How To Spend A Day In Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne, Indiana, is Indiana’s second largest city and is two hours northeast of Indianapolis. This city is home to arts and culture, sporting events, and much more. Boutique shopping is offered in many areas of Fort Wayne, and the experiences will not disappoint you.

If you have one day to spend in Fort Wayne, here is how you can make the most out of it. I recently visited as a guest at some of the establishments and attractions below. My meals and admission fees were comped, but all of my suggestions are based on my honest opinion and nobody else’s!

Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center

Fort Wayne is proud of the fact that it is home to the nation’s largest public genealogy collection at the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center. This center is open seven days a week and is free to visit. While in Fort Wayne, I had the opportunity to work with a genealogist who helped me answer some family questions I had. If you have any questions in regard to your family history, you will want to spend a minimum of two hours here. There is no cost for these services, and it’s much easier to use than going online to search your family history.

When you visit the genealogy center in Fort Wayne, you will have a personal assistant working alongside you. This center is handicapped accessible and is located in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne near hotels, restaurants, and boutique shopping.

Promenade Park on the Fort Wayne riverfront. — Visit Fort Wayne

Riverfront Fort Wayne

Promenade Park is where you can rent a kayak, listen to music, and stroll along the Fort Wayne riverfront. This is also one of the newest attractions in Fort Wayne, and it’s something that you will want to experience. What you want to do along the riverfront will determine how long you spend there. If you book a boat tour, you will want to allow a minimum of two and a half hours in the area. You can also rent bikes and explore the riverfront’s 100 miles of trails. The Rivergreenway Trail is very popular, and it runs 25 miles from Fort Wayne to New Haven. In my opinion, the best way to enjoy this area is to grab lunch at a nearby restaurant and take it to the riverfront as there’s nothing like dining outdoors with a river view.

Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory

The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is located in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. Three indoor gardens cover 25,000 square feet and showcase more than 500 species of plants. The tropical garden features a beautiful waterfall and is surrounded by ferns, orchids, and even banana trees. The outdoor gardens offer another view of the city, plus sculptures and seasonal plants. There is a small admission fee and the conservatory is closed on Mondays. Free parking is provided in the Civic Center Parking Garage with paid admission to the gardens. Depending on the season, you will want to spend one to two hours here.

Eating In Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a food-lover’s paradise. Steaks, pizza, sushi, burgers, and steak and eggs are popular menu items. You will not go hungry on your visit to Fort Wayne as the selection of restaurants is abundant. None of these restaurants require a special dress code, but I would suggest wearing nice, comfortable, casual clothing at Proximo and Copper Spoon.

Proximo

Proximo is located downtown and offers a fun, relaxing atmosphere. They are open seven days a week and, in my opinion, offer one of the best breakfasts in the Midwest. Your day will start off right as you wake your taste buds up with a chorizo or quinoa Bowl. Mixed-berry pancakes are also a popular American breakfast item served with eggs and bacon. The Garbage Skillet is most likely the most colorful dish on the menu and is guaranteed to fill you up for the day.

Copper Spoon

Copper Spoon offers the best ribeye in Fort Wayne as it’s smothered in chorizo butter. The menu items are locally sourced and the cocktail menu is sure to win you over. The bartenders at Copper Spoon are award-winning, as they have had three bartenders ranked in the top 100 in the country in the USBG World Class bartending competition.

This intimate dining experience is sure to win you over. Parking is available on Ewing Street and is free after 5 p.m. Paid parking is available at both the Marriott and Ash parking garages, which are also nearby. Reservations are recommended for parties of four or more.

Hop River Brewing Company

Hop River Brewing Company is a microbrewery and taproom that offers terrific food. I would not typically recommend a brewing company for meals, but I highly recommend this one. I had the White BBQ Chicken Sandwich and it was some of the best barbecue I have ever had. The Vegan Sloppy Joe (topped with mustard vinegar collard slaw) is also a local favorite. Order up a flight of four beers and pair it with the Caramelized Onion Dip served with colored carrots, watermelon radishes, and celery. It’s fair to say that this microbrewery won me over.

Shopping In Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne is home to several boutique shopping experiences. Downtown offers numerous shopping opportunities, and you will be sure to find something that interests you. Fort Wayne is home to Vera Bradley, which offers a distinctive line of superior handbags, travel bags, and the like. It should be no surprise that you will find Vera Bradley products in many specialty shops throughout town.

Vera Bradley Annual Sale

Every spring, Fort Wayne is home to the ultimate Vera Bradley Annual Sale. For five days, visitors will find 40 to 60 percent off of the retail prices of prized Vera Bradley items. This is the ultimate shopping experience in Fort Wayne, as it is held in a space of more than 100,000 square feet. If Vera Bradley is calling your name, this is the time of year you will want to visit Fort Wayne.

