Just 15 minutes from the traffic-filled streets of Downtown Jackson, I didn't even hear the hum of a highway as I stepped out of my cab to check in at Hotel Yellowstone.

On a hill above a valley surrounded by mountains, 10 modern buildings with a cabin aesthetic sat between stone paths. A pond in the middle of the property made it feel serene.

There were no voices or pitter-patters of running feet. I only heard chirping birds and wind rustling the leaves of tall trees.

Most hotels I've stayed in have had at least one large pool where clusters of people lounge by the steps while others swim laps or play games. I typically find them chaotic, noisy, and tough to avoid a splash when passing through.

That wasn't the case at Hotel Yellowstone. This resort's pool, called the Negative Edge Pool, was just 4 feet deep and had jets and heating. It was indoors and overlooked a mountain scene with a retractable glass window. Though shallow, the pool was quite long. I thought it was spacious enough for multiple groups to enjoy simultaneously.

Next to the pool, there was a wood sauna. Both were open 24 hours a day, which surprised me since most hotels I've stayed in have had a pool curfew. I imagine this is partly because no children are on the property.

It was instantly clear to me that my room was designed to showcase the views as much as possible when I stepped inside.

The door opened into a short hallway with a bathroom on the left, behind a spacious bedroom and living space. Light poured in from a large window on the left wall and floor-to-ceiling windowed doors to the balcony spanning the back of the room.

Even the bathroom had a sliding door in front of the oversized tub, so I could gaze at the peaks of the Tetons and the valleys below while taking a bath.

"The room layout, windows, wall-to-wall sliding doors, and the beautifully crafted boiserie bathroom door enable guests to fully immerse themselves in the stunning views from every angle of the suite," a hotel representative told BI.

In my experience, hotel restaurants are typically open to the public, so I was surprised to learn that only guests could sit at Olivia's, a fine-dining establishment at Hotel Yellowstone with an eclectic menu and locally sourced ingredients.

When it was time for dinner, I headed to the lobby and walked down a staircase to the restaurant on the first floor. I was mesmerized by the indoor-outdoor feel provided by the vast windows. Below the wood-beamed cathedral ceilings, the wide view of the mountains looked like a painting.

No one else was dining at Olivia's when I stepped inside, so I could sit wherever I wanted. I selected a spot right by the back window and feasted on bao buns in silence.

I returned to Olivia's for some fruit and steel-cut oats in the morning. This time, one other guest, a solo backpacker, sat two tables away from me. It was a far cry from the clattering plates and blending conversations of a typical hotel breakfast, in my experience.

After dinner, I took a peaceful walk back to my room, coated myself in a thick robe, and headed to the balcony. I expected to hear whispers of other guests enjoying the outdoor view, but it was just as silent and peaceful as when I first stepped onto the property.

Sitting in a lounge chair, I noticed a faint flutter of color in the sky and immediately jumped up and leaned on the railing. Purple and green hues danced so subtly that I had to confirm what I thought I was seeing with a long exposure on my camera. And it appears that I was right — I had spotted the northern lights in Wyoming of all places.

Seeing the auroras has been on my bucket list since I knew the phenomenon existed. And no matter where you are in the world, a trip to see the northern lights is never guaranteed. So, I certainly never thought I'd stumble upon them in the US.

I could hardly see them with my eyes alone, and I thought that if the environment hadn't been so free of distractions, I might have missed them.

I'd never seen a moose before having breakfast at Olivia's.

There I was, dining at a table against the back window, when a moose casually walked along the property just outside the restaurant.

I was stunned, but my server was not — they said the moose hangs out regularly and is often seen swimming in the pond and drying off in the flower beds.

After staying there myself, I could see why. The kid-free environment was calm and quiet. I imagine the serene nature of the resort could make wildlife more comfortable in the human setting.

I thought the adults-only element was key to having these surreal moments with nature without sacrificing comfort and luxury.

Fernwood Square is an off-the-beaten-path, cobblestone-lined town square that's become a favorite filming location for holiday-market scenes.

When the cameras aren't rolling, locals grab coffee at Little June, enjoy a romantic night under the twinkle lights at Stage Wine Bar, or shop for dreamy vintage finds at Cream.

At the heart of Fernwood Square is the Fernwood Inn. The charming neighborhood pub serves local brews in an inviting, festive atmosphere reminiscent of a small-town inn.

Unfortunately, the kind-eyed innkeeper with a heart of gold from half the Hallmark movie plots is not included — the pub looks like an inn but doesn't have rooms for rent.

Oak Bay Village is set up to feel like a quaint, small town featuring artisanal shops, independent restaurants, and seasonal decorations.

The luxurious spa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel features stunning, heated mineral pools that are accessible year-round, making it the perfect escape from the stress of the holidays.

Pro tip: Locals love this place, so make sure to book treatments in advance.

Our local mall never looks better than when it hosts the Festival of Trees, an annual event that features 70 one-of-a-kind Christmas trees.

The iconic, fairy-tale-like hotel is a holiday favorite for tourists and locals alike.

The Empress is mainly known for its afternoon tea, but in the evenings, you can head to the veranda bar to roast s'mores over an open fire and sip on hot buttered rum.

What we lack in (real) snow, we make up for in holiday lights.

Every year, Butchart Gardens transforms its 55-acre display garden into a holiday wonderland full of colorful string lights.

Tucked away in the woods is the award-winning Shirley Delicious, a popular café and brunch spot.

But if you're in the mood for seafood, head to Shuck Taylor's, another playfully named spot known for its fresh oysters and on-tap cocktails.

My hometown lives up to its namesake (Queen Victoria). You'll find plenty of beautifully preserved Victorian homes and businesses all over the city.

Step back in time at Craigdarroch Castle before heading over to Hatley Castle — a popular filming location featured in the "X-Men" film series.

