• I packed lots of essentials for my five-hour Amtrak ride, but I didn't think of everything I needed.
• My Kindle, tripod, and headphones came in handy for keeping me entertained on my journey.
• However, I wish I had brought more comfort items such as a travel pillow, blanket, or even slippers.

When I hauled a heavy suitcase into the overhead on my Amtrak train car, I thought I had everything I'd need for my trip.

Three jackets, two pairs of boots, and a scarf to match every sweater — I was ready for anything. However, I quickly realized I wasn't nearly as prepared for the five-hour ride itself.

My trip from New Jersey to Boston on the Northeast Regional line gave me just enough time to settle in, stretch out, and enjoy a little downtime. Soon, I learned that what I had — and didn't — made all the difference in how much I enjoyed my trip.

Here are five items I'm glad I brought, and three I wish I'd packed.

My ticket didn't include complimentary snacks, so I was glad I'd brought my own.

Due to the length of my ride, I knew I'd be hungry at some point.

My basic ticket didn't come with complimentary snacks from Amtrak, but I didn't mind much since I had brought plenty of food from home.

I stopped at a bagel shop before boarding, packed a homemade latte, and had more than enough snacks to keep me satisfied throughout the ride.

There was a café car about halfway through the train that I could've bought a few bites at, but I was happy to save the money anyway.

Headphones came in handy for listening to music and streaming TV.

Though the lull of the train can be soothing in itself, I was happy to have packed my headphones so I could listen to music during the ride.

These also came in handy when I wanted to catch up on TV shows without bothering anyone around me.

The only packing mistake I made was bringing wired headphones instead of wireless ones, because I couldn't charge my device and listen at the same time.

My hot spot came in handy when the train's WiFi didn't work super well.

Though Amtrak offers complimentary WiFi on routes like this one, I didn't find it reliable for everything.

It worked fine for sending texts or scrolling through social media, but it wasn't as reliable when I wanted to stream TV on my laptop. To stream better, I switched to my phone's hot spot.

I brought my tripod for capturing content, but it was useful for creating extra space at my seat.

I had originally packed my tripod to capture travel content, and it was helpful as I snapped photos and filmed videos.

I also found it surprisingly useful for creating extra space at my seat.

My tray table wasn't very big, so setting up my tripod on the floor with my phone to stream a show gave me room to keep my laptop on the table instead.

It's worth noting that I didn't have anyone sitting next to me, so I had plenty of floor space to work with. Overall, it made for a nice setup.

My Kindle comes with me almost everywhere I go.

Luckily, I didn't struggle to keep myself entertained since I had packed my Kindle. I'm a book lover, so five hours of uninterrupted reading time was right up my alley.

I prefer using an e-reader over a physical book when traveling because it's lightweight and doesn't take up much space in my bag.

Plus, for early morning or late-night rides with my Kindle, I don't have to rely on the train's reading light, which might disturb other passengers.

However, I found myself wishing I had packed motion-sickness medication.

I thought I packed pretty well for the trip, but toward the end of the ride, I started feeling nauseous. I've never had motion sickness on a train before, but I've also never been on one for this long.

So, when I started feeling dizzy in the last hour, I was caught off guard. I couldn't look at my phone screen anymore, so I leaned back and closed my eyes.

It really made me wish I had brought some motion-sickness medication along for the ride.

Having a travel pillow or blanket would've made my trip more comfortable.

My seat ended up being comfier than I thought, with a decent recline and footrests.

Looking back, though, I really wish I had packed some comfortable travel items, such as a neck pillow or blanket. This ride was early in the morning, and my return trip was late at night, so they would've come in handy.

Next time, I'll definitely bring a few more things to make the ride cozier and allow me to close my eyes for a bit.

Similarly, slippers would've been helpful for walking throughout the train car.

Another comfort item I didn't think about until I was on the train was slippers.

