Category: Travel Gadget

As a frequent traveler and parent, I know the challenges of managing family trips with a toddler in tow. The right stroller can make or break your experience, especially for air travel. For car trips, you don’t want a buggy taking up the entire trunk.

After researching and owning a few other strollers, I chose the Bugaboo Butterfly. It’s sleek, sturdy, and compact – though on the pricier side, it pays off with durability and convenience. Plus, it has a high resale value. This travel buggy doesn’t just cater to moms; it’s also dad-approved!
Keep reading to find out why this buggy stood out and why I ditched my others.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to looks, the Bugaboo Butterfly strikes a great balance between style and practicality. It doesn’t feel flimsy or weak like some other travel buggies. As a dad, I appreciate the durable frame, which feels like it can withstand the rough and tumble of airport transfers and overhead bins. Whether it’s for a long trip or a quick weekend getaway, the Butterfly holds up well, especially when it gets pushed along with luggage into the trunk.

The overall build quality gives you confidence that it can handle everyday bumps, whether you’re navigating busy streets or walks in the nature. However, one downside I’ve noticed is that the footrest scratches easily. For a buggy at this price point, I expected it to be more resistant to wear and tear in this area.

Foldability and Portability

Here’s where the Bugaboo Butterfly really shines. It features a one-second fold, perfect for quickly packing it away. Whether you’re holding your kid or luggage in the other hand, the buggy folds down quickly and smoothly. Its lightweight design (just over 7 kg) makes it easy to lift and store in the overhead compartment of an airplane.

can bugaboo butterfly go on plane?

Yes – one important note for air travelers: the Bugaboo Butterfly folds down to 45x23x54 cm, while most EU airlines limit carry-on size to 40x20x55 cm. The width is slightly over the limit, so it sticks out a bit in the airline carry-on size cages, but I’ve personally had no issues carrying it onboard using the built-in shoulder strap. According to my experience Bugaboo Butterfly is cabin approved and is IATA approved as stated by Bugaboo.
Once on the plane, it fits easily into the overhead bin—no more waiting at the gate for your stroller to be returned or worse, tracking it down at baggage claim as I had to with my previous model. The shoulder strap makes a big difference in convenience for quick boarding and deplaning.

Comfort for the Little Ones

While my little one (14 months) can’t voice his opinion much, his comfort is key. The Bugaboo Butterfly features a padded, adjustable seat with variable recline positions. So, whether he’s napping or watching the hustle and bustle of the city, the buggy easily adapts.

The UPF 50+ canopy is another win – it extends to keep him shaded and protected, or creates a dark space when it’s nap time. Plus, there’s a zippered extension with a ventilation window for added airflow. One downside, though, is that the seat doesn’t recline fully flat, which could be better for naps.

Maneuverability

The Bugaboo Butterfly is impressively easy to handle, even with one hand. It glides effortlessly over city sidewalks, airport terminals, and uneven terrain, thanks to its four-wheel suspension that absorbs most bumps.

It’s narrow enough to navigate tight spaces (looking at you, airplane aisles and narrow European streets) but wide enough to keep my child stable and secure. While it doesn’t match the air tires of my previous buggy for unpaved roads, the Butterfly has still become my go-to choice for almost every situation.

Storage Space

I don’t carry a diaper bag, so I rely on decent storage for toys, snacks, and other essentials. The underseat basket on the Bugaboo Butterfly is surprisingly spacious for a travel buggy. It easily fits a small backpack and holds up to 8 kg of cargo, letting you pack everything you need without worrying about anything falling out.

On-the-Go Convenience

As a dad on the move, I appreciate the thoughtful details Bugaboo has included. For instance, the fabrics are easy to remove and clean, making it simple to tackle spills or unexpected messes. The seat liner is machine washable, which is a huge plus. Did I mention that all parts can be purchased individually? You can also get an adapter for popular infant carriers from brands like Cybex, Nuna, and Maxi-Cosi, making it a breeze to switch between your buggy and car at an early age.

There are plenty of other accessories available, but one downside is that the cup holder isn’t included.

