It’s a polarizing destination, but I absolutely love Las Vegas. In fact, it’s like my home away from home: I’ve been visiting multiple times each year for more than 25 years (since around the time I could show a legal ID at the craps table). Over the years, I have visited for various occasions, from solo business trips as a journalist working trade show floors or over-the-top special events to raging bachelorette parties and divorce parties.

Throughout it all, I’ve transformed plenty of hard-earned lessons into expert packing skills — and now, I always arrive in Sin City stocked with exactly what I need for a successful trip along the Strip. Whether you’re headed to the desert for work or play, these are my recommendations for must-pack items, including comfortable day-to-night walking shoes, versatile bags, and more. Plus, they’re all available at Amazon — from $13.

Feob Portable Phone Charger

It’s important to maintain a solid phone charge in Vegas so you can grab rideshares, take photos, and post to social media. A backup battery is key, and I especially like the style of this portable charger. It’s compact and plugs right into the base of the phone, so you don’t have to worry about tripping over cables or maxing out space in your evening clutch.

Sailing Lu Bowknot Ballet Flats

If you’ve ever accidentally walked 5,000 steps when you thought you would just “run downstairs to grab a coffee,” you know that Vegas requires a lot of walking. Distances are far, even when you’re only walking across the casino floor. So, I stay prepared with comfortable flats that also look a bit more dressed up for work events or wearing out in the evenings. I love that the bow makes these flats look polished, but the flexible and anti-skid rubber sole makes them practical for wearing around Vegas, too.

Faiable Long-sleeve Mini Dress

In Las Vegas, I often find myself going from a meal to a meeting to a bar to a stint at the craps table — sometimes unexpectedly. Because the hotel room can be so far away, and so inconvenient to get to, I find my best bet is to wear something versatile enough to go from day to evening. This dress fits the bill: It’s flowy enough to be comfortable and unconstricted, with enough coverage to pass in some professional settings — and it even has some va-va-voom for going out, too.

The Drop Anouk Blazer

No matter the time of year, it’s key to come prepared with an extra layer. In the cooler months, that desert air is cold enough to chill you to the bone while waiting for a rideshare, and even in the summer, the inside spaces can be so over-air conditioned. I love this vegan-friendly faux leather blazer as an extra layer because it’s chic, versatile, structured, and has a bit of an edge.

La Blanca One-piece Swimsuit

Opulent Las Vegas pools (and day club pool parties) are the stuff of legend, so even when traveling for work, I always make time for a dip. Even when it’s too cold to swim outdoors, I stay prepared: I never miss a chance to lounge in a posh casino spa, and many of them have expansive co-ed lounges for which swimsuits are required. This is the LBD of swimsuits: chic and all-purpose. Plus, it’s a steal on sale right now.

Apple iPad (10th Generation)

Many years ago — another lifetime ago in the world of personal technology — I used to walk trade show floors at the Las Vegas Convention Center toting a heavy 15-inch laptop, making my whole body ache by the end of the day. I didn’t know any better, but now I do: You’ll always find me in Vegas with my 13-inch MacBook Air, so light that I can easily slip it into my bag for any eventuality, no matter what the day holds. To go even lighter, opt for an Apple iPad, a more versatile, travel-friendly tech solution that can literally fit in your purse if needed. In fact, carrying an iPad is an expert packing hack to ensure everything fits in your carry-on bag when traveling.

Kah&Kee Leather Backpack

It wasn’t just the weight of my computer that used to make me ache, it was the fact that I foolishly insisted on carrying all my stuff in a shoulder bag. Now I know to distribute weight better — ideally onto my back so I stay in alignment — when I’m out for a whole day carrying my computer or other chunkier essentials. This versatile, black leather backpack with a padded laptop compartment does the trick — and it’s a steal.

The Drop Koko Chain Strap Bag

The trick about packing for Las Vegas is to inject glamour into functional, utilitarian pieces. I love this black bag with a golden chain strap that looks so luxe, with a bit of flash for going out after dark. However, it’s large enough to carry in the daytime, too, with a zipper interior pocket for security. Where better to stash all those chips I inevitably win?

Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle

In Vegas, it can be hard to round any corner, at any time of day, without being offered a cocktail. However, it can be challenging to find a bottle of water that won’t set you back $12 — and hydration is key in the desert climate. Be prepared by bringing your own bottle to refill whenever you pass a bar happy to fill you up. This fan-favorite Owala water bottle is highly reviewed and utterly leakproof.

Lanolips 101 Ointment Multi-balm Duo

Speaking of the supremely dry desert air, packing lip balm is a must any time of year. I love this lanolin-based ointment for the super-soothing way it hydrates my lips and because it has several other versatile purposes — use it on dry skin patches, cuticles, elbows, and more — making it a packing powerhouse.

Miohhr Stainless Steel Apple Watch Band

If you walked 20,000 steps in Vegas but your Apple Watch didn’t record it, did it even happen? I always do Vegas with my Apple Watch, but I like to dress it up when I hit the Strip. I wear mine with a bracelet-like gold chain watch band from Quince, but this popular version is available at Amazon for less than the cost of an airport cocktail.

Hopkost Body Tape

Okay, hear me out. This might not be at the top of your Vegas packing list, but it should be. For my last visit, I brought body tape as a bra alternative for my going-out look, but I was thrilled at how much more unexpected utility I got out of it. I used it to cover raw areas on my heels where my shoes rubbed, and I even used it to make sure my necklaces remained tangle-free as I slept. It made me feel like MacGyver — and it’s my new packing essential. This popular and well-reviewed version has over 3,300 five-star ratings.

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