Named a national historic site in 1995, Victoria's Chinatown is now home to a diverse collection of restaurants, artist lofts, and even the design studio of the "RuPaul's Drag Race" alum Jimbo.

Behind San Francisco's, it's the second-oldest Chinatown in North America.

Named after the Chinese gambling game fan-tan, the alley was once notorious for its opium factories.

Now, it's home to boutiques, cafés, and record shops.

Victoria has more restaurants per capita than any other Canadian city.

Whether you're craving Vietnamese subs, El Salvadoran street food, or ethically sourced seafood sold out of a shipping container, you'll find it all within a five-minute walk of the city center.

In addition to being a foodie's paradise, Victoria has several award-winning cocktail bars and craft breweries.

Independent-coffee-shop culture is big here, and residents love a good tucked-away café that most tourists can't find.

A favorite, the aptly named Hide + Seek Coffee, is in the "backyard" of a pharmacy.

Hallmark movies are usually set in winter, but my hometown thrives in the summer.

No matter where you are, you're always within an eight- to 10-minute drive of a fantastic beach and an incredible view.

It's not unusual to stumble across a movie set while going about daily errands.

Summer is peak filming season, so don't be surprised if you arrive for a beach day and see a film crew setting up a Christmas-tree display or come across a city street flooded with fake snow.

It's moments like these that make me smile and remind me how unique it is to live here.

Palm trees aren't indigenous to the area, but Victoria is one of the warmest cities in Canada and one of the few spots in the country where they can grow.

Depending on the neighborhood, it's not unusual to see a peacock walking down the street or enjoying some birdseed outside a convenience store.

In Hallmark movies, there's always a juxtaposition between "big city" and "small town" life.

After moving back here, I have a deep appreciation for what makes Victoria unique. It's not a small town or a big city — it's something in between.

Whether you're looking to experience the charm of your favorite holiday movies, get a taste of the city's foodie culture, or enjoy a beach getaway, you can find it here. You just might need to step over some fake snow now and then.

Perhaps the serenity of the adults-only resort overlooking Grand Teton National Park and Snake Valley is to thank. It was the quietest hotel I'd ever been to.

I thought it epitomized cozy mountain luxury.

"The overall design style can be best described as a harmonious blend of tranquility, serenity, and modern sophistication," the representative said of the rooms.

Each accommodation is 600 square feet, sleeps two, and has a private balcony.

Depending on the view, starting rates range between $900 and $1,600 a night. Some rooms offer views of the mountains, while others are positioned toward the valley. Some showcase the pond on the property, and others combine multiple scenes.

I booked a room with views of the Teton Range. BI received a media rate for the one-night stay.

Wide, floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across the back wall and a portion of the left wall.

"The color palette for the walls, furniture, and bathroom was thoughtfully chosen to highlight the surrounding landscape and the unparalleled views of the Teton Mountain range," the hotel representative said.

When I took off my shoes, I felt the soft give of the cushy carpet beneath me.

My room had all the basic amenities you'd expect at a high-end hotel, from an espresso machine to a mini-fridge. A TV hung above a fireplace across from the bed.

I spotted nods to the environment, too. The representative said the floor lamp that resembled antlers came from AntlerWorx, and the furry accent chairs were made from pure New Zealand sheepskin.

"Both pieces showcase natural materials and textures with the Moose Antler lamp serving as a tribute to local wildlife — particularly the seasonal resident moose who frequents the property," they added.

The balcony was my favorite part of the accommodation. The spacious upper deck had two cushioned lounge chairs and a side table.

The view of the valley dotted with herds beneath the Teton range was one of the most epic I'd ever seen.

Unlike most hotel balconies I've experienced, the space was quiet. Not even cars on the highway were audible from the resort. And I didn't hear one voice the entire time I was out there.

I'm not typically one for baths, but the Calacatta marble bathroom was spa-like. While warm water filled the large, free-standing tub, I turned on the floor and towel heaters to ensure top-tier comfort upon exiting the bath.

The bathroom was behind the bed with a sliding door in front of the tub, so I could view the Tetons while bathing.

"The room layout, windows, wall-to-wall sliding doors, and the beautifully crafted boiserie bathroom door enable guests to fully immerse themselves in the stunning views from every angle of the suite," the representative said.

I always look forward to hotel robes, and this one was more comfortable than most. It was made of thick fabric that felt like soft terry cloth.

Once I dried off, I jumped onto the cloud-like king-sized bed that felt endless when I cuddled up in the middle.

I grabbed the tablet on the nightstand with smart controls for the room, from mood lighting and curtains to room service.

With a plan to relax for just a bit, I turned on the TV for one episode of Modern Family.

Minutes later, I was fast asleep.

I woke up as the sun was setting and promptly headed outside in my robe to catch the end of it.

Once it was dark, I saw something I'd never seen before — and never thought I would see in the US — faint streaks of purple and green glided among the stars. I think it was the northern lights.

I could barely see them myself, but once I took a 30-second exposure on my camera, I was pretty sure I was right.

The northern lights were a massive surprise that made my stay even more meaningful. The quiet, peaceful resort made them even more mesmerizing.

"After a nap, the mother brown bear wanted to go for a walk, but the cubs wanted a ride," Fine wrote.

Fine photographed a blenny fish peeking out from a hole in a coral reef.

"It was hard to take this image because of the fast-moving ant, but with a little help from a flashlight, I was able to freeze the motion," Pansier wrote.

Rosado photographed two bears embracing in Sitka, Alaska.

"I took this photo of a dancing sifaka in Madagascar," Rouse wrote. "As it ran toward us, it created all sorts of funny shapes, but this one was the best. It looks to me like it is practicing its bowling action ready for an England call-up!"

"In a kayak with my camera balanced precariously on the gunnel, I stayed very still while floating by this resting sea otter," Janson wrote. "It stayed relaxed (you can tell because it is still floating on its back) and kept on grooming its fur. With its peaceful face and upturned paws, it reminded me of a Guru meditating."