Quick Facts – Bugaboo Butterfly

• Suitable from: Recommended: Six months (I would recommend it when the child can sit up independently). With adapter you can mount an infant carrier – great for vacations!
• Maximum load: 22kg/48.50 lbs – (the Butterfly can carry my five year old).
• Weight: 7.3kg / 16.09 lbs
• Unfolded dimensions: 92.5 x 45 x 104.5 cm / 36.42 x 17.72 x 40.31 in
• Bugaboo Butterfly Folded dimensions: 45 x 23 x 54 cm (IATA approved) 17.72 x 9.06 x 21.26 in
• Materials: Polyester, PFAS-free water-repellent fabric coating, Crafted with 60% recycled aluminum
• Colors: Midnight Black, Desert Taupe, Stormy Blue, Forrest Green, Dark Cherry Red
• What’s in the box: Integrated leg rest, carry strap, rain cover – fully assembled

Final Thoughts & Alternatives

Why a well known brand is worth it

Reflecting on my choices, there are a few things I would do differently. I started with a pram that offered a bassinet, which later changes to a buggy seat. I had to choose between the Bugaboo Fox and a lesser-known brand, and I ultimately went with the more affordable latter.
Now, I would opt for a well-known brand like Bugaboo. My previous pram was not only difficult to resell, in addition I sold it at a low price. Finding spare parts was a challenge – not just for repairs but also if you want to refresh your stroller (which I wanted to do for my second child).
I used the pram with the sport buggy seat for quite some time, but it was a hassle to transport in the car because it came in two pieces.

Which type of Buggy to pick?

Then, I got the Joie Litetrax, which was a game changer for me since it took up only half the space in my trunk. I used it for some air travels, but I had to leave it at the gate. More than once, it was checked in instead of being returned at the gate, meaning I had to carry my son while retrieving it from baggage claim. I even had to pick it up from the special luggage section after my suitcases. On one occasion, it got wet because of rain, and the lack of protection added inconvenience to my travels.

I considered the Xiaomi Stroller for a bit, since I’m very happy with their suitcases (read my 20″ Carry-On Aluminum Suitcase Review or 24″ Spinner Wheel Suitcase Review). I did my research and you can find my blog post including my friend’s review of the Xiaomi Stroller, but decided to go with the known stroller brand.

I didn’t want to get another stroller, but here I am, and it was a great decision. Reducing trunk space again by half was more than a game changer, and taking the Bugaboo Butterfly on the plane is incredibly convenient. Leaving the stroller at the gate also means I have to remove everything from the storage basket and carry it in addition to my kids.

If I Could Start Over: What I Would Do Differently

Looking back, I would still get a decent pram with a bassinet for a newborn, as I enjoyed long walks during naptime and wanted a comfy bed with cozy covers for winter. However, I would switch to the Bugaboo Butterfly much earlier and therefore not pay much attention to the pram’s optional seat.

We had both the Joie Litetrax and Bugaboo Butterfly next to our door for a while, and since getting the Butterfly, we haven’t used the other one again. The Joie Litetrax has its strengths, particularly when the air tires excel on nature walks or unpaved roads, but that benefit is quite limited. The Butterfly handles them adequately, and if the road gets too rough, you can’t use any stroller anyway.
I have to give credit to my wife – investing in the expensive Bugaboo Butterfly was worth every penny.

Where to get?

Bugaboo Butterfly is available to order in their own webshop, or
you can order on Amazon, where you can test it yourself and return if you are not satisfied.

When it comes to travel, a reliable carry-on suitcase is essential. I’ve always admired the sleek design and durability of the Rimowa aluminum suitcase, but with a price tag of around $2000, it’s a out of my budget. That’s why I was thrilled to discover that Xiaomi offers a similar aluminum carry-on baggage for a fraction of the price. At under $300, it’s just a fifth of the cost of a Rimowa. Curious about this affordable alternative, I decided to give the Xiaomi aluminum suitcase a try.

 Xiaomi 20″ Aluminum Suitcase – Specs

The Xiaomi aluminum suitcase measures 55.1 × 38.3 × 20.3 cm (22.7 x 15.1 x 8 in) and weighs approximately 4.2 kg (9.3 lbs). This makes it about the maximum size for carry-on luggage, though it is around 1 kg heavier than a typical polycarbonate suitcase. In terms of dimensions and weight, it’s comparable to the Rimowa aluminum suitcase.

Constructed from an aluminum-magnesium alloy, the suitcase’s body is both sturdy and stylish, while the interior is lined with polyester. With a capacity of about 31 liters, it offers enough space for your travel essentials.

Xiaomi aluminum carry-on features two locks, each with individual 3-number codes, and are TSA-approved. The pull rod has four adjustable positions and extends to a convenient height of 1.15 meters. Additionally, the rod’s shaking is minimal, within 10 mm, ensuring a smooth and comfortable pulling experience.

