16 Carry-On Essentials for Your Next Trip

Summer is right around the corner, and that means one thing: vacation time. Traveling can be a bit stressful, so we’re bringing you a list of items to help alleviate some of that hassle. Whether you’re headed to NYC for some major shopping or to Miami for some much-needed beach time, we’ve got you covered with everything from stylish accessories to yummy snacks. Ready, set, scroll!

1. Carter Backpack ($79 – $189): This backpack is the carry-on to bring along. Whether you’re traveling with children or solo, this keeps everything out of your hands, making it a whole lot easier to grab a latte before you board. It’s also available in SEVEN other color combinations.

2. Gold Dots Print Travel Case ($25): Gold. Polka. Dots. This gorgeous bag is just what you need to keep all your beauty products organized and contained. Get ready for quick access to your lotion, lip balm and all those other must-have essentials.

3. Color Splash Scarf ($36): Don’t you just love the extreme climates of airplane travel? NOT. Keep those frigid cold fronts from making you shiver with a big, beautiful and colorful scarf.

4. Solid Lotion Stick ($10): It’s well known that airplanes can be very dehydrating for your skin. Keep this handy dandy lotion stick with you to avoid getting that not-so-attractive, super dry, cracked skin. Bonus: This product is 100% natural and vegan.

5. Gridlock Fanny Pack ($34): Store your phone, wallet and boarding pass in this gridlock fanny pack for quick access. It’s perfect for keeping your hands free to grab that coffee or quick snack while you rush to your gate.

6. DIY Travel Jewelry Organizer: One thing we all would love to avoid is getting our necklaces tangled, and another thing we totally love is any chance to DIY. Check out this adorable travel jewelry holder that’s easy peasy to make. (via Brit + Co)

7. Wally Stick-On iPhone Wallet ($40): This stick-on wallet will make your travel experience even easier. And since most of us can’t live without our phones, it’s perfect for whipping out your ID in the security line. Stick this in your fanny pack (see above) to make airport lines a breeze.

8. Whoo Hoo! Luggage Tag ($11): Just because you’re carrying on doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun luggage tag to stand out from the crowd. We love how bright and cheerful this tag is — it’s perfect way to start and end your vacay.

9. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm ($46): Sure, the airline offers you drinks to quench your thirst, but what about your skin? Use this to get an instant lift and hydration for your skin, both during and after your flight.

10. Back Me Up Mobile Charger ($30): What’s the number one thing besides snacks you’ll need on the airplane? Music, ebooks and games, of course! As soon as your cell phone battery hits the single digits, plug this bad boy right in to stay powered throughout your entire flight.

11. Ear Foam High Performance Headphones ($18): Looking to get some work done or perhaps watch a movie? Escape the chatter of fellow passengers (or screaming babies) with these comfy headphones.

12. Sugar Bandit Eau de Parfum ($50): This travel-size perfume is the best pick-me-up after a long flight. With scents of caramel, white chocolate, Madagascan vanilla, cedarwood and sandalwood, it’s a great way to freshen up.

13. CitySlips Luxe Classic Patent Travel Flats ($19): How cute are these foldable ballet slippers? They’re awesome if you’re planning to slip into some heels after your flight. And even if you’re not switching shoes, they are adorable all on their own.

14. Travel Blanket and Pillow Set ($33): We’ve already expressed our dislike for airplane temps. Stay even warmer with this travel blanket/pillow combo. You’ll be cozy and comfortable… even if you have that dreaded middle seat.

15. Potato Chip Bar 3 Bar Set ($15): Yum! Skip the peanuts and pretzels and enjoy your own snack. Talk about a delish treat that’s a great match for a movie or a good read.

16. Dental Travel Kit ($6): After all that munching on chocolate, you’ll want to freshen up with some minty goodness.

What are your must-have carry-on items? Leave us a comment below!

The countdown to the holidays will be here before you know it, which is why we're gearing up to treat ourselves all December long with the best advent calendars for 2024. Whether you're looking to unbox a lil' somethin'-somethin' for yourself or gift the goodness to a friend or family member, these 10 advent calendars span across food, beauty, and pop culture – ensuring you find the perfect fit.

