Las Vegas is a city of contradictions. On the surface, it’s a sensory assault—neon lights, endless noise, perpetual distraction. But beneath that mirage, the desert holds something rare: the space to reset. And this May, for the first time, I’ll be stepping into that paradox myself.

I’ve never been to Las Vegas. I’ve seen it in films, read about it, imagined it in flashes of color and chaos. But I’m not going for the nightlife or the roulette wheels. I’m going for something quieter, deeper. I’ll be joining a more deliberate crowd at our very own Escape Artist’s Plan B Summit, held at the New York, New York Hotel—a gathering where the stakes are high, but not for the reasons most people come to this city.

While thousands descend upon the Strip in pursuit of spectacle, we’ll be in a conference room exchanging ideas on global strategy, and how to live a life that’s designed, not defaulted. The summit draws global citizens, digital nomads, offshore advisors, and those who’ve already rewritten the rules of where and how they live. It’s not a conventional event. And so this isn’t a conventional trip.

As I prepare for this first encounter with Las Vegas, the question becomes not just what to wear, but how to arrive—mentally, physically, and energetically. Because what you bring to a summit like this—your tools, your rhythm, your presence—matters far more than the contents of your suitcase. This is not a vacation, but a declaration. And what you pack is part of that statement.

The Outfit That Sets the Tone

What you wear on the flight sets your rhythm. A soft, breathable two-piece set, paired with a light cardigan, transitions smoothly from gate to summit check-in. Shoes that slip on and off easily save time in security and still look polished on arrival.

It’s not about dressing up or down—it’s about feeling put together, comfortable, and ready to transition seamlessly from airport to summit. A soft, structured outfit that travels well can make all the difference, especially after a long flight. Before landing, I take a moment to reset—refresh my face, organize my bag, check my notes. It’s a small ritual, but one that helps me walk into the next few days alert, focused, and fully switched on.

Read more like this: Why Creating a Plan B Is Essential in 2025

Staying Sharp in a Distracting City

Vegas in May can feel like a paradox. The air outside is bone-dry and blistering, while inside the summit halls, the air-conditioning can turn tropical linen into a liability. That contrast alone makes hydration an act of strategy, not vanity. A reusable, filter-topped water bottle is worth its weight, especially when paired with electrolyte packets that help you maintain energy without a sugar crash. Add a few nutrient-dense snacks to your bag—unsalted nuts, dried fruit, or a piece of dark chocolate—and you’ve already outpaced the vending machines.

If you need caffeine to start the day, pack your own. A few sachets of instant coffee or your preferred tea blend will go a long way—hotel room machines rarely deliver anything worth drinking, and early sessions are not the time to settle for weak brews. Throughout the day, a few practical items can help you stay focused: a facial mist to counter dry air, peppermint oil for an energy boost, and something familiar—like a scent or hand cream—to reset between sessions. These aren’t luxuries; they’re tools for staying alert and present when the pace picks up.

What to Wear Without Overthinking It

While this isn’t a fashion trip, what you wear still matters. Not because anyone’s keeping score, but because clothing—at its best—is an extension of how you carry yourself. For the Plan B Summit, think balance: Lightweight trousers, neutral blouses, and if you’re layering, consider natural fabrics that adapt well to fluctuating temperatures.

The goal isn’t to impress but to feel anchored—to dress in a way that allows you to focus on the moment, not tug at a sleeve or adjust a heel. Choose pieces that are familiar, travel well, and support the kind of clear-mindedness you’re coming here to cultivate.

Accessories That Work Overtime

When you’re moving between keynote sessions, breakout panels, and impromptu conversations over drinks, the last thing you want is to be weighed down. A well-structured tote bag that carries your laptop, notebook, charger, and water bottle keeps you organized without shouting for attention. For evenings or more casual settings, a compact crossbody allows you to move freely while keeping essentials close. Sunglasses are a quiet essential—choose frames that protect, not perform. Jewelry, too, is worth considering.

Technology is part of your presence. Bring a dual-port wall charger, a long-lasting power bank, and noise-canceling earbuds that let you turn any corner of the conference into a private reset space. There’s a confidence that comes with being prepared, and in a setting like this, it’s something people notice.

Skin, Hair, and Hydration Rituals

Desert air demands more from your skin than usual. Without moisture in the atmosphere, dehydration happens invisibly—until it doesn’t. Your skin care routine should begin with a lightweight serum and a high-quality moisturizer, ideally one that includes SPF 50 or higher. Layering hydration early in the day helps prevent the fatigue and dullness that often creeps in by afternoon.

For makeup, less is more. A tinted moisturizer with solid coverage, a cream blush that adds life to your face, and a brow pencil to keep your features defined are all you need. Lip products should nourish while staying in place—a matte balm or stain offers the perfect balance of form and function.

Hair deserves its own consideration. Tied back in a silk scrunchie, it stays protected against wind and dehydration. A travel-sized dry shampoo saves time when evenings run late, and a compact wooden comb tucks easily into your bag for discreet touch-ups.

Body and Mind in Motion

The best summit attendees don’t just show up—they sustain themselves. The most insightful moments often come on Day Two, after the initial adrenaline has faded. To stay engaged, treat your body like a co-pilot.

Magnesium supplements can help ease you into restful sleep, especially when overstimulation and a different bed threaten to disrupt your rhythm. Herbal drops or melatonin offer gentle support for adjusting to new time zones. If your digestion tends to respond poorly to change, a probiotic and enzyme blend keeps your system steady.

If movement is part of your daily ritual, keep it simple. A resistance band, a short yoga video, or even a series of mindful stretches by the window can help you process the intensity of a full day. Meditation, if it’s part of your practice, should come with you too. Whether you use an app, music, or silence, carving out even five minutes a day creates an internal buffer against the external noise.

Little Things That Change Everything

Despite the tech-driven nature of the conversations you’ll hear at the summit, there’s something timeless about writing things down. A well-made notebook becomes a space for ideas to land and take shape. Bring one you enjoy using, along with a pen that feels grounded in your hand. This isn’t about aesthetics—it’s about anchoring your thoughts in a space that doesn’t glitch, ping, or run out of battery.

Often, the smallest items become the most essential. A lint roller saves you from looking unkempt. A travel steamer revives your wardrobe after a long-haul flight. A compact fan brings relief in crowded lobbies or walks between venues. A mini first-aid pouch—complete with antihistamines, blister plasters, and pain relief—speaks to a deeper sense of self-reliance.

Even the right pen matters when it comes time to write down an insight or share your contact details. These items are less about aesthetics and more about ease—and ease, in a high-performance environment, is invaluable.

Packing as Self-Respect

This isn’t a vacation. It’s not a sales conference or a networking blitz. The Plan B Summit is a gathering for people who are redefining what it means to be prepared, to be agile, and to be free.

How you pack is how you approach that life. It’s not about overstuffed suitcases or overly curated wardrobes. It’s about self-respect. It’s about carrying the tools you need and letting go of the weight you don’t. Las Vegas will be loud. But when you travel with intention, you move through the noise with ease. And when you arrive prepared, you’re not just a participant. You’re a presence.

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Isha Sesay is Escape Artist’s Associate Editor. Born in London, she has spent the past decade living and working across the globe, and now calls Barcelona, Spain, home.