My family of 4 - myself, my football-loving husband, our nurturing 6-year-old daughter, and our ever-active 4-year-old son decided to share a cabin in the Smoky Mountains for a New Year’s getaway with another family of 4. While the daughters were already school friends and the other mom and I were close, the husbands had only exchanged polite hellos a few times, and the boys (ages 8 and 4) had only played together during gymnastics classes and occasional playdates.
Even though the idea of traveling together was mine, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. Would the kids get along for an entire week? Would the men find common ground between cooking and football? Would we clash over cleanliness or planned activities? I was equal parts excited and anxious for a few weeks leading up to the trip.
We left the day after Christmas and broke the drive into two parts, stopping halfway in Birmingham, Alabama. After breakfast the next morning, we continued to Sweetwater, Tennessee, where we explored The Lost Sea, a fascinating underground lake. The final leg of our journey brought us to Pigeon Forge, where we arrived at our home away from home—a gorgeous, newly built three-story cabin with wraparound porches, a hot tub (a must-have for me), and stunning views of the Smoky Mountain
The cabin was everything we had hoped for and more. Check out this video walk through on YouTube:
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Top Floor: The primary suite with a king bed, pull-out sleeper sofa, ensuite bathroom, and a spacious closet.
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Main Floor: Floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking mountain views, a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, living room, and two king bedrooms.
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Basement: A kid’s paradise with arcade games, an air hockey table, a pool table, a TV, and a cozy movie theater room. The kids immediately gravitated toward the queen-over-queen bunk beds, sparking a lively debate about who would sleep where.
Ultimately, we decided the two girls would take the top bunk, while the boys would sleep on the bottom—though, in true kid fashion, none of them ended up sleeping there. The kids were too spooked to sleep in the basement alone, so ours camped out on the pull-out couch in our suite, while the other family split between the main-floor king rooms.
We planned the trip with flexibility in mind, only booking a few activities in advance to allow for unpredictable weather and changing interests. Early on, we discovered a natural rhythm: my family tended to wake early and head out for adventures, while the other family enjoyed slow mornings savoring the view from the cabin.
We spent one day together driving through Cade’s Cove, taking in the stunning scenery, and spotting wildlife. Another day, we met up at Ober Mountain for winter fun, and later we explored Dollywood. For the most part, though, each family did their own thing during the day, reconvening at the cabin in the afternoons for shared meals, football games, and hot tub time.
The other mother and I, had briefly discussed the option of celebrating the New Year watching the ball drop in Gatlinburg from the SkyPark but after more consideration we decided to have a very laid back, relaxing and comfortable New Year’s Eve watching football, drinking wine, and letting the kids stay up as late as they wanted playing video games. We were all asleep by 11 pm.
Each time we walked into the cabin from exploring the area, the kids immediately went to the basement to play. It was difficult to get them to settle down each night and go to sleep as they never wanted to leave the basement. It was wonderful being able to let them play independently, solve their own problems, and not have to worry about them. It was a joy to see them so engaged, and it gave the adults time to truly unwind. This made for one of the most relaxing vacations I have been on with my children!
Sharing a cabin with another family turned out to be a wonderful decision. Splitting expenses made it more affordable, and having playmates for the kids, football chat for the men, and relaxation time for the moms created a perfect balance. Honestly, I’m not sure I’ll ever want to travel with just our immediate family again—it was that enjoyable!
Things to Keep in Mind When Traveling with Another Family
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Choose a Compatible Family:
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Look for families with similar values, parenting styles, and vacation preferences.
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Consider how well the adults and kids get along to ensure a harmonious trip.
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Discuss Travel Goals in Advance:
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Ensure both families share similar expectations for the trip (e.g., relaxation vs. adventure).
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Agree on a balance between together time and independent activities.
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Pick the Right Destination:
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Choose a destination that offers a variety of activities for all ages and interests.
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Opt for family-friendly locations with accommodations that can comfortably house everyone.
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Find the Perfect Lodging:
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Select a cabin or rental with both shared spaces (e.g., a game room, kitchen) and private areas for each family.
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Make sure there are enough bathrooms and sleeping arrangements to avoid inconvenience.
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Plan Meals and Expenses Ahead:
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Decide how meals will be handled—shared cooking, alternating responsibilities, or dining out.
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Discuss and agree on a budget for shared expenses like groceries or activities.
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Communicate Schedules and Expectations:
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Talk about daily routines and must-do activities to avoid surprises.
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Be clear about quiet hours, downtime, and any individual family needs.
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Stay Flexible and Respect Preferences:
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Allow each family the freedom to enjoy the trip at their own pace.
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Be open to spontaneous plans and willing to compromise when needed.
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Prepare for Kid-Friendly Fun:
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Ensure there are activities or games to keep kids entertained.
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Choose a location with outdoor or indoor spaces where children can play together safely.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can plan a smooth and enjoyable trip for everyone!
Our New Year’s trip to the Smoky Mountains was unforgettable, filled with laughter, relaxation, and a deeper friendship between two families. If you’ve ever thought about sharing a vacation with another family, I highly recommend it. With the right planning and mindset, it can be an experience full of joy, friendship, and cherished memories.