Why This Half-Tray Topper Is My Absolute Favorite Bogg Bag Accessory

If you own a Bogg Bag, you already know it is an absolute game-changer for everything from beach trips and boat days to sporting events and weekend getaways. But as much as I adore how much these bags can carry, there was always one minor struggle: holding my drinks, phone, or snacks on top without digging through the bag or setting things down in the sand or grass.

That is until I discovered the half-tray topper for Bogg Bags, and honestly? I LOVE IT.

If you have been looking for the best Bogg Bag accessories to organize your setup without sacrificing easy access to your gear, here is why this half-tray topper is a total must-have.

The Game-Changer: Why the Half Tray Works Best

When shopping for Bogg Bag trays or toppers, you will see options that cover the entire top of the tote. While a full lid turns your bag into a complete tabletop, it also means you have to completely remove the top every single time you need a towel, sunscreen, or a fresh pair of sunglasses.

That is why the half-tray design is pure genius.

By covering only half of the bag, it gives you a dedicated, sturdy surface for your essential items while leaving the other half open. You can still reach right into your bag without disturbing whatever is resting on top!

Fits Both Medium & Large Bogg Bags Perfect

One of the best things about these toppers is that they are available for both the Medium (Baby Bogg) and Large (Original Bogg) sizes!

• For My Medium Bogg Bag: I ordered the Black Half Tray Topper for Medium Bogg Bags. It fits like a glove on my medium tote, giving me an instant mini-tabletop right at my fingertips. I use it to keep my phone up out of the dirt, hold my drink steady, and lay out quick snacks.

• As a Gift for Large Bogg Bags: I was so obsessed with mine that I immediately got one for my son’s girlfriend, Natalie, who carries the Large Bogg Bag. I snagged her the White Half Tray Topper for Large Bogg Bags. The sleek white look against her bag looks incredible, and because it’s also the half-tray style, she can easily grab what she needs from inside the bag without taking the top off.

4 Reasons You Need a Half Tray Topper for Your Bogg Bag

1. Instant Cup Holder & Snack Station

No more resting your drink precariously on top of towels or setting it in the grass where it can tip over! It keeps your tumblers, cans, and snacks upright, clean, and within arm's reach.

2. Dual Access (No Constant Unclipping!)

The half-size layout lets you reach in to grab your wallet, keys, or extra layers out of the open side while keeping your drinks and phone safe on the tray side.

3. Keeps Gear Off the Sand & Ground

Whether you are sitting sidelines at a soccer game or spending the day at the pool, keeping your phone, car keys, and sunglasses off the hot ground or dirty grass is a huge plus.

4. Lightweight, Waterproof & Easy to Clean

Just like the Bogg Bag itself, these EVA material toppers are super durable and completely waterproof. If a drink spills or sticky snack crumbs get on it, you just rinse it off with water or wipe it clean in seconds!

The Verdict: A Must-Have Bogg Bag Upgrade

If you are looking to upgrade your bag functionality or looking for the perfect gift for a fellow Bogg Bag lover, this half-tray topper is hands-down one of the most useful attachments you can buy.

Check out the links below to grab yours on Amazon:

• Get the Black Half-Tray Topper for Medium Bogg Bags Here

• Get the White Half-Tray Topper for Large Bogg Bags Here

Share Your Bogg Bag Setup!

What are your favorite Bogg Bag accessories and attachments? Do you prefer the half-tray or full-lid style? Let us know in the comments below!

Las Vegas Traditions, Shows, and Desert Heat: Our Annual Vegas Trip Recap

Every year, we look forward to our annual trip to Las Vegas to celebrate Cameron's mom (affectionately known by our streaming community as Momma Cab!). This getaway is always a highlights reel of family time, Vegas entertainment, and our favorite traditions.

For this trip, Cameron and I flew in a day early to take advantage of a free night at the MGM Grand before moving over to Tahiti Village for the rest of the week.

If you are looking for a resort that feels like an oasis away from the main Strip chaos, Tahiti Village is incredible. As someone with Celiac disease, eating out for every meal on vacation can be stressful and risky. Staying at Tahiti Village allows us to have a full kitchen so we can cook our own meals, making it the absolute safest option for me. I placed a grocery pickup order before we arrived, and Cameron rented us a car. I made breakfast every single morning, a routine Momma Cab quickly grew to love! We did a fantastic job sticking to home-cooked meals (though we did treat ourselves to ice cream a few times).

Lazy River Pro-Tip for Tahiti Village

The absolute star of Tahiti Village is their massive lazy river! While the resort provides their own inner tubes, it gets packed quickly during peak hours, and guests often end up waiting in line for an open tube.

Pro-Tip: You are allowed to bring your own personal inner tubes, as long as the bottom of the tube is clear/see-through! Fortunately, Momma Cab brought a few of her own, which saved us so much time while the resort was bustling.

