Set a travel budget. In the third edition of "Travel Smarts," authors Herbert Teison and Nancy Dunnan suggest allowing not only for the cost of transportation, lodging and food, but also for incidentals like souvenirs, tips and tickets to attractions.
Determine your mode of transportation. The nearest airport, McGhee Tyson, is just under an hour's drive from Pigeon Forge by Google Maps' estimation. Since you only have a couple of days, factor in this additional travel time when weighing your transportation options.
Select your accommodation type based on the number of people traveling with you and your preferred location. The main road through Pigeon Forge contains hotels where you can place yourself in the middle of the action, but cabins and chalets on the outskirts of town and in the nearby mountains provide privacy and space options for larger groups.
Narrow your options within your selected accommodation type by comparing amenities and pricing. Consider how much time you plan to spend on activities. If you'll be out on the town and plan to eat in restaurants, a hotel room might be perfect, but if your plan is for privacy and relaxation, look at cabin and chalet options. Most have full kitchens so that you can prepare your own meals.
Choose which area attractions you most want to visit and budget your time accordingly. As of 2007, nearby Dollywood was the largest and most visited amusement park in Tennessee. If a visit to this Appalachian-themed park is on your itinerary, consider allowing an entire day. To pack as much as possible into your weekend, look for activities and shows located near your accommodations.
