Discover what unessentials to pack for a holiday .........

When you go on a holiday to the Maldives or even just the Gold Coast, you might find yourself packing 101 things for the “just in case” situation. It isn’t until your sandal breaks halfway through a hike or your hair tie snaps at the beach that you just wished you’d packed something for that exact occasion.

We asked a heap of lady boss travellers what you wouldn’t normally think of bringing on your holiday, but really should consider.

Plastic or zip-lock bags: When it starts raining out of the blue, or you go for a swim by choice, putting those wet clothes back in your suitcase is the perfect recipe for mould.

By using a bag you can keep the dry clothes separate.

Electrical or duct tape: These can fix a world of things at home but by bringing some tape you can fix anything from a busted shoe or camera bag to a tent patch.

Antihistamine: You never know what you’re allergic to until it’s too late. Packing a few antihistamines is excellent, especially when you’re visiting new places with different animals, foods and botanicals.

Earplugs: Planes, trains and other large transport vessels are prone to noise, so some earplugs will be sure to help on any long-haul trip. You can use them at hostels and guesthouses too.

Sink plug: You’re camping and have already gone through your underwear including the three spares; by packing a plug you can turn any sink into a wash bucket and feel clean for the rest of your travels.

Nail clippers or file: An uneven or hangnail is debatably the worst thing to put up with, but by packing some nail tools you can save yourself a world of stress.

Insect spray: You mightn’t have mosquitoes at your own home, but a lot of tropical locations are hot spots for the itchy insects too.

Collapsible funnel: This is more specifically for the Asian destinations; the porcelain toilet bowl is a very western invention. As a female, using the eastern squat toilet without practise or precision can ruin your day, but by packing a funnel you can make sure you stay on target.

Coins/shrapnel: On that note, don’t expect to find free public toilets everywhere. Locations from Thailand to Germany have a fee included when needing the loo, whether that be 5 Baht or 1 Euro. Come prepared so you can keep some dignity.

Buff: You might not know what a buff is exactly, but you can use it in any situation. As a makeshift shirt, headband or scarf for both cooler and hot climates (they’re the piece of stretchy material contestants are given on the hit reality show Survivor).

Microfibre towel: The best invention since toaster ovens, these towels can be as big as a regular towel but will only take up the room of a washer.

Use it as an extra blanket or as its intended use - a quick-dry towel

Deck of cards: You never know where there will be a delay, but by bringing some cards you can play either solo or with others at the airport or in lieu of a cancelled event.

Great for rainy days and lazy stays.