There are lots of kids out there who would love to live in a toy store — and for one night, one lucky person can. If you were lucky enough to visit (or live in) New York City as a kid, there was one magical place that you were always dying to go to: FAO Schwarz. The gigantic toy mecca on Fifth Avenue was better than every child’s wildest dream before it closed its doors....
How did we not know? picture alliance/Getty Images For the past few years, clubs across Germany have been taking on pug racing, hoping to rebrand the short, stubby animals as an active breed of dog. “This isn’t a competitive race,” Angelika Schmorr, owner of a pug named Lulu, told the New York Times at Saturday’s competition in Hamburg. “We are all here just for the fun of it.” picture alliance/Getty Images...
The Millennium Falcon may be the fastest ship in the galaxy, but the opportunity to be among the first to pilot it just flew even faster. Free reservations to visit Disneyland Resort’s forthcoming Star Wars-themed land were available Thursday morning and sold out in less than two hours after becoming available online. The timed entries, which give each guest four hours to try blue milk, visit Oga’s Cantina, and handcraft their own lightsabers on the far-flung Star Wars planet, guarantee entry into attractions and experiences on Batuu when the theme park land opens May 31st through June 23rd....
The Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains experienced an early dose of winter weather this week as 17 inches of snow covered parts of the country. The quick change in weather, from summer to winter, came seemingly without warning as Rapid City, S.D. set a U.S. record for the fastest switch between 100-degrees, according to NBC News. On Sept. 5, the city reported a temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit, an all-time record high for September weather....
Let’s not beat around the bush: Your weekends have been looking a little lackluster these days. Us too. Even worse, your version of a trip entails traveling from the kitchen to the living room and back again. Us too. Thankfully, all of that is about to change. Discover Puerto Rico is inviting those confined to their home to spend a weekend on the island — virtually, of course. From March 27 through April 30, you’ll be able to learn how to salsa dance, craft cocktails, cook some globally-inspired food, and more — all for free....
There are many mysteries in life that we never end up understanding. But the metal buttons on the pockets of your jeans? Let’s knock that one off the list. While you probably never really notice these design details, they’re actually there for a really good reason. Patented by Levi Strauss, these buttons are called rivets and they’re there to make sure your denim holds up to the wear and tear your body puts it through as you move about each day....
Clothing that is flattering and comfortable to travel in is always at the top of our shopping lists, which is probably why we love Spanx so much. While the brand may be best known for its shapewear pieces, it’s also one of our favorite places to shop travel-ready picks like cozy loungewear, stretchy yet tailored pants, and celeb-approved activewear. Hollywood stars have been seen in a variety of Spanx leggings in recent years, but its Booty Boost leggings are definitely the brand’s most popular style....
One of the germiest culprits of air travel has long been in-flight bathroom stalls, but one Japanese airline is aiming to cut down on touchpoints by testing hands-free lavatory doors. ANA airlines is gathering feedback on a prototype of a new door at its lounge at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. If successful, the design will be implemented on flights, but a spokesperson told BBC that it’s still in the “very beginning” of testing....
Dreaming of blue seas, white-sand beaches, and an extraordinary wildlife experience? The Galápagos Islands might be calling your name — and there’s a new megayacht in town to help you explore them. Lindblad Expeditions has just debuted its newest ship, the National Geographic Islander II, an all-suite, 48-passenger vessel that will sail the Ecuadorian archipelago year-round. The ship will replace the much-beloved but aging National Geographic Islander, when she launches on her maiden voyage on Aug....
This weekend, Disneyland Paris celebrated its anniversary, marking its 28th year since opening on April 12, 1992. Even though Disney parks across the globe are temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you can still take a virtual tour of a theme park thousands of miles away through this Disneyland Paris video series. More Disney news If you’ve ever been to an international Disney park, you know what an exciting and delightful experience it is....
Universal CityWalk Hollywood begins a phased reopening on June 10, welcoming guests back to a number of dining and shopping venues after closing in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. CityWalk will be open daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a number of new health and safety measures in place. More theme park news For its reopening, Universal CityWalk is focusing on screening, spacing, and sanitization, according to a statement shared with Travel + Leisure....
Hitting the slopes is one of the best ways to spend the winter, but the fun doesn’t have to end just because the weather starts warming up. In fact, spring is one of the best times to take in majestic mountains and packed powder — and thanks to this flash sale from Vail Resorts, it’s also one of the best times to score a deal. Until Friday, Vail is putting some of the best hotels and lodges on sale at a number of its 37 resorts making it easier than ever to take in some runs — and some great après-ski options — as temperatures start rising....
Condensed cruises can still pack a punch with stops at some of the world’s most exciting ports — even on itineraries of just a few days. Cruise lines are planning a comeback this year, after rethinking safety protocols and collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention on ways to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 onboard. Masks and social distancing will be standard practice, and the companies are working toward onboard bubbles....
In the market for new bedding? Whether you’re ready to invest in a big-ticket item like a mattress or are simply looking for a new sheet set, Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to shop. This holiday weekend, you’ll find plenty of stellar deals on all kinds of bedding must-haves — from high-quality mattresses and bed frames to comforters and duvet covers — all from customer-favorite brands like Brooklinen, Casper, Purple, Riley Home, and more....
St. Patrick’s Day is considered by many to be one of the most spirited holidays of the year, whether your family descends from the Emerald Isle or not. Known by history and by legend, Saint Patrick, the 5th-century patron saint of Ireland, used the three-leafed shamrock to spread the word of the Holy Trinity, successfully gaining Christianity converts along the way. To honor Ireland’s famed missionary, a cultural and religious celebration (also known as the Feast of Saint Patrick) is held on the date of his death: March 17....
Unspoiled natural settings, crisp air, and a plethora of outdoor activities were among Travel + Leisure readers’ top considerations when voting for the best resort hotels in the West this year. Whether they epitomize a rustic mountain dude ranch or a stately lakeside lodge, the properties that won readers’ hearts all celebrate the great outdoors and adventurous spirit that make the American West such an unforgettable destination. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more....
Last year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2, 2020, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of COVID-19. The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope the honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be. Travel + Leisure readers are some of the most seasoned explorers in the world, so it follows that their choices in hotels and resorts are a reflection of their breadth of knowledge and taste....
With spring break on the horizon, several popular resort destinations in Mexico are loosening their COVID-19 restrictions. Hotel, restaurant, and beach capacity limits are rising from 30% to 60% in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Tours and attractions also are being allowed to increase their capacity to 60%, the government of Quintana Roo said on Twitter. Government officials said a decline in local COVID-19 cases across the state prompted their decision, which comes as travelers seem to be daydreaming of a beach escape....
Move over Mickey waffles, there’s a new Disney breakfast food taking over our feeds: Tonga Toast. What is Tonga Toast, you ask? If you’ve never stayed at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World, you may not have come across this decadent creation. Tonga Toast is the resort’s signature take on French toast, but its slices of sourdough bread are stuffed with bananas, battered, deep-fried, and rolled in cinnamon sugar....
Girlfriend Collective is an editor-loved activewear brand (just take a look at our reviews of the brand’s leggings and bike shorts), so imagine how excited we were to see a new launch in collaboration with the ultra-stylish and shopper-loved online retailer, Net-a-porter. From a sleek one-shoulder sports bra to chic new colorways in the brand’s top-selling compression leggings, this collection includes activewear essentials you can enjoy all year-round. I’ve Tried Tons of Leggings, but These Are the Most Comfortable I’ve Ever Worn...