Amazon

Gilmore Girls: The Official Advent Calendar

This Rory- and Lorelai-approved advent calendar is packed to the brim with 25 Stars Hollow-themed trinkets, from keychains, and buttons to magnets and stickers so you can flaunt your Gilmore Girls fandom all year long.

Godiva

Godiva 2024 Holiday Classic Chocolate Advent Calendar

Because chocolate always makes the best gift! This Godiva advent calendar comes complete with 24 assorted chocolates that range from milk, dark, and white. Kick off the most delicious time of year by gifting this indulgent set to your local chocolate lover, or yourself – just try not to sneak all the chocolates in one sitting!

Sephora

Sephora Collection Advent Calendar

We'd gladly take a Sephora-themed advent calendar year-round, but this beauty-centric one makes the holidays feel a bit more special. Never say "no" to a treat-yourself moment! With this set, you'll unveil 24 different makeup, skincare, and bath goodies, accessories, plus an advent-exclusive inclusion.

Nordstrom

MAC Cosmetics 24K Holiday Advent Calendar

Unwrap your glowiest glow with this luxurious MAC advent calendar! For 24 whole days (ideally leading up to Christmas, but we understand where you're coming from, early openers), you'll find only the best lip, base, eyes, and skin picks from the beloved brand. Sitting at an original value of $480, you can snag this baby for more than half-off for the holidays!

Typology

Typology Advent Calendar

Typology's 2023 advent calendar sold out in less than 48 hours last year, and it's already waitlisted for 2024 – but it's not to be missed, especially if you're gifting the design- and sustainability-forward beauty-lover in your life. This cal contains 15 full-size and 9 mini-size skincare products for the face, eyes, lips, and hands. It's super sleek yet unique, plus, it's constructed from FSC-certified paper to not only optimize space, but reduce its carbon footprint during transport. Get your name on the waitlist with the link here!

Nordstrom

Sugarfina 24 Tastes Of Christmas Candy Advent Calendar

The holidays are the time to assume the character of Buddy the Elf and go all in on all the Christmas candies. This 24-day advent calendar features everything from creamy chocolates to fruity gummies to satisfy that sweet tooth and bring some very sugary Christmas cheer to the season. P.S. Sharing is caring!

Craftspring

Craftspring Linen Ornaments Advent Calendar

Your Christmas tree will be left looking utterly lush once you've made it through this adorable advent calendar. It's loaded with a mini ornament for every day, each one made from sustainably-harvested merino-blended wool. The hand-embroidered calendar base will truly last a lifetime, so you can use it every year, loading it with candies, teas, and beauty goodies – whatever you please!

Nordstrom

L'Occitane 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

This treasure chest of goodies for your skin, body, hair, and hands is well-worth the investment (a $115 value for just $84) considering you can get some good year-round use out of it. The contents will come in particularly handy for all your dry skin woes once winter is, well, wintering. The best part about this cal is you can keep what you want, then gift more minis to the skincare-obsessed in your life!

Compartés

Compartés Winter Foxes Chocolate Advent Calendar

By far the coolest, most intricate chocolates we've tried, Compartés' offerings make the best holiday gifts. Opt for this 24 day-long advent calendar inspired by a mystical fox named Samson. Like Samson, you'll be able to cleverly venture out on a world of bite-sized chocolate treasures from the likes of Creme Brûlée, Campfire S'mores, and Blackberry Crumble. How yummy.

Lush

Lush Advent Calendar

Holiday prep can be stressful. Wind down and relax a bit each day with each of Lush's advent calendar surprises! From colorful bath bombs and home fragrances to beloved beauty picks from years past, this 24-day box is a total banger. Plus, if you don't see yourself using up each day's offering, you'll have some absolutely delightful gifts on-hand to give to your friends and fam.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more gift ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Per menu leaks, Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

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I think we can all agree that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship is one for the books — I mean, we're all obsessed with their fairytale love story. And if you think I'm exaggerating, think back to Halloween 2023: everyone dressed up as the pop star and football player duo, and we just know they will in 2024, too!