I like taking my shoes off during long trips, especially on airplanes, but for some reason, I felt hesitant to do so on the train.

I wish I had brought a pair of light slippers to wear during the ride and for those trips back and forth to the bathroom. It would've been another way to add to the overall comfort of a long Amtrak ride.

This story was originally published on December 3, 2025, and most recently updated on September 23, 2026.

• I never had a desire to see the Midwest until I saw photos of Door County, Wisconsin, in the fall.
• On my trip to Door County, I found amazing fall foliage, exciting traditions, and friendly locals.
• I'm now open to visiting more places around the world rather than just the big-name tourist spots.

I love traveling up and down the East Coast, and I have always wanted to see the Pacific Northwest — but I can't say I ever dreamed of visiting the states that fill out the center of the United States.

However, I changed my mind the second I saw photos of Door County, Wisconsin, during autumn. I was awestruck by images of lush trees that seemed to go on forever in the most vibrant hues of red, yellow, green, and orange.

Growing up in Virginia, I was no stranger to fall foliage — but I had never seen anything quite like this. I felt an immediate pull to the area, and within a few weeks, my flight was booked for a trip in late October.

Door County looked like a place right out of a Hallmark movie

On my first day in Door County, I woke up to views of Lake Michigan from my balcony at The Water Street Inn, a circa 1896 hotel that looked like it was right out of a Hallmark movie.

I kicked off the day with a ride aboard the Door County Trolley to get a closer look at the leaves I had been dreaming of for weeks. It's one thing to see that kind of beauty in a picture, but seeing it in person was surreal.

It had rained that morning, so the wet streets reflected the colors of the maple trees towering over them, with brightly colored leaves covering many of the roads in blankets of orange and gold.

In the days that followed, I spent my time strolling through diverse nature preserves and parks, such as Whitefish Dunes State Park and The Ridges Sanctuary.

I climbed to the top of the Cana Island Lighthouse, which is over 150 years old and towers just beside Lake Michigan.

I explored the picturesque downtown areas of Fish Creek and Egg Harbor, and took part in Door County's most time-honored tradition: the fish boil.

What began as an efficient way to feed hungry fishermen a century ago has turned into an incredible way to bring the town together on a regular basis for an unpretentious, delicious meal by the fire.

Watching people cook in giant steel pots, talking to new people, and sharing bites of things like whitefish, potatoes, and corn with others was a special experience that made me feel like part of the community.

The Midwestern peninsula had much more than quaint towns and mesmerizing scenery

During my time in Door County, I discovered more than just once-in-a-lifetime fall foliage, charming towns, and epic waterfronts.

I found there was a deep sense of pride among the people who lived here. I met locals who were eager to tell me they'd lived on the peninsula for their entire lives. Some had left for college or moved away as adults to see what else was out there, but came back when they didn't find a place more special than the one they grew up in.

The locals who have painstakingly preserved the area's heritage while adding to its story are the ones who've made Door County flourish, and their love is evident in every square mile from Sturgeon Bay to Fish Creek.

This trip really taught me that although there's nothing wrong with visiting top tourist destinations, the United States is teeming with beautiful towns I've not yet heard of, and that many of them are worth exploring, too.

Now, I plan trips with a more open mind because I know that no matter where I go, whether it's Bucharest or the Midwest, I will find something wonderful worth experiencing.

This story was originally published on August 20, 2024, and most recently updated on September 23, 2026.

• I'm an interior designer who loves shopping at West Elm for myself and my clients.
• When I took a trip to the store, I fell in love with the kitchenware and throw-pillow covers.
• A cozy duvet, an ottoman, and a wool rug also caught my eye.

As an interior designer, the fall season always has me excited to refresh my own home.

Fall is a time when I naturally crave feeling more grounded and comfortable at home, gravitating toward deeper colors, cozy textures, and warm lighting. It's also the season of gathering, so it's a great time to add a few special pieces to my hosting collection.