"Otters hold their food with their paws, making it appear like they are praying," Haines wrote.

"I photographed this nutria directly from the canoe," Arnold wrote. "It was busy grooming itself."

"This doe got up on her hind legs to grab some leaves from the tree to eat, but when she got back up on all fours, she suddenly let go of the branch and took a cold shower on the head," Revel wrote.

"This area has always been a nesting place for burrowing owls, so I visit frequently," Amico wrote." When I saw this image on the computer, it just looked like this little owl was singing his heart out."

"These multi-ton giants fight to keep their harem of females," Rojo wrote.

Godínez's photo shows razorbills watching as one of their peers attempts a wobbly landing.

"This newborn seal seems to be laughing at a good joke," Hamann wrote.

"This picture was taken in 2015 during my first visit to the Farne Islands in the UK," Clausen wrote. "The islands were full of puffins, kittiwakes, shags, guillemots, and razorbills, and I never before and never since have taken so many photos in such a short time."

Aggiss photographed a ground squirrel, also known as a zeisel, calling to its family that it had found food.

Meth-Cohn photographed a Steller's sea eagle on ice off the coast of Rausu, Japan.

"As we walked on the sands of the Namib Desert, a gecko suddenly appeared, emerging out of nowhere with a smile on its face," Bordoli wrote. "It positioned itself perfectly, posing for a portrait worthy of a National Geographic cover. It seemed to say: 'Take my picture, I'm ready for my cover!'"

"'Hajime!' This is the term used by the referee in judo to invite opponents to start fighting," Ricordel wrote. "Here, the standing bear seems to be saying this to the other two, adopting the gesture that referees use when they say this word."

"I was expecting them to interact, nuzzle, or maybe fight, but they coincidentally got aligned in a way that caused this beautiful optical illusion," Lodhi wrote of the zebras in the photo.

Frier took this photo on a safari in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

"I have this image printed and hung on a wall of my home, and everybody who sees it laughs at it," Frier wrote.

"I saw this parrotfish with two other fish cleaning him," Bellemans wrote. "The smile on his face shows that he really loves it."

"An Adelie penguin stands over its chick as it lays flat on the rock to cool off," Teo wrote. "Due to their high level of insulation, penguin chicks can sometimes overheat and lay on the rocks with their feet out to lower their body temperature."

"A tiny raccoon is telling a secret to its mom while whispering in her ear," Piecha wrote.

Phillips photographed two cape fur seals having a laugh.

Mohandas photographed a chimpanzee in Uganda who was "obviously contemplating an important issue."

"On the penguin highway, these rockhoppers are moving into town, and this town ain't big enough for all of them!" Robinson wrote.

Stankiewicz wrote that it looked like the hippo "just got out of the hairdresser with a big smile on his face."

Kubo wrote that this flying squirrel looked like it was "sucking a cigar" like a mafia boss.

"Here is a female lizard standing upright to escape the summer heat," Patil wrote.

"This female red-bellied woodpecker had been investigating this screech owl nest for a couple of days — perhaps it was her nest last year?" Herman wrote. "This little owlet was definitely startled and didn't seem to know what to make of this intruder."

"This image was taken in South Georgia," Rouse wrote. "It really does show a male king penguin trying to make a move on a female who has already paired up with her male. The body position and wing posture make the message clear — 'back off!'"

Rouse's image was also highly commended in the 2006 BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest.

"We were on safari in Kenya and happened upon this beautiful female who was looking for a mate," McLeod wrote. "A group of topi were also keeping a pretty close eye on her as she left messages for a potential partner on various trees. This shot makes me think that the cheetah is just about to shout out, 'Ready or not, here I come!'"

"In the picture, a white-tailed eagle is ruffling its feathers," Linnanmäki wrote.

"My goal for my images is to bring attention to our scaly or moist friends, showing that not only fluffy animals can be cute and beautiful," Tam said.

"Our parents always find a way to embarrass us — I guess that's also true in the case of spotted owlets," Ranganadhan wrote. "It was truly a funny sight to see two owlets trying to get some privacy as their little offspring stood next to them with a grin and shut eyes."

"Every annoyed and overtired fish needs to destress by hunting for a bald eagle," Jakubczyk wrote.

Petkov photographed a whiskered tern crash-landing on a rock in Bulgaria.

"During a photo shoot at the pond, I discovered this frog with its head in a bubble," Ehmke wrote.

Molina lay down on the side of the road to take this photo of a Flemish mantis with its front legs in the air.

Marchetti's photo shows a squirrel with its feet sticking out of a hole in a tree. It won first place in the Mammals category and the contest's grand prize.

"I have taken many, many photographs of squirrels in many situations over the years in Italy, but this one struck me as really funny and such a strange position because it is that exact moment when the squirrel is detaching its back legs from the trunk to enter its hide," Marchetti said of the photo. "Whenever I show this image at the nature seminars at my local photography club, the audience always explodes with raucous laughter, so I had to enter it!"

Correction: September 26, 2024 — An earlier version of this story misspelled the surname of the photographer who took the photo titled "Wait … Which Zebra Is In Front?" He's Sarosh Lodhi, not Sarosh Iodhi.

Ott told BI that Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is among the best US airports for layovers thanks to its premium lounges, from Amex Centurion to Delta Sky Club.

"It's one of those places where if you do have a layover and you really need to kill time, there are both top-notch lounges and an airport hotel directly in the terminal," Ott said.

DFW is also home to one of Ott's favorite US airport lounges, Capital One Lounge.

Some of the worst airports for layovers are small regional airports.

"I think there's a just inherent advantage to being a big airport because big airports can attract retail," he said.

As an example, Ott mentioned that he often has connecting flights through Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky, which has only two runways.

"I've been there a lot. It's not a fun place to wait for flights," he said. "You have nothing to do."

