants. Upscale options include:

Ahwahnee Dining Room: Fine dining is offered year-round at the historic hotel. Yosemite Lodge: Casual dining is featured all-day and includes hot and cold entrees, sandwiches, bakery and dessert items. Curry Village Pavilion: Serves all-you-can-eat buffet service for breakfast and dinner daily from late March to November. Glacier Point Snack Stand: The informal eatery is only open during the summer and fall. It features hot dogs, sandwiches, beverages, and other small snacks.

If you are planning to tour Yosemite during the summer months prepare for a lot of company. Large crowds descend on the natural wonder from late May through early September. Those looking for more peaceful day trips should plan to visit during the month of October and from March through late April. Finally, keep in mind that many of the recreational adventures are only offered from April through October, so plan your trip accordingly.


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Planning a Trip to Hawaii

Hawaii coastlineMichele Wanke

Planning a trip to Hawaii well in advance of your departure can help you save time and money. Careful preparation for a vacation to paradise also allows you to soak up the sun, sand and surf without sacrificing your sanity should unexpected situations arise.

For many travelers, a Hawaiian vacation is a once in a lifetime experience. Making the most of the opportunity requires patience and planning. Fortunately, there are a number of tips designed to help you savor your time in the "Aloha State":

Hawaii sees the highest number of visitors from November through February. These months attract millions of snowbirds and holiday travelers. In addition, the winter months are also when whale watching season starts and big-name events like the Honolulu Marathon and the Triple Crown of Surfing take place. You'll find the best bargains on airfare, hotel accommodations and car rentals from mid-April to mid-June and from September to mid-December. The exception is the last week in April to mid-May, which is Japan's "Golden Week." The Japanese holiday brings a flood of visitors to the 50th State and causes airfare and hotel prices to skyrocket. Also, keep in mid that Hawaii public schools operate on a year-round calendar, which means if you are looking for empty beaches, don't plan to take your Hawaiian holiday during the students' extended breaks in March, July, October and December.

The state of Hawaii consists of eight primary islands: Niihau, Kahoolawe, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island of Hawaii. However, it's the latter four that attract the most visitors given their size and infrastructure. If you are looking for world-class, shopping, restaurants and hotels, in addition to a bustling nightlife and a big city feel, then head to the island of Oahu, which is home to busy Honolulu and world-famous Waikiki Beach. Maui, Kauai and the Big Island are better suited for travelers looking to explore Hawaii's natural gems, such as active volcanoes, lush rainforests, stunning sunsets, seaside cliffs, and pink, black and white sand beaches.

In regards to finding the right hotel, consider your budget and plans. If you intend to spend your days tanning and swimming, then look for waterfront hotels to help cut down on travel time to the beach. Likewise, if you are traveling with children, plan to stay at a family-friendly resort that features a range of activities from dolphin experiences to snorkeling and horseback riding.

Planning a trip to Hawaii without going broke is possible; however, it requires research and help from a variety of sources. Both the Internet and travel agents can provide useful information on Hawaii travel packages. These vacation budget savers combine airfare, hotel accommodations, car rental and meals in one convenient price. Hawaii fly-and-drive packages are also extremely popular for visitors looking to travel to more than one island during their trip to the Pacific's string of pearls. By booking air and car together through one of Hawaii's major carriers, you can save a substantial amount of money.

Another way to save during your Hawaiian vacation is to look for all applicable discounts. For example, if you're a senior citizen, student, or active member of the military, be sure to bring proper identification with you. Hundreds of businesses around the islands offer money-saving discounts to the aforementioned groups, as well as those with AAA memberships or corporate or government affiliations.

