Category / international travel

by Kelly Mattei

The Carry-On with Removable Wheels

The Carry-On with Removable Wheels…

Recently, I had some lingering back issues. I love to hop on an airplane as much as anyone, but because of said back issues, I can no longer carry a heavy backpack or anything over five pounds for any distance. I’m simply afraid I will mess up the back again. Therefore, I need wheels on my carry-on, and I must have a carry-on, because I have some prescriptions I like to take with me when I travel. Therefore, I bought the cutest, tiny, wheeled carry-on that will fit under almost any airplane seat. I don’t say it will fit under any airplane seat, simply because there could be exceptions. However, I have flown several different aircraft with it, and it fit.

And then I ran into a problem when I was returning home from a wedding in April. I had flown into Montgomery, Alabama, for the wedding, and when I left Charlotte on the American Eagle Embraer RJ145, the gate agents and flight crew took no issue with my very small (14″) bag. In Montgomery, on the return, I walked down the jetbridge, and just as I was about to step onto the aircraft, an employee started to tag my bag. I simply said, “You’re not taking my bag. It fits under the seat.” “They told me to take anything with wheels.” “I don’t care. You’re not taking my bag. I will DRIVE back to Charlotte before I let you take it, because I know it fits under the seat. I came down on this aircraft a few days ago. This bag has my meds in it, and I will not let you take it.” He wasn’t happy about it, but he gave in once I said my meds were in it, and just as I said, it fit perfectly underneath the seat in front of me. I saw numerous people board behind me with much larger bags, but since they didn’t have wheels, they were acceptable. Whatever…

The next time I flew on a small aircraft, I was traveling with my husband, and I just packed a small duffel bag for my carry-on, because I knew he would carry it. As soon as we arrived at the airport, he complained, “Why didn’t you bring your little wheeled carry-on bag?” I explained to him that I wasn’t going to have that argument again with another agent.

When we returned home a week later, I went straight to Amazon to find a small carry-on bag with removable wheels, and I found exactly what I was looking for! At 18″, it’s a little bigger than my tiny carry-on, but it fits the dimensions of a carry-on, and I can remove the wheels! So I ordered one, and I guess it will be my carry-on when I fly on smaller planes. The wheels pop off with the touch of a button. Reattaching the wheels is pretty easy too! I promise you I will take it the next time I fly to/from Montgomery, and when that same guy tries to take my bag from the jetbridge, I will pop off the wheels, stick them in my handbag, and say, “No dice!”

This bag is great for travel and would make a great gift for anyone going to college!

You can purchase the bag with the removable wheels here.

Happy Shopping!

*As an Amazon associate, I receive commission on items purchased through my links.*

by Kelly Mattei

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Necessity is the Mother of Invention.

Over the past month, I have suffered…and I do mean suffered…with sciatica. I cancelled two vacations because of it! Anyone who knows me knows I never want to cancel a vacation.

Today, I got a cortisone injection in hopes of making it better, and just in time for a trip! I’m leaving this weekend for my first ever trip to Palm Springs, and I’m excited! I can give my checked bag to the skycap at the airport…that problem is solved. As for my carry-on? I was concerned about lifting a carry-on. And I have to have one with spinner wheels for the airport. I searched and found a solution…a rolling carry-on bag that will fit underneath the seat! Let’s gooooo!

If you need a rolling carry-on that will fit underneath *most* airline seats, this could be the one for you! Or it would make a great gift for someone who needs it! Maybe your mom or your grandmother or someone you know with back issues (like me!). Mine will arrive just in time for my trip!

Get it from Amazon here. It’s offered in lots of colors!

***As an Amazon associate, I receive commissions from my items purchased through my links.***

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

My Favorite Everyday Jewelry

My favorite everyday jewelry. *As an Amazon Associate, I receive commission on items purchased through my links.*

I’m giving away some real secrets today!

This past weekend, I met a few friends from college for a weekend full of laughs, memories, drinks, food, and new memories! It’s always fun to get together with people I have known most of my life. I’m very fortunate to have maintained friendships with people I met in college 40 years ago. Did I mention we laugh a lot when we get together?!? Well, we do.

