Beat Rising Gas Prices with a Tennessee Vacation
Friday, August 29, 2008 | 10:32am
NASHVILLE – Gas prices and the rising cost of airfare are forcing people across the country to take a second look at their summer vacation plans. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development offers cost-saving travel tips and incentives for in-state vacationers looking to experience a first-class vacation at a fraction of the cost.
The state's award-winning Web site, www.tnvacation.com, provides tools to plan a successful Tennessee vacation, including gas saver tips, trolley listings and pre-planned trips as well as interactive maps for minimal planning with maximum results. The summer mini-site, http://summer.tnvacation.com/ highlights a variety of statewide outdoor adventures, more than 200 summer festivals, and escapes to the water with world-class water parks, boating, rafting, and river and lake cruises. As one of Tennessee tourism's featured celebrities, Dolly Parton is showcased on the Web site to guide tourists in creating personalized Tennessee vacation video itineraries.
Tennessee state parks are ranked the best in the nation. Part of that honor includes meeting the needs and providing affordability and value to in-state visitors. This summer, there are several programs to help make traveling more affordable. “Less than One Tank Trips” offers various events and festivals where visitors may experience the natural, cultural and historical uniqueness of a nearby state park. The “State Parks’ Gas Price Discount” offers a web-based coupon, and the “Stay and Play” special offers a one-night stay and 18-hole round of golf for $39.50 per person until June 30.
This summer, it is time for Tennesseans to explore their own backyard, and with the three grand regions of Tennessee, it is like traveling to three distinctively unique destinations. Tennessee is within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population, and according to www.gasbuddy.com, Tennessee is ranked in the top 10 for the lowest gas prices nationwide. This combination makes Tennessee appealing to the almost 50 million visitors annually.
Whether it is a day trip to hike in the Cherokee National Forest, boating on Reelfoot Lake, a weekend getaway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a family fun day in Chattanooga, or a girlfriend getaway to the Tri-cities, Tennessee’s outdoor activities, major attractions and accessibility offer vacationers a memorable trip without breaking the bank.
For additional vacation ideas, please visit www.tnvacation.com. Also, for additional information regarding Tennessee State Parks, please visit www.tnstateparks.com. For your free copy of the official Tennessee Vacation Guide, call 1-800-GO2-TENN, or pick-up a copy at one of our 13 welcome centers across the state.
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