If you want more information about booking or staying at Tahiti Village, reach out to Cameron at Olson Travel Group!

Winning Big on Shows with VetTix

Our original plan for the week was to just relax, but we scored BIG time on VetTix! For any Veterans or first responders who haven't signed up yet, you are missing out. Make sure to check out VetTix to secure discounted and complimentary tickets for events across the country.

Thanks to VetTix, our week was packed with world-class entertainment:

• Awakening at the Wynn: We took an autonomous Zoox ride from Excalibur to the Wynn for this incredible show, while Cameron (CabinetTerror6) did an IRL stream on Twitch alongside TravelWives and Momma Cab! We had front row seats for this one. It was a truly great show, and we would definitely go see it again!

• Mad Apple by Cirque du Soleil at New York-New York: Another fantastic production! Even though our seats were a little obstructed, we had zero complaints. It was definitely a good show and a really fun time overall.

• Criss Angel Mindfreak at Planet Hollywood: We were super excited for this one! There were a few odd parts of the performance that felt a bit slow, but overall it was a good show and Criss Angel definitely came across as a great person.

• Preacher Lawson at Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club: Absolutely hilarious! Both Preacher and Momma Lawson had us laughing the entire time (there was one other comedian who was great too, though we unfortunately missed his name). The absolute best part? Preacher stayed after the set and took pictures with every single person in line. He is such a cool guy, truly cares about meeting his fans, and we will definitely go see him live again!

• Trace Adkins at Sunset Station Outdoor Amphitheater in Henderson: An incredible outdoor concert experience! Rocking out to classic country hits under the Nevada night sky was the perfect way to wrap up our entertainment lineup.

Hoover Dam, Dotty's Casino, and Tahitian Nights

Thursday was our big exploration day, despite the scorching Las Vegas heat reaching 110° to 120°!

We drove out toward the Hoover Dam, making a quick pit stop at Dotty's Casino along the way. Cameron and I had stopped at this spot back in March and had a blast. This time, Cameron spotted a Roomba in their prize catalog listed for 34,410 points. It seemed totally doable, so I got to work playing to reach the goal.

Once we reached the target points and went to redeem it, the casino staff informed us that someone had put the wrong tag on the item; the actual cost was 549,000 points! Even after calling the manager and corporate, and despite us taking photos of their mislabeled display, they offered zero compensation or accommodation for the error. It was definitely a disappointing situation, but we didn't let it ruin our day.

From there, we took in the impressive sights at the Hoover Dam, headed back to the resort to check out the local vendors at Tahiti Village's "Tahitian Nights," and finished the evening outdoors rocking out to Trace Adkins!

Ink Traditions at Black Shoe Tattoo

Getting new ink in Vegas has become a cherished annual tradition for the three of us. We always go to Blackshoe Tattoo, a fantastic Veteran-owned business.

• On Saturday, Kathleen got her gorgeous Lion-Lioness tattoo.

• On Sunday, Cameron and I had our tapout sessions. Cameron added a dragon to his arm, and I had more work added to my chest piece.

Lacey and Bobby at Blackshoe Tattoo are incredible artists and genuinely great people. All three of us walked away loving our new pieces, and we already can't wait to go back for our next session!

Wrapping Up and Heading Home

After dropping Momma Cab off for her flight, Cameron and I headed back to the MGM Grand for one final, restful night to unwind and turn in early.

Our travel day back on United Airlines came with its share of travel hiccups. Severe weather and tornadoes caused significant flight delays. We had deliberately chosen a flight with a layover so we could use our United Club passes to relax and grab a meal, but the delays cut our layover down to just 45 minutes. To top it off, when I tried to order a Red Bull 15 minutes before closing, the bartender refused to serve it. It was a frustrating end to the travel leg, but it couldn't dim the shine of an otherwise incredible week.

Vegas is always a blast, and celebrating Momma Cab makes it all the sweeter. We are already counting down to next year!

Let Us Help Plan Your Next Las Vegas Getaway

Whether you are looking to book a family-friendly suite with a full kitchen, find the best show tickets on the Strip, or map out an unforgettable birthday trip, let us take the hassle out of your travel planning. If you need help booking your next getaway, contact Cameron at Olson Travel Group, Dream Vacations by visiting OlsonTravelGroup.com!

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Have you ever stayed off-Strip in Las Vegas or used VetTix for live events? What is your favorite Vegas tradition? Let us know in the comments below!

Finding Strength, Music, and Connection: Our Rock The Country Ashland Recap

Life has a way of throwing unexpected twists into even the most carefully made plans. When we originally envisioned our trip to the Rock The Country festival in Ashland, Kentucky (July 10–11), our full crew was set to go: Cameron, Ryan, Natalie, Brea, Carson, and myself.

