What not to pack when you are traveling

It’s important to consider not only what you should bring, but what you shouldn’t bring. A lot of clothing and accessory items for a working woman aren’t necessarily the kinds of things you want to bring on your travels (as some of us have learned the hard way.)

A large part of smart packing is considering how often you’ve worn an item, its comfort-level, how well it matches with other items, how safe it is to carry around, etc. When you’re deciding between which shoes to bring and which accessories, sometimes it’s easier to just have a list of what is not practical.

In my post on mistakes I've learned traveling overseas, I revealed that I didn't bring the right shoes.  In fact, I actually brought slippers with me to wear as regular shoes.  Those slippers were popular at the time, but the worst shoes I've ever brought.  I also brought shoes I've never worn before to Washington D.C., which was another huge mistake.

For more ideas on what not to pack, read my article on Travel Fashion Girl.

Places within four hours of Columbus, Ohio

I appreciate all the feedback I've received from readers about what you would like to hear more about.  I will be doing my best to incorporate some of those requests over the next couple months.

I was asked about day trips in and around Ohio.  Since a lot of readers come from Ohio, I will make a few suggestions of places that are within 4 hours of Columbus, Ohio.  Below you'll find four day-trip/overnight suggestions of places that I've personally visited.  I plan on doing my wishlist on another post of places I'd like to go within 4 hours to give you even more ideas.

If you're looking for just things to do in Columbus, I want to give a shout out to my former editor and friend, Dennis Laycock, who writes a blog called 1,000 Things I Love About Columbus.  There are so many beautiful parks and treasures he's been uncovering in Columbus and may be of interest to Ohio travel-lovers.

Additionally, there are a lot of museums in Ohio that have some great history to share, and on top of it do a lot of public programming.  If you're a history-lover, you should check out the Ohio History Connection's calendar of events to get ideas for not only what's going on in Columbus, but in all the different historic homes, museums and outdoor sites managed by the Connection.  At a glance for the next few weeks, I've noticed a self-guided hike at Wahkeena Nature Preserve, the art of historical cooking at Fort Hill Earthworks and a White House chef visit at the Hayes Presidential Center.  Those would make great day-trips.

1. Yellow Springs, Ohio

Distance: 1 hr.

This place was suggested to me by a good friend and there are many fun options.  There is a place called Young's Jersey Dairy Farm, which has excellent ice cream and a restaurant.  

You can also visit the Glen Helen Nature Preserve, which has a nice visitors center where you can find out what there is as you walk through the pathways.  There is a grotto and some interesting wildlife. 

In and around Yellow Springs, is Clifton, Ohio with a covered bridge and the Historic Clifton Mill.  (There are less than 100 mills still in existence today.)

2.  Mansfield, Ohio 

Distance:  1 hour

If you've seen Shawshank Redemption (and if you haven't, come on it's a classic) you will really enjoy Mansfield.  Even if you haven't seen the movie, you will really enjoy Mansfield.  The Ohio State Reformatory is fascinating and intriguing.  You're allowed to wander around and freak yourself out with all the nooks, crannies and peeling wallpaper in every room. The audio guides enrich your time and point out things that you would probably never notice.  (For example, there's an 'x' of light that's made between four door ways that is always there because of the symmetry of the building.  Interesting, but I would have walked by and never noticed.)  Beware that there is no heat in the building, so we went in February and nearly froze to death.  However, we still loved it and can't wait to visit again.

About 20 minutes from this site, is another wonderful site worth visiting: Malabar Farm State Park.  This state park features lots of events, like Wildflower hikes and Maple Syrup Festivals.  The home was built by a man named Louis Bromfield in the 1940s and has all the original furnishings.  (Paintings from France, a grand piano, etc.)  The home is interesting to explore, and the history is fascinating.  There were many celebrities that visited the home, and in fact, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall actually got married here.  The home was donated to be part of a state park, and is very well-done.  

The state park (which is also near Mohican State Park) features hiking trails and look-outs. (See a map here.)   The tallest point in the area, Mt. Jeez, is a great overlook to see the entire farm.

