Category / vacation

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

When I Was a Kid…

When I was a kid…

***Feature photo from ABC News***

When I was growing up, I heard adults (including my parents) start sentences with “when I was a kid” all the time. As a teenager, I would hear it and think, “Everything’s not like it was in the 1950s!” Now, I catch myself saying it.

We are staying in a rental beach condo for the long weekend. Our college student daughter and a friend met us here. Yesterday, my daughter texted me at 8:30am, asking, “What is that noise?” I thought it was probably people at the elevator, so I told her to turn on white noise to drown it out. This morning, she texted me again, “I hear kids outside my window again.” Her window faces the hallway. I decided to investigate, expecting to find people talking while waiting for the elevator.

I opened the door and stepped into the hallway, and I was surprised to find four little boys…ages approximately 3, 4, 8, and maybe 10…playing in the hall. Yes, playing in the hall. Don’t get me wrong. I love when children play, but in the hallway of a hotel-type building? No, thank you.

This is where “when I was a kid” comes in. When I was a kid, my parents had very strict rules about hotels. We were not allowed to run and play in hotel hallways. We were not allowed to talk loudly in the hallway or even in the room…no indoor “horseplay” at all. We were not allowed to play on the elevators. We were allowed to play as much as we wanted in the pool and in resort play areas. It was about respecting the other hotels guests. We didn’t want to disturb them. My husband and I held our daughter to the same standard and had the same rules. We didn’t even have to “enforce” the rules, because she understood she wasn’t supposed to do those things. Not once in my life have I ever had someone ask me to hold down the noise in a hotel.

I know I’m not alone about this rude behavior, because I read an article about the “most annoying” hotel guests, and you can read it here.

That brings me back to the kids in the hall. I was on the phone with a friend when the kids were playing in the hallway today, so I asked my friend what she thought. She told me her parents had the same rules as mine, and she and her husband have the same rules for their kids. Apparently, the parents of the kids in the hall this morning don’t have the same rules.

There is no way I would admonish them, but I decided to speak nicely with them. I stepped outside where the four kids under ten were playing and said, “Hey guys! I have a favor to ask. Do you mind holding the noise down a little? My kids are trying to sleep in the room right here.” They said, “Yes ma’am.” And I said, “Thank you so much. Y’all are very sweet.”

And you know what? They actually kept the noise down! They were good kids. It wasn’t their fault their parents were allowing them to engage in the most annoying hotel guest behavior. When I was a kid, that wouldn’t have happened on my parents’ watch.

by Kelly Mattei

Someone On Your List Wants Barbie™ x Stanley Quenchers

Someone on your list wants Barbie x Stanley Quenchers. Now there’s a collaboration with the Barbie brand, celebrating 65 years of Barbie! Barbie x Stanley! These are hot items this holiday season! See all eight variations here. This is a great opportunity to get the perfect gift for the people on your list who love Barbie, or Stanley, or both! Get them before they’re gone! Use your Amazon Prime membership for free shipping!

  • Stanley x Barbie™ Icon 40 Oz Quencher Icon is the key word here, because this one is iconic! This beauty features the iconic Barbie logo in…you guessed it…pink! This 40-oz Quencher is priced at $60 and makes a great gift! Get it here.

  • Stanley X Barbie™ ’60s Twist ’N Turn Quencher 40 Oz With a soft, sorbet gradient and tangerine lid and straw combo, this vibrant Barbie Quencher captures the movement that made the Twist ‘N Turn Barbie doll so striking! Great colors and great for the Barbie collector too! Get it here.

  • Stanley x Barbie™ ’80s Rockers Quencher 40 Oz Inspired by the Barbie and the Rockers dolls, the Rockers Quencher features bright, retro graphics that are ready to rock. In a new wave style that is quintessentially Barbie, this unstoppable Quencher is born to lead. Purchase here.

  • Stanley x Barbie™ ’70s Superstar Quencher 40 Oz The hot pink and purple gradient of the Superstar Quencher is all about glitz and glam. A pattern of gold, dainty stars echo the sparkle and star-shaped stand of the Superstar Barbie doll. Purchase here.

  • Stanley x Barbie™ ’80s Western Ken Quencher 40 Oz Lasso your own Western Ken Quencher in a Midnight-black. With a print that mimics the contrast stitching and silver buckle showcased on the Western Ken doll, stand tall — adventure’s calling. Purchase here.

