Category / airlines

by Kelly Mattei

Great Buys to Make Life Easier

Great buys to make life easier…

***I receive commission for items purchased through my links.***

I just got back from a quick trip to the Bahamas with my husband. We were only there for about five nights, but we welcomed the short break. We go to smaller islands when we go to the Bahamas, and they are wonderfully peaceful. Here are some things that made my life easier on the way there, while we were there, and even now that we are home:

  • Arctic Air. I know y’all have seen this advertised before and dismissed it. It’s a fan/personal air cooler. I even use it at home every night. Here’s something I really loved when I had it with me in the Bahamas. If a storm rolls through, it’s not unusual for the power to go out on the smaller islands. If the power went out, I could attach this to my portable charger (see below), and it would continue to work with that. As soon as I heard the power come back on, I plugged it back into the wall. It’s a little bulky for travel, but I just put it in my big, checked bag, between some clothes to protect it when the bag is jostled around. Purchase for under $40 here.

  • Portable Charger. Everybody needs one, whether you travel or not. If you have a power outage at home, this can keep your electronics (like your phone!) running for quite a while. This one is my favorite because it’s more lightweight than some of the other large portable chargers, and it has a flashlight and has solar-charging capabilities. I haven’t tested the solar charging, but I have used the flashlight, and I have definitely carried it in my carry-on for travel. I highly recommend this one. Purchase for under $26 here.

  • Baboon to the Moon Mini Go Bag. I know I have sung the praises of this bag several times, but I’m not kidding, y’all. This is my favorite travel carry-on. It fits under seats. Its water resistant. Its durable. It can be a backpack or a duffle. It’s cute! Even I think it’s easy to carry; I carry it as a backpack through the airport, and because it doesn’t have wheels, you don’t have to gate-check it when you enter a small aircraft. There’s a small zipper pocket under one of the side handles, so that’s where I keep passports. And it holds a lot more than you think. I get lots of compliments on this bag, and people always ask me about this bag when I’m traveling. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth the money. The Lime Breeze one is on sale right now (at time of writing) for under $130! Purchase here.

  • Passport Holder with Airtag. You think you won’t ever lose your passport, but it happens…trust me. An unnamed family member lost his in the airport in June. After that, I ordered passport holders with Airtags for everyone in the family. I also stuck a giant card inside the passport holder that says “If found, please call IMMEDIATELY” with our phone numbers. These are inexpensive and can give you peace of mind when traveling. They come in a variety of colors. I got blue for my husband, pink for our daughter, and purple for me. Airtags sold separately. Purchase the holder here. And purchase Airtags here.

  • Pill/Medication Organizer. Whether you take prescription or not, it’s a good idea to travel with some medications. Pain relievers, cold meds, digestive aids, and more can help keep your vacation running smoothly. I always have anti-nausea meds, cold meds, ear drops, eye drops, and pain relievers, so it’s easiest for me to carry them in an organizer. I used to throw everything in a clear gallon-sized bag, but travel is much easier with an organizer. I found a great one on Amazon, and I’ve shared it before. You can purchase it here.

I wanted to share those while they are fresh in my mind. Every trip is different, and I might have more to recommend after the next one! Also, the items above make great gifts for travelers, college students, or just about anyone!

by Kelly Mattei

Ultimate Popular Stocking Stuffers 2024

Ultimate Popular Stocking Stuffers 2024

We posted about stocking stuffers a last week, and you can see those great suggestions here. Now I’m going to share some that have been best-sellers for everyone on your list over the last six years. Let’s gooooo:

  • Shower Steamers. These are best sellers year after year, and I think they are less expensive this year with a great Amazon Black Friday deal that’s still offered at time of publication. This pack offers 21 scented shower steamers with scents like lavender, eucalyptus, rose, and more. It also contains two mesh bags and two hooks for hanging them in the shower! Your shower will smell like a spa! My daughter loves hers. In fact, she will be getting another set this year! People have purchased countless shower steamers through my link, and you can get them for people on your list here.
  • Stylus Pens Set. Stylus Pen anngrowy Stylus Pens for Touch Screens Universal Stylus Ballpoint Pen 2 in 1 Stylists Pens for iPad iPhone Tablet Laptops Kindle Samsung Galaxy All Capacitive Touch Screens. I have purchased these more than once, because there’s just something about these pens. They are weighted nicely and write smoothly. The stylus is great with my smart phone and with my iPad. My husband and my daughter will find these in their stockings this year. Get them here.
  • OMRON Gold Blood Pressure Monitor, Portable Wireless Wrist Monitor, Digital Bluetooth Blood Pressure Machine, Stores Up to 200 Readings for Two Users (100 Readings Each). This is a great stocking stuffer for any adult on your list. It’s a great idea for all adults to be aware of their blood pressure situation. I check mine at least once a day, and my husband does too! Get this great gift at a discount (37% off at time of publication) here.
  • LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask Stocking Stuffer: Nourish, Hydrate, Vitamin C, Murumuru & Shea Butter, Antioxidants, Flaky, Dry Lips. My daughter found this in her Christmas stocking last year and loves it. Teenage girls and up will be happy to find this, and at publication time, it’s on sale on Amazon for 20% off, so it’s under $20! Get one for every teenage girl or young woman on your list! Purchase here.
  • Sol de Janeiro Products. These are popular year after year, and a gift set is a great way to get a lot of products at a lower price. The SOL DE JANEIRO Hydration Celebration Body Routine Gift Set is a limited-edition 5-piece visibly firming routine. The holiday set includes a full-size body cream, travel sizes of body wash, body scrub, perfume mist, and a deluxe-size body oil, all in the irresistible & sunny Cheirosa 62 scent. It’s an AMAZON’S CHOICE product, and it is a great stocking stuffer as a set or divided up for different members of the family. Get it here. ***Sponsored ad***
  • Hand Warmers Rechargeable 2 Pack, 6000mAh Electric Hand Warmer Reusable, 20Hrs Long Heating, Portable Pocket Heater Handwarmer for Women Men, Outdoor Camping, Hunting Gear. This is listed as Amazon’s Choice. These cute Panda-shaped, rechargeable handwarmers are great gifts for kids and adults. Stick one in each coat pocket on cold mornings or for an outdoor sporting event. I know I could have used these at a few lacrosse tournaments over the years. Get the 2-pack here. Or the 4-pack here.
  • Airmoto Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor – Air Pump for Car Tires with Tire Pressure Gauge – One Click Smart Pump Tire Inflator for Car, Motorcycle, Bicycle and More. With over, 13,000 reviews and a 4.3 rating out of 5, this is an AMAZON’S CHOICE. It makes a great stocking stuffer. In fact, I think we should all get one of these to keep in each car we own! I see so many people on the college parent pages asking, “Where can my child go to inflate his/her tires?” Yes, I see it all the time, but don’t get me started on the parent pages. This is a great answer to that question: in your glove box or console! It’s quick and accurate and has auto shut off when your tire reaches the desired inflation. It also has a “deflate” button to remove air from an overinflated tire. This is a great gift for every driver on your list. Purchase at a discount (as of writing) here.

  • Electric Wine Opener. Y’all, this is a great addition to anyone’s bar or college apartment. Yes, everyone should know how to use a traditional corkscrew, but an electric wine opener is a great invention. There are lots to choose from, and I don’t have a preference of one over another. To see what’s offered on Amazon, click here.
  • Poo Pourri Potty Pods. I’m a fan of Poo Pourri products, the odor-trapping “before you go” brand. This year, I found their Potty Pods! They work under the same concept as their sprays, but they are in a pod form! It’s a cute, useful gift that anyone would love to find in their stocking. Get the Potty Pods at a discount (as of writing) here. I always have at least one of the travel size sprays in my handbag. To see the sprays or other Poo Pourri products, shop here
  • Makeup Eraser. These come in 7-day sets, and they work with just water to remove makeup. Sounds crazy, I know, but they work. My daughter and I both use them! We simply stick them in the mesh bag after use and at the end of a week, wash them all together in the washing machine/dryer. They are especially great for travel, because they eliminate the need for liquids in your carry-on bag! Purchase here.
  • Duncan Yoyo. Surely you remember getting a Duncan Yoyo in your stocking when you were a kid! If not, you missed out! They are good for hours of fun, and now Duncan makes more versions than ever. To shop for Duncan Yoyos, click here.

Happy Shopping! We will continue to share gifts as we find them!

***We receive commission on items purchased through our Amazon links.***

by Kelly Mattei

Christmas Gifts for Dad

Christmas gifts for dad.