I recently went to West Elm — one of my go-to stores to shop for home accents for myself and my clients — to see if anything caught my eye.

Here are eight pieces from West Elm I'd add to my home right now.

The Marble Kitchen collection is both stylish and functional.

I am a strong believer in elevating everyday objects, particularly in the kitchen.

West Elm's Marble Kitchen collection is crafted from rich "brown-forest marble," meaning each piece has one-of-a-kind veining.

The collection consists of functional items like a mortar and pestle, a paper-towel holder, and a utensil holder — pieces that can be kept on countertops to add beauty, texture, and elegance to your everyday life.

West Elm's throw-pillow covers are a great way to introduce new patterns and textures.

One of the easiest ways to create a grounded, cozy feeling in any home is by layering textiles in deeper tones and richer fabrics. That's why I love West Elm's selection of throw-pillow covers.

For example, the chenille jacquard treescape pillow cover has the most beautiful nature-inspired pattern that feels perfectly suited to the season. The corded bias velvet one adds subtle texture and dimension from the channeled pattern in a variety of fall colors.

I love the brand's Rhea pendant lights.

Upgrading your lighting is a great way to add warmth and ambiance to a room for fall. After all, this is the time of year when we naturally rely more on indoor light fixtures as natural light becomes scarce.

West Elm's Rhea pendant lights feel effortless yet striking. I love how the larger scale makes a statement, but the linen material keeps it feeling delicate.

The collection consists of three different sizes and shapes. Although each pendant is beautiful on its own, I especially love the idea of pairing all three together to give the feeling of an art installation.

The Nadia wood tray looks like a great way to keep things organized in a stylish way.

I love a piece that's both practical and stylish, and the Nadia carved-wood tray is just that.

I'm also a minimalist at heart, so I appreciate the clean lines mixed with the carved-wood detailing. It's simple, but feels special.

This cozy duvet cover is perfect for fall.

During my trip to the store, I instantly fell in love with the Piece & Ward striped duvet cover.

The brown stripes are a classic pattern, and the cotton-and-linen blend gives a cozy, lived-in feel for fall.

Ottomans are my secret weapon for hosting.

I truly believe every home needs at least one ottoman, which can do double duty as a footstool and extra seating for guests.

I was drawn to the Thalia ottoman for its curved, sculptural silhouette and round wood legs.

I think the Pierce & Ward two-tone wood console is worth the investment.

In my opinion, the Pierce & Ward two-tone wood console looks and feels like an heirloom piece.

It combines solid materials and a timeless silhouette, but the inset panels add a cool, unexpected texture change.

When investing in quality pieces like this, I like to ensure they have enough versatility to use for years to come. In this case, it can function as a bedroom dresser, an entry console, a dining cabinet, or even a media unit.

The Lumini performance wool rug feels like a cozy sweater.

When it comes to rugs, I tend to prefer lighter tones. However, light colors can still feel warm and cozy.

The ribbed texture of the Lumini performance wool rug reminds me of my favorite wool sweater. Still, it's durable and easy to clean. I also like that it comes in a variety of sizes and colors.

• Years ago, I gave up paying traditional rent and began living between a campervan and a sailboat.
• I've been able to take risks and build a six-figure business, save money, and travel.
• Lately, though, I've been craving a true home base as I miss stability, basic comforts, and more.

I was hiking with my boyfriend, Tom, in the redwoods north of San Francisco in 2015 when he made the craziest suggestion: "Why don't we camp up here on Mount Tam? Give up rent?"

At first, I thought he was joking. Move out of my cute Zen cottage in the Mill Valley redwoods? No way! But he continued to talk excitedly from the fern-lined trail ahead of me. "Imagine how much you would save! At least $20,000 per year!"

Most people would never dream of giving up rent to get financially ahead, but Tom was different. He was a creative thinker, an adventurer (who's sailed from the Chesapeake Bay to San Francisco), and a Minnesota-born outdoorsman.