  • Stanley x Barbie™ ’80s Dynamite Quencher 40 Oz Rich colors, gold accents and disco lights of the Dynamite Quencher celebrate the first Black Barbie doll. Iconic in every way, the Dynamite Barbie doll debuted in a vibrant red bodysuit and wrap skirt with glamorous jewelry and star quality poses to shine. Purchase here.

  • Stanley x Barbie™ ’80s Rockers Quencher 40 Oz Inspired by the Barbie and the Rockers dolls, the Rockers Quencher features bright, retro graphics that are ready to rock. In a new wave style that is quintessentially Barbie, this unstoppable Quencher is born to lead. Purchase here.

  • Stanley x Barbie™ Icon 30 Oz Quencher The Barbie Icon Quenchers arrive in a bright pop of Barbie pink to celebrate shining bright together and creating limitless possibilities for all. This one holds 10 few ounces than the others, so it’s easier to carry and costs less! Purchase here.

These won’t last long! Take advantage of this opportunity to make lots of people on your list happy. Granddaughters? Check! Daughters? Check! Cousins? Friends? Moms? Check..check…and CHECK!

HAPPY SHOPPING!

by Kelly Mattei

Best Items I Purchased On Amazon This Year

Best items I purchased on Amazon this year (so far).

The year’s not over, but for those who might want to do some holiday shopping, I have listed more than 20 of my “best purchases” to share, starting in January of 2024. It’s a big mix of price points and products. You might have seen some of them before, but there are likely some you haven’t seen! These would make great gifts for family, friends, or party hosts/hostesses! Here we go…

  • Amazon Fire TV. I purchased one for my daughter’s bedroom at school and then turned around and purchased one for use on our back patio! At $99 right now, you cannot beat the deal on this Smart TV! Get it here.
  • Bible Jar. It’s a little thing that can make a big difference. I sent one to my daughter, and I sent one to myself too! Inside the jar are Bible verses that are color-coded to your needs. Feeling anxious? Angry? Happy? Sad? Lonely? It’s all there, and you can just pull out a color-coded verse. It makes a great gift. Right now it’s priced under $15. Get it at Amazon here.
  • Lolavie Glossing Detangler. I love this stuff! It makes my hair smooth and shiny, and it doesn’t take much to get the desired effect! I stumbled upon it as a free gift when I purchased something, and then I had to go buy it at Amazon! Get it here.

  • Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Terry Joggers. Y’all, I feel like I’m walking around in my pajamas when I go out in these, but they aren’t pajamas. They’re just that comfortable! Pair them with a tunic sweater, and they’re great for airline travel. Priced at $19. Get them here.
  • Colorful Crystal Hoop Earrings. Sure, I have some nicer earrings, but these are colorful and match almost everything! These are great for travel, because you can wear them with so many things, day or night! They’re priced right at under $15, so if you lose one, you won’t sweat it. In fact, go ahead and buy two pairs on the front end! Get them here.
  • Seekway Water Shoes. I ordered these on a whim right before we went to the Bahamas, and after we got there, I realized how smart I was! Wow! I could walk around the beach and sandbars without worrying about stepping on sharp objects. I love them! They come in lots of colors, and the price is right! Get them here.
  • Foot Massager. This is listed as a foot massager, but it’s more of a TENS machine for the feet, and I love it. It folds up nicely in my suitcase, so I can take it anywhere I go! When I have been on my feet all day, it helps my feet and legs relax. Or if I’m struggling with Restless Leg Syndrome at night, this will sometimes help. Priced under $40, and there’s an 8% off coupon you can use with it at time of writing. Get it here.
  • Neoprene Socks. This goes back to a trip to the Bahamas. I purchased these neoprene socks to wear under my fins when I’m snorkeling, so the fins don’t rub blisters on my heels or toes. They work great, and they’re even helpful when walking on the beach too. Priced under $15 at time of writing. Get them here.
  • Personal Air Cooler. Sometimes, hotel air conditioners just don’t get the job done. A fan helps, but a personal air cooler really helps. It’s the difference in good sleep and no sleep. This one is small enough to fit into my suitcase, and from the nightstand, it blows cool air directly on my face or the back of my neck. I love it. Highly recommend, and it’s 30% off right now! Get it here.
  • Yukon Charlie’s Hammerhead Sled. Greatest sled ever made, if you’re asking me! We have enjoyed Yukon Charlie’s Hammerhead Sleds for years! It’s fast, sturdy, and somewhat steerable. At $199, it’s expensive, but the kids will love it if it snows! Get it here.
  • JBL Vibe Beam or JBL Vibe Buds. I have purchased both of these wireless ear buds, and I love both of them. I guess it’s just personal preference. I can tell you this…I will not purchase any more Apple Air Pods. I lose them too easily, and these are much less expensive and more comfortable. Get the Beam here. Get the Buds here.
  • Stitch Gun, Tagging Gun for Clothes. Y’all, how did I live without this?!?! It has saved me so many times since I purchased it! Dress too low cut? Put a stitch in it! Bra strap keeps showing? Stitch the shirt to it! And yes, i have hemmed pants with it when necessary. Sooo many uses! I love it! Highly recommend! Get it here.
  • Milani Violet Eyelash Primer. I have tried “high dollar” eyelash primers and none have worked as well as this one. This is a secret I almost kept to myself, but you can get it here! It would make a great stocking stuffer!
  • CorDx TyFast 10 Mins Flu A/B & Covid-19 test. Quick and easy! I used this last week when I needed to know if what I had was a cold, the flu, or Covid. It was a cold. I used something similar earlier this year to find out I had flu, but this one is much less expensive. Keep this in your house this winter! Get it here!
  • Window Alarm System 4-Pack. For peace of mind, I got these for my daughter and all her college roommates. It’s easy to install! Get it here.
  • Dr. Barbara Sturm Glow Cream. This is not something I purchased myself, but someone gifted it to me! It’s expensive, but I love it. I use it very sparingly, because it is so expensive. Someone on your list would likely love it! Get it here.
  • Arched Floor Mirror. My daughter needed a full-length mirror for her bedroom in her apartment, and this one does not have to be mounted to the wall. It comes with a stand! Get it here!
  • Round Nightstand Table. When I purchased this for our daughter’s apartment, I thought it was probably going to be junky, but it’s not! She loves it! It required some easy assembly. It looks great in her room! Get it here.
  • Pietro Simone Skincare Dewy Reboot. This serum, while pricy, uses peptides to provide an “intense epidermis reboot.” Love this stuff. A little goes a long way. It would be a great gift for the person who wouldn’t spend it on themselves. Get it here.
  • Rainbow Loom. Hands down, this is one of the greatest inventions ever for kids of all ages. My daughter got her first Rainbow Loom in elementary school. Now that she is a junior in college, she will still pick it up and make some silly rubberband bracelets to relax. It’s a great gift and inexpensive! Get it here.
  • Pawland Wooden Freestanding Pet Gates. My friend, Meg, told me about these when I was complaining about our dogs hanging out in our dining room. These solved the problem! I highly recommend these if you want to make certain spaces off limits to your pets. Get it here.
  • Peter Thomas Roth Instant Eye Tightener. Yes, I bought it, and yes, it works. It’s temporary, but it does work. I had some friends over this summer, and they liked it so much that they went out and bought some too! I haven’t purchased the face tightener, but they said it works too! Get the eye tightener here, and the face tightener here.
  • Hollywood Vanity Mirror. Another purchase for our daughter’s bedroom in her apartment, she uses this every day. Easy setup and operation. Get it here.
  • Credit Card Holder Wallet with RFID protection. I bought one of these for myself when I went to Mexico City earlier this year. Then, one day, my daughter’s friend saw it when we were at dinner, and she loved it! She thought it was a designer label. I ended up ordering them for my daughter and her friend! They make great gifts, and they’re inexpensive. Get the credit card holder here. And the larger credit card wallet here.
  • Thermacell Patio Mosquito Protection. It works! This small machine and its cartridges protect you from mosquitoes. I know, because it even works for me, and mosquitoes seek me out in a crowd! It’s a great gift! Get it here.
  • Deco 79 Recycled Glass Tall Vase. I needed a tall vase for my foyer, and this one did the trick! We love it! Get it here!
  • Meiz Pregnancy Pillow. No, I’m not pregnant. I’m 57, but I love this pregnancy pillow. I have used other brands, but this one is my all time favorite. I sleep so much better with this pillow. The only problem? I can’t travel with it. And yes, it’s also great for pregnant women! Get one here.
  • Lenox Blue Bay Colors Dinnerware. I changed colors in my kitchen this year. I have another “nicer” set of everyday dinnerware, but I wanted to add this to mix and match. I love them. Get them here.
  • Naturalizer Womens Amble Block Heel Loafer. Y’all, these look way more expensive than they are, and I love the tall block heel. They have a little platform, too, so the heel doesn’t feel as tall. I have worn them with pants, but now that it’s getting cooler, I will wear them with dresses and tights too! Get them here.
  • SANTINY Womens Joggers. These are stretchy but look better than joggers, if that makes sense. They almost look like dressier pants. I have them in two camouflage shades and black, and they look great with sweaters or blouses…or even a denim top or jacket. Get them here.

