How This ‘Vacation Rental of the Year’ Helped Me Cultivate a More Present Way of Life

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to travel. I just get a certain elation when I get to experience new cultures and different ways of life. I’ve been (extremely) privileged to live out some of my wildest bucket-list fantasies at record speeds, visiting 27 countries in just four years. But recently, I’ve been realizing my love of travel isn’t driven solely by passion—it’s also driven by anxiety. 

At every destination, I would feel possessed by the need to visit every landmark, try every must-eat dish, and check off every box. I would tell myself that once I crossed everything off, then I could finally relax and just be “still” with myself and my thoughts. But lately, I’ve started to wonder if that’s really true. (My therapist would say, “Definitely not, Alyssa. Now, let’s talk about where that anxiety is living in your body.”)

I promised myself that the next time I had the opportunity to travel, I would do it differently: mindfully and intentionally. So when the opportunity presented itself to stay at one of VRBO’s 2025 Vacation Rentals of the Year in Jackson, Wyoming—Under the Tram—I jumped at the chance to not only check off another bucket-list destination, but to also approach this trip with a truly ~enlightened~ state of mind. 

I would slow down, ditch the lists, quiet the internal pressure, and simply see what each moment had to offer. Four days later, I can safely say that was one of my better ideas—and learning to be present in each moment is the new number one thing I want to cross off my checklist.

A bit about Under the Tram

VRBO’s 2025 Vacation Rental of the Year, Under the Tram property in Jackson Hole, Wyoming is truly a quintessential mountain escape. It’s a 6,204 square-foot family home (no big deal) located in the heart of Teton Village and at the base of the esteemed Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. And I can attest to the absolutely expansive nature of this place—it was bigger and more luxurious than any of the photos could truly capture. 

Every amenity was accounted for, including a beautiful gym located in the heated garage, an outdoor hot tub, a sauna, an outdoor patio directly on the snowy slopes, ski-in and ski-out access, a media room, a kids room, a washer and dryer, two grills, and some of the biggest closets I have ever seen (not kidding: The two combined closets in my master bedroom were equivalent to the size of my current New York City studio apartment). The bathroom in my room was also exceptional, with a tub overlooking the powdery slopes.

Even though I’m not a skier, I loved every second of being there—cuddled up inside, soaking in the views, enjoying the amenities, and exploring nearby Jackson. (If I were a skier, being able to click into my skis straight from the patio would’ve been incredible.)

The home averages between $1,000 and $2,000 a night, but split between a big family or group of friends, it feels surprisingly reasonable to me, given the size, quality, and location. I was invited on behalf of Vrbo to experience the property, and they handled all of the planning and expenses, making it easier than ever to actually relax and let go. From the moment we arrived, everything was set up to feel welcoming and seamless: the fireplace was crackling, the fridges were stocked, and snacks were laid out for us.

Vrbo had even left thoughtful welcome bags packed with altitude-friendly gifts like Boost Oxygen tanks (which ended up saving me from a travel headache), Liquid IV hydration packets, cozy beanies and robes, hand warmers, skincare goodies, and sweet treats. It was one of those rare arrivals that immediately sets the tone—you could just tell it was going to be a good trip.

My Jackson Hole Highlights: 

Getting some alpine rejuvenation

Confession: The night before my trip, I barely slept—maybe three hours. I had saved packing until the last second (classic) and had a 7 a.m. flight to catch. To make matters worse, I basically forgot to drink water all day. Combine that with Jackson Hole’s altitude, and by the time I arrived, I had a pounding headache, major brain fog, and a rough first night’s sleep.

Thankfully, the Vrbo team had anticipated the adjustment period. On our first morning, they scheduled a visit from House Call Hydration, a mobile IV therapy service that came straight to the house. I’d done IV therapy before and was already a fan, but having it come to me—no commuting required—felt like the ultimate luxury.

A trained nurse talked us through different options based on how we were feeling, and tailored a blend specifically for my dehydration and altitude symptoms. She even brought along little heating pads for our hands and arms to make the process extra comfortable. I watched as my body basically drank up the hydration; I was so dehydrated, I finished my saline bag before anyone else.

Within an hour, my headache cleared, my brain fog lifted, and I felt calm, centered, and recharged. It was the perfect reset—and the perfect way to set the tone for a weekend of being fully present and soaking up all the beauty around me.

Sledding through the pines 

One of the highlights of the trip was a dogsledding adventure through Grand Teton National Park with the Call of the WYld tour company. Yes, dogsledding. I don’t think I could have imagined a more perfect, picturesque scene if I tried: crisp mountain air, endless snow, pine trees dusted in white, and the dramatic peaks surrounding us in every direction. For once, there were no checklist thoughts running through my head—just pure excitement. 