Maisie And Maude

Maisie And Maude is located at 1529 W Main Street in Fort Wayne and offers vintage clothing, restyled furniture, vintage and recycled jewelry, and linens. If you enjoy seeing things repurposed, this specialty shop is for you. Have fun discovering the vintage items that are stocked by this Main Street business.

The Hedge

The Hedge is where you can experience custom-printed items and maybe even sign up for a class to create your own artwork. Located at 1016 Broadway in Fort Wayne, you are sure to be inspired by this independent fine art shop. The fun thing about these boutique shops is that they will surprise you once you walk inside. The store windows are cute on the outside, but once you step in, you will be hooked. You will most likely walk out with one or two shopping bags, as much of the merchandise cannot be found elsewhere.

DeBrand Chocolates

A visit to Fort Wayne would not be complete without a visit to DeBrand Chocolates. You’ll find their downtown location at 878 Harrison Street. The gelato, ice cream cones, and gourmet chocolates are sure to please you. This store is closed on Sunday but is open daily at 10 a.m. otherwise. If you would like to see these fine chocolates created firsthand, tour the corporate headquarters at 10105 Auburn Park Drive. Tours last 35 to 40 minutes and are handicapped accessible. It’s important to note that tours are not available every day; look at the calendar for available tour dates.

The one thing that surprised me most about Fort Wayne was the fact that this city is very walkable. It’s easy to get around and I felt safe. The Hilton Fort Wayne At The Grand Wayne Convention Center offers safe and convenient lodging. Many attractions, shopping, and dining experiences are within walking distance of this hotel. You have choices of many things to do when you visit this city in Indiana. It’s an up-and-coming metropolis that you will want to pay attention to.

Debating where to vacation in Indiana? Here are eight reasons to visit Hendrick’s County, Indiana, plus the inside scoop on a weekend getaway in Bloomington: the best things to do.

7 Reasons To Add An RV Trip To Your Travel Bucket List

Peering out your tiny window at 30,000 feet as you shift uncomfortably in your seat on a plane, you see things below you, but can’t quite grasp the details. You see lakes or mountains and a winding road that goes into a forest. But you won’t be there; instead, you are headed for an airport — and the early morning frenzy of getting past security and dragging your luggage through the terminal, of course.

Maybe you would enjoy yourself more if you got out of the sky and got exploring on the ground. One way to do this: Put an RV trip on your travel bucket list!

I never knew how much fun an RV trip could be until I bought one and started traveling, which I now do full time. Here are the top reasons you should add an RV trip to your travel bucket list, based on my adventures.

1. It’s An Experience, Not Just A Destination

Taking an RV trip is first and foremost a travel experience. Whether you are towing or driving, your RV transportation is a unique experience for most of the traveling public. Choices range from small camping vans, travel trailers, or large fifth wheel trailers to all-in-one RV trucks and coaches. Each RV has a unique floor plan, modern conveniences, and a guaranteed glamping experience. Your travel options are endless.

Savor your travel and you will have miles to remember. Driving lets you see, smell, and taste the places you go through. Stop in small towns (away from the interstates). Find interesting main streets, kitschy cafes, or wineries that provide unique lunch experiences. You can picnic in a forest or at a scenic overlook. When you find an interesting place that was not on your itinerary, it’s never a problem to stop because your hotel is with you.

An RV road trip through Alaska. — Patrick Civello / Shutterstock

2. Create An Itinerary Of Unlimited Activities

RV travel is all inclusive. Bring your bikes, skis, kayaks, canoes, fishing gear, and a full range of clothes for any activity. There is no two-bag limit in an RV. You can park your RV inside a national park, hike every day, boat when you want, and opt to do nothing if you like. Stay at a premier RV resort and there are beautiful pools, lounge areas, and social activities galore. Build a trip that suits your desires.

3. Claim All The Views You Can

There really is nothing like coming over a crest on the road and seeing a vast landscape in front of you. Now imagine waking up to that view every day of your trip. Whether it is the vast plains in big sky Montana, the Rocky or Smoky Mountains, red rocks in the West, or ocean beaches, the vista is part of what makes this trip worthy of bucket-list travel.

Exploring adds to the fun. Get on the backroads in Iowa to see the Amana Colonies or into the Hill Country of Texas. There are five national parks in Utah, each more scenic than the next, and all can be visited by RV. Go fly fishing in Idaho at one of the dozens of RV parks on the Snake River or explore forests and lakes in the great north. Seeing it from an RV will mean a view you’ll never forget.