However, right before the trip, our family suffered a heartbreaking loss with the sudden passing of the kids' grandmother (my ex-husband’s mother), MeMaw. While our hearts were heavy, we were so deeply grateful and fortunate to have spent precious time with her over Mother’s Day weekend earlier this year. Rest in peace, MeMaw. You are so loved and missed.

With the kids staying behind to grieve and be together, we reshuffled our plans. My cousin Angie and her daughter Haylee stepped in to join Cameron and me for the weekend. I had even arranged a surprise to have my other cousin Deidre and her husband Joby drive up from Georgia to shock Angie! Everything was set to play out perfectly, but unfortunately, Deidre and Joby fell sick the morning before we left and couldn't make the drive.

Even with missing the kids, Deidre, and Joby, we loaded up the car and headed to Ashland, ready to reunite with Angie and Haylee for two days of country music, healing, and heartfelt memories.

Aaron Lewis, Classic Hits, and New Discoveries

The initial drive down was fueled by pure excitement to see Aaron Lewis, who happens to be one of mine and Cameron's absolute favorite singers. Seeing him live always delivers an unforgettable raw, soulful performance, and he did not disappoint!

We also got to experience a brand-new artist to us, Demun Jones, whose high-energy style was an awesome surprise. Following that up with legendary rock icons Lynyrd Skynyrd singing timeless anthems under the Kentucky sky and a rowdy set from Brantley Gilbert made for an incredible lineup of music.

The Power of Connection: Why Jelly Roll Changed Everything

Going into the festival, I will be honest: I personally wasn't super excited to see Jelly Roll. I knew his hits, but I didn't fully grasp the hype. Seeing him live completely changed my perspective.

Watching the way Jelly Roll genuinely interacts with his fans and listens to their stories was powerful. He speaks directly to people who are fighting battles with addiction, recovery, and redemption. Experiencing his set alongside my little cousin Haylee, who is currently doing the hard work on her own sobriety journey, was a moment I will treasure forever. I am so ridiculously proud of her, and witnessing how deeply that music resonated with her made the entire trip worthwhile. It transformed a simple concert into a truly powerful, emotional experience for all of us.

Festival Logistics & Honest Review: The Good, The Bad, and The Outhouses

While the music on stage was top-tier, we want to give you a completely honest review of the festival setup so you can be prepared if you plan to attend in the future.

The Lows: Facilities, Food, and Parking

• The Bathroom Situation: To put it bluntly, the bathrooms were horrible. I have genuinely never seen an outhouse overflow until this event, which was definitely a low point for the venue logistics!

• Not Gluten-Friendly: If you have dietary restrictions like gluten sensitivity, come prepared. There were very few gluten-free food options available. Drink-wise, there were no gluten-free alcoholic beverages aside from basic vodka.

• Drink & Beverage Shortages: The soda options overall were pretty disappointing, and if you bought the unlimited soda pass, they actually ran out of CO2 during the event.

• The Parking Exit Wait: Leaving the venue at the end of the night required a lot of patience. Traffic control made all parked cars wait until every single pedestrian had cleared out, making for a very long delay before we could get onto the main roads.

The Highs: Free Water Refills

On a positive note, the venue did provide free water filling stations throughout the grounds. We brought our own reusable water bottles, so being able to easily top them off and stay hydrated all day without paying crazy prices was a huge plus!

Confidence, Tears, and Unbreakable Bonds

Festivals have a special way of pushing you out of your comfort zone, and this weekend was no exception. Beyond the emotional music, it was amazing to see my cousin Angie blossom across the two days. She really stepped out of her comfort zone, embraced the moment, and found her confidence again.

We shared so many belly laughs, shed a few good, healing tears, and made memories that brought our family even closer together.

Of course, a massive shoutout goes to my amazing husband, Cameron. He took care of us girls all weekend long, keeping us safe, making sure we had everything we needed, and navigating the crazy festival traffic so we made it back to our hotel safely every single night.

Final Thoughts

Rock The Country Ashland was not the trip we originally planned, but it turned out to be the exact weekend our hearts needed. It was a beautiful reminder that even in seasons of grief and unexpected change, music, family, and shared connection can lift your spirits in ways you never saw coming.

Let Us Help Plan Your Next Festival Adventure

Whether you are heading out to a multi-day country music festival or taking a bucket-list weekend road trip, having the logistics, travel, and lodging handled ahead of time makes all the difference. If you need help booking your next music or sports trip, contact Cameron at Olson Travel Group, Dream Vacations by visiting OlsonTravelGroup.com. Let us take care of the details so you can focus on making memories!

Follow Along With Our Adventures!

Want to stay connected and see where we head next? Check out our other socials below!

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Have you ever seen Jelly Roll or Aaron Lewis live? What music artist changed your opinion after seeing them perform in person? Let us know in the comments below!