Luckily, we're here to help you replicate this "It" couple's look this year! We've got all the details and pieces you'll need to perfectly emulate the A-list couple for your next Halloween costume! Just make sure your partner is carrying a football, because they're gonna be a catch. 😘

Taylor Swift Costume

Official Chiefs Pro Shop

Women's WEAR by Erin Andrews Cream Kansas City Chiefs Stripe Pullover Sweater

Taylor seems to have the best taste in unique Kansas City Chiefs sweatshirts, so this is a great start to your costume! It's very reminiscent of the varsity look she wore at the Bills vs. Chiefs game last December. Plus, it's just cute football merch. to wear year-round! Who doesn't love an adorable sporty look?

If you don't wanna invest in Chiefs merch, this J.Crew Red Sweater is a good swap! It's totally similar to Taylor's outfit from the AFC Championship, without the $700 price tag of her actual Guest In Residence sweater.

Nordstrom

Open Edit Pleated A-Line Miniskirt

Taylor also loves a pleated mini skirt these days! It totally goes with your quasi-cheerleader look, and again: it's a skirt you can wear after Halloween. It's giving sustainable!

Nordstrom

Vince Camuto Gibi Knee High Boot

A Taylor Swift Chiefs look wouldn't be complete without some knee-high black boots either. These are a great pair to have in your closet in general, but they'll totally bring the whole Taylor Swift vibes together. Want some other options? Be sure to check out our fave tall black boots!

Amazon

Long Wavy Blond Wig with Fluffy Air Bangs

Oh, and if you don't have blonde hair already? Don't worry! This wig has you covered — literally. While I love this wavier style, there are also some fabulous options for a straight hair look like this one, too.

Sephora

Patrick Ta Major Headlines Matte Suede Lipstick

Taylor's signature red lip goes so well with the Chiefs colors, so top your look off with one of our favorite red lipsticks!

Travis Kelce Costume

Official Chiefs Pro Shop

Men's Nike Travis Kelce Red Kansas City Chiefs Game Jersey

If you wanna be the 87 to Taylor's 89, then an official Travis Kelce jersey is the way to start! This is a classic Chiefs jersey, Travis' tried-and-true uniform during football season, so it's perfect! Want something more casual? This Forever 21 Chiefs Outfit definitely captures Kelce's more laid back off-the-field style.

Amazon

CHAMPRO Men's Safety Practice Football Pants with Pads

The bottoms to your top, these football pants will definitely show your commitment to the look.

NFL Shop

Kansas City Chiefs Revolution Speed Display Full-Size Football Replica Helmet

What's a football uniform without a helmet to protect your precious head?!

Amazon

Franklin Football

How could we forget a football? If you're going to dress up as a football player, then make sure you have this on hand — and don't fumble it! Bonus points if you can throw a killer lateral to your fellow Halloween goers with a smooth, "Alright nah" in typical Travis fashion. And there you have the whole look! Just throw on some basic sneakers, and you're good to go!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations

Emily Henry fans rejoice! After the release of Funny Story on April 23, 2024, and all the news about the People We Meet On Vacation movie and Happy Place TV show, we finally have the title of Emily Henry's newest book: Great Big Beautiful Life. The author teased the novel in the September 6 installment of her Emily's Grocery List newsletter, revealing that the book is actually one of the most difficult ones she's written.

"This book poured out of me, back in the winter/spring after the longest writing break I’d taken in a full decade," she says in the email. "You might also have heard me in interviews talk about how hard this book has been since that first draft. (Very.) This book is different than anything I’ve written before but also feels like a really natural extension of what I’ve been doing the last few years."

Here's everything you need to know about Great Big Beautiful Life — including when you can read it.

What is the title of Emily Henry's new book?

Penguin Random House

Emily Henry's newest book is called Great Big Beautiful Life. When Henry offered clues in her newsletter (saying, "It’s more than two words long. I’ve already hidden it in a grocery list. It starts with an adjective."), readers started guessing it'd begin with "Great" — especially since she bolded the word at the start of the email!

