As this travel journalist knows, when it comes to Sanrio, the obsession knows no bounds. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT An unending collection of plushies, stocking up on kawaii stationery, decking your room with Hello Kitty bedding, and the list goes on from there. If you don’t already have enough merch, there’s only…

The difference between packing for an adult and a child isn’t all that much. You both need weather-appropriate clothing, shoes, toiletries, and, of course, your unmentionables. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT There is one essential that kids need that (most) adults don’t: Their teddy. Whether your little one’s beloved stuffed toy comes in…

With Madrid set to host the F1 Spanish Grand Prix this September at the all-new Madring street circuit, and with major concerts from artists like Shakira, Pitbull, and The Weeknd on the horizon, all eyes are on the Spanish capital. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT But new events aren’t the only reason to…

DEAR ABBY: My husband’s brother, “Hank,” has estranged himself from the family. He’s married with two children but has little to no contact with his mom, dad, stepdad, sister, brother (my husband) or any of his nieces and nephews — except when he calls his parents asking for money. On…

Wellness is no longer just about booking a spa weekend or squeezing in a yoga class between sightseeing. The global wellness industry is now worth several trillion euros, and the travel world is embracing some increasingly unusual ways to help us feel, well, better. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT From sleep retreats and…

Regularly cutting back on sleep could cause the number on the scale to creep up, according to new research. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that adults who got about 90 minutes less sleep each night for six weeks gained roughly one pound on average compared…

Californians looking for a stunning destination to swim might want to consider Lake Anza. It’s about 200 miles away in San Francisco’s East Bay region, and known for its redwoods, oaks and other trees that provide a relaxing, hidden environment. Plus, unlike Lake Tahoe, which receives around 15 million visitors in…

They’re not loving it. McDonald’s is getting flak for supposedly joining other restaurant chains and supermarkets in jumping on the shrinkflation bandwagon. The fired-up conversation was sparked by a Reddit user who shared a side-by-side photo of a small McDonald’s soda and a small blue plastic cup, pointing out how…

Jet lag can ruin vacations, but experts say what you eat and drink can help minimize its effects. Eating meals on your destination’s local schedule and avoiding alcohol are key strategies for travelers. Strategic caffeine use and staying hydrated are crucial, especially with dry cabin air, to combat fatigue. Jet…

The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people — including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.This week’s quiz highlights ballpark battles, costly cities, Trump tee times — and more.Can you get all 8 questions right?Give it…