State workers traveled abroad and stayed at expensive resorts last year despite an executive order by Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland banning nonessential trips, a newspaper reported Sunday.

A story from the AP says, an investigation by The Columbus Dispatch showed state workers traveled across the U.S. and overseas for an array of conferences, association meetings and other purposes. The newspaper reviewed records from 10 state cabinet agencies with the highest travel expenses.

Workers took trips to Germany, Belgium and other countries. Destinations in the U.S. included San Francisco, Santa Monica, Calif., Portland, Ore., New York City, Washington, D.C. and Orlando, Fla.

Anticipating the current state budget crisis, the governor issued the order for no travel save "a few limited exceptions" in January 2008. Ohio faces an estimated $3.2 billion budget gap over the next two years.

Workers stayed at posh resorts _ including Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Fla., and Harrah's in Las Vegas _ and stayed in rooms costing up to $300 a night, the Dispatch said.

Click here to read more of this story from the AP.