Although the aluminum suitcase is sold under the Xiaomi brand, it is actually manufactured by 90 Minutes. Inside, you’ll find a tag indicating that it was designed by Runmi in Germany. The suitcase features two Y-shaped straps with Velcro that won’t stick to your clothes, ensuring your items stay secure without any hassle. Additionally, it includes a flexible division board with a zipper, perfect for organizing chargers and other small items.

Is it carry-on size?

The Xiaomi 20″ aluminum suitcase qualifies as cabin baggage. During my wait at the airport, I tested it in several airlines’ measuring boxes, and it fit perfectly as a carry-on bag for all of them.
Here are some airline requirements (see my field test photos below):

• Ryanair: 55 x 40 x 20 cm – 10kg
• Wizzair: 55 x 40 x 23 cm – 10kg
• EasyJet: 56 x 45 x 25 cm – ?kg
• Austrian: 55 x 40 x 23 cm – 8kg
• Lufthansa: 55 x 40 x 23 cm – 8kg
• Vueling: 55 x 40 x 20 cm – 10kg

Inside the aircraft, I had the opportunity to test the Xiaomi aluminum suitcase on two types of planes. On an Airbus A320/A321, the suitcase fits perfectly alongside in the overhead compartment. On a smaller regional jet, the Embraer 195, the suitcase fits broadside.

Hands-on Experience & Review

After: 1 trip – 2 flights

After a trip with two flights, these are my findings: The wheels are super smooth and silent. No matter which terrain I was pulling my suitcase, it worked out fine. The shaking of the pulling rod is quite ok and comparable to other case I used.

While I appreciate the Y-shaped strap and the quality of the Velcro, closing it can be a bit inconvenient. You need to fumble the strap through a metal opening, which can be tricky if you’ve overpacked, as the Velcro part is too thick to fit easily.
Personally, I would prefer a strap on one side and a zipper compartment on the other, similar to the Xiaomi 20″ Business Suitcase (a polycarbonate suitcase):

During my fist trip Xiaomi Suitcase took a few hits, got a few minor scratches, but still looks like it was delivered:

After: 6 trips – 8 flights, car-rides & bus-ride

After several more flights with different airlines, I remain very satisfied with the Xiaomi aluminum luggage. It continues to pass through security without any issues and always finds a spot in the overhead compartments. Despite a few hits from careless passengers trying to stuff their belongings into the bins, the suitcase still looks great and has no scratches.

The wheels are impressively smooth and silent, making it easy to maneuver through various terrains, including longer walks on cobblestone streets. The carry-on’s durability and sleek design have consistently impressed me.

The only minor inconvenience is the Y-shaped strap, which can be tricky to close when the suitcase is overpacked. You need to thread the strap through a metal opening, which can be a bit cumbersome if the suitcase is too full. However, this is a small drawback compared to the overall quality of the suitcase.

In summary, the Xiaomi aluminum suitcase offers excellent value for its price, combining style, durability, and functionality. It’s a fantastic alternative to more expensive brands like Rimowa, and I highly recommend it for anyone in need of a reliable carry-on.

Price / Retailer Comparison

Where to buy Xiaomi Aluminum suitcase?

• Xiaomi aluminum suitcase made its way to Europe and is available on Amazon:

Xiaomi Aluminum Suitcase

Shop on Amazon

Xiaomi Polycarbonate Suitcase
with aluminum frame

Shop on Amazon

• You can also find the suitcase on Aliexpress:

• I ordered my Xiaomi suitcase on Banggood. It is listed, but sometimes not available:

Alternative: Xiaomi 20″ Business suitcase

If you don’t need the fancy aluminum suitcase, here’s a cheaper alternative. I mentioned this suitcase earlier when writing about the inner compartment. I think having a strap on one side and a zipper compartment on the other side (for small stuff) is great. Further the “Xiaomi Business Suitcase” offers another great feature: there’s a separated compartment at the front which holds your electronics such as laptop, tablet or phone – very convenient! No need to open the whole case to remove those items, just get them out of the front compartment. That comes in handy if you want to get out your laptop at airport security or if you try to get some work done while waiting at the gate.
I’ll stick with my metal suitcase as I think it’s more durable and a bit more stylish – but I’m very tempted to test it.

The Xiaomi Business Suitcase is available for 87.99 USD at Banggood.

If you are looking for a check-in luggage, check out my review of the 24″ Xiaomi Spinner-wheel suitcase.

When it comes to working efficiently while traveling, having a second monitor alongside your laptop can be a game-changer. For business trips and workation, a portable monitor is the perfect tool to boost productivity. It needs to be lightweight and easy to use, with minimal connectors for convenience. After extensive research, I found the ARZOPA 17.3″ Portable Monitor to be the most suitable and convenient option for my needs. Here, I’ll share my thoughts on some available models and provide a detailed review of my final selection.

