Grown-Up City Break Packing List (Dress Codes Included)

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The number one packing mistake on a grown-up city break is forgetting that many of the best rooms still have dress codes. Delilah and Carbone in Las Vegas, Commander's Palace (business attire) and Galatoire's (jackets for gentlemen after 5 p.m.) in New Orleans, and plenty of lounges turn away shorts, athleisure and flip-flops. The second is shoes: you'll walk more than you think, often on casino carpet or French Quarter pavement.

For dress-code dinners and lounges

A crease-resistant blazer or sport coat (see options on Amazon)
A dress or smart outfit that packs flat (see options on Amazon)
Comfortable dress shoes you can walk in (see options on Amazon)
A travel steamer (see options on Amazon)

For long days on your feet

Cushioned walking shoes (see options on Amazon)
A light layer for cold casinos and desert nights (see options on Amazon)
A slim crossbody bag or money belt (see options on Amazon)

For pools and day trips

Reef-safe sunscreen (see options on Amazon)
An insulated water bottle (see options on Amazon)
A packable sun hat (see options on Amazon)

For staying organised

Packing cubes (see options on Amazon)
A compact power bank (see options on Amazon)
Earplugs and an eye mask for late check-ins (see options on Amazon)

City notes

Las Vegas: desert nights get cold in winter and casinos are air-conditioned year round; bring a layer. See Las Vegas for grown-ups.
New Orleans: humid most of the year; pack breathable fabrics and a jacket for Galatoire's dinner. See New Orleans for grown-ups.
Nashville: boots are welcome everywhere, but save the smart outfit for Skull's Rainbow Room. See Nashville for grown-ups.
Chicago: the wind off the lake is real in spring and autumn; bring a warm layer for the river cruise. See Chicago for grown-ups.