4. Make A Base Camp And Take Fun Day Trips

Consider staying outside crowded national parks and instead make day trips to see the sights. There are many state parks and commercial campgrounds near the entrances to national parks. Stay away from the madding crowds and drive in when you are ready to see the sights like Old Faithful at Yellowstone, the Badlands, or Devil’s Tower. I did all of these trips from base camps that were magical destinations themselves. At your base camp, you’ll have quiet nights and plenty of space for a campfire. Lounge in your camp chair under your awning or around the fire while you sip your favorite beverage and marvel at how far away the everyday world seems to be.

An RV parked under the night sky. — Det-anan / Shutterstock

5. See The Night Like An Ancient Explorer

When you travel by RV and park far outside the city, you look up and the stars are too numerous to count. Constellations you learned about as a child are visible. I remember the first time I saw the Milky Way. I thought it was clouds and then realized it was the heavens. Night after night you will be surrounded by this light show. Here are the seven most incredible stargazing sites in the U.S. Set your GPS to any one of them and let your bucket list RV trip begin.

6. RV Travelers Know Something You Don’t

I’ve talked to many RV people during my travels. The most common refrains about why they love to RV are the freedom to go wherever they want, whenever they want and the friends they make along the way. There are no tours to join, no schedules to keep, no wondering what the next hotel will be like. Imagine camping on a beach, in a forest, in the mountains, in a desert — and maybe in the same trip! When was the last time you made great friends with people in a hotel?

Campgrounds compel camaraderie. Campfires, walking, hanging at the lake all create a common experience that people want to share with others. I’m thrilled with the new friends I’ve made with people who travel the world this way.

7. See Wildlife Up Close And Personal

When you stay in the wild, the wild comes to you. Stay near the Grand Tetons and you will have moose come sauntering through your campground. Deer are plentiful across the U.S., and they will come in small groups to graze or traipse to the water spot. Bears are plentiful in many locations, especially out West, and you must respect the rules about keeping food and garbage properly stowed. And don’t forget to listen and look up to see eagles, osprey, and owls. It’s a delight you won’t get at a hotel.

Consider including on your itinerary a wildlife refuge where migratory birds fly in by the thousands. Get a good pair of binoculars, and you’ll see cranes, ducks, and all manner in between. There are guided tours you can take and expert rangers and volunteers to help point out these beautiful creatures.

An RV camper in Montana. — Mark Holloway / Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Pro Tips For The First-Time RVer

Make sure your RV is outfitted with what you will need for cooking and having a good time. Are there bike racks and a blender? Understand how the stove works and where the lights are. RV electricity requires being “plugged in” to campground power. Make sure you know if your RV is 50 or 30 amp so you book the proper camping site.

Make sure you get a run through on tank monitors and tank hookups. You want to have a good time, not unwanted surprises. An RV toilet requires using a pedal to flush and refilling the water.

The best pro tip is to meet your on-site camp host and ask for any assistance you need, including getting your RV situated. You will find RV campers and glampers to be generous and friendly. They’re having fun and you can too!

Know that the open road is yours and you set your schedule. Get ready to wake up to your own coffee, a comfy couch or outdoor chair, and the great outdoors. In an RV, you get to see the world up close and personal.

Like what you see? Stay a little longer. Not what you were expecting? Then move on down the road. Whether you want to pack in a lot of iconic sites or drift along in scenic spots, an RV trip gives you a customizable travel experience that you will never forget.

RVshare is the world’s first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace. With thousands of satisfied customers and a broad inventory ranging from travel trailers to luxury motorhomes, RVshare has the perfect RV for your vacation, tailgate, or temporary lodging needs.

How To Spend A Perfect Day At Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument is the perfect day trip from San Francisco and a great place to reconnect with nature after you’ve spent some time in the bustling city or in Silicon Valley.

There are a few places in the world that have made us feel tiny — and Muir Woods, with its massive and ancient redwood residents, is definitely one of them. Between the trees, the fog, and the lush green underbrush, this spot stays with you long after your visit. It reminded us a lot of a Star Wars movie set, but it’s a real place, and one we’re still thinking about!

Here are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind to ensure a perfect day at this magical park.

The entrance to Muir Woods National Monument. — Robert Mutch / Shutterstock

Think About Transportation In Advance

First and foremost, you’ll need to decide in advance how you’re going to get to Muir Woods. This is easier said than done, and we learned this the hard way! We had no idea that parking spots at the monument are available by reservation only, and we were turned away the first time we tried to enter on the fly.

Be sure to go online and book your spot — the earlier the better for best availability. Parking costs $15 per car, and you can purchase your entrance tickets at the same time you purchase your parking space. Admission costs $15 for adults, and children enter for free.