The Greatest Spectacle in Racing: Our First Ever Indianapolis 500 Infield Adventure

They call the Indianapolis 500 "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," and after experiencing it live for the very first time, we can officially confirm that it lives up to every bit of the hype!

This was a massive family milestone for us. Our crew included Cameron, myself, Ryan, his girlfriend Natalie, Breanna, and her boyfriend Carson. We packed up and prepared for the legendary massive crowds, and headed out to witness the historic 110th running of the race on May 24, 2026.

If you are thinking about planning your own inaugural trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, preparation is everything. From our perfect hotel base to the ultimate trackside setup, here is how we conquered our first Indy 500.

Where to Stay: The Best Western Plus Indianapolis North at Pyramids

Finding the right hotel for race weekend is half the battle. We stayed at The Best Western Plus Indianapolis North at Pyramids, a fantastic 3-star hotel located at 9320 Michigan Road in Indianapolis, IN.

They completely understand the race day assignment. Knowing that race fans need to hit the road incredibly early to beat the traffic, the hotel started their breakfast service at 5:00 AM. This was a massive win for us. We pre-ordered our ride for 5:30 AM, filled up on breakfast, and had absolutely zero issues getting to the track. In fact, our timing was so perfect that we pulled up right as the morning fireworks were going off and the gates were officially opening!

Setting Up Base Camp: Infield Turns 3 and 4

The sheer scale of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is hard to put into words until you see it. We headed into the infield and found an incredible spot between turns 3 and 4 at the top of a hill. It could not have been more perfect. We had an awesome vantage point to watch the cars fly past.

One of the best things about the Indy 500 is how generous their gate policies are. They allow you to bring in a ton of gear, which is essential for surviving a long race day. Our crew utilized two collapsible wagons to haul our setup. Everyone was equipped with:

• A comfortable camp chair

• A cooler fully stocked with adult beverages

• Plenty of food, snacks, and sunscreen

• Rain ponchos (which we luckily only needed for about two minutes during a tiny sprinkle!)

Future Upgrades for Our Packing List

Even though we felt pretty prepared, a first trip always teaches you a few things. Next time, we will definitely be bringing a large blanket and some type of pop-up tent or outdoor sunroom to keep our gear secure and shaded. We are also officially adding bug spray to this list, just like we did after the Derby!

Behind-the-Scenes Audio: The Ultimate Race Day Upgrade

If you want to take your race day experience to the absolute next level, you need to do what Breanna did. She made Cameron’s entire day by renting him a track headset.

This allowed Cameron to listen directly to the live, unedited radio chatter between the drivers and their pit crews. He absolutely loved having that exclusive, behind-the-scenes data. He would relay the pit updates to Ryan and me, and we would pass the information down the line to the rest of our group. It kept us incredibly dialed into the race strategy and is officially a mandatory item for all our future racing events!

Swag Hunts, Hot Dog Socks, and Veteran Perks

Before the green flag dropped, we spent time exploring the massive vendor areas. Pro tip: bring an extra empty bag just for free swag! There are so many booths giving away great items.

The Oscar Mayer Water Gun Races

Breanna is a massive hot dog lover, so when we spotted the Oscar Mayer booth running fair-style water gun races, we knew we had to play. The grand prize was a personalized hot dog bag. While Brea unfortunately didn't take home the bag, the game was still a total win because Cameron and Ryan both desperately needed socks, and every single participant walked away with a pair of long, hilarious hot dog socks!

Barking Up the Right Tree with Benebone

The grandpuppies didn't get left out of the fun either. Benebone was hosting a booth where you could scan a QR code, enter your email, and receive a free dog bone perfectly sized for your pup. The grandpuppies are going to be very happy.

Wish For Our Heroes (A Huge Find for Veterans!)    

As a family of United States Navy veterans, stopping by the Wish For Our Heroes booth was incredibly special. We made a small donation to support the cause and picked up a sharp new Navy hat for Cameron.

While chatting with the staff, they shared an amazing piece of information: through their organization, veterans can secure up to six free tickets to major events like the Indy 500, the Brickyard 400, and more. Needless to say, we are completely hooked, and this organization is going to help us attend many more events moving forward!

Race Highlights: High Drama and Historic Finishes

The pre-race ceremonies were breathtaking. The American flag drone show during the national anthem paired with the traditional military flyover gave us absolute chills.

Once the green flag dropped, it was non-stop drama. The race was highly chaotic, featuring several major accidents and multiple red-flag stops that halted the action. But the delays didn't dampen the energy. We got to witness absolute history as Swedish driver Felix Rosenqvist won the race by a mere 0.0233 seconds, the closest finish in the entire 110-year history of the Indy 500!

A Couple of First-Timer Realities

To keep it completely real for anyone planning a trip: the lines for the women’s restrooms were staggeringly long, to the point where some women gave up and started using the men's rooms! We also went on an epic hunt across the grounds for those famous, giant smoked turkey legs but never managed to find them. Thankfully, there was plenty of other decently priced track food to keep us happy.