Those with a tight layover may appreciate that Blue Grass Airport has the shortest walk to the gate in the US at just 0.11 miles.

"I like Seattle-Tacoma Airport because they've done a really good job of cultivating more local stores and Seattle-centric things," Ott said. "If you've got an hour and 45 minutes, it's easy to kill time there."

BI previously reported that the airport's shops pay homage to the Pacific Northwest experience, with stores like Show Pony, Made in Washington, and Discover Puget Sound.

Ott said he'd spent his layovers at the Northwestern airport sifting through records at a music store and sampling Washington state wines at a bar.

"It doesn't feel as sterile and generic as some airports. You actually get a sense of Seattle. It's not just an airport somewhere," Ott said.

No one wants to put their trip on pause over delays and cancellations — especially in a connecting airport.

According to Ott, this may be more likely to happen when flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia due to frequent storms. And the fact that it's the busiest airport in the world probably doesn't help; the airport has had mass cancellations in summers and winters due to storms.

"I've had hellacious experiences in Atlanta because of the weather," Ott said. "It's a good airport in the sense that there are lots of flights and places to kill time. It's a bad airport in the sense that it's caught up in more storms than most airports."

Ott added that the airport has plenty of amenities but can be overwhelming to navigate.

"There are so many terminals, and you're taking a tram everywhere. They have some nice stuff in them, but it's a hike," he said.

According to Ott, some airports don't allow passengers to travel between terminals they're not departing from.

Since many travelers don't leave the airport between connecting flights, waiting to board can be a drag for those flying out of terminals with few shops, restaurants, and amenities. Ott told BI that international terminals typically have better amenities than domestic ones.

The terminals are connected at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is why it's one of the best US airports for layovers.

Domestic travelers "can still go to the international terminal, which has better food, shops, and lounges," he said. "You can kill time at LAX for hours."

LAX's Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B) was updated in 2023. BI previously reported that the terminal has comfy seating — each with its own power ports — a range of food and bar options, and an exceptional Sky Club.

The upgrade included adding a walkway connecting Terminal 3, which also received an upgrade, to Terminal B. The walk takes five to 20 minutes, so there's no need to catch a bus. This is an especially useful perk for those catching an international connecting flight.

"London Heathrow Airport is an atrocious airport for connections — one of the worst in the world, by far," Ott said. Why? Getting from one terminal to another is a journey in itself.

"Some terminals are miles apart, and there is no tram that runs between all of them," he said.

According to the airport's website, getting from one terminal to another can take more than 40 minutes.

For example, Ott said if you land in Terminal 3 with British Airways, you may connect in Terminal 5.

"You have to go through Terminal 3 and take a bus, which can take up to 30 minutes to arrive. Then, you'll take a long bus ride all around the airport to the other side," he said. "And then you may still end up with another tram or bus ride because Terminal 5 has three terminals within it — A, B, and C."

"It's an impossible airport for short connections," Ott added.

"For best, Singapore Changi Airport is just untouchable," Ott said.

Ott added that the best airport for layovers worldwide has a range of shops, hotels, dining, and activities.

"Some of the best local food is at the airport because the famous places in Singapore set up locations there," he said.

While waiting for connecting flights, travelers can access a pool, a movie theater, and a butterfly garden.

The real spectacle, however, is probably the Jewel — a retail and entertainment complex connected to Terminal 1. The Jewel seems like a destination itself with a hedge maze, a topiary walk, and a ropes course. And the centerpiece is the Rain Vortex — the world's largest indoor waterfall spanning seven stories.

"You can spend an hour just looking at that," Ott said of the Rain Vortex. "I would have a layover there any day."

Cache House is in Downtown Jackson, a walkable neighborhood full of boutiques, restaurants, and, in my experience, traffic.

While Hotel Yellowstone is less than 15 minutes north of the bustling square, it's tucked away in a scenic area with expansive properties. I thought it provided a more isolated experience.

I booked a one-night stay at Hotel Yellowstone about a month after it opened. When my cab pulled up, I could tell it was a brand-new establishment.

Between buildings, lush, extravagant landscaping framed a glistening pond that attracted wildlife — from ducks to moose.

I entered a neutral-toned lobby with cathedral ceilings to check into the hotel. The space had an array of cozy seating, from fur seats to cushioned rocking chairs.

"Hotel Yellowstone's design pays homage to the American West while seamlessly blending influences of modern design," a representative of Hotel Yellowstone told Business Insider.

Hills and mountains layered the distant landscape, and a rich, green valley brightened the foreground. It looked like a photograph.

Hotel Yellowstone had nine guest room buildings with four accommodations in each. Each room was 600 square feet and had a private balcony — the main difference between each is the view.

I booked a room with a balcony facing the Teton Range. It had a plush, king-sized bed, a full bathroom, two seating spaces, and glass doors for nonstop views of the mountains.

The accommodation had basic amenities like a TV, a mini fridge, and a fireplace. I used the in-room smart tablet to close the curtains, ignite the fireplace, activate mood lighting, and change the channel.

"The intricate design components pull inspiration from Jackson Hole's history, proximity to national parks, and locale on a wildlife refuge — allowing guests to view Jackson Hole's native animals from the comfort of their suites," the Hotel Yellowstone representative told BI.

The Carrara marble bathroom had floor and towel heaters. A stand-alone rainfall shower was stocked with Byredo toiletries. A large, deep tub sat behind a sliding door, revealing the outdoor views.

At most hotels I've stayed in, the on-site restaurants are open to the public. Still, Hotel Yellowstone's resto, Olivia's, was exclusively for hotel guests.

It was on the lower level of the main building beneath the lobby. As I stepped down the stairs, I spotted an elegant marble bar with couch seating. Just past the bar was a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Dining at this establishment that locally sources ingredients almost felt like dining outside — without the discomforts of weather and bugs.