It’s not easy to find Christmas gifts for Dad. Don’t dads tend to get whatever they need when they need it? Therefore, we have to work a little harder for Dad gifts. Here are a few we found:

  • Hey Dude Shoes. Dads love their Hey Dudes! Even young people love their Hey Dudes! I know guys who swear these are the most comfortable, easy-to-wear shoes they have ever owned…guys who go to college with my daughter, so they’re cool…not just Dad-cool. These are popular shoes for a reason. Right now, Hey Dude has some great deals on Amazon for Early Black Friday! Take advantage of the deals now:
    • Sunapee Mesh Sport, starting at $27.46 here.
    • Mens Wally Stretch Poly, starting at $45 here.
    • Mens Wally Sport Mesh, starting at $38.47 here.
    • Mens Wally Amazon Exclusive, starting at $38.99 here.
    • Mens Wally Sport Sneaker, starting at $41.43 here.

  • JBL Earbuds. I have mentioned these in other lists. There are all kinds of JBL wireless earbuds. I prefer the JBL Vibe Bud (Amazon deal here) or JBL Vibe Beam (Amazon deal here), but Dad might prefer the JBL Soundgear Sense, a true open-ear wireless headphone. Lucky you, they’re on sale for an Early Black Friday Deal (33% off!) here.

  • Smokeless Firepit. We have a smokeless firepit, and we love it. We use the Duraflame log in ours, for ease of use, and it provides plenty of warmth and light when we have cocktails on the patio. A 19″ Surestove smokeless firepit is on sale right now through Amazon for 41% off! That means the price is just $94.99 (normally $159.99) at writing, which is almost unheard of. Get it before it’s gone here. And while you’re at it, get him a bunch of Duraflame logs to burn in it here.

  • Amazon Fire TV. I purchased an Amazon Fire TV, because we can take it outside if we want, or we can use it in any room of the house. As long as it connects to WiFi, we can watch it. We have watched countless football games, Netflix shows, and Apple+ series. We treat it as a “portable” TV, because it’s lightweight, but with a 32″ screen, it has a clear picture. Our daughter has one in her bedroom at college and loves it too. Dad might enjoy having his own “portable” TV. Best of all? The price right now, as an Early Black Friday Deal, is $99.99! Get it here.

  • Night Vision Goggles. Men love outdoor toys. They can use these 4K goggles when they go hunting, or they can just use them when they hear something in the yard at night! What a fun gift! Get this Early Black Friday Deal here.

  • Comfier Hot Towel Warmer. Wow. I think my husband would love this. Who wouldn’t love grabbing a warm towel as you step out of the shower?!? Sign me up! Get this special Early Black Friday deal at 42% off for $114.99 here.

  • Bird Feeder with Camera. My dad would have loved this. The older he got, the more he enjoyed watching the wildlife. He could have watched the birds from indoors or anywhere with this bird feeder with camera! Instead of costing $199.99, it’s on sale now for $129.99! It’s the perfect time to purchase! Get it here.

  • Ugg Men’s Tasman Slipper. A perennial favorite, these slippers are awesome and well-made by Ugg. You can’t go wrong with Ugg slippers. Get them here.

  • Samsonite Expandable 20-inch Carry-on. Think Dad needs a new carry-on bag? This Samsonite gets great reviews and is perfect for dad. Get this Early Black Friday Deal here.

  • Tumi Oxblood Men’s Search Backpack. Tumi makes quality products. I have a Tumi crossbody bag I purchased eight years ago that I carry almost daily, and it still looks and functions great. My husband desperately needs a new carry-on backpack for his laptop and a few other items, and I think this one from Tumi will be perfect for him. It’s 25% off at time of writing. It’s pricey, but it’s built to last. Check it out here.

Happy Shopping for Dad!

***I receive commission for items purchased through my Amazon links.***

by Kelly Mattei

I’ve Had the Flu

I’ve had the flu.

Seriously. I haven’t had the flu since third grade, and at 56, I contract the flu. What a way to start 2024!

I went on vacation last week with a friend. We visited to Mexico City. I had visited several times in the 80s and 90s, and I was overdue for a visit. I was so excited about the trip. In fact, I was so excited about it that two weeks prior to traveling, I realized I had not gotten my flu vaccine this year, so I made an appointment and took care of that. I didn’t want to catch the flu on the way there and ruin our trip.

The trip was fantastic! We did everything we could possibly do in Mexico City over the course of a few days…and we ate everything in sight! I’m going to tell you that Mexico City is a foodie’s wonderland, and if you haven’t been, I highly recommend it! Everything went smoothly while we were there, and even the return trip was uneventful. The flight was full, and the airport was crowded, but other than that…piece of cake.