What I was looking for

With numerous portable monitors on the market, it’s essential to identify your personal “must-haves.” For me, these were:

• > 15″ Screen – I wanted a screen slightly larger than my laptop’s for better visibility and comfort.
• USB-C and HDMI port – While many monitors offer only a USB-C connection, which handles both power and image transmission, I wanted the added flexibility of an HDMI port. This allows me to connect the monitor to various devices, such as a smartphone or a video console for my kids.

Not Deciding Factors for Me

While there are features that might be essential for you, I didn’t consider these factors critical for my needs. However, I will list them for comparable models in case they are important to you:

• Touchscreen -I don’t use this feature on my laptop, so it wasn’t a priority for me.
• Built-in Battery: I’m fine with the monitor being powered via my laptop.
• >4K Resolution & >80Hz Refresh Rate: For regular work, HD resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate are sufficient for me. If you’re considering a monitor for gaming, you might want something with better specs.

ARZOPA A1 Max portable monitor – Specs

Let’s start of with a list of the main specs:

Display Size: 17.3 Inch
Panel Type: IPS
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Resolution: 1920*1080
Display Color: 16.7M(8-bit)
Color Temperature: 6800K
Visual Angle: H：178° V：178°
Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
Brightness: 300cd/m2
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Input: Mini HD(Video Signal), Type-C Full Function(Video Data, Power Supply ISDN)
Output: 3.5mm Headphone & Speaker: Built-in (2x 1W)

What’s in the box:

• USB-C to USB-C Cable (Full-functioned – data & power)
• Mini HDMI to HDMI Cable (Data transfer only)
• Stand
• Manual / User Guide

Ports & Connection

Why did I want to have USB-C in the first place? The great thing about portable monitors with a USB-C connection is that you only need to connect one cable, and your setup is done. Simply connect your laptop to the Arzopa portable monitor using the included USB-C cable, and the monitor is powered while data is transferred seamlessly.
I once went on vacation by car, carrying a standard 24″ monitor. It was not only bulky (the screen is larger, but the attached stand is the real issue), but I also had to carry a connection cable and a power cable. In contrast, I use my Arzopa monitor not only for traveling but also for quick work sessions at home, like at the kitchen table (since my office space has now become a kids’ space). The setup is done in seconds compared to setting up a standard screen.

So why did I also want HDMI? For my work setup, the USB-C connection is perfectly fine for both Windows laptops and Apple Macs. It is the preferred connection since HDMI only transfers data and does not power the monitor. If you connect your Arzopa portable monitor using an HDMI cable, you also need to connect it to a power source via USB-C.
I still have some devices that do not have USB-C and wanted to be flexible for other solutions. For example, you can use the Arzopa portable monitor as a video display on the go and play videos from your phone. All iPhones up to the iPhone 14 can only be used via a Lightning to HDMI adapter. Additionally, there are video consoles that only offer HDMI video output. So, I wanted to ensure I had the flexibility to connect various devices.

Screen

One of my must haves was the larger size of the ARZOPA 17″ Portable Monitor compared to a standard 15″ laptop monitor. This extra and larger screen significant difference in productivity and comfort. As you can see in the picture, the portable monitor is not only larger but also noticeably brighter than the laptop screen, providing a more vivid and clear display.

Hands-on Experience – Review

Positive aspects

Size: I definitely made the right choice with the size. The portable monitor is large enough for working and small enough to travel. Without a sleeve, I was able to fit it in the same backpack compartment designed for a 15-16″ laptops. It is very thin and lightweight, making it easy to carry around without any hassle.

Display: The brightness is more than sufficient, even brighter than my Lenovo laptop that I use for work. I’m also happy with the resolution and refresh rate, which are the same as my Lenovo. While the MacBook Air screen looks better in contrast, the ARZOPA monitor still performs admirably.

Neutral Aspects

Stand: The stand is made of durable metal, small, and easy to store. It can also be used as a stand for your phone or tablet, which is great on a plane. However, I’m not sure if I would prefer a built-in stand within a cover. Since it is an extra part, you can easily forget to take it with you, which can be an issue when setting up your screen.

Negative Aspects

Cover: What I’m missing is a “smart” cover. There is no protection for the screen, and a cover that is exactly the size of the screen would have been perfect to protect it and allow storage in the same backpack compartment as my laptop. Most laptop sleeves are not a good fit, as they are larger than needed and designed for laptops.