You don't need to speak Hawaiian in order to make the most of your trip to the land of Aloha. However, it doesn't hurt to embrace the melodious language, as the natives use certain words quite frequently throughout the islands. Knowing the following Hawaiian words will serve you well during your trip to paradise:

Aloha: A warm expression with multiple definitions. Aloha means "hello," "goodbye," and "love." Expect to hear it while frequently while boarding and disembarking from various forms of public transportation. Mahalo: An expression of thanks. It is frequently used by store clerks and employees at various local attractions. Makai: Means towards the sea. Mauka: Heading towards the mountains or inland. Lanai: Porch, balcony or veranda. When you check into a hotel, you may be asked if you prefer a room with or without a lanai.

Maximize your Hawaii vacation by planning a trip that includes a healthy balance of sightseeing and relaxation. If your vacation is very limited, then it's a good idea to research the activities and attractions that are at the top of your to-do list. Get the driving directions and inquire about parking. Unexpected parking fees can really throw a wrench into your travel budget. Finally, if you don't have the time to do extensive research on your own, consider hooking up with a booking agency which can help you find the best deals in the islands. Just remember to inquire about fees. Some agencies charge a flat fee while others offer their services for free if you stay at a property they are affiliated with.


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Inexpensive Travel Deals for Spring Break

sand with glassesHeather McDonald

Pinching pennies is a way of life for college students, so inexpensive travel deals for spring break are a dream come true. No one wants to stay behind while several thousands of their closest campus friends head off on new adventures, so take advantage of bargain travel deals designed to make spring break fun and affordable.

When it comes to saving money on your spring break travel, it all boils down to smart booking and even smarter planning. Here are a few things to consider when you're scouting your trip:

As you browse various spring break destinations, you'll find the term "inexpensive" means different things in different places. Getting a steal on airfare to Tahiti is not quite the same thing as cheap package deal to Ft. Lauderdale. If you want to save money, consider traditional spring break destinations: Florida, South Padre Island, Cabo, and Jamaica. These places have many things in common, they are used to the spring break influx and have a good supply of the kinds of hotels, restaurants and attractions that suit a student's budget. Additionally, travel agents, airlines and other transportation companies are aware of the spring break crunch and tend to price travel attractively for the season to woo students.

Like ordering a la carte items off a restaurant menu, purchasing your spring break travel individually can jack up the cost. If you need a plane ticket, hotel and rental car, don't book them separately. Rather, meet all your travel needs with a package and watch the price tag on your trip go down.

If you really want inexpensive travel deals for spring break, access deals not available to the general public by visiting a student-centric travel agency. There are several companies that deal exclusively with students looking for travel bargains, and they can offer you deals you won't find anywhere else. Airlines, hotels, and rental car companies offer these travel agents special deals for college co-eds, which often translate into significant savings. Most college campuses have travel agencies that deal with student travel. If your campus does not have one, you can find them online. Here are a few of the more popular ones:

Booking early is always helpful if you want to save money on travel, and spring break is no different. In fact, some students book even before Christmas to make sure they get the best deals. Remember, there are only so many bargain packages available and airfare prices soar as planes fill up, so it's a good idea to get in early to snag super savings.

There are plenty of little things you can do to make sure your spring break trip doesn't break the bank. Keep these tips in mind to save more of your money for fun:

Get organized: Make sure all of your travel documents are in place well before your trip. A last minute, rush passport is going to take a serious bite of your spring break fund. Travel light: Airline baggage fees are not the way you want to spend your limited cash. Bring snacks: It will help you avoid overpaying for food while you're traveling and will give you something to snack on in your hotel room. Carpool: Whether you're driving to your destination or just heading to the airport, pooling your cash with a few friends to cover gas and parking will be an enormous help.

Finally, be on time. If you have to rebook your flight or other transportation because you lost track of time you may find yourself staying home.


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Friday, November 4, 2011

Day Trips from Knoxville, Tennessee

City of KnoxvilleKimberly Sharpe

The third largest city in Tennessee, the Knoxville area is rich with things to do. Situated near the Appalachian Mountain system, outdoor enthusiasts flock to this southern city year-round. If you're staying in the Knoxville area, there are several day trips that are sure to delight.