Keep in mind that the trip up to the park is somewhat challenging and rugged, with winding, narrow roads and a few hairpin turns. If you want to leave that sort of driving to someone else, you can take the Muir Woods Shuttle. Again, you’ll need to make reservations online, but the shuttle will only set you back $3.25 for a round-trip ticket. The shuttles depart daily from both Sausalito, California, and Marin City, California; the trip to the park takes about 45 minutes. If the park is busy, make sure you queue up for your desired shuttle back to town early.

A word to the wise: There is no Wi-Fi whatsoever at the monument. Download your parking or shuttle ticket on your phone before you head up; you might be turned away if you can’t access proof of your reservation.

Redwood trees in Muir Woods National Monument. — Pete Niesen / Shutterstock

Dress For The Weather

Muir Woods is located right off the coast, and the ocean fog provides much-needed moisture to the massive redwoods. You’ll encounter that mysterious mist most mornings, along with cool breezes. Temperatures rarely exceed 70 degrees, and as you can imagine, there is a lot of shade.

You’ll want to dress in warm layers, with a waterproof outer layer in case of rain — which is quite likely from November through April. If you’re traveling to the park at that time, you’ll also want to make sure that you pack an umbrella if the forecast indicates showers. You don’t want to spend your precious time at the park soaked and uncomfortable.

A hiking trail through Muir Woods National Monument. — Sundry Photography / Shutterstock

Wear Sturdy Shoes

This simple tip can make or break your visit to the magical Muir Woods. While the main, lower trails are gentle, paved, and will lead you through the better part of the forest with barely an incline, it’s important to wear comfortable, supportive shoes — preferably those with good traction and grip in the soles — in case of rain.

Don’t skimp on this part of the prep! Your feet will thank you, and you’ll be able to enjoy the one-of-a-kind stroll much more without slips or skids.

Beautiful views in Muir Woods National Monument. — MNStudio / Shutterstock

Pack Snacks

If you plan to stay for the day, you’ll want to bring along nutrient-dense snacks to eat along the trail. This will help keep your energy level up. While there is a fine concession stand at the park’s entrance, we always prefer to bring our own food — along with a refillable water bottle — when hiking and trekking.

Just make sure you save a pocket or backpack space to tuck away any garbage you might have, and carry it out of the park with you. There are no garbage cans along the trails, and that’s by design to ensure this place stays as pristine and as close to its original state as possible. Littering is never okay, but in a place as grand and eco-sensitive as this, it’s a travesty. Bottom line: If you eat in the park (and you’ll likely work up an appetite, so plan to do so), take your trash with you.

The park ranger presentation at Muir Woods. — Sundry Photography / Shutterstock

Attend The Park Ranger Presentation

We know — sometimes tours can feel forced, obligatory and… well, not that great. That is not the case here! Unless you are a botanist, a biologist, an or eco-expert, chances are you don’t know that much about this amazing spot, all of the factors that make it so special, and just how incredible the biodiversity here actually is.

That’s why, if possible, you should pop in to the park ranger’s daily presentations — or tree talks — at Muir Woods. Whether you spend 15 minutes getting the history and science in a quick TED Talk-like session or take the hour-long guided hike, this is time well spent.

Check in at the front entrance for the day’s schedule.

Look, But Don’t Touch

Muir Woods has adopted a “Leave No Trace” stance, and for good reason. The policy is in place to protect the plant and animal life in the park. While it might be tempting to do so, do not venture off the trails or paved paths. Many of the species here are extremely fragile, and even a single step off the trail could trample and destroy some of them.

Gaze in awe, take photos, perhaps even sketch what you see, but do not touch anything or take anything from the area. Remember that everything you see at Muir Woods is protected under federal law, so leave it in its rightful place for others to enjoy.

Cathedral Grove in the Muir Woods National Monument. — My Good Images / Shutterstock

Go With A Purpose

This tip might be the strangest of the bunch. But if you’re familiar with the Japanese custom of forest bathing, you might better understand what we mean here. For many people, visiting Muir Woods is a hallowed experience, one that allows them to slow down and commune with nature at its most magnificent. The opportunity to completely disconnect (again, there’s no Wi-Fi!) and soak up such an incredible atmosphere is rare.

For that reason, we recommend visiting the park with a purpose. Perhaps it’s to contemplate life, to focus on gratitude, or to find peace as you take in nature’s grandeur on its terms. No matter your purpose, this is the perfect place to pursue it. Muir Woods is a place to open your mind and heart and enjoy the wonder of the natural world around you. Its gorgeous redwood giants are hundreds of years old and will live on for hundreds more with careful conservation.