Happy Shopping! All these items have been great purchases (or gifts) for me! ***I might receive commission on items purchased from Amazon through my 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

Mommy, Mom, Mama, Mother…

Mommy, Mom, Mama, Mother…

All of my adult life, I called my mother “Mother,” except when I was upset. As a little girl, I called her “Mama,” but if I called her that as an adult, it had special meaning. If I called her and started the conversation with “Mama,” I’m sure she knew there was some emotion attached to it. Calling her “Mama” meant lots of different things. It might have meant my daughter wasn’t feeling well. It could mean I was sick, or my husband was sick. It could mean I was upset about something or worried about something. But it could also mean I was excited about something…as in, “Mama, you’re not going to believe this!”

Yesterday was the sixth anniversary of my mother’s passing. Six years without my Mama. I miss her every day, but I especially miss her when emotions run high. Often, I wish I could call her so she could be excited with me, help me with something, or calm me down in a volatile situation. I wish I could ask her for advice when I need it. She was a natural nurturer. She gave good advice, but most of the time, she got me to use my own judgment by nudging me in the right direction. She was a firm believer that it was always a good idea to do the right thing. She also believed we needed to do what was right for ourselves. Many times, when I was younger, she would ask, “Are you doing that because it’s the right thing for you, or because you’re being pressured into it?” She was the voice of reason.

While she has been gone for six years, I still hear her voice in my head on a regular basis. She is still with me. Could I still use her here to talk me down when I’m upset? Yes, definitely. But how many times do I say to friends and family, “Mother would have loved this.” Or maybe, “My mother would have said….” She is still with me, without a doubt. I miss so much about her. I miss the way she listened to me and everyone else she knew. I miss her sense of humor…and it was really good. I miss her strength…her calm. I miss her perspective…how she knew most things we worry about don’t really matter…life, faith, health, death…those were the things that mattered. A bad grade on a test in college? She didn’t care…learn from the experience. She believed life was one big series of lessons, and she was correct.

Last night, I had a social event to attend. Mother would have loved it…a fun party. She loved spending time with young people and she especially loved seeing young people having fun. She loved having energy around her. There were lots of young people having a lot of fun at this particular event. I got home late, and my husband and I did the “post game wrap up” of the event while I enjoyed Bailey’s on the rocks in honor of Mother. That woman loved coffee her whole adult life, and she especially loved Bailey’s in her coffee. While it was too late for me to have Bailey’s and coffee, it wasn’t too late for a little Bailey’s on the rocks. In fact, I was a little hoarse from talking so much at the party, but the Bailey’s was soothing…a good way to wind down before bed…just like talking to Mother used to be.

In a couple of weeks, I’m traveling to Mexico City with a friend for a few days. It was one of Mother’s favorite places. She traveled there with me right before I got married. I had been a couple of times before, and I could hardly wait to share it with her. She loved everything about it…the food, the people, the culture, the architecture, the cathedral at the Zocalo…but afterward, she especially loved the memories we had made. We laughed and laughed, after the fact, about my forcing her to walk up the hill to Chapultepec Castle in the first few hours we were there. The elevation is real. Mexico City is about 7,400 feet above sea level, but I didn’t think about that when I said, “Let’s walk up the hill!” After walking uphill for a while, she told me I was crazy and hopped on the tram. We laughed and laughed. I can hardly wait to share the city with my friend, and while we are there, I will remember my mother too. I’m sure I will share stories about Mother with my friend.

