Tennessee provides a breathtaking, scenic backdrop for any traveler. There is something for everyone, from the Smoky Mountains in the east to the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee.
There are over 652 miles of trails and waterways, including the Tennessee River and its tributaries, perfect for hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and camping.
And when it comes to traveling with friends and family, Tennessee has it all. It offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a relaxing retreat.
Tennessee Has It All
Friends have a unique place in your heart. The bond you share with them is immensely different from your relationship with your family but nonetheless highly fulfilling. Your friends have seen you at your best and your worst.
They have celebrated with you, shown you love and support when you most needed it, and held your hand through your most vulnerable moments, so taking them for a trip with you makes sense.
On the other hand, there’s no replacement for family. They are a big part of your life as you are for them; hence, why not ask your family members to come along too when making memories? Your friends and family make up your loved ones.
These are people with whom you have a unique connection that cannot be recreated, which is what makes traveling with them so extraordinary. If you want to know what’s the benefit of asking those close to you to tag along, here’s what you need to know:
Shared Experiences
Traveling with your friends and family allows you to share monumental experiences. You get to witness the same sights, views, and venues, which makes the trip memorable. Shared experiences are precious; you can live the moment together and take back stories with you. If the destination is gorgeous, that’s another bonus.
For instance, Tennessee is a popular tourist spot because the Smoky Mountains are found here.
But apart from the Smokies, this area contains many glorious sights. One is the Ocoee River in Tennessee, a fast-flowing water body that goes through the Cherokee National Forest and is surrounded by beautiful wildlife, natural gorges, and scenery.
Traveling down this river is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will leave you amazed. The Quest Expeditions provide trips down the Ocoee, and lodging options, making it easy to take advantage of this remarkable experience.
You Feel Less Alone
As social creatures, we crave companionship and communication. Therefore, having your loved ones with you means you’ll always have people to talk to or share a joke with. Having your tribe with you makes a trip more fun.
You get to share inside jokes, discuss the places you saw, and enjoy each other’s presence. Your loved ones make you feel more welcomed, cared for and give you a sense of belonging. You may feel happy and giddy in their company, making a trip memorable.
Fewer Costs
Solo trips cost a significant amount of money. A ticket alone can cost $100, with accommodations hitting about $200 to $300. You may have gone way off budget by the time you return from your trip. But by asking your loved ones to tag along, you can share expenses and opt for package deals instead of solo payments.
Many traveling companies encourage you to travel in groups, as they offer deals and discounts once you have a certain number of people with you. It also becomes much more affordable to rent spaces or hire a car as you can split the costs and pay according to your means. You can also share rooms with your loved ones.
If you want to save money, shared accommodations drastically reduce expenses. Likewise, you can pool money and buy essentials instead of depending on your products.
You Become Courageous
No one can hype you up quite like your family. When traveling, you may encounter several dangerous activities that are made for the ultimate thrill seekers. If you’re intimidated easily, you may get terrified and run off before attempting to try the task, but having your friends and family with you is another ball game. Your loved ones will likely not let you escape and motivate you to try.
They may shout words of encouragement, cheer you on or dare you to try something you never did before. This can be anything from jumping from a high point to trying a dish you may never want to. The idea is to make you bold, confident, and resilient while traveling. Besides, most of what you see during holidays is a once in a lifetime; seeing and trying them once is more than enough to last you forever.
Safety in Numbers
When you’re unsure of the laws and customs of your destination, it is easy to get into trouble. As a solo traveler, you must always stay on guard and be vigilant about your surroundings. You may feel worried that the locals might be trying to take advantage of you by getting you to pay more, or you may feel paranoid that someone is trying to rob you.
Likewise, when traveling alone, you have to stick to a strict schedule to stop yourself from getting lost, making traveling more of a chore and less of a trip. But when you decide to go with friends and family, all your worries melt away. There is strength in numbers. Generally, no one approaches a large group or tries to steal from them. There’s also a much lesser chance that you’re being followed since your group can come across as scary.
You also have to be less on guard and can enjoy yourself with your loved ones. There is always room for spontaneity on the trip, like stopping for a drink, eating special meals, and staying away from your lodgings ways past sundown. These ultimately make you feel relaxed and more at home. You’re also less scared to play tourist and will enjoy yourself weaving through the location you’re visiting.
Final Thoughts
Friends and family make life complete. They fill our hearts and lives with warmth and love you cannot find elsewhere. This is why it is common to want to enjoy every festive event with them, including going on a trip.
You may be filled with excitement and enthusiasm simply because you’re surrounded by the people you love. The trip automatically looks better and brighter when you’re in a good mood to enjoy it. Having your loved ones close also gives you a sense of security and comfort, like a warm blanket. Their presence can give you the strength and courage to explore, learn and enjoy your holiday. This is why ask your friends and family to tag along when planning a vacation.