One of our favorite spots inside the monument is Cathedral Grove. You’ll find signs urging silence, and you’ll enjoy a quiet stroll through the ancient, enormous trees, listening to the pure sounds of nature just 20 miles from one of our country’s largest urban sprawls. Setting an intention for the time you spend in a place so awe-inspiring will enrich your experience and make it even more unforgettable!

5 Tips For Working Remotely While Traveling

I’m a writer, and I often work freelance (which is, ahem, why you’re reading this). That means that I can work from anywhere in the world — and, whenever possible, I try to take advantage of that.

I spent a few hours on my laptop during my trip to Japan, and I sent more than a few emails to my editors while traveling to Mexico to see family. Over the years, I’ve visited the Grand Canyon, Beale Street, and the Las Vegas Strip while logging hours with my various employers.

Working remotely can be fun and engaging, but I’ve also learned that it can be a nightmare. After all, nobody wants to fight deadlines when they could be spending time at breathtaking landmarks during a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Still, with proper time management skills and a clear work process, remote work can open up some wonderful possibilities.

If you’re planning on a working vacation to some far-off destination, here’s everything you need to know.

1. Make Sure You’ll Actually Have Internet Access

These days, most hotels will offer you a somewhat steady internet connection, but to work consistently, you’ll also need a decent mobile connection. That’s not always possible — or economically feasible, since most standard cellular data plans have hefty roaming fees.

Before heading out on your trip, contact your cellular provider. Many offer inexpensive monthlong coverage extensions that will keep you connected.

Of course, while these plans can be a good value, you’ll need to check coverage maps to make sure that they’re worthwhile. My provider offered a simple $20 fee to extend my data plan to Mexico for a month, but they didn’t actually have coverage for the part of Mexico I was visiting.

2. Consider Buying A Local SIM Card

Instead of paying $20 for… well, nothing, I purchased a cheap SIM card from Telcel, Mexico’s largest wireless telecommunications company. I had several gigabytes of data, which was more than I needed, and I never had any issues connecting. I did something similar in Japan, paying about $20 for a month’s worth of wireless data.

If you go this route, be sure to keep your old SIM card in a safe place (along with any tools you need to eject the SIM card tray), since you’ll need to reinstall it as soon as you return to the United States.

3. Use Layovers To Your Advantage

I try to travel inexpensively, which usually means long layovers. I don’t mind, since layovers are a great opportunity to get some work done provided that you’ve got a nice, quiet place to hunker down.

Many airports charge for Wi-Fi access, so if you’re headed for a long layover, research the airport to determine whether or not you’ll need to pay for access. If that’s the case, consider paying for a one-day pass to an airport lounge. Lounges typically have free Wi-Fi along with comfortable seating, quiet work areas, and free food. Day passes typically cost between $29 and $75, which can be well worth the expenditure.

I wrote a more detailed piece about the various ways you can get into lounges without a membership, so if you’re headed for a long layover, check it out.

4. “Working Remotely” Doesn’t Mean “Working In The Hotel”

If you’re spending your working hours cooped up in your room, you’re probably missing out. Consider local coffee shops, parks, and other quiet areas where you can take in your surroundings while getting your work done.

If you’re prone to distractions, invest in some noise-cancelling headphones, and if you’re traveling internationally, make sure that you’re not breaking local rules of etiquette by opening up your laptop. In some parts of Japan, for instance, spending hours working or studying at a business is considered slightly rude, but in Tokyo, it’s perfectly acceptable (and you’ll see plenty of businesspeople and students doing the same).

When in doubt, head to a park or other public area. Double-check your internet connection before you hunker down, and make sure you’ve got extra power sources handy if you’re planning on spending a lot of time on your work.

5. Know When To Stop For The Day (And Set Your Boundaries)

Generally, when you’re working remotely, you’re less available to your clients or employer, especially if there’s a large time zone difference. You might find yourself working more productively than usual, since you’re not being bombarded with emails — or you might have trouble concentrating, since you’re working in a totally new environment. You won’t really know until you’re actually working.

Setting clear boundaries will help you manage the stress that comes with remote work. Schedule a few hours for work, sit down, and do what you can — but have a clear stopping point in mind before you get started. Keep notes about what you’re doing and resist the urge to overwork.

If I’m on an international trip, I set a strict limit of 2 work hours per day, and I keep detailed logs of what I’m able to do in that time. That helps me avoid feeling like I haven’t done enough, and it allows me to enjoy my vacation when I’m not on the clock. If I feel like I haven’t done enough, I can look at my log and see exactly what I’ve accomplished. If I feel like I’m in the zone and could get more done, I let the clock tell me when it’s time to quit.

The toughest part of working remotely is managing your psychology. By setting limits — and sticking to them — you can keep your career moving forward without limiting the enjoyment of the trip.