When I travel, whether I’m meeting friends for lunch or traveling, I like to keep the jewelry simple. That doesn’t mean I don’t wear pieces I love. I just like to have some things that will work with anything I wear, so I don’t have to take as much. Also, I find those same pieces are my “fall back” pieces when I’m in a hurry to get somewhere in Charlotte or when I can’t make a decision.

The best thing about them? They’re inexpensive! If I leave them behind somewhere, it’s no disaster. I also get lots of compliments on them. For those reasons and lots more, I highly recommend these pieces:

  • Earrings. Trendy CZ Gold Hoop Earrings for Women. These earrings come in lots of colors, but my favorites for traveling are the multicolor ones, simply for ease. They match everything. They’re not too big but not too small, and I receive countless compliments on them. Best of all? They are only $13.99! I have several pairs of the multicolor ones, and I also have them in pink, green, and blue. ***Also great earrings for sorority rush if you’re still wondering what to take/send/wear!***Purchase here.

  • Necklace. Again, a piece I receive countless compliments on, and again, inexpensive…only $7.99! It’s big enough to be noticed, but not big enough to be the only thing people see. Purchase here.

  • Bangle Bracelets. A trio of bangle bracelets for about $20. Sure, they’re costume jewelry, but they fill a need and dress up an ensemble! Get them here.

There you have it. Some of my best-kept secrets…divulged. Purchase while supplies last!

by Kelly Mattei

Prime Days: Passport Holder With Airtag

You think you don’t need a passport holder with Airtag, but you do. I know this, because my husband lost his passport last month in the airport as we were beginning a trip…or maybe I should say “as we were attempting to begin a trip.” The vacation didn’t happen, because he dropped the passport in the airport and didn’t recover it. He had to apply for a new one, meaning he literally had to go through the application process again.

If we had put his passport in a passport holder with an Airtag, we likely would have recovered it immediately and been able to take the trip. Seriously, get it today!

Now everyone in our family has a passport holder with an Airtag. Get it now. And because it’s inexpensive, go ahead and get them for everyone on your holiday list. It comes in several colors and makes a great gift. Get it now with a Prime Days deal TODAY here.

*Amazon Associate. We receive commissions for items purchased through our links.

by Kelly Mattei

Amazon Prime Days Deals on Beats Studio Pro with Apple Care+ (2 Years) Headphones

Amazon Prime Days Deals on Beats Studio Pro with Apple Care+ (2 Years) Headphones

Get them while they last! This deal is 50% off the Beats Studio Pro Headphones, and two years of Apple Care+ is included! Regularly $378.99, you can get these now for $188.95 in various colors! Have a college student in the family? Have a teenager? Frequent traveler? These Beats Studio Pro with Apple Care+ Headphones are a steal! Purchase them now here.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS GREAT DEAL NOW WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

*We receive commissions on items purchased through our links.*

by Kelly Mattei

Today’s Big Prime Day Deals

Today’s big Prime Day deals! Get them while they last! Limited quantities…

  • Baboon to the Moon Mini Go-Bag. It’s called “mini,” but at 32 liters, it’s not small. I use it as a carry-on for all flights. It’s durable, and it comes in lots of great colors. Carry it as a backpack or a duffle…its versatile. I have been using these bags for years, and every time I use it, at least one person asks me where they can get them. They’re a great deal anytime, but at 25% off? It’s a no-brainer. Makes a great gift for anyone. I love mine. My 21-yr-old daughter loves hers. My 79-yr-old aunt loves hers. Even my husband doesn’t mind carrying mine. I think it’s time to get him his own. This one is HIGHLY recommended. Several colors are on sale between $123 and $127. You won’t regret this purchase. Get one for $123.25 in red/black/orange/yellow/grey here. Or get a specialty color like Lime Breeze or Sunset Coral for under $127 here.

  • Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee and Espresso Machine by De’Longhi with Milk Frother, Ink Black This is not something I ever thought would purchase, but our college-age daughter is home for the summer and had to have one. She will be taking it to her college apartment when summer is over. Get one now for 35% off during Amazon Prime Days with your Prime membership. I paid $219 for hers, but you can get it for $142.99 while supplies last. Purchase here.
  • Women’s Sandals Peep Toe Slides Chunky Heel Mules. Not gonna lie…these are some of my favorite “dupe” shoes this summer, and I bought them at full price in three colors! I’m going to get a few more while they’re on sale! I have white, black, nude, and hot pink, and I love them all. Right now, every color is $38.04 or less with your Prime membership. Get them here.