The Long Journey Home: 19,000 Steps Later

If there was one area where our rookie status showed, it was the post-race exit strategy. We figured waiting around for the crowds to thin out before ordering an Uber would be the smartest move.

We figured wrong!

Our Uber drivers kept repeatedly canceling due to the absolute gridlock around the stadium. We ended up walking a little farther, then a little farther, and then a little farther. It took a few hours of walking before we could finally secure a car. By the time we got back to the hotel, everyone was completely exhausted and very sober. According to my Samsung Health app, we clocked almost 19,000 steps for the day! That is a massive amount of walking, but every single step was worth it.

We had an absolute blast for our first ever Indy 500, and it definitely won't be our last.

Let Us Help Plan Your Next Sports Getaway

Major racing spectacles and massive sporting events are unforgettable experiences, but navigating the logistics of hotels, early morning transportation, and stadium gate rules can be overwhelming. You don't have to tackle the planning alone! If you are ready to check the Indy 500 or any other bucket list sporting event off your travel list, contact Cameron at Olson Travel Group, Dream Vacations by visiting OlsonTravelGroup.com. Let us handle the details so you can focus on the fun!

Share Your Thoughts!

Have you ever been to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway? What is your ultimate trick for surviving the post-race traffic? Let us know in the comments below!

Making History in the Infield: Our Ultimate 2026 Kentucky Derby Recap & Survival Guide

Grab your mint juleps and hold onto your fascinators, because the 152nd Kentucky Derby is officially in the history books, and what a wild, historic, and beautiful ride it was!

This year marked our second time attending the "Run for the Roses," and we returned to Churchill Downs with a little more wisdom, a lot more gear, and an expanded crew. Last time we went, we learned the ropes. This year, we mastered them. Joining the veterans, Cameron, Ryan, and myself, was Ryan’s girlfriend, Natalie, who was making her absolute first trip to the Derby!

If you are planning your own bucket list trip to the track, we've got you covered. From our seamless parking hacks to the exact packing list you need to survive the legendary Churchill Downs infield, here is how we tackled the 2026 Kentucky Derby (and how you can too).

The Ultimate Infield Survival Guide: What to Pack

The Churchill Downs infield is a party like no other. It’s vibrant, crowded, and entirely outdoors. If you have infield tickets, your comfort depends entirely on what you bring with you.

The number one thing we have learned from our two years attending: if you are going to sit in the infield, always be prepared for rain and chilly weather, and never count on short food lines.

Churchill Downs has strict security rules, including a mandatory clear bag policy. Your bags must be transparent and cannot exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″.

We packed our clear bags to the absolute max. Here is the exact checklist of what we brought (and what we highly recommend you add to yours):

• Comfortable Camping Chairs: Essential for setting up your home base on the grass.

• 2 Unopened Water Bottles Per Person: Stay hydrated! The track allows two factory sealed plastic water bottles per guest.

• Sandwiches and Snacks: Food lines can get massive. Bringing our own food saved us tons of time and kept us fueled all day.

• Rain Ponchos & Blankets: The weather was much better this year than our previous trip, but Kentucky spring weather is notoriously unpredictable. Layers and waterproof gear are non-negotiable.

• Sunscreen: Hours out on the lawn will catch up to you quickly.

• Portable Phone Chargers: This is an absolute MUST if you are going to place bets on your phone! Between scanning promotions, taking photos, and tracking odds on the betting apps, your battery will drain before the afternoon feature races even begin.

• NEW ADDITION: Bug Spray! This is our latest pro tip. Because the infield events are mostly on the grass, we noticed mosquitoes are becoming more of an issue. We are officially adding bug spray to our permanent "things to bring to outdoor events list" for next time!

Derby Fashion: Fascinators and Fedoras

You can't go to the Derby without dressing the part! Even in the infield, fashion is half the fun.

Natalie and I made sure to bring our A-game with our custom headpieces and fascinators, while Cameron looked incredibly dapper rocking his signature fedora. Natalie absolutely crushed her first Derby style milestone!

The Hassle-Free Parking Hack: Cardinal Stadium Lot E

If you’ve heard nightmares about Kentucky Derby traffic and parking, let us let you in on our favorite strategy.

We parked at Cardinal Stadium Lot E. From there, it’s a straight, easy walk to Churchill Downs. The walk is just over a mile and takes under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect way to stretch your legs, take in the pre race energy of Louisville, and bypass the absolute gridlock of ride share lines and expensive neighborhood parking lots right next to the gates.

Watching History in the Making: The Races!

Of course, we were there for the horses, and the 2026 races did not disappoint. The energy in the infield when the track announcers call "Riders Up!" is something you have to experience at least once in your life.