Traveling With Tech: Mistakes You’re Making With Laptops And Smartphones

I’d love to say that I turn off my phone and leave my laptop at home when I vacation, but that would be ridiculously untrue, considering that I wrote part of this article during a New Year’s trip to Chicago. Love it or hate it, technology has become an essential part of modern travel. We use our phones to board airplanes, find restaurants, and document our journeys — and along the way, most of us make simple mistakes that could have significant consequences.

Here are a few tech blunders that most travelers make regularly, along with suggestions for what to do differently.

1. Buying The Wrong Travel Adapters

Travel adapters allow you to plug your devices into the local outlets easily, and they’re essential gear if you’re traveling internationally. However, they’re not all the same. Make sure that you’re choosing an adapter that works with the outlets in your destination country; avoid the “universal” adapters, as they tend to be large, heavy, and prone to falling out of the outlet.

Remember, travel adapters convert plugs, but they don’t always convert voltages. Many countries have mains voltages of 220, 230, or 240 volts, which can fry some American electronics. Pick up a voltage converter for any device that requires 120 volts (the standard voltage of electronics sold in North America).

Another mistake is buying too many travel adapters. If you’re sure that you’ll actually need a travel adapter, consider bringing one or two along with a power strip. That way, you can power all of your devices without overloading your luggage.

2. Connecting To Public Wi-Fi Hotspots

Hackers can use free public Wi-Fi connections to distribute harmful software or to bait users into clicking dangerous links. This is true everywhere, by the way. I don’t even connect to public Wi-Fi at American airports unless I’m sure that it’s trustworthy. After all, airports are common targets for cyber criminals.

To stay safe, prevent your devices from automatically connecting to available Wi-Fi. Use mobile data where possible, and if you do connect to a public hot spot, check with a business owner, airport employee, or other knowledgeable person before actually connecting. Don’t enter passwords or other sensitive info while you’re on public connections, and make sure that your antivirus software is up to date.

3. Paying For Expensive Mobile Data Connections

Depending on where you’re headed, you’ll probably want mobile data access during your trip. The good news is that AT&T, Verizon, and other providers offer international travel plans to keep you connected; the bad news is that many of those plans are fairly expensive. AT&T, for instance, offers a $10 per day International Day Pass, while Verizon offers a similarly priced TravelPass.

If you’ll be traveling for several weeks, international mobile data coverage can quickly eat up your vacation budget. I used local SIM cards during my trips to Mexico and Japan, so I paid about $20 for a month of consistent coverage in each country. Research your destination to find out whether you’ve got similar options.

There’s one important caveat: You can only use international SIM cards if your phone’s unlocked. Provided that you’ve paid for your phone in full, you can ask your provider to unlock your phone, but you should do this before you take your trip.

4. Trusting Your Phone As Your Only Translator

Tools like Google Translate can be extremely useful when you don’t speak the language of your destination country, but no automatic translator works perfectly.

I traveled to Japan recently with a friend who has a shellfish allergy. During a trip to a restaurant, he attempted to use Google Translate to tell the waiter that he couldn’t eat shellfish, but something was off with the translation tool. We learned later that my friend was repeatedly telling the confused waiter, “I won’t pay.” (Note: We did, in fact, pay.)

That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use translation tools, but don’t expect them to work perfectly. Consider picking up a cheap guidebook with common phrases, and if you have the time, learn a few words in the language of your destination country before you go. Even if you only develop a basic familiarity with the language, you’ll be much less likely to commit an embarrassing faux pas.

5. Not Backing Up Your Photos

Of all of the mistakes on this list, this is potentially the most serious. Disasters happen — you might drop your phone or lose it, your laptop’s hard drive could fail, or you could lose all of your luggage due to a baggage-claim mishap. You can replace your stuff (and if you’ve got travel insurance, that’s a fairly easy process), but you can’t replace those photos you took during the trip of a lifetime.

Back up everything. Set up an automatic cloud backup (for instance, iCloud, Dropbox, or Amazon Drive) and sync your photos as frequently as you can. Most importantly, check your backups; open up your cloud storage and make sure that your backups are actually occurring.

If you’re traveling without a steady internet connection, transfer your photos to your laptop every day. Consider copying them to memory cards or burning them to CD-Rs when you get back home. If data is important, you need to have more than one copy, and that’s especially true if the data is irreplaceable.

Ultimately, if you spend time thinking about tech before heading out on your trip, you’re doing better than the vast majority of travelers. Try to plan for unexpected circumstances and don’t take anything for granted. With a bit of foresight, you can travel with peace of mind (and with all of your awesome gadgets).