To him, camping sounded fun, a way to save money in one of the most expensive metropolises in the world. Giving up secure housing was just another adventure to him, while to me, it was a massively big deal.

Long story short: I ended up moving into a tent with him, then a Toyota Prius, then a sailboat.

After that came a Chevy Astro van and a Sprinter van. I paid off my debt, built my first nest-egg, and created an online business that earns six figures a year and powers our nomadic lifestyle.

It's now been 10 years since I last paid traditional rent. We split our time between a Sprinter van in the United States during the summer and a sailboat in Mexico during the winter.

Although some people think my life is a permanent vacation, to me it is just life — and it has its ups and downs.

Living in a van and on a sailboat has given me freedom with my life and finances

I am so thankful to be living the nomadic lifestyle by choice rather than necessity. I know there are so many people who have fallen on hard times and find living in a car the only way they can get by.

Living in a vehicle was a decision I made intentionally, and there's relief in knowing that if I want out of this lifestyle, I can go rent an apartment.

Living below my means this way has allowed me to take risks in my business, save hundreds of thousands of dollars for retirement, and feel financial freedom that mortgage payments would never have allowed.

Beyond that, this lifestyle has been good for my mind. When I'm living in my van or on the sailboat, I thoroughly enjoy being immersed in nature. Whether it's turquoise-clear anchorages in the Sea of Cortez or the forested mountains of Mount Hood, I am living within the natural world.

Most people are disconnected from this, living their lives among concrete and steel. Nature soothes and brings peace to my being.

Freedom is huge when living this way. I don't have an alarm clock, a commute, or a garage full of stuff begging to be sorted. I love that we have the flexibility to spend weeks with family and that we are able to chase the sun.

Adventures on land and on the water bring a sense of novelty to my life. I think it's easy to fall into a rut when living the same way every day. This is how years fly by, days and months mesh together into a singular blob.

When you travel constantly, the years don't feel like they are flying by; they are filled with memories, punctuation marks, and stories. This type of change prevents me from getting bored.

My nomadic lifestyle isn't without its challenges and drawbacks

I have heard this phrase many times from strangers and friends alike: "Living the dream!" or "You're so lucky!" And while I feel very thankful for this lifestyle, there are also some downsides.

I often feel unrooted or outside societal norms, which can make it difficult to relate to "normal" people. I miss the daily connections found in a more consistent lifestyle, such as dinners with friends, weekly ballroom-dance classes, family barbecues, and that local coffee shop where the barista knows my name.

There are days after a long hike or mountain bike ride that all I want is to take a steaming bath, have a comfortable couch to relax on, and a kitchen with hot running water. I do without modern amenities that feel like luxuries to me, and I really miss them sometimes.

Not knowing where I'm headed next brings an amount of uncertainty.

On the boat, especially, we can be stuck for days as we wait for a weather system to roll through. With the campervan, we often have no idea where we are sleeping next, and I'll be searching for spots on my phone while Tom drives.

One reason I like living at the boatyard for months at a time is that it creates a sense of stability and certainty for me.

This living situation may not last forever, but I'm grateful for it

It's hard to believe that I've been living without a traditional home for 10 years.

After all this time, I realize I am craving a home base more and more.

Athough I don't want to give up van life and sailboat living, I think having a home base or an apartment rental for a few months a year would satisfy my need for luxurious amenities and space to spread out.

I could spend six months on a sailboat in the South Pacific, a few months renting an apartment in Europe or the US, and a few months traveling in my van. That trifecta sounds like perfection for me.

Living tiny has taught me how to live with less, live below my means, and save up a big nest egg that makes me feel comfortable about the future, and for that, I'm forever thankful.

• My mother-in-law and I have spent years "Swedish death cleaning" together.
• Being the daughter-in-law put me in a unique position to help her declutter.
• Going through her belongings has made me see her in a new light.

