Thoughts on the Jackson Hole Trip
I’ll tell you, I packed really well for this trip. I managed to travel with only my carry-on luggage and my personal item. Speaking of that personal item, I ordered a TravelPro bag that’s the exact right size to qualify as "a personal item." Between the two pieces, I had plenty of room and was honestly impressed with how much I could bring without overdoing it.
This time, I promised myself I wouldn’t pack for “what if.” You know the kind - what if we go to dinner, what if it rains, what if there’s a pool. Instead, I packed only what I knew I’d actually use. That mindset worked perfectly. The only thing I didn’t end up needing was a pair of winter lace-up boots. In fact, after the trip, I returned two pairs I purchased before we left because I never touched them. My Brooks sneakers were all I needed. Since there wasn’t deep snow, comfort won out over bulk or warmth.
Speaking of warmth, I got lucky and found a The North Face jacket at Ross for $99 - it retailed for $350. It was absolutely perfect and made all the difference. I layered well too: warm pants, cozy tops, sweatshirts, good hats, gloves, and a pashmina scarf. I was never cold or uncomfortable the entire time.
Another small win was deciding not to fuss with TSA bottles for toiletries. I just bought a small bottle of conditioner after we arrived. That worked out great and convinced me that for future trips, I should make a little grocery list of travel essentials to buy once I get there instead of trying to cram them all into my bag.
Our hotel was fantastic - centrally located, cute, clean, and comfortable without being over the top. I didn’t care about having a luxury room since I wanted to be out exploring most of the time. My only complaints: the toilet was tiny and round (I cannot stand that), and the water pressure could’ve been stronger. But overall, it was perfectly fine. Two queen beds made it easy to spread out and sleep comfortably.
We also made one very smart move before heading home - we stopped at TJ Maxx and bought a piece of checked luggage. We filled it with our big coats and boots, and Ahnika added a bunch of her things since she was preparing to move home. And, as luck would have it, that luggage was another TravelPro! My favorite brand, once again proving it never lets me down.
If I have one regret, it’s the hike. It took up the entire day, and honestly, it nearly killed me! There were a few other things I would’ve liked to do, but that one long trek used up all my energy and most of one day.
Even so, the trip was amazing. I’d go back to Jackson Hole in a heartbeat. I can only imagine how stunning it must be in spring and summer. Fall was gorgeous, and winter must be magical. It’s a beautiful, friendly town, and every person we met was kind and welcoming.
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