What is the new Emily Henry book about?

Emily Henry/Instagram

Great Big Beautiful Life Plot

The new book follows Alice and Hayden, two writers competing to tell the story of Margaret Ives, a “tragic heiress, former tabloid princess and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the 20th Century,” according to the official synopsis. Both writers get a month-long trail to prove themselves worthy of penning the story, and thanks to Alice's people skills and her determination, she's sure she'll get the job. But as time goes on, "it’s becoming abundantly clear that their story — just like the tale Margaret’s spinning — could be a mystery, tragedy or love ballad … depending on who’s telling it.”

This story totally reminds me of the star power and intrigue in Taylor Jenkins Reid's The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and I can't wait to see how Emily Henry puts her spin on this! Before revealing the specifics about the Great Big Beautiful Life plot, Emily Henry offered email subscribers a teaser.

"There is, of course, a love story and a vacation and complicated family dynamic and all the things I’ve always found myself drawn toward," she says, "but there’s also something else, and I’m both overjoyed and terrified to be able to share it more about it with you so soon (!!!). Including which T. Swift song it most closely correlates to, since I know that some of you will ask." (As many fans guessed, it turned out to be "The Last Great American Dynasty").

"It’s very much a love story, and there is a romance in it. But it feels like a slight departure, but in a way that I think will be really exciting to the readers," Henry told TODAY in April. "It was the best first draft experience I’ve had since Beach Read, where writing the first draft, I felt so connected to the characters, and I was getting really emotional for them. And usually, I don’t really find that until later drafts."

If you love drawing parallels between Taylor Swift and Emily Henry as much as I do, check out Reading Emily Henry? There's A Taylor Swift Album For Every Book.

When is Great Big Beautiful Life coming out?

RDNE Stock project/Pexels

Great Big Beautiful Life Release Date

Great Big Beautiful Life will be published on April 22, 2025.

What has Emily Henry said about her new book?

Devyn Glista/St. Blanc Studios

In the October 16 issue of her newsletter, Emily Henry promises Great Big Beautiful Life has been one of the biggest challenges of her career.

"Like I’ve been telling you, this book is a little bit different, though still very much a love story (and a romance, to be clear), and I do know I say this every time, but I’ve genuinely never been more nervous to share something with you," she says. "Writing this book consumed me, tore me up, and challenged me like nothing has in years. It felt like the right book for me at the moment, and I hope that means that some of you reading this will feel the same way when the time comes."

What is the best Emily Henry book to start with?

ABC/Lorenzo Bevilaqua

You can read the Emily Henry books in any order you like, but I'd recommend starting with Beach Read. It's a great introduction to Henry's writing and it's unique and emotional while still having all the elements any romance reader will enjoy.

Emily Henry's other books include People We Meet on Vacation, Book Lovers (my personal favorite), Funny Story, and Happy Place.

Are Emily Henry books connected?

Amazon

Emily Henry's books aren't directly connected with one another (meaning you can read them in whichever order you like), but they do mention each other's characters, like how Book Lovers mentions a book published by Beach Read's January Andrews.

What do you think Emily Henry's new book Great Big Beautiful Life will be about? Let us know on Facebook and check out All The Emily Henry Books Being Turned Into Movies for the latest news on Henry's adaptations!

This post has been updated.

Brit B

Brit + Co

As hardcore word nerds, puns are a pretty essential part of the everyday here at Brit HQ. We cheer when someone makes what is unfairly referred to as a "dad joke," we battle over who gets to use which eggcellent reference during Easter, and we are always on the hunt for the punniest costume for Halloween. So for those of you like to keep it clever too, here are 30 amazing pun Halloween costumes to inspire this year's inevitable hilarity. They're great for every kind of costume lover, no matter whether you're dressing up with your friends or on your own!

Brit + Co

Hawaiian Punch Costume

How 'bout a nice Hawaiian punch? This punny couples costume is part Hula Girl, part Rocky Balboa.