Or so I thought…

I had no idea until about 48 hours later that I had contracted Influenza A somewhere along the line. Was it from one of the flight attendants? Was it the person standing next to me in line for boarding? Maybe it was the bartender in the Admirals Club? Or the guy talking to me in the customs line? Whoever it was…someone gave me the gift that keeps on giving…the flu.

I’m over the worst of it now, but I have to tell you that the worst of it wasn’t terrible. No, it wasn’t fun. The coughing! The sniffles! The fever! Oh, the fever was the worst part…or maybe the cough…or the lack of appetite…but at least I didn’t have the body aches everyone complains about. There were no body aches at any time…no muscle aches…no joint pain. But it was definitely Influenza A. I know, because instead of dragging myself to the doctor, I ordered a test on Amazon. I suspected it was flu and not COVID. I’ve had COVID a couple of times, and neither of those times bothered me at all. The test arrived the morning after I ordered it, and I followed the directions to the letter. It’s a test that checks for COVID, Influenza A, and Influenza B. Crazy, right? A few minutes after I completed all the steps, the test “told” me I had Influenza A. If you’d like to keep one on hand for the rest of flu season or for next year, you can order it from Amazon here. At $49.99, it’s not cheap, but at least it confirmed what I had, and I didn’t have to drag my sick self to the doctor’s office! I’m sure some of you are thinking, “But you could get Tamiflu from the doctor!” I wouldn’t take it anyway. My stomach was sensitive enough. I didn’t need to risk feeling sick from the Tamiflu too. And as it turns out, my illness was pretty mild and short-lived, so did I really need Tamiflu? I think the fact that I had gotten my flu vaccine saved me from a worse case!

Well, the vaccine helped, plus the fact that my husband took great care of me while I was under the weather. He brought me coffee, cough drops, medicine, smoothies, soup; I have to give him credit.

So what’s the moral of this story? Get your flu vaccine. It’s not too late to get it this year. Reports of flu in North Carolina are on the rise right now, and they might not peak until February or March. While the vaccine might not keep you from catching it, it might lessen the severity of it. I feel pretty sure I had a mild case because I had the vaccine.

Oh, and wash your hands…often.

by Kelly Mattei

Moms Make Things Happen

Moms make things happen.

I just read an article in Inc. Magazine about how United Airlines lost a teenager’s luggage containing $2000 of lacrosse gear and how her mom took matters into her own hands to get it back. Because her daughter had put an Apple Air Tag tracking device in her bag, Mom could see the bag was at baggage claim in Chicago, even though the airline said it had never left Baltimore. Tired of waiting for the airline to solve the problem, she cashed in some frequent flyer miles to fly from her home in Denver to Chicago, where the bag was sitting in unclaimed baggage area, retrieved the bag, and took the bag home with her. You go, girl! You can read the article here.

I have to tell you: I wasn’t surprised one bit to read that a mother who didn’t trust the airline to get the bag back to her daughter was the one who solved the problem in her own way. Moms make things happen. No, not every mom could or would go to extremes to help their kids, but lots of us would. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t mean helping them in ways that will hurt them. I don’t mean doing their homework. I don’t mean posting on the college parents’ page asking for tutors for their college student or trying to help them find friends. I don’t mean rescuing them from every bad situation. Kids need to learn to handle things on their own. However, sometimes a teen is not equipped to handle something.

And that’s where Mom comes in.

I truly believe being a mom is the single most important job in the world. Sure, we need a president. We need doctors. We need coaches and teachers, but Mom? A good mom is multi-talented and has knowledge about lots of things. A good mom nurtures, acting as a nurse. A good mom listens, acting as a counselor. A good mom encourages, acting as a coach. A good mom teaches, acting as a teacher. A good mom protects, acting as a security officer. A good mom guides, acting as a captain. A good mom instills morals/beliefs, acting as a spiritual leader. A good mom nourishes, acting as a chef. A good mom puts in the time. A good mom does it all. A good mom makes things happen.

One thing I know for sure: my daughter knows I always have her back. I always have her best interest at heart…just like my mom did before I lost her six years ago. She knows I will hop on a plane to help her. She also knows I will not live her life for her. I wouldn’t dream of calling or emailing a college professor. I won’t try to find friends for her or tutors. She has learned her own problem-solving skills by doing things herself…and by observing over the years.

But would I catch a flight to pick up her bag filled with lacrosse gear that had been abandoned by an airline in an airport? You bet your sweet bippy!

