Let’s talk about travel prep because apparently, I like to make every trip a full blown production. The Dominican Republic is calling my name, and I am not just answering I am showing up with all the energy of someone who has been waiting their whole life to sip cocktails on the beach without a single work email interrupting them. Spoiler alert: I’m excited, I’m chaotic, and yes, I overpack like it’s an extreme sport.

First, the packing. Anyone who says “pack light” clearly doesn’t know me. I have outfits for every possible scenario: beach, sunset, nightlife, accidental rainstorm, impromptu photoshoot, and dramatic Instagram story moments. I’m talking multiple swimsuits, flowy dresses, sneakers for exploring, sandals for showing off my perfectly pedicured toes, and at least three hats that may or may not actually match my outfits. Packing cubes? Please, I have a color coded system that looks like I’m preparing for a Vogue editorial, not a vacation.

Then there’s the toiletries and skincare. The Dominican sun is powerful, and I intend to glow, not burn. Sunscreen is mandatory. Aloe for the dramatic sunburn I may still get is mandatory. Face masks, moisturizers, serums basically my bathroom is being relocated into a tiny travel bag. Every night I imagine myself on the balcony sipping something tropical, my skin radiant, and I say, “Yes, you are prepared.” In reality, I will probably forget a brush, panic for five minutes, and then triumphantly find it in the bottom of my bag like a treasure hunter.

Flights are another level of preparation. I’ve checked the schedule 37 times. I know my seat, my snacks, my headphones, and my backup headphones. I’ve also mentally prepared for the stranger who inevitably wants to talk mid-flight. Listen, October me is trying to nap, not hear your life story, Karen. I also have playlists ready for every mood: hype music for takeoff, chill music for cruising, and dramatic sad music for any TSA-related tragedies. Travel planning is not just logistical; it’s emotional.

Food planning? Absolutely necessary. I’m researching Dominican cuisine like it’s a PhD dissertation. Mangú, sancocho, fresh seafood, tropical fruits my stomach is ready for the adventure. And yes, I will be posting food stories with captions that make everyone jealous. Instagram won’t know what hit it. Breakfast at sunrise? Check. Lunch with a view of the ocean? Check. Snacks for when I’m “exploring”? Check. I am not a casual traveler; I am an experience curator, and my stomach is the VIP guest.

Then there’s the vibe prep. I’ve been hyping myself up for weeks. Outfits are planned, playlists are ready, and my camera is fully charged. I’ve envisioned sunsets, laughter, and spontaneous adventures. I’ve also mentally prepared for minor disasters: missed flights, lost sandals, random rainstorms, or accidentally speaking broken Spanish and getting the funniest looks. I know I will survive everything with humor and maybe a little sass.

Packing and planning aside, there’s the excitement factor. Traveling to the Dominican Republic isn’t just a trip; it’s a full on escape. The beach, the music, the food, the culture it’s like stepping into a dream that smells like saltwater and sunscreen. I can already feel the warm breeze, hear the bachata in the background, and see myself sipping a drink with a tiny umbrella in it while thinking, “Yes, this is life.”

And yes, I will inevitably overthink my Instagram captions. Do I go funny, witty, dramatic, or inspirational? Probably all of them. My stories will be a mix of “look at me thriving” and “look at this chaos I survived today.” That’s the essence of a T’yanna Tells trip: part glamour, part humor, part authenticity, and 100% personality.

By the time I step on that plane, I will have packed my physical essentials and my emotional essentials: confidence, excitement, humor, and readiness for everything the Dominican Republic can throw at me. I’m prepared for adventure, relaxation, laughter, and maybe a few minor disasters that will become legendary stories later.

So here’s the plan: pack smart, overpack dramatically, plan strategically, and show up with all the energy of someone who has been waiting decades for this moment. The Dominican Republic is ready for me. I am ready for it. And Instagram? Well, it better be ready too, because I’m bringing all the chaos, vibes, and personality one tropical post at a time.