17 Reasons To Include Ghost Ranch In Your New Mexico Vacation

The stunning canyon and cliff country of New Mexico’s Ghost Ranch has ensnared some of the greatest artists of the 20th century for good reason. Ansel Adams captured the landscapes on his large-format cameras. The most famous female artist of the 20th century, Georgia O’Keeffe, made the ranch her home for the last decades of her life.

I could see why she found the space so inspiring and why filmmakers continue to gravitate toward locations in the area. While I was there a short time on a press trip, it was long enough to experience the power of the scenery and get a sense of adventure. I’d like to join those who return often to learn in workshops and rejuvenate at retreats. Here are 17 reasons to visit Ghost Ranch during your New Mexico vacation, inspired by my press trip experiences and subsequent research.

Beautiful landscape in Ghost Ranch, New Mexico. — a. v. ley / Shutterstock

1. Follow Georgia O’Keeffe’s Footsteps

Georgia O’Keeffe painted the hills, bones, and stone walls relentlessly and over decades at Ghost Ranch. She said that she worked at her home in Abiquiú but Ghost Ranch was where she lived. Fleeing the pressures and distractions of New York City, Georgia first visited friends who lived in New Mexico and then returned often.

This broad and barely accessible land gave her the space to focus on drawing and painting. Inspiration sprang from long walks exploring the canyons, rock formations, and distant mountains. I found that the very things which drew O’Keeffe to the remote landscape remain for the rest of us to enjoy. The current owners work to preserve both her legacy and the country that captured Georgia’s heart.

2. Immerse Yourself In Local History

Ghost Ranch wasn’t always so tranquil. At one time in the early 1800s, it was feared as Rancho de los Brujos (Ranch of the Witches). People disappeared in the recesses of the stone formations that tower over the broad plains of the region. However, the frightening reputation was more by design than nature. Two bandit brothers, violent to their dusty boots, stole livestock and horses from nearby ranches then hid the animals in nearby Box Canyon until they could be sold. Anyone who came looking for their missing animals went missing themselves.

The subterfuge lasted until one brother was murdered in anger and his wife fled to the nearest village. She inspired a posse to find the survivor. Hanging Tree, which still stands over a small cabin in the center of the ranch, earned its name before the villagers returned home.

Carol Bishop Stanley eventually opened the acres to the public as a dude ranch and changed the name. Other families came and went until Georgia O’Keeffe landed there. By the time she passed, the dude ranch had become a retreat and adventure center. The energy of peace and contemplation still reigns over the rugged acres.

3. Enter The Georgia O’Keeffe Landscape

My introduction to Ghost Ranch was with a guide and motorbus ride to actual locations of O’Keeffe’s paintings. The enthusiastic guide expertly pointed out O’Keeffe’s favorite spots. It was thrilling to get off the bus and stand close to the same vistas framed in O’Keeffe’s masterpieces then get a glimpse of her home from a distance. There was ample time for questions as well.

Our guided walk took me through O’Keeffe’s backyard and past many of her painting locations. This activity is limited to eight guests, which makes it easy to learn about the history, plant life, geology, and culture of the area. I was glad to be wearing my walking shoes and to have filled up my water bottle before the trek. A fountain with filtered water is available inside the Visitor Center.

4. Spend A Wednesday With O’Keeffe

One of the highlights of this area is a chance to see O’Keeffe’s home in Abiquiú. There are Wednesday tours with pre-registration which start at the O’Keeffe Welcome Center near the Abiquiú Inn. While I couldn’t take pictures inside, it was still a thrill to walk through O’Keeffe’s Abiquiú house and have lunch before joining the O’Keeffe Landscape tour at Ghost Ranch. The tour returns to the Welcome Center, which has a great gift shop and screens a historical video.

5. Make The Most Of Art Intensives

Clay, glass, and other artistic workshops are offered as seasonal Art Escapes at the ranch. I spent a few hours one evening learning about painting and pastel with local artist Diane Arenberg and wished I was staying longer for her immersives. Most of her sessions run from a weekend to a week long. Other classes include Composition, Plein Air work, and critiques that culminate in a Masters’ Show. The classes are held in the ranch’s Art Center. For more information, check the Ranch schedule.

6. Pay Your Respects At The Pack Memorial

One morning, I took a short walk from my comfortable lodging along the mesa trail behind the Ghost House to a stone memorial dedicated to Arthur and Phoebe Pack. Arthur Pack owned the ranch in its early days and negotiated with Georgia O’Keeffe on the sale of his first house. He bequeathed the ranch to the Presbyterian Church in 1955.