The pool — open 24 hours a day, along with the sauna — was made for relaxing. Known as the Negative Edge Pool, it was indoors with retractable glass windows overlooking the valley and surrounding mountains.

To get to Cache House, I went to the Anvil Hotel, which has existed since the 1950s.

In the 1970s, a bunkhouse opened in the basement of the hotel. Then, in 2020, that bunkhouse opened as the "modern, elevated interpretation of the classic European hostel" Cache House, a company representative told BI.

I checked in at the Anvil Hotel, and a staff member walked me around the side of the building and down an outdoor staircase into the basement.

My key card unlocked the door to the hostel.

The door at the bottom of the steps opened into a massive, brightly-lit room with a mix of midcentury modern and old Western pieces and accents.

Cache House hired Brooklyn-based Post Company to give the room a sleek, functional look.

Geometric-patterned blankets were laid over black leather futons with wooden feet. Modern built-ins displayed albums behind a rustic, wooden dining table. Rugs and throws added pops of color to the space.

All Cache House bookings include a private locker for belongings. With just a backpack and a medium-sized duffel bag, there was plenty of space I didn't use.

The shared space had several private stalls with a toilet, sink, and shower. And like at Hotel Yellowstone, the bathrooms were spotless and had complimentary toiletries from a high-end beauty brand,
C.O. Bigelow.

The hostel's midcentury modern style continued into the bunk room, where wooden ladders with gold accents led up and down 50 bunks, ranging from twin- to queen-sized.

Beneath each pair of bunk beds were two storage drawers — one for each bunk.

I pulled the curtain at the top of the ladder to reveal a nook with a queen-sized bed, a reading light, a shelf, an outlet, and a fan.

It was a far cry from my 600-square-foot haven at Hotel Yellowstone, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the bunk felt like a tiny room. The curtain blocked sound and light, giving me all the privacy I needed.

The mattress was a bigger surprise. Although a tad smaller, the Cache House bed was just as comfy and plush as Hotel Yellowstone's. With linen and wool bedding, I slept just as soundly and woke up just as refreshed.

I certainly didn't expect my budget hostel stay to have additional amenities, but since it was centrally located in the walkable downtown area, I thought it didn't need to.

I had dinner nearby and spent the evening strolling around the town square, popping inside various boutiques.

Hotel Yellowstone would be ideal for the retreat seeker who craves serenity in solitude.

An adventurer who wants to stay out all day sampling the food, shopping, and culture of Jackson Hole would likely have a better time at the centrally located Cache House.

They'd save a buck and still get a taste of luxury.

When I mapped out my trip to Scottsdale, I didn't realize how large the town was.

Downtown Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport are quite close together — 15 minutes or less by car, in my experience. However, I couldn't miss seeing the luxurious neighborhoods and fine dining in North Scottsdale.

When I booked my tours and reservations, I didn't realize North Scottsdale was about a 40-minute cab ride from the hub area.

I ended up traveling up and down Scottsdale multiple times a day. Next time, I'll plan to spend one full day in North Scottsdale to avoid wasting time and money on cabs.

For my spring trip to Scottsdale, I expected it to be warm, as the area is known to be throughout the year. So, I packed some cooling, quick-dry attire, like the Under Armour polo above, paired with pants made from a similar material.

It was warmer than I anticipated, and this dark navy outfit made me feel like a magnet to the sun.

The outfit was comfortable in the morning and evening, but I would have packed lighter-colored clothing if I had known I'd be battling 90-degree heat in the afternoons.

I also didn't realize that the heat in Scottsdale would feel drastically drier to me compared to the air I'm used to back home in New York.

I thought I could easily walk around all day in Scottsdale. I planned to spend most daylight hours exploring outdoors and walking from neighborhood to neighborhood. But I got dehydrated easily and ran through my 20-ounce plastic water bottle quickly.

Next time I visit Scottsdale in the spring, I'll pack a larger, insulated water bottle and break up outdoor activities in my itinerary with indoor ones to stay cool and hydrated.

Since I spent two nights in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, I booked one night in each town.

I stayed at the Phoenician in Scottsdale, a 600-acre mega-resort with five pools, a three-story spa, and an 18-hole golf course.

I didn't save enough time in my itinerary for hanging out at the hotel.

I spent most of the day out and about, and by the time I got back to the Phoenician, I was too tired to sit down at the award-winning lobby bar or step into one of the pools.

Before I checked out in the morning, I had just enough time to explore the entire property on foot. I watched others play golf, tennis, and pickleball and longed for another night. This ended up being my biggest regret of the trip because I left feeling like I'd missed out.

After my stay, I realized that a mega-resort is worth the price only if I take advantage of all it has to offer. Since my trip was more about exploring Scottsdale than relaxing, there simply wasn't enough downtime to make it worth booking for just one night.

After getting a preview of the Phoenician's amenities, I'd love to stay again for at least two nights and plan to spend many waking hours there.

Electric lights replaced the long-held tradition of attaching lit candles to branches.

Tinsel added sparkle to the tree, while candy canes could be used as both holiday snacks and festive decorations.

Tinsel, which was often made with metallic materials, had to be rationed for the war effort.

People still use similar stockings today, hung by the fireside with care.

There were tinsel garlands or long strands of metallic tinsel called icicles, like on the tree shown above.

Menorahs could also be simple or ornate to match the tablescape.

Trees became centerpieces of the home for holiday entertaining, and fashionable sets of ornaments were sold to replace more homemade or collected ornament collections.

Taper candles are still commonly used in holiday table settings.

"Silver and Gold," a famous Christmas song performed by Burl Ives in the 1964 film "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," embodied the Christmas tree-decorating trends of the time.

White House Christmas decorations are now even more extravagant.

People DIY-ed the look by dipping their tree branches in laundry starch.

Inflatable versions of these vintage-looking lawn ornaments are still commonly seen today.

Some holiday decorating trends never go out of style.

The lights were often multicolored and in the shape of miniature birds.

