Hey! I’m Donetta, and this is my daughter Maleah. Together, we’re the heart and soul behind A Girl and a Carry-On — a platform where motherhood and adventure meet.



Our travel journey didn’t start when we moved abroad. I took Maleah on her first trip when she was just one year old — a flight to Canada followed by a tropical getaway to Jamaica. Since then, travel has become a huge part of our story and our bond.



Whether it’s a short weekend escape or a big international move, we’ve always made it a point to explore the world together.



In 2025, we packed up our life in California and relocated to Thailand. Not with just carry-ons — let’s keep it real — but with a lot of intention. We wanted more than just vacations. We wanted freedom, cultural connection, and a new kind of lifestyle.



This site is where we share our experiences, inspire other moms, and document the magic of slow, intentional travel through our eyes.

From destination guides and relocation tips to heartwarming mother-daughter moments, our goal is to show that it’s possible to build a life that includes your kids in the adventure — not as an afterthought, but as your co-pilot.



Welcome to our journey. We’re so glad you’re here 💛

  • First Trip: Canada 🇨🇦

  • Jamacia 🇯🇲

  • Cancun 🇲🇽

  • Costa Rica 🇨🇷

  • Cabo 🇲🇽

  • Japan 🇯🇵

  • Hawaii 🌸

  • Vietnam 🇻🇳

  • Relocation: Thailand 🇹🇭

Little Things That Make Us, Us

🌍 We’ve visited 8 countries together — and counting!

✈️ Our first flight together was to Canada when Maleah was just one year old.

🐘 The elephant experience in Thailand is one of our most unforgettable memories so far.

📸 Donetta never travels without her camera. 🍿 Maleah never travels without snacks.

🎒 We each have our own carry-on… but somehow Maleah’s is always heavier.

🍜 We’ve learned to say “thank you” in five different languages — and we practice them at dinner.

📍 We once changed our whole itinerary just to see a street market Maleah found on YouTube.

💬 Our favorite part of traveling? Meeting locals and getting off the beaten path.