So am I surprised the mom in Denver flew to Chicago to fetch her daughter’s bag? Not one bit.

There are, however, some lessons to be learned here. First, when you fly, ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOUR CHECKED BAG IS TAGGED FOR YOUR FINAL DESTINATION…look at the check bag tag and make sure it has “Los Angeles/LAX” (or your destination) on it before releasing it to an agent. Second lesson? Purchase some Apple Air Tags or Tile Pros to stick in your checked bags, so you know where they are! You won’t be surprised to know that, after reading about the girl’s luggage issues, I’m purchasing some Apple Air Tags and some Tile Pros for our family for Christmas. Purchase Tile Pros here. Purchase Apple Air Tags here. They make great Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers!

***As an Amazon associate, I receive commissions on items purchased through the links I provide.

by Kelly Mattei

Holiday Gifts for College Students 2023

Holiday Gifts for College Students 2023.

We have a college student in our family, and she’s pretty easy to buy for at holiday season, mostly because she sends me a list of what she wants/needs. If you have a college student on your Christmas list, you can likely make him/her happy with some of the gifts listed below:

  • Jewelry Stand. College students need items to help keep those tiny rooms organized. A jewelry stand that helps organize necklaces, bracelets, and watches? They can all use it! Get it here. It comes in several colors. For rings? Get the hand-shaped ring holder here. It also comes in several colors.

  • Bronax Cloud Slides. College students like easy-to-use, comfy footwear. Fifteen colors! Slip on. Slip off. Get it here.

  • Samsonite Freeform Spinner Carry-on. I have mentioned this one before in another category (Travel Gifts), but every college student needs a good piece of luggage. They take weekend trips. They go home occasionally. Make it easy for them. Voted “Best Overall Spinner Carry-on” by Travel and Leisure Magazine, the Samsonite spinner is durable, nice looking, and inexpensive. It comes in lots of colors, so you can pick one that’s not just like everyone else’s, making it easy to identify in the overhead bin or in the jetway. Get it here.
  • Travel Bag with Trolley Sleeve. Also mentioned in my Travel Gifts piece. Since I listed the spinner luggage, I’m telling you about a companion piece…a travel bag with a trolley sleeve that sits atop the spinner and doesn’t fall, thanks to the sleeve that goes around the handle of the spinner. I have one, and I love it. Get one for less than $30 here, and pick your color out of several.
  • Hatch Restore 2 Alarm Clock. “No more jarring alarms.” That’s how Hatch markets this product that is a sunrise alarm clock. It’s supposed to support circadian rhythms. Sounds awesome to me! Any college student will love it! It also acts as a sound machine and helps lull the recipient to sleep; that’s what it says! The recipient can also sign up for a Hatch membership that offers meditations, sleep stories, and curated wind-down channels, if desired. This special clock is not cheap, but it gets fantastic reviews. Priced at $199. Get it here.

  • Lap Desk. There’s not much space in dorm rooms or college apartments, so a lap desk comes in handy. College students have been using them for decades; I even used one way back when I was in school! Now, they are new and improved, of course. The best I have found is from LapGear, and it’s priced right at under $40. See it here.

  • Portable Safe/Lock Box. College students get lots of visitors in dorms and apartments. If they have valuables they want to keep secure, this portable safe/lockbox can be a great gift! Even if they just want to lock up their cash or jewelry, this is perfect. With the included cable, they can attach it to a fixed object…like the closet hanging bar. It has a combination lock. Purchase here.

  • Lifestraw Products. I am a big believer in Lifestraw Products. They offer a variety of water-filtering products, including water bottles and pitchers that are great for college students. I have one of the water bottles I purchased when I traveled to Panamá earlier this year, and I love it. See all Lifestraw products here. See their latest filtering water bottles here. And if your college student likes to carry a favorite water cup/bottle, you can get them them the Lifestraw filtering water pitcher for filling the favorite cup/bottles here. Highly recommend.

  • Ugg Slippers. In winter, college students want to stay cozy, and dorm/apartment floors can be cold. My daughter loves her Ugg Coquette slippers. In fact, she likely wears them outside the dorm on occasion. See the women’s Coquette slipper here. Men seem to be a little more picky about their slippers. See the Ugg selection of men’s slippers here.

  • Nestl Reading Pillow. This goes hand-in-hand with the lapdesk we posted above. If they’re going to sit in bed to read or study, they’ll need a good reading pillow. This one gets great reviews. Purchase here.