People would often add cotton wool or sparkly white felt to create a snowy environment for their miniature Christmas villages. This decorating trend is still popular today, either new or secondhand.

However, elaborate light displays are one trend that probably would have seemed out of place 100 years ago.

Source: BBC

In the summer of 2015, I took a two-week-long road trip for the first time. Before heading out for the journey from Austin, Texas, to Napa Valley, California, and back, I headed to the grocery store and loaded up the cart with ingredients for meals I could make in the car — sliced bread, deli meats, cheeses, peanut butter, and jelly. And I couldn't forget pickles, mayo, tomatoes, and avocados to make the sandwiches more dynamic.

I imagined staying healthy by skipping fast-food joints to lather and stack these ingredients into custom delights.

But it looked better in my head.

Creating sandwiches on the road was stressful, and making a mess was all too easy. My hands shook as I spread mayo in a moving car. And resealing meats and cheeses to be airtight wasn't as simple as the packages claimed.

By the time I could eat my sandwiches, my hands and parts of the passenger seat were sticky. Since that trip, I have only packed ready-made "meals" for road trips, like protein bars and shakes.

For snacks, I stick to dry items like trail mix that aren't coated in dusty flavors.

If you're anything like me, caffeine on a road trip is a must.

However, I've taken off for several trips without my own source of energy handy. When this happens, I end up spending an additional $10-$20 per day at coffee shops.

Recently, I've avoided additional stops and expenses by packing MiO, a water flavor enhancer with vitamins and caffeine.

Adding caffeine to my water instead of downing a coffee also helps me stay hydrated.

Many of my road trip experiences took place in college, when energy was high and funds were tight.

My friends and I often prioritized covering as much ground as possible with the little bit of cash we had. This meant we spent 12 to 14 hours on the road some days.

Many of these hours were fun, but once the sun went down, so did the energy. Without a view or a sense of place in those later hours, it felt like we could have been driving anywhere.

In my experience, the nighttime road hours feel twice as long as the daylight hours. I would avoid spending more than two hours on the road after dark.

After a long day on the road, the last thing anyone wants to do is pitch a tent — especially in the dark.

In July 2017, I took a two-and-a-half-week road trip to national parks and monuments in Texas, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado.

The budget was extra tight, so we camped or slept in the car every night.

I remember arriving at our campsite outside Zion National Park in Utah. I don't remember how many hours we'd been on the road, but only the stars lit up the sky when I got out of the car.

I wanted to simply lie down and look up, but I had a shelter to pitch. Assembling a tent in the dark is challenging. Even with the car lights on for help, finding the right pieces to connect was difficult.

I'm not sure how long it took to pitch the tent that night, but I went to bed thinking I wouldn't put myself in the same situation again.

As a cusp millennial, I love to play the game of not using my phone to find food or rest stops and just relying on signs in the present moment.

Well, I used to love it.

The problem with this game is that I'm not only relying on signs to tell me what's coming up but also relying on my attention span, which can be shorter than a sentence.

So, how do you lose this game? You miss the sign that says, "This is the last gas station for 100 miles." I've done it more than once, and it sucks. I've never gotten stuck, but I've gotten close.

My best advice is to find other road games to pass the time and keep your phone handy.

When road-tripping from Austin, where I lived in college, the first and last days of a trip will likely just be getting in and out of Texas — Austin is in the middle of the gigantic state.

Because of this, my road trips in college were rushed. I'd travel as far as Oregon and visit as many as six national parks in less than three weeks.

I'm grateful that I've been able to experience so many different natural landscapes and environments around the US, but I don't feel like I've spent enough time in any of them to truly take in each setting.

Now, as an adult, I embrace slow travel.

When I take a road trip unrelated to work, I pick one or two places and stay awhile.

Just beneath the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the Four Seasons is well-located for Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park visitors.

Cole told BI that while the Four Seasons maintains top-tier service across all 133 locations, each is designed uniquely to suit the destination.

"There's a sense of place at every Four Seasons," she said.

With a "mountain modern chic" brand, this location of the 63-year-old, high-end hotel chain was ranked the best stay in Jackson Hole by US News.

Rates vary by season. In the peak winter season, the Granite Residence starts at $11,000 a night.

The stay includes ski and snowboard rentals for kids under 12 from mid-December to early January.

On the ninth floor of the resort, I stepped into a foyer with leather coat hooks and a pair of matching ottomans beneath. A framed, purple buffalo stared me in the face.

I felt like I was in a Western film — and that was the intention, according to Sarah Kennedy, CLB Architects' principal and lead design director of the penthouse suite.

"The majority of people who come to Jackson are really coming here to immerse themselves in nature," Kennedy said.

When CLB redesigned the penthouse, completed in the summer of 2024, Kennedy said the team maintained the hotel's style while elevating it.

"They had accented it previously with a bunch yellows and warm whites. So in terms of trying to modernize it, we kept the base palette of rich cherries and redwoods and offset it with whites," she said.

CLB selected a neutral color palette.

"The color palette is very simple, with natural textures," Kennedy said. "When we did try to bring color there, it was being inspired from the outside, like the soft blues and the greens of the natural landscape at the resort."

"The interesting thing about doing interiors here in Jackson is that the quality of light filtering into the space in peak winter and peak summer is completely different," Kennedy said.

So, CLB selects tones that complement light filtering into the interiors throughout the year.

"For example, I'm looking out the window now, and the amount of yellow and orange from all the leaves that are coming in is crazy," she said. "But you have to make sure that that same palette looks really good when there's a bunch of blue coming in from all the reflection of the snow."

"The subtle picking of these soft blues and neutrals is the way that we allow that palette to really feel immersive in nature but also stand the test of the seasons throughout the year here," she continued.

When sourcing furniture, Kennedy worked with an approved list of vendors, including Restoration Hardware and more local vendors. Select pieces also came from showrooms around the US.