The absolute highlight of our day was watching history being made right before our eyes. We got to witness an incredible race as Golden Tempo charged across the finish line to secure the victory. A massive congratulations goes out to the incredible winner, Golden Tempo, and legendary trainer Cherie DeVaux for pulling off such an unforgettable win! By taking first place, Cherie DeVaux officially became the first woman trainer ever to win the Kentucky Derby.

The entire crowd went wild. Being there to witness a glass ceiling shattered in a 152-year-old American tradition gave us absolute chills.

Let Us Help Plan Your Next Adventure

If reading about our trip has you ready to check a major sporting event or bucket list race off your own calendar, you do not have to figure out the logistics alone. From finding the perfect place to stay to navigating the best local parking spots, having an expert in your corner makes all the difference. If you need help booking your next sports trip, get in touch with Cameron at Olson Travel Group, Dream Vacations by visiting OlsonTravelGroup.com, and let us take the stress out of your next big getaway.

Final Thoughts

From the historic win to the perfect crew, our second Kentucky Derby was one for the ages. Natalie survived (and loved!) her first Derby experience, the weather smiled on us, and our infield game plan worked like a charm.

If you're thinking about planning a trip to Louisville for next year's race, take it from us: pack your clear bag, charge your phone, grab a fabulous hat, and get ready for the best two minutes in sports!

Share Your Thoughts!

Have you ever been to the Kentucky Derby? What’s your number one outdoor event survival item? Let us know in the comments below!

🏈My 2026 NFL Draft Recap in Pittsburgh

There is something truly electric about being in a host city during the NFL Draft. This year, I had the incredible pleasure of heading to Pittsburgh with my son, Ryan, and his girlfriend, Natalie. While we truly missed having my husband Cameron and my daughter Brea with us, the three of us were determined to soak up every bit of the atmosphere.

The Home Base: SpringHill Suites West Mifflin

We started the trip on a high note, scoring a fantastic deal with a Travel Agent rate at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott West Mifflin. The journey there was not exactly smooth. We hit a massive storm on the drive that made for some tense miles, but we made it safely and checked in around 11:00 PM.

The hospitality started the moment we walked through the door. The gentleman at the check-in counter (I really wish I had caught his name!) was exceptionally helpful. He ensured we had all the logistics squared away for the Draft the next morning and even went the extra mile to print out the "Trolley" schedule for us while we were still unloading the car. It is those small local tips that turn a good trip into a great one.

Navigating the "Trolley" and the North Shore

The next morning, after a quick hotel breakfast and a frantic dash to Dollar Tree (Ryan needed cheap sunglasses and I had managed to lose mine during the storm!), we headed to the South Hills Village station.

Pro-Tip for Pittsburgh Events: Parking at South Hills Village was only $2 (maybe just for this event but they offer day passes), and the Light Rail system, affectionately called the "Trolley" by locals, was completely free for Draft weekend!

The ride into the North Shore was seamless. We hopped off at the Allegheny Station, right in the heart of the action between Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park. We kicked things off with a quick drink at McFadden’s. It was so good that we actually circled back for lunch mid-day; you cannot beat a great burger and fries at a decent price when you are in the middle of a massive festival.

Stadium Surprises and "Super Lyte" Discoveries

One of the highlights of the day was the accessibility. We spent time exploring Acrisure Stadium and then realized PNC Park was also open to the public. We walked over after lunch to soak in the views of the skyline and grab another quick refreshment.

While there, we learned about a new local find: Sun Cruisers (Stateside Brands) has a new electrolyte beverage called Super Lyte. They are currently only available as a test in Pennsylvania, so we felt like we were getting a true insider experience! We liked them so much that we made a point to stop at Duffy’s on Friday to stock up for our upcoming trip to the Indy 500.

Lessons Learned for First-Timers

We did a pretty good job for our first Draft experience, but here are my top takeaways if you are planning a trip to a future NFL Draft:

• Comfy Shoes are Non-Negotiable: My watch clocked us at just under 18,000 steps for the day. There is almost no shade and a massive amount of standing, so support is key.

• The Hydration Hack: Bringing a refillable water bottle was a total lifesaver. It saves money and keeps you going in the heat.

• The "Pro" Porta-Potties: I have to give a shout-out to the flushing porta-potties at the event. It sounds small, but it is a luxury you will appreciate!

• Time Your Exit: We left right after Pittsburgh called their pick. The lines for the Light Rail home were already becoming massive; leaving when we did saved us hours of waiting in the crowd.

Final Thoughts

Pittsburgh, you were amazing. What an incredible weekend with Ryan and Natalie; we truly could not have asked for a better trip. If you have not experienced a Draft in person, I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list. Just remember to support local businesses, stay hydrated, and wear your walking shoes!

