About Budget Family Journeys

Hi, we are Jason and Ellen, parents of five boys who believe family travel does not have to be expensive to be unforgettable.

We started Budget Family Journeys because traveling with a large family comes with real challenges. Space. Planning. Cost. Logistics. After years of mountain road trips, cabin stays, and weekend adventures across Tennessee and Virginia, we decided to share what actually works.

This blog is where we document:

• Affordable cabin stays in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains
• Blue Ridge and Virginia mountain weekend itineraries
• Practical packing systems for big families
• Road trip strategies that reduce stress
• Travel gear we have personally tested

We do not share picture perfect travel. We share realistic travel.

Our goal is simple. Help large families explore more while spending less.

If you are planning your next mountain trip, start here.