  • Ninja Portable Blender. College students don’t want appliances that take up a lot of space. Their space is limited, so a portable blender is perfect for those days they want to make a smoothie! I hate seeing coffee shop charges on my credit card, so I told our daughter to get recipes for her favorite smoothies or coffee drinks. The Ninja portable blender is great. My husband uses one regularly. Get it here.
  • Portable Speaker. College students like their tunes. My daughter loves her JBL Flip 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. She uses it all the time. Priced at about $90, it provides a big bang for the buck. Everyone knows JBL quality is great. Get it here.

  • Board Games. Sounds silly, I know, but college students love distractions, and they especially love distractions that involve their friends. Yes, people still play board games…especially young people. Some of the old greats are still great. Yahtzee? Click here. Operation? Click here. Uno? Click here. Sorry? Click here. Pictionary? Click here. Scattergories (my personal fave)? Click here.

  • Basketball. Basketball hoops are everywhere on and near college campuses. However, if you don’t have a basketball, it’s a little difficult to start a pick-up game. Give the gift of fun and friendship: a basketball. Get it at Amazon here.

  • Bliss Lights Skylite Projector. College students are under a lot of stress, so they love anything that helps them relax. The Bliss Lights Skylite Projector will do just that! Get it at Amazon here.

  • Jonathan Adler Lollipop Holder. It’s gimmicky. It’s silly. However, friends will think it’s hilarious when they visit your college student, and they’ll love knowing they can grab a lollipop any time! We keep our daughter’s stocked with Tootsie Pops. Get it here.

  • Taco Tuesday Essentials. College students living in apartments love to host friends for Taco Tuesday. Amazon has lots of fun stuff just for that! Your college student will be the host with the most! See a great Taco Tuesday set here. It serves four, but you can purchase more pieces at the link.

Hoping you found some great ideas for the college student on your list. We will likely publish another list for college students in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Happy Holiday Shopping!

by Kelly Mattei

Planning an International Vacation?

Planning an international vacation?

The world is a crazy place right now, for sure. I know lots of people who are freaking out a little about planning an international vacation. Some of them aren’t sure about the safety or peace levels in the countries they want to visit. I don’t always have answers, but I do have some websites travelers can check when they are planning their international travel…places that give information about safety and peace levels.

I just returned from a trip to Panamá City, Panamá…yes, the one in Central America. I had been to several countries in South America and Central America, but I had never visited Panamá, so I decided to go. I invited my cousin from Florida to go with me. Whenever either of us told someone from the United States that we were visiting Panamá, they acted surprised. Some of them said, “Don’t get kidnapped.” Some of them said, “Oooh…be very careful.” Lots of them asked, “Is it safe to go there?” Anyone who knows me knows I do my homework. I was in the travel business for ten years, so I know “how to do.” There are never any guarantees of safety, but I do my research before I travel anywhere, and my research on Panamá told me we would likely be safe. In my research, I learned it is one of the most stable, safe countries in Central and South America, only behind Costa Rica. Here’s what I will tell you: during the week we were there, we never felt even remotely threatened…not one time. We felt welcome, and we felt safe. In fact, I highly recommend traveling to Panamá if you’re interested in seeing a beautiful city, the Panama Canal, maybe a sloth or two…and meeting some awesome people.

If you’re considering international travel but don’t know how to check the safety and peace levels in an area you want to visit, I have some websites for you to visit:

  • Visionofhumanity.org. This website, from the Institute for Economics and Peace, says it “measures peace in a complex world.” The publication at the website is called the Global Peace Index, and it ranks the most and least peaceful countries of the world. The report also offers information about results and trends in peace, the economic impact of violence, conflict hotspots, and positive peace. You might even be a little surprised at how some countries rank. I will go ahead and tell you Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world, and Afghanistan is the least. Those people who were worried about my travel to Panamá? I’m guessing they will be surprised to learn Panamá ranks 64th in the Global Peace Index, and out of the 163 countries on the list, the United States of America ranks as the 131st most peaceful country…yikes! See the report here. It makes for a great read.
  • US Department of State–Bureau of Consular Affairs. I have used this website for years. It gives details information on different destinations. The US Dept of State issues travel advisories for every country, and often, for different regions within a country. For example, there are places in Mexico that are listed as “do not travel,” and there are other regions that are simply listed as “exercise increased caution.” You will be surprised at some of the countries that are listed in the “exercise increased caution” category…Netherlands, France, Belize, and even Costa Rica! Most of the “exercise increased caution” is due to petty crime. We have to exercise increased caution in many parts of our own country, right? And there are even parts of our country that I would list as “do not travel.” If you’d like to check out what the US Department of State has to say about the places you want to visit, see the website here. To see lots more travel information offered by the US Department of State, check out all the available information on the website. You can see the homepage and work from it here.
  • US News and World Report. US News and World Report published an article last week listing countries that should not be visited by US citizens right now. Most of the information, I believe, comes from the US Dept of State travel advisories, so you will likely see duplicate information, but because of the way it’s written, it’s easy to see the countries you should not visit. Please note that in Mexico, there are different advisory levels in different states of the country. See the article here.