Knoxville is one of the largest cities in the Appalachia region. Located just 20 minutes for the Great Smoky Mountain range, as well as bordering on three major rivers, those who want to get in touch with the natural side of things will not lack for something to do.

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is within an hour of Knoxville. The park is open year round; however, some campgrounds, trials and roads are closed during the winter, so be sure to check before heading out to the great outdoors. Entrance to the park is free, but if you are doing more than picnicking or hiking, there are fees. There is no shortage of oudoor sports such has hiking, fishing, camping and horse back riding. In addition, the park boasts one of the best collections of log buildings in the United States. There are over 90 structures to visit. You can also pick up a self-guided tour to find out more about this slice of America's past. In addition,

Outside Knoxville runs the Ocoee River, where adventure seekers can opt to take a day trip down its whitewater expanse. The river provides Class III and IV whitewater rafting for those seeking a thrill or two. However, don't go it alone. Use a whitewater rafting guide such as Outdoor Adventure Rafting. They offer guided raft and tube day trips with experienced guides to help you navigate the river. Prices vary according to the length of the trip. Kayakers can also opt to try their hand at the river's whitewaters.

Almost an hour from Knoxville, you'll find the family-friendly town of Gatlinburg. For many, this mountain resort town is the destination for visiting the Smoky Mountains. However, in addition to offering beautiful views, Gatlinburg boasts a host of interesting tourist attractions. There is something for everyone in this not-so-quiet resort town and is definitely worth a trek from Knoxville if you have time.

exhibit at ripley's museum

Those who love the bizarre and fascinating will want to visit the world famous Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. While the museum itself has 12 galleries and over 500 artifacts to peruse, it's the cluster of buildings that your family might want to explore. In addition to the museum, you can also:

Explore two different mini-golf courses Visit the World Guiness Records Museum Take a ride at Ripley's Moving Theatre Get spooked on the haunted adventure Visit the aquarium

Save money by buying a combo ticket online. You can get a combo ticket for the museum and as many attractions as you'd like to see.

You may have never heard of Pigeon Forge before, but rest assured this town is busting at the seams with quirky, but family-friendly attractions as well as popular destinations that outdoor enthusiasts will love. Rent an ATV, go whitewater rafting or check out some of the locally unique attractions that bring families back to Pigeon Forge.

If you're wanting a theme park experience with a bit of southern charm, try Dollywood. The Dollywood Theme Park boasts rollercoasters, great entertainment and shows, and kiddie rides. Tickets for the day will run you around $60 for adults and $50 for children. The season passes are priced considerably lower, and are well worth it if you think you can make it back in one season.

If nautical history is your thing, you aren't going to want to miss the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge. The museum is a living history museum, in that it boasts costumed interpreters that help bring the story of the Titanic to life. Tickets will cost around $23 for adults and $12 for children. However, if you make your reservations in advance (which is highly recommended as they tend to sell out very quickly), then you can buy a family pass for $60 which will cover two adults and two children.

zorbing

Zorb is literally not for the faint of heart. In fact, you need to sign a consent form and general liability waiver to do it. However, if adventure sports if your thing, Zorb Smokey Mountains might be what you're looking for. At Smokey Moutnain Zorb, you can roll down a hill in a giant inflatable ball with your buddies or alone. Your purhcase tickets per ride, and some rides require special types of clothing. The minimum age is 8 and the maximum weight is 220.

Cades Cove is an isolated valley at the base of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the most frequented area of the national park due to not only the beautiful scenery, but also to the historical significance of Cades Cove to the area. From Civil War monuments to reminders of a village that once was, Cades Cove is a favorite hiking destination.

For many families, Knoxville is the perfect combination of pristine natural wonders, and great family fun. No matter what time of year you go, you'll never run out of stuff to do. To keep up to day on special hotel offers, events and local attractions, make sure to sign up for the free visitors and tourists guide.


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