Six years have passed in the blink of an eye. She didn’t see my nephew graduate from college and start his path as an adult, using his artistic talents as a tattoo artist…exactly what he wants to do. She didn’t know his twin brother works for the city and still does the announcing at sporting events…exactly what he wants to do. She didn’t see our daughter graduate from high school, and didn’t get to see her as a college student. Sometimes, it seems like forever since I have seen her, and sometimes, it seems like yesterday. Life is funny that way.

I miss you, Mama.

by Kelly Mattei

Let’s Walk…It’s Not That Far

Let’s walk…it’s not that far.

This morning, I woke up to find a message on Facebook Messenger from my friend, Angela. She and I have been friends for 35+ years. We have been through a lot together. We have changed a lot over the years, but one thing has remained consistent: my need to walk…and walk fast. This was what she sent me this morning:

It will likely happen again this weekend, when she and I visit Tuscaloosa for the Alabama/LSU game. I will say, “Let’s walk down and see our friends! It’s not far!” And off we will go. I’m sure she will be thinking, “Right. Not far.” Add in the fact that I’m fast walker, and she’s a not-so-fast walker. I’m sure she hates it, but I can’t help myself! I love to walk! Until I had sciatica this year, I thought walking was my superpower! Now, I just consider it my superpower that needs to be rebuilt.

Last month, I visited Panamá with my cousin, Patti. I always research a place before I visit, and I had done good research on things to see and do in Panamá City, Panamá. I never overschedule, because really, I’m not a type A personality. I like to go with the flow. I like to fly by the seat of my pants. However, I do like to do at least one cool thing each day on vacation. One thing I wanted to do in Panamá was visit Cerro Ancon, also known as Ancon Hill. It’s a hill just on the edge of the city that offers a great opportunity to see wildlife (toucans, sloths, agoutis, and more), and it also offers a beautiful view of the entire city from one side of the hill. The other side offers a gorgeous view of the Panamá Canal. I had read that it’s not a difficult hike. It’s paved. It’s a gradual ascent.

On day three of our stay in the city, my cousin and I set off early one drizzly morning for Cerro Ancon. We had hired a “bodyguard” to take us anywhere we wanted to go, and he went with us too. The starting point of the hike is at a place called Mi Pueblito, which is a mock village depicting three Panamanian cultures. It’s a cool starting point, and a very sweet gentleman showed us around the mock villages before we started our hike. Then we started “climbing,” which, to me, meant “walking.” I told the cousin, “It’s one mile up and one mile down…no biggie.” That’s what I had read! However, somehow it turned out to be more like two miles up and two miles down, I think…with lots of stairs to climb too. As we walked, I would encourage her by saying, “It’s not much more, cousin.” Then, we would round a curve only to see more road and stairs ahead of us. She would say, “Sure…not much more. Grrrr.” Seriously, I had no idea it was as long as it was, and the more we walked, the madder Patti got at me. I made light of it, but I think she was really mad. We saw several beautiful toucans, lots of agoutis (they look like small capybaras), and at the very top of the hill, we saw a sloth! A real live sloth in the wild! That was my goal of the whole climb…to see a sloth in the wild! Well, that, and I wanted to get photos of the incredible views. Mission accomplished!

For the rest of the weeklong trip, my cousin cussed me for that adventure. She was not happy with her walking cousin, but I jokingly pretended I didn’t notice. I said to her, “Aren’t you glad you did it? Otherwise, you wouldn’t have seen the sloth!” I got a few looks from her, but she has to love me, because I’m her cousin. Plus, she does have one heck of a sense of humor, and thankfully, she laughed at BOTH of us pretty regularly during that trip.

I know we will always have memories of Ancon Hill.

If you’re considering walking any distances, I recommend you wear some good shoes. I prefer On Cloud 5 sneakers. You can purchase them on Amazon here. I take out the factory insoles and replace them with Dr Scholl’s insoles you can purchase from Amazon here. If you need a good travel cane, I recommend this one from Amazon…purchase here. I purchased it in pink when I was suffering with sciatica. I never had to use it, but it was nice to know I had it if I needed it, since I didn’t want sciatica to keep me from doing the things I wanted to do.

**As an Amazon Associate, I might receive small compensation if you purchase through my links.

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.