Always do your research before you travel! Also, when you travel internationally, make sure you enroll in the US Department of State STEP program, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which is a service to allow US citizens traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Through this program, you can receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country. The Embassy will also know where to contact you in case of a natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency. See the website here.

Do your homework when you travel, and you are likely to be safe!

Happy Travels!

by Kelly Mattei

Traveling Out of the US?

Traveling out of the US?

In less than two weeks, my cousin and I are traveling to Panama City, Panama. We are excited. She has never been to Central America, and while I have visited Central America, I have never been to Panama. If you’re wondering how we picked Panama, I will tell you: it’s not the hot spot of the moment. I am that weird traveler who doesn’t like to go to the latest “hot spots.” Plus, I’ve never seen the Panama Canal, one of the man-made wonders of the world! So soon, we are off to Panama.

In preparation, I have done everything I can think of to prepare for our trip. I checked visa requirements and vaccine requirements/recommendations. And then, there were other things to think about: the water situation, the insect/disease situation, etc. Trust me when I say I have done my homework. If you are planning to travel to another country in Central or South America, it’s a good idea to do your own investigating prior to travel. Check vaccine recommendations here. Also, get some international travel insurance that will help you in case of medical emergency or natural disaster. I use Allianz. See their info here. Oooh…and remember to make sure your passport still has six months of validity beyond your travel dates! It’s not always required, but it is a good rule of thumb.

Aside from that, here’s what I decided to take with me:

-OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Towelettes. Malaria is alive and well in Panama. However, since we are staying in the city and the Canal Zone, we do not need to get Malaria shots. There are other mosquito-borne illnesses to consider: dengue disease and chikungunya. I don’t want either of those, so I will be slathering myself with DEET while we are there. Don’t come at me about using DEET. I’m using DEET. Purchase the four pack of 12 here. Or look at other OFF towelette options here.

-Luggage/handbag locks. It’s always a good idea to have locks on luggage/handbags when traveling. I purchased a set of four small ones that I can attach to a backpack, a handbag, or even luggage. Mostly, I’m concerned about a backpack and about my personal medications in my room. If there isn’t a safe in the room, I will lock my meds in a suitcase. The ones I bought are here. Or see lots of choices here.

–LifeStraw. I am taking some extra Original LifeStraws (shop here), and I’m taking a LifeStraw Go Series Water Filter Bottle (purchase here) for each of us. Water is different everywhere, and even though I know the water in Panama City is potable, I’d rather be safe than sorry. Fortunately, we won’t have to be constantly worried about using ice or brushing our teeth, but we can carry our own filtered water with us everywhere we go, thanks to LifeStraw.

-Hand Sanitizer. Both my cousin and I have had COVID several times, and we have both had it fairly recently. Could we get it again? I’m sure we could. However, we will have hand sanitizer with us at all times to limit our exposure to germs. No one wants to get sick on vacation. I bought Purell hand sanitizers that will attach to our handbags/backpacks. Purchase here.

-Permethrin Insect Repellent for clothes. You can’t be too careful in places where mosquitoes are likely to carry disease. Everything I read said to treat clothing with Permethrin insect repellent, so I purchased Sawyer Products Premium from Amazon for just $17.99 here. It lasts on clothes for six months or through six washes, whichever comes first. One 24-oz bottles treats five outfits (shirts/pants/socks), so I got two.

-RFID blocking card wallet. Credit card theft seems to be a problem everywhere these days. People are using RFID scanners in crowds at football games, on public transportation, and more, to steal account information. I ordered a wallet that contains RFID-blocking materials to take with me on my trip, but I will continue to use it even after I return home. There are lots of them offered on Amazon. See them here.