Views from the Kitchen Mesa Trail. — GUILLAUME LECLERC / Shutterstock

7. Take To The Trails

There are nine trails that crisscross the ranch campus. I wandered the land before the day’s activities began. On my return trip, I’ll be certain to take the Kitchen Mesa Trail, a challenging five-mile loop with 600 feet of elevation. It rises to a lookout with views of the Piedra Lumbre basin and Mount Pedernal in the distance. Box Canyon Trail is an especially tempting four-mile round-trip trail that rises 500 feet while winding back and forth across the property’s central stream. The most popular trail to Chimney Rock is a challenging three-mile round trip walk that rises about 600 feet to the sculpted pinnacle.

8. Experience Retreats And Landscape Meditations

There are two labyrinths on the Ghost Ranch site. I found the main labyrinth near the central road along a path that begins at the Arts Center Building. The stone spiral is a tool for contemplation drawn from many traditions across the world. It was a lovely practice as the dawn’s light illuminated Orphan Mesa. There’s a second labyrinth at Casa del Sol. It weaves uniquely in and out of the Piedra Lumbre landscape. I also passed a ceremonial water wheel set along the trail between the Arts Center and the main labyrinth.

9. Enter A Karesansui Garden

As a fan of Japanese landscape design, I was thrilled to hear about this garden created of rock, gravel, and stone, which abstractly represent water and the elements. Typically, this type of garden is found near residences of Zen abbots. This Karensansui space is not allied with a residence but set independently near the main labyrinth at Ghost Ranch.

10. Visit A Monastery

The Monastery of Christ in the Desert is an autonomous abbey following the Benedictine traditions. It’s a quiet space with a guesthouse for private retreats. Both men and women are welcome to join the monks at Mass in the Abbey Church. Religious and artistic articles are available in the gift shop. The monastery is 15 miles northwest of Ghost Ranch.

11. Explore A Mosque Near Abiquiú

For over 40 years, Dar al Islam, a non-profit Islamic organization, has been committed to cultivating understanding, compassion, and empathy among non-Muslims and Muslims alike. The campus, which is near Abiquiú, hosts retreats and meetings in buildings designed by the world-renowned architect Hassan Fathy. Visit Dar al Islam’s website to arrange a visit. I was thrilled to discover that the Dar al Islam property contains The Black Place and The White Place, two paintings by O’Keeffe.

12. Tour The Ruth Hall Paleontology Museum At Ghost Ranch

Perhaps the ancient monsters that frightened the first inhabitants of Ghost Ranch were dinosaurs. Georgia O’Keeffe created notable paintings from more recent bones she collected at the ranch, and just north of the property is one of the best-known digs in the Northern Hemisphere. I could imagine joining one of the dig workshops and discovering remnants of creatures over 200 million years old. One new species, a small archdinosaur, was named Effigia (O’Keeffe’s Ghost). Even if you can’t join a dig, it’s exciting to get close to the bones and equipment inside the ranch’s small museum.

13. Anthropology Comes To Life In The Ranch Museum

The Florence Hawley Ellis Museum of Anthropology, adjacent to the Ghost Ranch Visitor Center, is named for the woman who led a group of students to the world-class discovery of the largest collection of Gallina artifacts in the world. The museum displays other artifacts from Paleo Indian people who lived here 10,000 years ago in addition to current creations. It’s a small exhibit, but I was excited to learn about the ladies of the canyon via vintage pictures and artifacts from local pioneering women, including Ghost Ranch founder Carol Bishop Stanley.

14. Take A Trail Ride

Two ranch rides are inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe — the Landscape Trail Ride and the Sunset Trail Ride. Riding a gentle steed through the low brush was a quiet joy. We stopped for pictures with the cliffs behind us and rode past O’Keeffe’s low adobe home. Our guide filled us in on the area’s history and colorful stories as we loped along. I’d love to return for a private ride up into the foothills one day.

15. Enjoy Water Fun

When the lifeguard is on duty, ranch guests can escape the desert heat in the immense, unheated pool next to the dining hall. I was there for cool fall days, so the pool wasn’t open. If I were there during the summer months, it would be such fun to kayak or canoe Abiquiu Lake. Swimming lessons and hikes can be arranged as well.

16. Challenge Yourself On A Ropes Course

As I entered the Ghost Ranch Property, we passed a loose grid of tall posts slung with ropes. High- and low-rope and wall-climbing activities are available during the summer when staffing allows. It’s easy to imagine how fun teamwork and problem-solving adventure courses can be.

17. Indulge In Self-Care And Body Work

Ghost Ranch’s nationally certified and licensed massage therapists offer integrative bodywork, massage, and spa treatments daily. Appointments must be made at the Welcome Center in advance. The treatments would make a welcome conclusion to long hikes and adventures at Ghost Ranch.

From a pure country experience to an artful retreat, I can see returning again and again for a Ghost Ranch vacation.