  • Away Bigger Carry-On Luggage, Lightweight Hardside Large Suitcase with Spinner Wheels, TSA Lock, Airline Approved. Y’all, Away Luggage is rarely discounted. If you’ve been wanting it, get it now. It’s great luggage and is backed up by a great warranty. Right now, you can get this bag for 20% off…almost unheard of! It makes a great holiday or birthday gift, so purchase here.

  • St.Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzer Mousse Foam, Original Fake Tan Love a tan, but don’t have the time or want to sit in the sun? I swear by St Tropez self-tan products. Amazon Prime Days has a great deal on this product at 30% off, while supplies last. Get it here.


MORE DEALS TO COME! I’M WORKING AS FAST AS I CAN!

***As an Amazon Associate, I receive commissions on products purchased through my links.***

by Kelly Mattei

Amazon Prime Deal on JBL Ear Buds

These get their own post…I love these JBL Vibe wireless ear buds and use them every day. They’re actually comfortable, unlike some other brands, and they produce great sound! Get the black or white ones for $34.95 during Prime Days…that’s 30% off! Purchase here. While supplies last!

by Kelly Mattei

The Best Pill Bottle Organizer for Travel and Home

The best pill bottle organizer for travel and home (and it makes a great graduation gift!).

This week, I found the best pill bottle organizer bag for home and travel! I know there are lots of people who don’t have any regular prescriptions, but a pill bottle organizer bag is great for essential over-the-counter meds too! Just recently, at spring break, my college-age daughter found herself feeling ill, but she had not taken any pain or nausea medications with her! I couldn’t believe she was traveling without essentials like her Zofran prescription, but she was. That’s when I first thought about a pill bottle organizer…one for her and one for me. Anyone who is a mom knows it’s always up to us to provide the meds for our families at home and when traveling.

For years, I have carried all those pill bottles (my prescriptions and over-the-counter meds) in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. I always put that big Ziploc bag in my carry-on bag when I travel, because who wants an airline losing their medications?! On a recent trip, though, I realized that’s probably not the best way to carry my meds and vitamins. I was at a hotel, and one of my prescriptions had fallen out of the Ziploc bag into my carry-on bag. I panicked when I didn’t see it in the Ziploc, but I found it when I looked in my carry-on, and I realized I must have left an opening in the Ziploc in my haste. I needed to do something different.

When I returned home, I went online to Amazon to look for a pill bottle organizer bag. In fact, I wish I had thought of this sooner for me and my daughter! It would make a great graduation gift! I know young ladies don’t think they need to carry medications with them, but they do need to carry the essentials when they travel, and they need to have them in their dorm rooms and apartments! I wanted something soft that had slots for medications but wouldn’t take up too much room in my carry-on bag. Of course, Amazon had exactly what I needed! In fact, I have already put my medications in it, so I’m ready for a trip! I’m leaving the meds in the organizer all the time, so I can use it at home and just zip it closed when it’s time to travel.

You can see the one I purchased here, and I highly recommend it! It’s soft-sided, and it won’t take up a lot of room in my carry-on bag, but it has plenty of room for my essential meds and extras like Tylenol, Advil, nausea meds, vitamins, seasonal allergy meds, eye drops, and more. Yes, I actually carry anything I can think of, because who wants to try to find a pharmacy when you’re traveling? I like to try to have everything on hand. This particular “organizer” comes in two colors: Misty Rose and Black. I opted for the Misty Rose, because in a dark carry-on, it’s easier for my 57-yr-old eyes to see something lighter.

I like using it at home, and I am leaving town tomorrow, so it will be my first trip with my new pill organizer!


I highly recommend purchasing this pill bottle organizer here for yourself and anyone on your list for graduation gifts! At under $30, it’s a deal! To give it to someone graduating from high school, you can add some essentials: Tylenol, Advil, antacids, over-the-counter seasonal allergy meds, and maybe a pill cutter. (Purchase a pill cutter here.)

***As an Amazon Associate, I receive commissions on items purchased through my links.***