If you want to hear more, we did an episode of travel trivia surrounding the NFL Draft. You can watch it here: 

Beyond the Game: Building Our Marriage (And Travel Business) from the Chat

For 16 years, I have shared my husband, Cameron (you might know him as CabinetTerror6), with a screen. For a long time, I felt abandoned, neglected, and honestly just frustrated by the time those games took from us. I would sit in the other room doing my own thing, feeling like a gaming widow while he was lost in another world.

If you are the partner of a gamer or a streamer, you know that specific sting. You have probably wished they would just turn it off. I was in that place for over a decade. But recently, something shifted.

The Turning Point: A Shared Vision

About six months ago, I realized that this hobby could actually become a viable part of our professional lives. More importantly, Cameron and I had a real conversation about how to bridge his worlds: his travel business, his love for gaming, and his natural patience for teaching others. We saw an opportunity to bring travel into the stream, incorporate charitable goals, and launch Mentor Mondays as a way for him to help other streamers grow and learn. It turned into a win-win-win. 

It was no longer just a hobby that took him away from the family; it became a brand we were building together as a team. While Cameron and my son, HolaMoca, originally started the Clashy Gaming Community back in 2020, Cameron has since returned from a break, and I'm excited to continue to grow and build it together.

From Feeling Neglected to Being Included

I am still not a gamer. I probably never will be! But now, I am his moderator, and that role has become a huge part of our daily life.

I stay busy behind the scenes adding points for his viewers and running ads if he needs a break. I track all of our charity donations and manage his social media to make sure the community stays connected. Basically, I do whatever I can to help his stream grow. The best part is that this work has not just helped him; it has actually helped the stream I co-host with my sister-in-law, Travel Wives, grow as well.

Moderating and streaming are not my full time jobs. I still own and operate my real estate company, Dream Real Estate Group, located in Washington and Ohio. Additionally, Cameron and I own and run Olson Travel Group, Dream Vacations. While my professional life is busy, being in the chat and helping manage the backstage of the stream has replaced that old feeling of abandonment with a sense of inclusion. I am no longer the person waiting for the game to end. I am a part of the team making the stream happen.

A Note to the Streamers and the Partners

To the streamers out there: Your significant other's feelings are not an obstacle to your stream; they are the foundation of it. If they feel dismissed or like an afterthought, that team feeling disappears instantly. Inclusion is the best way to bridge that gap of disconnection. A little appreciation goes a long way, acknowledging your partner's support on-stream makes them feel like a valued part of the success rather than a spectator to it.

And to the partners who feel like I used to: I wish I could go back 16 years and tell myself that it was not going to change, so we had to find a way to make it work for us sooner. If you are struggling with a spouse who is glued to the monitor, I want to be a shoulder for you to lean on. I am here to listen to your journey and share what I have learned over the years, because you do not have to navigate this transition alone.

The Digital Destination

Just like we help people plan escapes to tropical islands or European cities through Olson Travel Group, streaming is a different kind of destination. I used to hate that he was traveling to a digital world without me, but now I have realized I can be the one helping build the world he is in.

Let’s Connect

Whether you are married to a travel agent, a gamer, or both, I would love to hear your journey.

• Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/CrqDJtKmQd Let’s vent, share, and support each other.

• Catch the Travel Wives Stream: Join Kahla and me once a week where we talk travel, trivia, and the reality of being Travel Wives and new streamers.

Las Vegas Trip Recap: Gluten-Free Travel, Hoover Dam, The Strip & A Quick Washington Adventure

 If you’re planning a Las Vegas vacation, especially if you’re traveling gluten-free, love live streaming adventures, or want ideas beyond casinos, our recent trip had a little bit of everything... The Strip, the Hoover Dam, outlet shopping, Twitch IRL streams, and even a quick detour to Washington state.

Here’s everything we learned (including a few travel tips that will save you time and money in Vegas).

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Getting Around Las Vegas: Rental Car Tip Most Travelers Miss

If you’re flying into Harry Reid International Airport, here’s something that surprised us.

Even if you rent a car from companies like Avis or Fox Rent A Car, you don’t pick up the car directly at the airport.

Instead, you have to go to the McCarran Rent‑A‑Car Center, which requires taking a shuttle.

Important tip:
Don’t waste money on an Uber.

There’s a second shuttle that takes you directly to the off-site rental car facilities. It’s free and easy once you know where to go.

This is one of those small Vegas travel hacks that can save you time, confusion, and money right after landing.

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Walking the Las Vegas Strip

No matter how many times you visit, there’s something about walking the Las Vegas Strip that never gets old.

We spent several evenings just wandering, taking in the energy of the city, and stopping to watch one of the best free attractions in Vegas.

The Bellagio Fountain Show

The iconic fountains at Bellagio Las Vegas are just as incredible as everyone says.

The Fountains of Bellagio choreograph water, music, and lights into a performance that somehow feels new every time you watch it. We ended up catching the show multiple times during the trip because it’s one of those experiences that never gets old.