The full kitchen had a gas stove. Guests can book a private chef to cook meals for them.

This huge pantry had all the kitchen appliances anyone could need, from blenders to crock pots.

Nestled in a corner of the penthouse, I opened the door leading to the guest powder room. It was the smallest room, with just a sink, toilet, and counter.

In such a luxurious space, I wasn't expecting to be wowed by the guest bathroom.

But I was wrong.

"The bread and butter of what we do here is connect people with nature," Kennedy said. "As it relates to pieces within the space, there are some wall coverings, particularly the one in the powder room that's got a mountainous scene."

The bathroom was covered in white wallpaper with simple black sketches of mountains on them. A gold and gray painting of a fox on the right matched the finish of the faucet.

It was a simple room, but every aspect felt thoughtfully considered, which is why it stood out to me.

Kennedy told BI that the penthouse design is as much about comfort as it is about nature.

"We're giving people the ability to feel like they're living a luxurious experience," she said.

That's why the penthouse boasts two living spaces with cozy seating.

"After you've been skiing all day, you don't really want a super flimsy thin profile chair. You want something that feels like it's hugging you," Kennedy told BI. "There's an element of, 'I'm just going to sit here and sip my hot chocolate and not move for four hours.'"

Cole told BI that much of the art in the penthouse was custom-made for the space, and guests can purchase the pieces.

The master bedroom also had a fireplace.

In all five bedrooms, CLB selected soft colors for the fabrics.

These bathrooms screamed luxury, with oversize tubs, multiple shower heads, and separate toilet rooms.

I thought it would be convenient for long-term guests and large families.

After I toured the Granite Residence, I thought it screamed Jackson Hole and the Wild West inside and out.

From the walls to windows and terraces, it was impossible to forget where I was while exploring the vast penthouse.

I had the option to check a bag, but I decided to keep all my belongings with me throughout the trip.

I packed comfy pants and shorts since I was traveling south to warmer temperatures. 

I brought a Nintendo Switch, a tablet, and a book to pass the time. I made sure to download a bunch of podcast episodes to my phone in case I lost service and internet at any point during the trip.

Even though Amtrak sanitizes rooms between visitors, according to its website, bringing my own disinfectant gave me peace of mind and made me feel more comfortable relaxing in my rooms.

This packing tip comes from my mom. She always brought some sort of immunity-boosting chewable to protect us from germs while traveling. And as Business Insider previously reported, Vitamin C can help your immune system fight off some infections.

I picked up these memory foam babies at T.J. Maxx for only $20. They slipped on and off very easily, which was great for leaving my room quickly with shoes on.

I took frequent dance breaks in my room, where I closed the curtains and blasted music in my ears. This, of course, required a pair of headphones. 

While I danced throughout the day, I was glad I could listen to music as loudly as I wanted without bothering my neighbors.

In some roomettes (mine included), a side table swings open to reveal a toilet. Above, there's a folding sink and mirror. 

I may have had a bigger problem with having a toilet so close to my bed, but thankfully, I had packed some Poo Pourri, a spray that goes in the toilet just before you poop to eliminate odors.

I thought many of my meals on the train were decent, but there were times, like when I tried and disliked a salmon dish, that I was thankful for this bag of trail mix with my favorite ingredient, coconut chips.

An Amtrak attendant brought me disposable water bottles every few hours, but I was still glad I brought my own pre-filled water bottle.

But my bottle was too wide for the provided cupholders, which were just big enough for 12-ounce bottles. So, I wish I had brought a smaller reusable water bottle.

I figured this would only be temporary, but I thought the whole ride was shaky. I ended up feeling motion sickness for the majority of both trips and kicking myself for not bringing any remedies.

I planned on showering during my 30-hour ride home from Miami, but I decided not to when I realized I had forgotten my flip-flops. I usually wear them in public showers, since it's pretty easy to pick up germs from places where many people have walked barefoot.

I only saw a couple of sets of outlets in the rooms. With several devices to plug in, I should have brought an outlet splitter or two. 

I could have sworn I packed this and was so disappointed when I wanted to use it.

This specific neck pillow wraps around 1.5 times, making adjusting to various long-term sitting situations easy. 

The bed on the Amtrak was firm and slightly cushy on top, just the way I like a bed. But when I was drifting off to sleep each night, I thought of my fluffy, dense, soft pillows at home. 

Before I flew into Jackson Hole, I assumed the only way I'd ever get an aerial view of a national park was to book one of those expensive helicopter tours.

But as I gazed out my window during our plane's descent into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), my jaw dropped.

We were soaring above Grand Teton National Park, which was lush with green forests. Rocky mountains with bits of snow on top towered above the forests, and bodies of water were dotted with islets.

Business Insider reported in 2023 that JAC is the second most popular small-town airport for private jets after Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.

As I deplaned onto the tarmac, I spotted some smaller planes on the runway.

JAC doesn't have lounges. It doesn't have an array of stores or restaurants. It doesn't even have more than one terminal.

But it's still the most luxurious airport I've ever flown through.

Located within Grand Teton National Park, JAC is a small airport with windows for walls and supportive pillars made of Douglas fir trees.

Inside, it felt like a luxury mountain lodge. When renovating the space, CLB Architects wanted to give the interior a "living room" feel — and I think they succeeded.

After deplaning, I stepped into the cleanest terminal I'd ever seen. The walls were coated in murals and wildlife paintings, and cowboy sculptures decorated the baggage claim area.

The terminal had a free library bookshelf, one restaurant, a grab-and-go snack area, and two shops, including an official Grand Teton National Park store.

I stayed at Hotel Yellowstone a month after its August opening. The upscale, adults-only hotel overlooking the Teton Range is in the town of Jackson, but it's so high up a winding hill that it feels secluded from civilization.

There's a reason the company picked this specific spot for the hotel — the property boasts clear views of Snake River Valley and the Tetons.