Comparison

In summary, I chose this model because I wanted a large screen with an HDMI connection. The other models were also in my shortlist and might be more interesting for you.
(If HDMI hadn’t been important to me, I would have chosen the LG model.)

Where to get?

I ordered my Arzopa 17″ portable monitor from Amazon:

I was on the hunt for a new large check-in suitcase for my travels. Having had an excellent experience with my 20″ aluminum Xiaomi suitcase as carry-on luggage (you can find my review here), I decided to stay with the brand and explore their polycarbonate Xiaomi suitcase. Both pieces of luggage are designed and manufactured by 90 minutes. In this article, I want to share my experience after using this Xiaomi suitcase for a while:

Xiaomi 24″ Suitcase – PC (polycarbonate, spinner wheel)

Xiaomi suitcase models

The Xiaomi 90 Minutes Spinner Wheel suitcase is available in two sizes: 24″ (65L) and 20″ (36L), and comes in four colors: black, grey, white, and blue. The 20″ Xiaomi suitcase measures 55 x 37.5 x 22.3 cm and qualifies as carry-on luggage for aircraft. In my opinion, there are better options in this category. Either the Xiaomi 20″ Aluminum suitcase, which I tested and found to be more durable and aesthetically pleasing, or the 20″ Xiaomi Business suitcase, which features an extra front compartment for storing a laptop or tablet. This feature is particularly handy during security checks, as it allows you to remove these items without opening the entire suitcase. Since I was looking for larger check-in luggage, I opted for the 24″ polycarbonate Xiaomi suitcase.

Xiaomi 24″ polycarbonate suitcase – Specs

The Xiaomi 24″ suitcase measures 67 x 44 x 25 cm (26.4 x 17.3 x 9.8 in) and weighs about 4.1 kg (9.1 lbs). It is very light, which is important for air travel as airlines are becoming stricter with weight limits. The body is made of polycarbonate (PC) material, featuring a “3-layer composite compressive structure that offers higher strength.” The outer shell has a beautiful honeycomb pattern that is also scratch-resistant. As mentioned, the capacity is about 65L.

The Xiaomi 24″ suitcase features a TSA approved lock where you can set an individual 3-number code. The pull rod is made of thickened aluminum alloy with anodized processing and has four adjustable positions. When fully extended, it is about 1.05m high, which I find to be a convenient height. The shaking of the rod is within an acceptable range. The wheels are made of TPE material, making them shockproof, durable, and noiseless. More on that in my conclusion.

Even though the spinner wheel suitcase is sold under the Xiaomi brand, it is manufactured by 90 minutes. The inside compartments on each side are designed differently. On the left, you can close the entire compartment with a zipper, and there are two pockets for small items like chargers and keys. The right compartment is secured with an x-shaped strap with a clasp.

Note: the 20″ version is designed differently and you have zipper compartments on both sides.

Conclusion

After: 5 trips – 7 flights & 3.000 km on a pickup truck

I checked in my Xiaomi 24″ suitcase on seven flights; it literally traveled once around the globe and was even lost by an airline at one point (luckily, I got it back). In addition to that, it traveled more than 3,000 km on the truck bed of a pickup truck. Upfront overall, I’m very satisfied!

These are my findings in detail: The wheels of the Xiaomi suitcase are silent and very smooth. You can comfortably pull the luggage on any terrain, whether running on two wheels or using it as a spinner wheel on all four wheels. The shaking of the pulling rod is quite acceptable and comparable to other suitcases I have used.

I find the design of the compartments very convenient. You can place smaller items and clothes (socks, underwear, etc.) in the left compartment with a zipper to prevent them from falling out when opening the suitcase. Small items such as cables, chargers, keys, and medicine can be stored in the pockets, where they are securely stored and easily accessible. Larger clothes can be placed on the right side. The X-shaped strap allows you to overpack your luggage a bit, where a zipper compartment would not stretch that wide.

I believe I quite stressed the Xiaomi suitcase, and I’m very satisfied with the result. It got scratches here and there; on- and offloading it from several planes multiple times and bouncing on the truck bed definitely took its toll. However, the suitcase did a great job protecting the items inside. My Xiaomi suitcase is not deformed, with no deep scratches, cracks, or other damage. The zippers, wheels, and pulling rod work as if I had never used it before.

 Price / Retailer Comparison

The first series of Xiaomi suitcases I tested seems to be no longer available, but there is a new series that looks equally interesting. Perhaps I will soon replace my Rimowa (the red one seen on the pickup) with this new Xiaomi model and test it here. You can check out the latest Xiaomi luggage series here: