The Ultimate Guide to Packing the Perfect Carry-On Suitcase

Though summer screams of summer vacation, the truth is, we often travel year round. Whether we’re heading out of town on a business trip, whisking our best friend off on a weekend away or popping across the country for a wedding, there are many reasons to hop on a plane or in a car. With travel comes packing, which always leads to the question — How are we supposed to leave without ten pairs of heels?! We’ve got to narrow it down, gals. But not too much. We’ve partnered with Scotch® Brand to create some must-know packing tips to maximize your space and be prepared for anything your trip might throw your way, like a missing button or a bad cup of coffee.

What to Pack

Let’s start with the necessities. After many years of travel, we’ve got a list of essentials that will help you avoid any travel snafus.

Layers: You never know what the weather is going to be like, even if you’re in New York and it’s December. There is always the chance that the sun will peek out from behind the clouds, and you want to be ready to expose those arms at a moment’s notice. We say, bring an undershirt, a cute blouse, a cardigan to add some warmth and a few accessories like a scarf or a pair of gloves.

Flats and Heels: Let’s be real — the heels have to make the cut. Just because we might be walking a lot does not mean we will walk into a meeting without our #girlboss pumps. Bring a pair of flats that fit into your handbag and then you can power walk your way around town and do a quick Superman phone booth wardrobe change before you head inside.

Essentials Easy Fix Buttons

These are a great item to have on hand, not only for your own lost button, but for anyone else who has a missing piece. No need for a mini sewing kit or needle-wielding skills. Simply stick a button on the front of these pins and you’ve got yourself a wardrobe malfunction fix.

Coffee Grounds: These days almost all hotel rooms have a coffee maker, but they don’t always have your favorite Nicaraguan blend. Grind your coffee at home and then bring it with you in a securely sealed container. Your taste buds will be pumped in the morning, which might actually feel/be the middle of the night if you’re dealing with a time zone change. You’re welcome.

and

: Gals, these are THE BEST! We are going crazy over this new wardrobe tape here at the B+C office. Say goodbye to bra straps that sneak out of your sleeves or button-up blouses that don’t stay perfectly in place. These magical strips and dots will keep you looking tip top.

Pillowcase: Sure, you can use this pillowcase to make your hotel bed feel a little bit more like home, but our favorite use for an empty pillowcase is dirty laundry. Keep your soiled clothes separate from your fresh ones by storing them in a portable hamper.

Contact Cases: These are the perfect organizers for small items. Store your earrings, vitamins, ear plugs, or anything else that needs a mini home in these versatile cases. Pretty pumped we found a mini glasses contact case.

Scotch™ Essentials Sweater Pill Remover: How embarrassing it is to show up to a dinner with a sweater that looks like it’s from 1975? Perhaps not embarrassing at all if it’s gold and sequinned, but if it’s covered in pills, that’s another story. Keep your warm layers looking brand new with this amazing product. It’ll clean you right up.

Wear Your Bulkiest Items: You’re sitting on top of your suitcase trying to get the zipper to shut and it’s not happening. Fear not! You don’t need to say adios to your boots; just wear them on your feet and throw your flats in the bag. It might not be your perfect travel outfit, but you will have so much more space if you wear your wool coat, boots, scarf and hat.

:

Scotch® Brand has come out with Tag Comfort Covers that perfectly solve this problem. Cloak your tags and you’ll be itch free and 100% on your game.

Now that you know what to pack, we’ve got some tips to teach you how to get everything into that bag.

Roll Your Clothes: This is the key to maximizing space in your suitcase. Roll them up and place your little logs in your bag.

How to Pack

Shoes In Shower Caps: No one wants to pull out a blouse that has dirt on it from the bottom of a pair of shoes. Avoid these moments by putting your shoes in shower caps. Those nasty soles will stay clear of your fancy attire.

Wrap Delicates In Tissue Paper: Department stores wrap your newly purchased items in tissue for a reason: it keeps them looking good. Fold a layer of tissue paper around your delicates for safe keeping.

Ziploc®

Though many travel bottles claim to be secure, somehow shampoo and lotion always seems to find their way into the bag. Avoid the mess and sudsy clothes by putting your toiletries in a Ziploc® before you put them in your dopp bag. Then your conditioner will have to get through two layers before it gets to your blouse.

Organize it all in your suitcase and head out!

Spring 2025 beauty is all about bold yet wearable, polished yet playful looks. From the return of the lip liner to fresh, nature-inspired nail and eye colors, this season’s trends blend nostalgia with modern minimalism. Expect soft, dramatic eyes, skincare-infused makeup, and lip liner that enhances without overpowering. These trends are all about embracing your natural features in an elevated, beautiful way so you glow, and look your best, all season.

Here are spring 2025 beauty trends to try this season.

City Lips® Defining Liner

Liner Revival

The lip liner trend for spring 2025 embraces bold definition with a fresh, modern twist. This season, it's about pairing rosy nudes with soft, lighter lip colors and rich, warm tones with deep browns and cherry reds for a sculpted, high-impact look. City Lips Defining Liner is our favorite new lip liner. It prevents color fading, smudging, and feathering, so you can keep your look intact all day or night! It’s available in two pretty shades: Blush, a soft, rosy nude that pairs beautifully with pink hues and lighter lip colors, and Willow, a rich, warm-toned nude that complements brown tones and deeper shades.

City Beauty

Multitasking Makeup

The trend toward skincare-infused makeup is making your beauty routine work harder with nourishing ingredients. City Lips Defining Liner features vitamin E, helping to keep the lip line smooth while subtly enhancing its shape for a fuller, more defined look. For the ultimate plump and polish, pair the pigmented liner with City Lips Plumping Gloss — a duo that gives you a naturally voluminous pout, plus extra hydration.

Shutterstock

Pastel Pop

From butter yellow to sage green, this season’s nail trends are embracing soft, yet statement-making hues that bring a fresh pop of color. Alongside these chic shades, almond-shaped nails are offering a sleek, elegant look that flatters your mani aesthetic.

Monserrat Tosca | Dupe

'90s Nostalgia

A softer, smudged take on the classic cat-eye is making waves, with eyeliner staging a bold comeback in full, effortless sweeps. Blue eyeshadow is also back and better. Expect a nod to cool-toned, ’90s grunge eyes, a trend that lends itself to easy, minimalist lines, like a single, clean swipe of liner, proving that less can truly be more.

Claire Craig | Dupe

Lobs, Bobs & Natural Manes

Haircut season is in full swing, and lighter, fuss-free bobs at all above-shoulder lengths, plus natural curls, are making their way in and out of salons for spring. We couldn't be happier for the low-maintenance 'dos!

Katie Mansfield | Dupe

Satin Skin

This understated look highlights healthy, natural skin with a soft-matte finish — radiant, yet never flat or overly glossy.

City Beauty

Glossy lips, instead, shine this season. Upgrade your lip routine this spring with City Beauty’s new City Lips Defining Liner and lip glosses for a refreshed look.

Austin Butler as Elvis truly changed Hollywood, because now, not only are we getting Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan and Selena Gomez as Linda Rondstat, but Paul Mescal is also one of the actors leading the upcoming biopics about The Beatles. Each movie, from director Sam Mendes, will focus on a different member of the band — and their unique points of view — but will intersect to “tell the astonishing story of the greatest band in history,” per Variety. And it'll be “the first binge-able theatrical experience,” according to Sony's Tom Rothman. But the best news is that we finally just got the full cast.

Here's everything you need to know about Sam Mendes' Beatles movies, starring Paul Mescal, Harris Dickinson, Barry Keoghan, and Joseph Quinn.

Who is playing John Lennon in The Beatles movie?

Eric Charbonneau/Sony Pictures via Getty Images

John Lennon will be played by Harris Dickinson in the new movies about The Beatles! Director Sam Mendes confirmed the casts for his Beatles biopics at CinemaCon 2025. “We’re not just making one film about the Beatles — we’re making four,” Sam said at the convention. “Perhaps this is a chance to understand them a little more deeply.”

Here's the full cast:

  • Harris Dickinson as John Lennon: The Beatles' founder and one of the lead vocalists.
  • Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney: pianist, and one of the lead songwriters and singers for The Beatles.
  • Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr: The Beatles' drummer.
  • Joseph Quinn as George Harrison: lead guitarist of The Beatles.

Is there a new Beatles movie coming out?

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Yes, director Sam Mendes is developing four movies about The Beatles — one for each member of the band. Each individual movie will tell a story from the perspective of one member (including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison).

“I’m honored to be telling the story of the greatest rock band of all time, and excited to challenge the notion of what constitutes a trip to the movies,” Sam Mendes told Variety.

How many Beatles films are there?

Stewart Cook/Sony Pictures via Getty Images

We're going to be getting four new Beatles films from Sam Mendes and Sony, which are currently slated for April 2028. But you can actually see the real members of The Beatles in a few movies! The band appeared in the following movies:

  • A Hard Day's Night (1964)
    • Help! (1965)
      • Magical Mystery Tour (1967)
        • Yellow Submarine (1968)
          • Let It Be (1970)

          Where can I watch the new Beatles biopics?

          Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

          Each of the four movies will be released in theaters, thanks to Sony Pictures Entertainment, and they're currently scheduled for April 2028.

          “You have to match the boldness of the idea with a bold release strategy,” Sony Pictures chief Tom Rothman told The Hollywood Reporter. “There hasn’t been an enterprise like this before, and you can’t think about it in traditional releasing terms.”

          Who is playing Paul McCartney in The Beatles biopic?

          Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

          Paul Mescal is playing Paul McCartney in the new Beatles movies, and during Gladiator 2 director Ridley Scott actually revealed the casting last year! When asked if Paul Mescal was starring in his next film The Dog Stars, Ridley told filmmaker Christopher Nolan, “Yes. Maybe. Paul is actually stacked up, doing the Beatles next. So I may have to let him go.”

          While Paul Mescal's involvement in Sony's upcoming Beatle biopic quartet (say that five times fast) has been around the rumor mill, the news is finally confirmed by the movie studio.

          Check out I'm Drooling Over Jeremy Allen White's First Look As Bruce Springsteen for more biopic movie goodness.

          This post has been updated.

          In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward.


          In this segment, Paige Wiese, founder & CEO of Tree Ring Digital in Denver, CO, walks us through some of the ways she encourages clients to double down on marketing when business is slow. Paige built her business as a solopreneur graphic designer to a team of 15, helping clients with SEO, online ads, and social media management. Here’s her Take 5, plus more tips for surviving the business lulls below!

          What's a recent small win for you and your business?

          Paige: A recent small win has been just seeing business pick up again. I am seeing businesses start to engage with their marketing efforts and really trying to get to the root of why their website might be underperforming. We look at what they can be doing to see their money actually go to a place that it should be going.

          What's a big piece of advice that you give to your clients?

          Paige: A lot of them want to back off anytime there's a little bit of scarcity. I really think that's the time to double down, whether it be your digital presence, your website, or just adjusting how you're spending your money. But instead of just saying, ‘Hey, we're going to stop [investing in marketing],’ ask ‘How do we double down in the correct way and make sure we're seeing measurable results out of it?’ I do it myself anytime business is a little slow. I think we have to either change or we need to be doubling down. A lot of clients come to us when the pipeline is already dry and money is tight and they’re hoping for a quick fix. Marketing, unfortunately, isn't a quick fix.

          See more tips for surviving business lulls below!

          What's an unexpected business challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

          Paige: I think one of the bigger challenges that we've run into has been more on the employee side, some of the retention or the hiccups that come along the way and then just learning from them. So how can we be a better, stronger company coming out of this and how do we use it as a growing opportunity?

          How has the Verizon Small Business program helped propel your business forward?

          Paige: I learned about the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). It's a free resource that’s self-paced and very digestible. The variety of topics it covers is a large gamut for any size business. The Selling with Storytelling course, especially, was really valuable to me, just really getting your messaging out there. I laugh that I sometimes enjoy the marketing ones a little bit more just because it is a refresher or another take on how we do this.

          Thanks Paige!

          Here Are More B+C Tips For Surviving The Small Business Lulls

          Photo by Kampus Production

          1. Refine Your Strategy
            • Review your business plan and goals. Are you on track? What can be improved?
            • Analyze customer feedback and sales data to spot trends and areas where you can grow.
          2. Boost Your Marketing Efforts
            • Refresh your website or social media profiles. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready’s free Put Your Website to Work course will help you get started with best practices for building your business website.
            • Create engaging content through blogs, videos, and newsletters. Verizon’s free Creating Compelling Content course can help you create consistent, quality content for your target customers.
            • Offer promotions or limited-time discounts to attract new customers.
          3. Invest in Learning
            • Take an online course related to your industry, like Verizon’s free Planning for the Unexpected course for building resiliency in your business.
            • Stay updated on industry trends and innovations.
            • Engage with customers too. Send personalized emails to loyal customers or clients. Ask for reviews!
          4. Improve Your Processes
            • Streamline operations or explore new tools to increase your efficiency.
            • Organize your workspace and declutter your digital files.
          5. Self-Care and Rest
            • Take advantage of the slower pace to recharge. A refreshed mindset is exactly what you need to bring forth fresh ideas!

          Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Tree Ring Digital.

          Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces.

          Don't ask us to choose between our love for polka dots or leopard printunless you want us to curl up in the fetal position for two seconds. In all fairness, we think it's time to give moodier styles a break in favor of something lighthearted, so we're okay with focusing on the classic black and white colorway! If you're ready to sashay in this print during spring, we've got the prettiest pieces you should be wearing.

          From tops to swimsuits, scroll to see the best polka dot pieces we've bookmarked!

          The Best Polka Dot Tops

          Abercrombie & Fitch

          Abercrombie & Fitch Short-Sleeve Tie-Front Top

          Not only are polka dots popular, but tie-front tops are also trending! Putting both together has to be the work of a marketing genius who knows we're looking for the least complicated tops to wear during spring.

          LOFT

          LOFT Dotted Everyday Relaxed Shirt

          If you'll be logging more hours at work and want to participate in this trend, LOFT's relaxed polka dot shirt help you avoid FOMO. It's lightweight and breathable, so you won't have to worry about sweat stains ruining your business casual OOTD.

          Old Navy

          Old Navy V-Neck Button-Down Crepe Top

          Give your crew neck tops a break and reach for Old Navy's take on polka dots. Though it's hard to tell, they're actually navy instead of black so you can almost treat it like a neutral that pairs well with a bright red or butter yellow bag!

          Revolve

          MAJORELLE Joy Bodysuit

          Have dinner plans with your girls or that sexy guy you bumped into at Trader Joe's? We suggest you wear this off-shoulder polk dot bodysuit that shows the right amount of skin. Think of it as a peek-a-boo piece that gives you the freedom to add your favorite fragrances near your neck without ruining your top.

          ELOQUII

          ELOQUII Satin Bubble Top

          Say yes to that party invite you just received because we've found the most breathtaking top for you to wear! This satin bubble top feels as flirty as it looks and is guaranteed to have all eyes on you most of the night.

          P.S. Don't be surprised if you get a hot stranger's number while wearing this!

          Ashley Stewart

          Ashley Stewart Polka Dot Poplin Blouse

          If you need another workwear top that aligns with the polka dot trend, reach for Ashley's Stewart's poplin design. It features elasticized cuffs that sit perfectly on the wrist and the overall top has enough stretch in it to keep you comfortable all day.

          The Best Mini Polka Dot Dresses

          The Reformation

          The Reformation x Devon Lee Carlson Cher Dress

          In need of a cute, but uncomplicated spring dress? Reach for this mini polka dot dress that can be worn with flats or sneakers. Besides being pretty, it's also made of organic cotton, lyocell, and other fabrics that cut back on waste.

          P.S. Of course it's possible to be stylish and sustainable!

          ASOS

          Ghospell Ruched Asymmetric Polka Dot Mini Dress

          Where are you going to wear this mini dress? The choice is yours, but we have a few solo date ideas geared towards inspiring you to romanticize your life.

          If you want our honest opinion, we think it's the perfect dress to wear to an art gallery followed by dinner at your favorite restaurant.

          Hollister

          Hollister Crepe Mini Dress

          Not a fan of a brown or deep tan polka dot piece? We understand which is why we came prepared with Hollister's mini dress. All you need is a slightly oversized denim jacket, a pair of Adidas Samba, and your favorite clutch.

          The Best Midi Polka Dot Dresses

          Abercrombie & Fitch

          Abercrombie & Fitch Women's Dipped-Waist Midi Dress

          Slip into a similar, yet longer version of the above mini dress if you're worried about the back of what you're wearing rising up every time you sit or bend over. You'll be saved from accidental exposures should the wind decide to blow strongly the day you decide to wear something that has a shorter hemline.

          ASTR The Label

          ASTR The Label Eirene Polka Dot Midi Dress

          Do we spell wedding bells for someone you know? It's only right you wear this polka dot midi dress that has a lace bodice and shoulder straps. It won't take away from the bride's gorgeous gown, but you'll nice and stylish!

          Lulu's

          Lulu's Black Polka Dot Satin Midi Dress

          On the contrary, this contrasting polk dot dress is another great date night option. Though it seems simple, we know that your outfits don't always have to be over-the-top. Just slide into a great pair of black heels and grab a clutch that has a black strap or gold hardware clasp on it!

          The Best Maxi Polka Dot Dresses 

          Pretty Little Thing

          Pretty Little Thing White Polka Dot Corseted Dress

          We can totally imagine someone taking their proposal pictures in this polka dot corseted dress! It's more structured than most bandeau tops, so your "girls" won't spill out when you bend over slightly to pretend you're fixing your shoe in your pictures!

          Princess Polly

          Princess Polly Marguerite Halter Maxi Dress

          You don't need a reason to wear a polka dot maxi dress during vacation, so we won't give you one. The only thing we'll say is you'll be able to adjust the halter so that it doesn't unravel at the worst possible moment.

          Reformation

          Reformation Naira Dress

          Someone may look at this dress and worry it'll make them look like a "trad wife," but not all traditions are bad. You can pretend you're living in a modern version of Breakfast at Tiffany's whenever you wear it because you are the main character.

          The Best Polka Dot Swimsuits

          Club L London

          Club L London Sheer Bliss Black Polka Dot Swimsuit

          This has retro Betty Boop all over it! From the perfect polka dot print to the organza shoulder ties, we just know you're going to enjoy wearing this. It doesn't matter if you're taking a dip in the ocean or in your own background, we know you'll look amazing in this.

          For Love & Lemons

          For Love & Lemons Denim Dot One Piece Swimsuit

          While you're at it, give this denim polka dot swimsuit a chance. It's equally as gorgeous as the above option and exudes the kind of "vintage" appeal that someone is bound to appreciate.

          J. Crew

          J. Crew Gemma Ruched Bandeau One-Piece

          Take the biggest risk ever and wear this bandeau one-piece swimsuit. The polk dots are slightly bigger, but it works because they give the illusion of a longer torso if you don't have one. Plus, you'll look similar to the 1950s swim Barbie!

          Subscribe to our newsletter to see more pretty spring styles!

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

          Trader Joe’s is the premier destination if you’re eating a high-protein diet – you just have to know where to look and what products to shop for! Luckily, as a self-proclaimed protein aficionado, I have a handful of easy hacks that allow you to maximize your protein intake. I eat each of these at least once a week and can verify they’re extremely simple and so tasty.

          From breakfastto dinner (and, of course, snack time!), you’ll definitely want to whip up these Trader Joe’s protein hacks if you’re trying to up your intake.

          Scroll on for 5 Trader Joe’s hacks that’ll help you reach your protein goals with ease!

          BP / PEXELS

          1. Add cottage cheese to scrambled eggs.

          This is one of my favorite things to do if I'm craving a savory breakfast – especially one that’ll fill me up! Adding a heaping scoop of Trader Joe's cottage cheese to your scrambled eggs (just mix it in with the eggs before cookin’ them) not only ups the protein content in each bite, but it makes the eggs super fluffy and never dry.

          Trader Joe's

          2. Use Trader Joe’s high-protein tofu instead of regular tofu.

          Did you know that TJ’s carries a special kind of high-protein tofu? As opposed to the regular variety that has around 9 grams of protein per serving, this pack is loaded with 14 grams of protein per serving! It’s perfect to use for stir fries, tofu scrambles, and tofu fries with an extra boost.

          Trader Joe's

          3. Add Trader Joe’s protein granola to Greek yogurt bowls.

          Trader Joe’s also sells a delicious high-protein granola – and it’s insanely good. I like to top my Greek yogurt bowls with it for breakfast, though you could easily use it as a cereal or just snack on it dry. The Peanut Butter Protein Granola has a whopping 11 grams of protein per serving – the only drawback here is that people with a peanut allergy can’t enjoy it.

          Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

          4. Add protein powder to your morning oatmeal.

          Trader Joe’s doesn’t carry a name-brand protein powder, though the Orgain variety is typically always on shelves when I shop there. The tub they have is actually smaller than most other protein powders you can find elsewhere, too, which is highly agreeable with my lifestyle since I live alone – and don’t wish to spend $30 on protein every time.

          Anywho, I love using this protein powder to ramp up the protein content in oatmeal bowls and smoothies alike. Two scoops delivers 21 grams of organic, plant-based protein that tastes oh-so yummy.

          Trader Joe's

          5. Stock up on TJ’s underrated protein snacks for an easy (yet satisfying) bite.

          If you don’t have the time (or simply the energy) to whip up a high-protein snack, Trader Joe’s actually has plenty of bites to offer. Here are some of my favorites to always keep stocked:

          Subscribe to our newsletter for more high-protein meal + snack ideas!