4. Clothing You’ll Actually Wear

Be realistic. If you pack five pairs of heels for a beach trip, we need to talk. Stick to versatile pieces you can mix and match, and always check the weather (yes, even tropical destinations get random downpours). A lightweight layer or scarf goes a long way on cold planes.

5. A Mini “Oh No” Kit

Think of this as your in-flight emergency pack: travel-sized toiletries, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, lip balm, and some basic meds (painkillers, allergy tabs, etc.). I keep this in my carry-on so I’m never scrambling mid-air.

6. The “Just in Case” Extras

A copy of your itinerary, emergency contacts, a little cash in local currency, and maybe even a backup credit card. These small prep steps can seriously save you when things don’t go to plan.