Every year, my husband and I make the trek from California to Michigan to live with his 85-year-old mom, Elizabeth, for a few months.

These have been lovely family visits that give us a chance to spend time together, and they've also allowed me to help her with Swedish death cleaning.

This decluttering method focuses on getting things in order before you die, largely so that loved ones won't be left with a lot of stuff to sort through and make decisions about.

I've always been a natural declutterer. My family knows that if I visit, there's a good chance a junk drawer, closet, or cabinet is getting organized.

Helping my mother-in-law gradually decide what to keep, donate, sell, or pass along naturally grew out of that habit.

Now that she's in her mid-80s, the process has become even more intentional, and I've realized that being the daughter-in-law has put me in a unique position to help.

Not only do I get to tidy up spaces she might not otherwise be able to, but she also feels a little lighter after every visit.

Thankfully, she's not sick, and her spiritual beliefs have made this an incredibly meaningful and surprisingly fun process for both of us.

Being the daughter-in-law has turned out to be an advantage

I love MIL Elizabeth dearly, and she has always referred to me as her "third child," but I'm not carrying the same emotional weight into the death-cleaning process as her children would.

Unlike my husband and sister-in-law, I've already experienced the death of close family members. My father passed away eight years ago, and in the last year, both my grandparents died.

I know what it's like to sort through decades of belongings while grieving and how overwhelming it can be when every object feels tied to someone you love.

I feel grateful to take some of that off their plate. When the day comes, I want my husband and sis-in-law to spend as little time as possible wondering whether to keep something simply because it meant something to their mom.

But this isn't just about making things easier for us someday. My husband appreciates how this death cleaning is helping his mom's quality of life now.

Her home is less cluttered, and she knows where things are. Instead of being surrounded by stuff she never uses or even remembers she has, she says she feels like she has more breathing room.

We've spent years (not days) working through a lifetime of belongings

Elizabeth's home is filled with antique furniture, one-of-a-kind objets d'art, shelves of books, and fine china that she inherited from her mom.

Going through these possessions isn't something that can be finished in a weekend. It's making hundreds of small decisions, year after year — some take five minutes, others take five conversations.

One area where we made the most progress this summer is her wardrobe. She always donates clothes and other items to the Armenian church, but this year we also included the Salvation Army and other charities. I even took her to a resale shop to sell vintage clothing for the first time, which was a good learning experience.

She didn't get much money, but it helped answer a bigger question: Was it better to let those clothes keep gathering dust in the closet or make a few bucks and give them a chance at a new life with someone else?

Ultimately, it helped her become more willing to let things go.

I love the unexpected conversations that have come out of all this

Every piece in my MIL's house has a story, and every bit of cleaning is a trip down memory lane.

Although we've had countless conversations over the past 20-plus years, this process has let me hear the stories behind so many objects I never thought about or didn't even know existed.

We've reminisced over the photo of her at 15 years old meeting Elvis Presley (who kissed her on the cheek!), wedding telegrams filled with well-wishes from around the world, and old newspaper clippings about the various businesses she built over the years.

We also laugh over her old wedding photos with "the kids' dad" (always accompanied by one of her eye rolls) and how it feels like another lifetime.

I've come away with a much deeper appreciation for who she is, not only as my mother-in-law but as an entrepreneur, traveler, philanthropist, daughter, mother, and friend.

I can't help but marvel at the many versions of Elizabeth that existed long before I knew her.

The biggest surprise is realizing this hasn't just been about clearing out a house

My MIL has a very peaceful outlook on death. She believes it's a temporary transition, so that lightens the mood whenever we're sifting through her belongings.

In fact, she usually laughs whenever we talk about our "Swedish death cleaning days."

What started as my habit of organizing has become one of the most meaningful ways we've spent time together. I wish more families could find a way to do this while they have the chance.

As she recently told me while we were sorting through old photos, "I feel so privileged to have known these people over the years and to have had those experiences."