Brit + Co

Takeout Night Costume

A T-shirt that doubles as a costume? This is every lazy girl’s dream!

Brit + Co

Funny Pumpkin Costume

How cute is she?! We love how our very own Brit made her own creative and *very* punny costume.

Brit + Co

Party Animal Costumes

Go the Breakfast at Tiffany's route with this take on party animals.

Brit + Co

Spice Girls Costumes

Though we're all about bringing back Sporty, Scary, Baby, Posh, and Ginger, go the clever route and simply dress up as your favorite spices.

Brit + Co

Prego Costume

Whip up this winner and let everyone savor your pun-tastic presence on All Hallows' Eve.

Brit + Co

Netflix & Chill Costumes

As far as couples costumes go, this one takes the cake. Or should we say “Netflix subscription package”?

Brit + Co

Anna Wintour Costume

Our very own Brit Morin donned this take on a wintery Anna Wintour at a Brit + Co Halloween party a few years back. Fake snow and an ice-cold attitude are musts.

Brit + Co

A Halloween Hangover Pun Halloween Costume

Beat your actual hangover with this T-shirt/costume. Sunglasses and a large bottle of Gatorade are also musts.

Brit + Co

Bun in the Oven Costume

Maternity costume FTW! Dress your bump up as an actual bun in the oven.

Kelly Bryden

Blue Ivy Costume

Our very own Kelly apologizes for the low-quality iPhone photos, but this hilarious Blue Ivy costume is too good not to include.

Aww Sam

Starry-Eyed Costume

Are you seeing stars? We sure are.

Amazon

Pickle Halloween Costume Shirt

Skip the full-blown costume for this cheeky shirt!

Halloween Costumes

Chick Magnet Costume

Punny and adorable — a dangerous combination. This costume is not only easy, it's a great conversation starter. Even if it’s not totally true.

Studio DIY

Fries (Before Guys!) Costume

No matter the potato product, we're always partial to it. We love this costume because it's just SO TRUE.

Aww Sam

Pretty Please With a Cherry on Top Costume

May all your Halloween wishes come true when you ask — or dress — this nicely.

Studio DIY

Raining Men Costume

Finally, your giant stack of Tiger Beat, tabloid, and Cosmo magazines will come in handy. Remember, everyone owns an umbrella and rain boots.

Etsy

Chip on Your Shoulder Costume

An actual CHIP on your shoulder? So good.

Aww Sam

Party Pooper Costume

You don’t want to take this one too literally, so some poop emojis on your party hat is the perfect way to put together the look.

Aww Sam

Bird-Brained Costume

You'll have an excuse to act silly when you dress up as this feathery bird-brain.

Studio DIY

The Burn Book Costume

You are full of sass and some sick burns. Make sure you’re ready to dish it out and get some in return.

Aww Sam

Tough Cookie Costume

Nothing says “come flirt with me, but watch out because I’ll punch you” like a milk mustache and boxing gloves.

Etsy

Ivy League Costume

Whether or not you're actually a Yale or Harvard alum, we think this costume is a fitting play on words for the smarty pants in your life.

Studio DIY

Chill Pill Costume

Be the good kind of pill this Halloween when you dress up in a DIY that's sure to make everyone laugh and feel relaxed.

The House Lars Built

She Sells Seashells by the Seashore Costume

This tongue-tying costume is guaranteed to have everyone giggling all night. Good luck telling everyone your costume name 10 times fast.

Studio DIY

Queen Bee Costume

Run the contest like the KWEEN you are in this simple Halloween get-up.

A Kailo Chic Life

#Basic Coffee Mug Costume

Next to the PSL Starbucks cups, the pink lid travel mug is as trendy as it comes.

Aww Sam

Head in the Clouds Costume

Whether you find yourself distracted in daily life or not, this cute play on words is just the pun costume for you.

Club Crafted

When Life Gives You Lemons Costume

Just make sure there are enough lemons left for your gin and tonic.

Etsy

Horn Dog Costume

This pun Halloween costume might require some money, but your friends' reactions? Priceless.

Follow us on Pinterest for more Halloween inspiration!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.