-Anti-theft Backpack Purse for Women. When I’m walking or shopping, I like to be hands-free, but lots of backpacks open on top or on the outside flap, making them easily accessible to passersby. I needed one that opens on the inside flap, the part that’s against my back, making it more difficult for someone to access. I purchased an inexpensive one on Amazon. See it here.

-Power Adaptors. Since Panama has the same power outlets we have in the US, it’s not an issue for us on this trip, but it can be an issue in other countries. Do your homework. Find out if the country you’re traveling to has the same. If not, purchase an adaptor before you travel. You’ll thank me. When I was a flight attendant, I had a coworker who burned off her bangs in Costa Rica.

-Comfortable shoes for walking. For daytime sightseeing, I just need to be comfortable and blister-free. I normally wear my On Cloud 5s, and I love them. In fact, I just got a new pair to take with me. You can get these lightweight sneakers here.

All these products can be found at Amazon, and yes, I earn commissions for any purchases through my links. However, I’m not recommending something I don’t really believe could be useful!

Happy shopping!

–

by Kelly Mattei

Making Memories

Making memories.

Yesterday, my daughter and I returned home from a trip to the Bahamas. We went with my college friend and her daughter. Our daughters were born about 17 months apart; her daughter is 21, and mine is almost 20. Our girls go to the same college and have been friends since they were born, but it had been a while since we had vacationed together. It was time to make new memories.

And we did.

Our friends flew out of Atlanta, and we flew out of Charlotte, so we all met at the hotel. My daughter and I arrived several hours late, but it was fine, because we got there safely, and we got there in time for dinner.

We had all sorts of plans for making special memories. We just knew we would celebrate our birthdays each night at the different restaurants where we had reservations. We thought we would likely spend some time on the beach drinking cocktails out of coconuts or pineapples. Oh, we had plans…but we were flexible.

And nothing happened the way we thought it would. In fact, the things we are most likely to remember were completely unplanned…just like always. Sure, we enjoyed our planned dinner on the first night. We even celebrated my friend’s daughter’s birthday. We also overate, so when the staff came out singing Happy Birthday, we didn’t even want dessert. We enjoyed the fountain light show. We spent time in the casino. We made new friends. Lots of the time, the girls did their own thing while we (the moms) just lounged by/in the pool all day. At 56, I’m just not good about baking in the sun for hours in tropical weather. Give me a cocktail and a pool instead…so that’s where we spent our days. The girls found a more “happening” pool (no old people!) to spend their days, and we were so glad they were having fun and making memories together.

We canceled two of our dinner reservations, because the girls made other plans. We (the moms) didn’t mind one bit. And on the last full day, the girls hung out with us in our pool cabana and in the pool. I think they were tired from the day before. We made some great memories laughing in the pool and chatting over cocktails with our girls, since they are both of legal drinking age in the Bahamas.

But the funniest memory we made on the whole trip was completely unplanned…and it was a doozy! In fact, I’m guessing I don’t know many people who can say they share this memory. Lots of people can say they have visited the Bahamas. Lots of people can say they dined at the restaurants and spent time in the casinos. Lots of people can say they met interesting people on vacation. Lots of people can say they got lots of rest or stayed out all night.

How many people can say their taxi ran out of gas on the way back to the airport in Nassau?

Well, we can! We hopped in a cab at the resort, and about five minutes later, the car swerved a little. Then it swerved again. I looked at my daughter, who was sitting next to me in the back seat. She looked confused too. And then our taxi driver said, “I think we are having a fuel problem.” A fuel problem? Like running out of gas?!?! Yep…she got us off the road just in time to run out of gas. The driver hopped out and started trying to flag down other cars, and my friend’s daughter looked at the dash. She said, “All the lights on the dash are on! Should we get out of the car? Or does that just mean we ran out of gas? Is that what happens when you run out of gas?” I replied, “I don’t know! I’ve never run out of gas!” We all laughed. My brain was working, and I knew, if all else failed, I could call my friend who works at the Nassau airport, and she could send a taxi for us, but our driver flagged one down pretty quickly. Crisis averted.

We got out of the taxi and loaded our bags in the other taxi, and we were on our way. The original taxi driver was with us, and she was apologizing profusely. I told her not to worry…we had just made a new memory!

And you know what? It’s true. We will likely remember running out of gas on the way to the airport for the rest of our lives.

Sometimes, a minor crisis becomes a funny memory, and that’s what happened here.