The scene was more dramatic and awe-inspiring than any other hotel I've stayed in.

My 600-square-foot room had a king-sized bed, two sitting areas, and an elegant bathroom. The most luxurious part was the balcony with unobstructed views of the Teton Range.

The room felt modern and chic but with a Western twist. One seating area had chairs coated in 100% New Zealand sheepskin, and the other had a floor lamp that resembled moose antlers.

Dining at Olivia's felt like dining in a luxury restaurant in the middle of the wilderness. With gigantic floor-to-ceiling windows and a cathedral wooden ceiling, the views were the centerpiece of the eclectic restaurant.

During dinner, I watched the sun set over the mountains while munching on bao buns. In the morning, I spotted a moose just outside the window — a regular sighting at Hotel Yellowstone, according to my server — while scarfing down steel-cut oats.

I spent my second night at the five-star Four Seasons hotel in Jackson Hole, a ski-in, ski-out resort. Built to highlight the destination, the interiors scream upscale Western chic.

The most luxurious part of this Four Seasons is the 31 private residences. These penthouse suites have full kitchens and up to five bedrooms, and they start at $11,000 per night in the peak winter season.

During my stay, I got a tour of the Granite Residence — a five-bedroom accommodation. Like the rest of the hotel, the penthouse blended American Western culture with modern luxury.

Each bedroom had a balcony, and there was a large terrace in one of the two living spaces.

"The majority of people who come to Jackson are really coming here to immerse themselves in nature," Sarah Kennedy, CLB Architects' principal and lead design director of the Four Seasons penthouse suite, told Business Insider.

After two nights in lavish hotels, I spent my final night in the cheapest accommodation I could find — a queen-sized bunk in a hostel for $150.

The price seemed steep for a bunk in a room with dozens of strangers. But I quickly learned that this hostel wasn't typical.

A company representative told BI that Cache House is a "modern, elevated interpretation of the classic European hostel."

Inside the mid-century-modern space was a large communal room, 50 bunks, a private locker for each guest, and a large bathroom with sparkling clean shower stalls and Co Bigelow toiletries.

Each bunk had a sound-and-light-proof curtain, a storage drawer, and a lamp, fan, and shelf inside the bunk nook.

The mattress felt like one you'd find in a luxury hotel with wool bedding. It was cozy, and the curtain blocked light and sound so well that I easily slept through the night.

Local real-estate agent Sam Haack told BI that millionaires in Jackson Hole build ranch-style homes outside the Jackson town center.

I taxied around these ultra-luxe neighborhoods and spotted short, wide homes sprawling across multiple acres.

These homes are coveted, as 97% of Teton County is public land that cannot be built on, according to Haack.

"As a buyer, it is so competitive because of simple supply and demand," Haack told BI. "We have always had much more demand than supply because, well, it's one of the most beautiful places in the US, and the lifestyle is unmatched."

A report by the local real-estate company the Viehman Group found that the average listing price in Jackson from July through September was $6.42 million.

The most expensive home on the market is a 9,100-square-foot, six-bedroom, seven-bathroom mansion listed at $40 million.

I was in awe of the architecture. Most of the homes I saw were made of multiple materials, like wood and concrete, which made for a pleasant contrast.

I also had the luxury of spending two hours exploring one of these swanky homes — a vacation home worth more than $10 million that buyers co-own through Pacaso.

On the top deck of the vacation home, I turned on a fountain that looked like a mini waterfall. The water flowed down a concrete barrier into a shallow, boxy pool on the first floor.

I thought it looked modern and sleek. From inside the house, wide windows in the foyer provided a stunning view of the pool and surrounding mountains. It reminded me of water features I've seen at art museums in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin, Texas.

Inside, the vacation home was three stories, including the basement. The top two floors were lush with natural light, as floor-to-ceiling windows graced every room.

On the top floor, between the living room and the kitchen, there was a gigantic blue structure that looked like an oven, but I later learned it was a double-sided fireplace. It was easily the largest fireplace I'd ever seen.

On the first floor, every bedroom had access to a long patio lining the water feature.

"When we set out to design it, we wanted to create a minimalist aesthetic that would let the stunning landscape take center stage," Lauren Farrell, the vacation home's principal designer, told BI.

"Every detail was carefully considered, from the use of organic textures to the way the architecture seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings, creating a harmonious connection between the home and its environment," Farrell added.

I found a wood sauna in the basement and felt a twitch of envy. What's more luxurious than a spa treatment in your own home?

I imagined sliding my boots off after playing in the snow and cozying up in here.

I visited two members-only clubs during my trip to Jackson Hole — the Mountain Club for skiers at the Four Seasons and Shooting Star, a golf and ski club that Golf Digest has praised for its 18-hole course sprinkled with streams and lakes beneath the Teton mountain range.

Residents dish out loads of cash for these memberships.

At the Mountain Club, the starting rate is $9,000 a year, along with a $100,000 initiation fee, according to the Four Seasons.

It's unclear what membership rates are at Shooting Star today, but the club's president, John Resor, said in a 2015 interview that the annual fee was $100,000 when it opened in 2009.

The streets surrounding the town square were filled with luxury retail stores.

There seemed to be a fine art gallery and an upscale furniture store on every block. I peered through the windows and saw chairs coated in fur hides, tiered chandeliers, and canopy beds with wool blankets.

Elevated luxury wear, from bespoke leather products to plaid vests, was draped over mannequins in the retail windows between art and furniture stores.

I stepped inside one of these shops, Kemo Sabe, the celebrity-loved Western brand that started in Aspen about 35 years ago.

Kemo Sabe sells boots, belts, clothing, knives, and other accessories, but it's famous for its cowboy hats, which can cost up to $895. Each is hand-molded, and additional accessories like extravagant bands can cost thousands apiece.

From top-tier travel offerings to mountainside mansions, I could easily see why the ultrawealthy flock to Jackson Hole.