And honestly?
It’s still one of the best free things to do in Las Vegas.

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Twitch IRL Streaming from Vegas

Cameron (known online as CabinetTerror6) even brought the trip to life online.

He did a few IRL streams on Twitch while we were walking the Strip and exploring the city.

If you want to check out the streams or follow future adventures, you can find him here:

👉 https://www.twitch.tv/cabinetterror6

Streaming while walking through Vegas is actually pretty fun, there’s always something happening and chat gets to experience the trip in real time.

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A Day Trip to Hoover Dam

One of our favorite parts of the trip was driving out to the legendary Hoover Dam.

The dam sits right on the border between Nevada and Arizona, and it’s one of those places that’s even more impressive in person.

Cameron also streamed part of this visit on Twitch, letting viewers see the views and scale of the dam in real time.

Even if you’re not a history buff, the Hoover Dam is worth the drive. The views of the Colorado River and surrounding desert landscape are incredible.

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Gluten-Free Travel in Las Vegas

Traveling with Celiac disease can make eating on trips tricky, so we always plan ahead.

We stayed at Tahiti Village Resort & Spa, which made things much easier because our timeshare condo has a full kitchen.

Our first stop after landing?

The grocery store.

Having a kitchen meant:

• I could make gluten-free breakfasts every morning

• We could control ingredients

• We didn’t have to stress about cross-contamination at every meal

For dinner, we usually ate out once a day.

Our most frequent stop was Chipotle Mexican Grill, which is one of the easiest places for gluten-free options when traveling.

But we also found a spot we hadn’t had since living in Washington…

Finding Cafe Rio Again

We were excited to stumble across Cafe Rio Mexican Grill.

If you’ve had Cafe Rio before, you know the house sauce is legendary.

Unfortunately I couldn’t have the taco shell (gluten), but the rest of the meal absolutely delivered. When you’ve been missing a favorite restaurant for years, it’s a pretty great travel surprise.

We also:

• Ate dinner at the resort one night (which was great)

• Pre-planned a gluten-free pizza night using ingredients we picked up at the grocery store

Having that kitchen made the trip so much less stressful.

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Vegas Outlet Shopping: North vs South

If outlet shopping is on your Vegas itinerary, here’s a quick comparison.

Las Vegas North Premium Outlets

• More stores

• Outdoor shopping center

• $5 parking fee

Las Vegas South Premium Outlets

• Fewer stores

• Indoor mall style

• Free parking

Both are good options, it just depends on whether you want more selection or free parking.

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The Las Vegas to LA Bullet Train

Something else we noticed during the trip was the ongoing progress toward the new high-speed rail line connecting Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

The project, known as Brightline West High-Speed Rail, aims to create a 75–90 minute train ride between the two cities.

The goal is to have it completed before the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

If it launches on schedule, it could completely change how people travel between these two major destinations.

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Bonus Trip: Snoqualmie Falls in Washington

After Vegas, we made a quick trip up to Washington and took a short hike at Snoqualmie Falls.

Before the hike, we made a quick stop at Snoqualmie Casino. Why not?

The weather was perfect, and the waterfall views were incredible. Cameron also streamed part of this adventure on Twitch so viewers could experience the falls in real time.

It was the perfect peaceful ending to an already amazing trip.

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Need Help Planning Your Own Trip?

If reading about our adventure has you thinking about planning your own getaway—whether it's Las Vegas, Washington, or anywhere else in the world—getting help from a travel professional can make things a lot easier.

Our favorite resource is Olson Travel Group. They specialize in helping travelers plan everything from quick weekend trips to full vacation packages, taking care of the details so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

You can learn more or start planning your next trip here:

👉 OlsonTravelGroup.com

Whether you're planning a Vegas getaway, a national park adventure, or an international vacation, having an expert help coordinate flights, resorts, and experiences can make the entire process smoother.

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Final Thoughts

This trip had a little bit of everything:

✔ Walking the Las Vegas Strip
✔ Watching the Bellagio fountains
✔ Twitch IRL streaming adventures
✔ A scenic drive to the Hoover Dam
✔ Gluten-free travel wins
✔ Outlet shopping tips
✔ A surprise Washington waterfall hike

Sometimes the best trips are the ones that mix big destinations with small unexpected moments.

Vegas always delivers on excitement, but pairing it with places like Snoqualmie Falls made this adventure even more memorable.

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If you’re planning a Las Vegas trip, traveling gluten-free, or enjoy live travel streaming, this city still has plenty of surprises waiting.

And if you’ve been to Vegas recently, I’d love to know:

What’s your favorite thing to do on the Strip?

Want to hear more? 🎰

We had such a blast exploring everything Vegas has to offer. If you want to see our favorite moments (and maybe a few things we missed in the blog!), head over to Travel Wives on YouTube to watch the full trip vlog.