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SLOANE ELYSTAN

Feeling Stressed? Plan a Fall Getaway—The Joy Is in the Anticipation

  • Writer: CS Baxter
    CS Baxter
  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Sunlit autumn leaves scattered on grass, glowing in warm, golden light. A serene, tranquil outdoor setting with soft focus background.
The Beauty And Splendor Of A Fall Getaway

The Magic of Anticipation

There’s a special kind of magic that begins the moment you start planning a fall getaway—that delicious flutter of excitement as you imagine crisp autumn air, golden landscapes, and beautiful accommodations. Science confirms what travelers have known all along: the anticipation of a trip can be just as joyful as the vacation itself.

Research shows our happiest moment often comes the day before we leave, when anticipation peaks. The planning stage gives us a significant boost in happiness. Indulging in that excitement—talking about your plans, sharing them with friends, and daydreaming about your trip—adds real joy to everyday life. Simply looking forward becomes its own kind of vacation for the mind.

People walk through a pumpkin-filled market at sunset, with string lights above and autumn foliage. A warm, festive atmosphere prevails.
Enjoy A Stress-free Walk Through A Fall Festival

Why the Wait Is Half the Fun

Studies reveal that looking forward to a vacation boosts happiness even more than the trip itself. Our brains are wired to savor the planning process—imagining cozy cabins, daydreaming about vineyard tours, and counting down the days until departure.

What’s truly exciting is how this connects to our mental health. Anticipation and short bursts of joy—like those before and during brief getaways—can significantly boost happiness. By creating more moments of joyful anticipation, we build a powerful, science-backed buffer against stress. More peaks, more joy.


Large rustic building with stone and wood exterior in a serene landscape. Autumn leaves and golden sunset light create a warm, peaceful mood.
The Primland, An Auberge Resort

The Pre-Trip Glow

Think about it:

  • Dreaming about your destination sparks creativity.

  • Planning increases excitement.

  • Anticipation softens the blow of everyday stress because you have something extraordinary to look forward to.

    Autumn vineyard on rolling hills with vibrant yellow and orange foliage. A winding path leads to a cozy house amidst the colorful landscape.

A Little Imagination: Fall Getaway Inspirations


East Coast: Classic Luxury & Autumn Splendor

  • The Vanderbilt, Newport – This Auberge Resort transforms into a Gilded Age haunted mansion each October for its legendary Menagerie at the Mansion Halloween soirée. Guests step into Alfred Vanderbilt's 1908 mansion for an evening of No Ring Circus performances, macabre cocktails, and unlimited delicacies amid the property's original Tiffany glass and hand-carved woodwork. The Halloween party channels the spirit of Caroline Astor's legendary 19th-century fêtes—complete with murder-mystery intrigue in the very halls where Vanderbilts once entertained high society.

  • Cozy room with vintage portraits on dark walls, patterned chairs, and floral arrangements. Sunlit windows overlook a patio with plants.
    The Vanderbilt, Newport

  • The Mayflower Inn & Spa, Connecticut – A pastoral masterpiece where Farrow & Ball-hued rooms overlook woodlands transforming into a Rothko painting. Their "Forest Therapy" program pairs guided hikes with champagne picnics in hidden clearings.


  • Primland, Virginia – Sleep in a luxury treehouse 2,500 feet above the Blue Ridge Mountains, then stargaze through their observatory's high-powered telescopes. Pro tip: Book their "Golden Hour" package for private falconry sessions at dusk.


Midwest: Rustic Grandeur & Serene Landscapes

  • Blackberry Farm, Tennessee – A 4,200-acre working farm offering farm-to-table feasts, fly-fishing, and whiskey tastings beneath Smoky Mountain canopies.


  • The American Club, Wisconsin – A Forbes Five-Star resort with a Kohler Waters Spa and private forest hikes.


West Coast: Mountain Majesty & Coastal Glamour

  • Hotel Jerome, Aspen – A historic landmark since 1889, this Auberge Resort blends Old West charm with modern luxury. Cozy firelit lounges, a world-class spa, and easy access to golden aspen groves await.

    Luxurious room with mustard leather sofas, a roaring fireplace, large painting, antler mounts, chandeliers, and blue vases on cabinets.

  • Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur – Ocean-view treehouses and cliffside soaking tubs amid redwoods and Pacific breezes.

  • Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado – A restored ghost town with private cabins and geothermal pools under the stars.



How to Maximize the Pre-Trip Glow

Luxury travel isn't just about five-star hotels—it's about designing layers of joy that begin the moment you start planning. Working with a travel designer allows collaborative curation, effortless elegance, and tailored surprises while removing the logistical stress, transforming the entire journey into a happiness accelerator.


"Pleasure is spread through the earth / In stray gifts to be claimed by whoever shall find." — William Wordsworth

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