I made a beeline for the dogs, who were as happy and friendly as you'd hope (one little cuddle muffin would have happily let me rub his belly all day). Soon enough, we were off, gliding through the park behind our team of pups and a friendly guide. It felt surreal, like I'd somehow been dropped into the middle of a postcard. The farther we went, the calmer and more present I felt—just me, the dogs, and the snowy silence.

Along the way, our guide shared more about the sled team. Most of the dogs live with their families (siblings, cousins, even a few canine love stories), and when they retire, they move into a special house together to relax and enjoy their next chapter. They’re monitored closely for happiness and health; if a dog ever seems tired or too hot, they’re pulled from the run, no questions asked. Learning how much love and care went into their lives made the experience even sweeter. My heart felt so full—and if I could have smuggled one of them home with me, I absolutely would have.

Appreciating local artisanal traditions

I’ve loved old Western towns ever since my Gold Rush field trip in the fourth grade. Something about their charm and history has always fascinated me—like a portal back in time. So when we ventured into Jackson, just a short drive from Under the Tram, it felt like a wish was coming true. From the moment we arrived, I could feel the town’s rich history tucked into every corner. As we wandered the old streets, we stumbled across Encounter Hat Co., a local hat-making shop where the Western tradition is very much alive.

Inside, we watched as a milliner carefully crafted custom hats by hand, shaping the crowns, trimming the brims, and adding personal touches like ribbons, feathers, and antique bands. I chose a tan hat and decorated it with a ribbon and belt, feeling almost giddy as I watched it come together. There was something mesmerizing about the whole process, like watching an artist paint: deliberate, creative, and deeply personal. We ended up spending almost half the day in that shop without even realizing it, completely absorbed by the quiet craftsmanship.

With our new one-of-a-kind hats in hand, we headed over to a Jackson institution, the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Walking in felt like stepping straight into 1937, when the honky-tonk first opened. Every detail pulled you deeper into the past, from the vintage saddle bar stools to the intricate wood carvings and paintings that covered the walls.

The longer I stood there, the more I noticed—the layers of history, the tiny artistic flourishes you just don’t see in bars today. It felt like the whole town was rewarding me for slowing down, staying still, and really looking.

Savoring delicious delicacies 

One thing I didn’t expect before visiting Jackson Hole? Just how incredible the food would be. I’m not exaggerating when I say that every single thing I ate that weekend was phenomenal. Throughout our stay, we were lucky enough to have personal chefs—like Tom Holle and Andrew Blake—come to the house and cook elaborate meals for us. We also dined out at Piste Mountain Bistro, a beautiful restaurant inside Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and Local, a beloved steakhouse and bar in the town square.

Some of my foodie highlights: coconut blueberry crème brûlée, orange-infused crème brûlée (yes, I’m a dessert person), bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese, a wedge salad so good it practically melted, local mushrooms on toasted bread, and a tender filet mignon I’m still thinking about. My tastebuds were basically on a weekend-long joyride, and my stomach was very, very full.

There was something surreal about being tucked away in this snowy mountain town, surrounded by incredible scenery, yet eating meals that rivaled anything I'd find in a big city. By the end of the trip, it wasn’t just my checklist that felt satisfied—it was also every one of my senses.

A few notes: 

Overall, staying at Under the Tram was an incredible experience—and honestly, there’s not much I would change. A few small things to keep in mind if you’re planning a trip, though: First, taxi prices can be steep in Jackson Hole. A 20-minute ride often cost around $50–$60 one way, which added up quickly. Prices in general tend to run high around town, but the longer I was there, the more I realized there are options for different budgets if you look around.

The altitude is also no joke. I'd recommend arriving well-rested, staying hydrated, and maybe grabbing an oxygen inhaler ahead of time (especially if you’re prone to headaches like I am). Giving yourself a little extra time to acclimate definitely helps too. And one fun surprise: when I landed at Jackson Hole Airport, there was a booth offering complimentary mimosas. I’ve never seen anything like that at an airport—and after a long travel day, it was a pretty delightful welcome.

Final thoughts: 

After four days of slowing down, tuning in, and letting go of the pressure to "do it all," I felt more refreshed, more grounded, and more in control of my anxiety than I had in a long time. By setting aside my usual travel checklist, I was finally able to soak in everything around me—and actually enjoy each moment.

As a non-skier, Under the Tram turned out to be the perfect place to experience Jackson Hole’s winter magic. I spent my days stretching out in the cozy, oversized bedroom, sinking into the outdoor jacuzzi, dancing around the bathroom to music, and curling up by the fire with a book. When I wanted a little adventure, town was just a short drive away, but coming back to the house always felt like a reset button.

The truth is, I’ll probably always have anxieties that pop up in new and different ways. But this trip reminded me that tuning into the present is one of the best tools I have to meet them—and to find joy, wherever I am. I’m already dreaming about coming back to Jackson Hole in the spring or summer. Something tells me it would be just as magical.