Thursday, January 18, 2007

Experience Comfortable Cabin Living On Your Next Vacation


Crackling fireplaces, relaxing hot tubs, breathtaking views - cabin life has never been so good. If you've removed cabins from your list of suitable vacation accommodations because you think cabin life means outhouses and mosquito infestations, then you're in for a pleasant surprise.

These days, cabin life means modern appliances, hot tubs and Jacuzzis, pool tables, large-screen TVs, DVD players, stereos, leather furniture, formal dining rooms - all the comforts you're used to at home, tucked away in desirable vacation destinations such as the beautiful Smoky Mountain region.

When you're planning your next vacation, whether it's for a honeymoon, a family reunion, or a week during the summer with the kids, make sure you check out your destination's availability of cabin rentals.

And here are a few tips to help you choose the right cabin to fit all of your vacation needs.

PROXIMITY TO ATTRACTIONS
Laurie Gratz of the Little Valley Mountain Resort in Sevierville, TN states that the number one question she gets asked by those looking to rent a cabin is, "How close is the cabin to Dolly wood theme park?" The cabins her company manages are just a fifteen minute drive to this popular theme and water park. Laurie also mentions that the twenty mile area encompassing Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Pigeons Forge is the second most popular place couples go to get married.

So even though you might think that cabins are remotely located, cabins in popular tourist destinations aren't. They're likely to be off the beaten path, even hidden among the trees, but if they are to succeed in the tourist business, cabins need to be in close proximity to popular tourist attractions and other sources of entertainment including restaurants, movie theaters, miniature golf courses, shopping, and museums.

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is also nearby and is a great place for visitors to participate in all types of outdoor activities including rafting, hiking, skiing, camping, horseback riding, fishing and more.

NUMBER OF BEDROOMS
When you rent a cabin, you automatically get more useable space than you get when you reserve a one-room hotel room. That alone should make the decision between renting a hotel room or a cabin an easy one.

After narrowing down the location, you next need to determine the number of bedrooms you'll need to accommodate your party.

For example, if it's just you and your sweetie, one room with a cozy, king-sized bed will do the trick. If you're vacationing with multiple families, you'll need additional rooms. Private quarters for each set of parents and one room full of bunk beds so the kids can stay up all night is an option worth investigating.

And when looking for accommodations to comfortably handle large groups, you'll find cabins with 10, 12, even 14 bedrooms! Be sure to check on the number of bathrooms, too!

PARKING
Make sure there's ample parking, located in close proximity to the cabin entrance to handle all vehicles, especially when accommodating large parties. If arriving by bus, you'll want the bus to unload guests (and suitcases) near the entrance and remain parked there if necessary. Besides confirming that there is adequate and close parking, ALWAYS double check the cabin's written policy regarding parking before committing to a rental property.

CHECK OUT THE VIEW
It wouldn't make sense to spend time in the Gatlinburg area and not be able to admire the breath-taking scenery that surrounds this mountainous region. When you research cabin rentals, you'll notice that many cabins have walls of pane-free windows and wrap-around porches with rocking chairs. Do yourself a favor and rent a cabin that enables you to admire these beautiful surroundings.

If you're using pictures to help decide which cabin to choose, pay special attention to the windows and what's beyond those panes of glass!

OTHER AMENITIES
Jacuzzis, hot tubs, saunas-they've become a critical component of cabin life. Located inside as well as out, they range in size from perfect for two, to large enough for social gatherings!

Hot tubs are a great way to relax and warm up after a day of outdoor fun. If you're honeymooning or celebrating some other special occasion, look for a cabin with a heart-shaped Jacuzzi!

MISCELLANEOUS
For the best all-around deal, check out the other amenities each cabin offers before finalizing your rental choice. You may not always want to be on the go. That's why many cabins include fireplaces, pool tables, large screen televisions with satellite, air hockey tables, foosball, CD and DVD players, board games, wet bars, outdoor grills and more. You'll appreciate these "home-based" activities.

HOW MUCH WILL ALL THIS COST?
Prices for cabins in Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas are comparable to nearby hotel accommodations which is a very good reason why renting a cabin makes so much sense. Why pay a comparable rate for a small hotel room on a main highway when you can get a spacious cabin, away from the hustle and bustle, where you can enjoy fresh-brewed coffee privately, on your deck, as well as all those other comforts of home? You certainly get more bang for your vacation buck by renting a cabin.

Nightly rates for cabin rentals vary based on the time of year, the number of bedrooms and also on the level of luxury. During the two weeks including Christmas and New Year's, prices are at their peak.

Rental rates during the summer months of June, July and August as well as during October, the prime leaf-peeping time, are high, too. Rental prices are the lowest during January and other mid-winter, early spring times.

Once you've narrowed your cabin choices down, and you know your arrival/departure dates, it's easy to find rental prices and availability.

WHAT TO PACK
Average year-round temperature is 58. Summer highs reach into the upper 80s while lows in the winter bottom out in the mid 20s. But in this region, the weather is unpredictable. An assortment of warm and cool weather clothing is best.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Next time you're making plans for your next vacation, consider renting one of the cabins found on CabinIndex.com. Today's cabins are spacious, loaded with amenities, and secluded yet close enough to the action!

Use full Resources For Vacation Rentals:

Apartments For Rent
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Rental Homes
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