3.  Cincinnati, Ohio

Distance: 1 hr. 45 min

There is a lot to do in Cincinnati, and I haven't had the chance to explore all of it.  A few places I'd like to visit are the Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati Art Museum and the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption.  Just across the river is Newport, Kentucky, where I've visited the wonderful aquarium and waterfront area.  The aquarium is a great place to visit at any time of the year, but the winter is fun to visit the turtles and alligators.  The sharks that swim overhead while you're walking through is a wonderful feature.

4.  Louisville, KY

Distance: 3 hrs.

If you like Bourbon, this is the place for you.  There are many bourbon distilleries around Louisville, and you can pick up a pass book and follow the trail.  You can also do tastings in the city (although you won't see how it is manufactured.)  Some of the restaurants and bars offer tastings, and there is also a place called Evan Williams Bourbon Experience which is a fun option within the city.

The boardwalk is a nice place to walk around, and there are good views of the river.  There are a lot of places to eat and bars with all sorts of live music. 

5.  Coopers Rock State Forest, WV

Distance: 3.5 hrs.

I just visited this place on our way back from Maryland.  The views are beautiful, and I didn't get a chance to explore the entire place.  The main lookout point was very crowded with people, although I think it was the time of year and time of day we went.  (Perfect October weather in the afternoon!)  I suspect if you aim to go here in the morning it will be less crowded, and when you get to some of the main trails it won't be so bad.  There is a main overlook area, with pay-to-view finders, and then there are trails you can take that will bring you off the main overlook to an under look.  There is also a gift shop and a park.  If it's nice out, I think you can really make a full day of it.

To my readers: what do you want to hear?

This post is the 60th post I've made since  I started this website in January.  It has been a blast for me to write about different travel-related subjects of my choosing.  I am able to see which of my posts are the most popular by looking through the number of views on each post.  I have a running list of post ideas that I refer to when I post, and that list continues to grow as I travel.  I would love to hear from my readers (and that's YOU, since you're reading this) what travel-related topics you'd like to hear most about.  

I'm not touting to be an expert on anything, as I've said before I'm just an Ohio girl who likes to travel and loves to share what I learn from my experiences.  I learn from other travelers as well, which is why this is one of my favorite subjects to write about.  There's always new things to learn and new ideas to consider.  

So what travel-related tips are you most interested in reading about?  Anything that I have not written about that you'd be interested in reading?  More outfit combinations?  More fake trips?  Camping or hiking-specific?  More travel around Ohio?  Obviously, I am always going to offer tips on a variety of travel-related subjects, and I know that not everyone knows what they want to hear, but if you do, I'd like to hear from you.

I have had some comments from people that posting a comment was difficult or impossible, so I changed the settings to allow anyone, regardless if you have an account at all, to comment.  I hope that it works for everyone and I would love to hear from you.  Please comment below on anything you'd like to hear more about!  (And if there's something you want to hear less of.  But please, be gentle.)

I am also interested in guest writers, so if any of you would like to be a guest writer and have any story pitches for me to consider, please post below or send me an email in the email section on the right hand side of the main webpage.  If you're looking on the mobile website, you'll have to go to the main website to see this section.

Thanks to all those who have been faithful readers of my posts.  I'm honored that anyone would find any of my tips helpful or useful in their travels.  I hope I continue to give you more helpful tips in the future!

What to wear in California

The coast, the palm trees, the cool breeze amidst the hot sun and the giant “Hollywood” sign. It sounds like southern California is on the itinerary.

Southern California (SoCal) has lots to offer, and the weather is pretty amiable which means you don’t have to pack for extreme temperatures. Although you will need to be prepared with a few cautionary layering items, most of your packing list will consist of clothes that you can wear all throughout the southern part of the state.

The challenge is that no trip to California is complete without making a road trip up north then going from coastal beach towns, such as San Jose, to wine tasting in Napa Valley, to checking out the parks and scenery in the Big Sur area. Bigger cities such as Los Angeles and San Diego require a few additional items for a night on the town or city sightseeing.

Read about my outfit suggestions and combinations on Travel Fashion Girl.