Nestled in the heart of Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge is a beacon for family-friendly fun and explorers looking for outdoor adventures. Annually, this destination welcomes over 10 million visitors, with about 2 million extending their stay overnight. 

Pigeon Forge’s idyllic landscape is the perfect backdrop for various entertainment options. The vibrant local scene offers everything from heart-stirring country music performances to pulse-quickening roller coaster rides, ensuring there’s a delight for every visitor. 

Our thoughtfully crafted itinerary guides you through two captivating days in this lively town. This itinerary caters to all, whether you’re a nature lover with a keen eye for spectacular vistas, a history enthusiast fascinated by tales of the past, or on a quest to find an ideal locale for a memorable family reunion. …

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Last Saturday I attended my first Water Lantern Festival with my daughter Hannah. I have seen this type of event promoted online and I was super excited when I learned that the festival was coming to the Sacramento area. I received two tickets to attend the event and took my daughter Hannah to share the experience with.

When I arrived at Gibson Ranch for the festival I was really amazed with how many other people where taking part of the event. There was food trucks, vendors, music playing and so many families and friends having a great time designing their lanterns. One thing that I am a big fan of is pretty skies! I get so excited when the sky is pretty, especially when the sky has PINK and PURPLE, my two favorite colors. Last night the sky was the PERFECT colors for this event. …

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Whether you’re seeking a solo adventure or a family vacation, Gatlinburg is the perfect destination. From historical sites to amusement parks and fun activities, Gatlinburg has developed into one of the most attractive areas in Tennessee over the years. Not to mention, the area is right at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, offering unmatched scenic beauty. It’s not surprising to see countless tourists visit Gatlinburg each year.

However, no matter how attractive the destination is, enjoying it without an effective plan is impossible. For destinations such as Gatlinburg, a lack of planning can especially be an issue as there are countless places to explore, which can be pretty overwhelming. However, it’s true that planning a vacation can be a challenging task as you need to be aware of accommodation, transport, expenses, as well as activities. But there’s nothing to fret about; we have compiled some of the best places to visit in Gatlinburg so that you can plan your days accordingly….

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Pigeon Forge is a quaint town located in the southeastern part of Tennessee. Despite being small, with a population of about 6,000 people, Pigeon Forge still attracts more than 10 million people yearly, resulting in a revenue of $15 billion annually.

This means when it comes to tourism, Pigeon Forge will ensure you have a great time in the heart of Tennessee and leave you with pleasant memories enough to warrant another trip. 

While it’s no Disneyland, this quaint little town is charming in its own way. This tourist destination highlights the hospitality of the southern culture and introduces you to a refreshing round of country music. With more than 14,500 lodging options, amusement park rides, and musical theaters, you’ll have a grand time spending your vacation here. …

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There are more than 157 million Americans who take part in the U.S. workforce. Each one of them looks forward to their vacation each year. In planning a vacation to a sunny, sandy beach town with waving palms or a ski trip with amazing runs and a hot toddy waiting at the chalet down below, it’s not unusual for someone to think, “I could live here forever.” That’s what gets people thinking about timeshares in locations that they love.

The first reaction is ‘This could be an investment. I can sublet it! I’ll be making money by not buying the whole house.” While it is understandable that someone could think this way, that’s not the experience that most people who own timeshares experience.

It’s a small investment that can be used for a period of time each year. Many timeshare properties also offer flexible dates when the timeshare can be used. However, if you miss that opportunity window, you’re still paying the maintenance and other fees without enjoying the property. Getting out of a timeshare can also be a difficult proposition as many of them require a locked-in period with heavy fees for pulling out early.

The Timeshare Process

Many people tend to purchase timeshares while on vacation when they are relaxed and dreaming of returning to a special locale. According to the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), since its beginnings in 1969, the timeshare business has grown into a $9.2 billion industry.

When you purchase a timeshare, you own a part of the vacation property similar to owning stocks. Then you are responsible for yearly maintenance fees. This gives you the right to the property for a period of time, usually the same time each year. In 2016, about 66% of all timeshare owners stated that they wanted to cancel a timeshare because the maintenance fees were too expensive.

According to the ARDA, the average timeshare costs $20,940 for an annual one-week stay. The maintenance fees average $880 each year and often rise at a pace higher than inflation. This timeshare and maintenance contract is for an indefinite period of time making it an ongoing financial obligation.

Downside of Timeshares

Be clear, the people who benefit from timeshares are the salespeople and resort owners, not you. Here’s why:

• Units have little resale value. If it does sell, it will be a fraction of the initial investment.
• Timeshares devalue over time, just like cars.
• Over time, timeshares decrease in value, not increase.
• Timeshares have high yearly maintenance fees that increase more than the inflation rate.
• Timeshares don’t generate income – even if you sublet during your available period.
• There are liability issues. The person injured in a slip and fall must prove that the property owner or other party involved had a concealed defect that caused an injury.

Looking Closely at Timeshares

Many of the people who invest in timeshares are not experienced in finance. Perhaps they can’t afford a vacation property, so a timeshare is an attractive option. Once in a timeshare, many reasons that the maintenance fees can be a burden. That’s when they realize that there are more people trying to sell portions of property than they are trying to buy them.

There are Better Options

The best option is to invest in other finance options that will provide a greater return. Then consider staying in a hotel room or an online home rental such as Airbnb or Vrbo. When you break down the costs it makes better sense.

If you invest $10,000 initially for your portion of the property and then pay about $750 yearly in maintenance fees, the costs add up. Over a ten-year period with only yearly one-week visits, the cost for each night is approximately $291 per night. Nice hotels cost less, and you can choose where you want to visit.

So, when you are on vacation and get hit up to purchase a timeshare. Get back home with a clear mind and logically think through the finance of the matter. That will help you make the best decision.