Heading back to school brings kids lots of things to get excited about, but one of the most fun things about a new school year is picking out a brand-new backpack. For younger kids, backpacks are often chosen because of the design or color. Still, there are features that can benefit even the smallest of kids as they head back to the classroom — ones that go beyond that animated character on the pocket or that perfect shade of Barbie pink.

From water bottle pockets to matching lunch boxes, we’ve rounded up nine backpacks on Amazon that have features perfect for kids of all ages as they return to school. And yes, we like to think they’re still pretty stylish, too.

As a frequent Disney World visitor, there's nothing I dread more than the painful logistics of getting from point A to point B.

In 2017, I started traveling by Minnie Van, Disney's network of polka-dotted Lyft rideshares. It's not cheap, often averaging about $40 a ride, but for me, it's worth it.

Minnie Vans can be scheduled through the Lyft app and will transport guests to all Disney World resorts, theme parks, Disney Springs, and anywhere else across the property from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. daily.

One of my favorite parts of traveling is planning my outfits for the trip, but any traveler knows shoes can take up lots of prime real estate in a suitcase. Whether I’m headed to Walt Disney World for the weekend with my family or flying to Europe, it’s always a struggle to pack light and be stylish. But recently, I discovered a white canvas sneaker that seemed perfect for both keeping my feet comfortable and matching lots of outfits.

The Kizik Irvine is a canvas sneaker with a springback heel that allows for slipping your foot in and out of the shoes without needing to tie and untie them. The shoes come in a variety of colors, from tan to navy blue, but for a recent 10-day trip to Europe, I wanted a white sneaker I could pair with everything from shorts and tanks to skirts and dresses. I’m already a fan of the athletic shoes Kizik makes, so it seemed like a no-brainer to put this casual canvas style to the test.

While warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club have existed for years, still many are new to shopping in the stores, which are known for selling items discounted in bulk and having incredibly-affordable food courts in addition to offering exclusive discounts to members.

Sam’s Club was started by Walmart founder Sam Walton in 1983. In addition to more than 600 locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Sam’s Club has international locations in Brazil, China, and Mexico. Costco began as Price Club in 1976, and today has more than 800 locations worldwide. Both warehouse clubs require a membership to shop there.

I’ve lived at the beach with my family for the last seven years and with that Florida beach house came a backyard pool. I’m also a travel writer who’s no stranger to a dip in the ocean or the hotel hot tub while I’m away covering destinations. This means I own a lot of swimsuits and cover-ups and am always on a search for the best options for both.

For a recent European cruise, I had been eyeing up linen button-down swim cover-ups in stores and online. Turning to Amazon, I came across the Unibelle Linen Button-Down Shirt and was immediately struck by its oversized style and crisp appearance.

On a hot day at Walt Disney World, there's truly nothing better than taking a break from the crowds and excitement to find a seat in the shade and enjoy a Dole Whip. The delightful and delicious frozen treat has been a Disney Parks staple for nearly 40 years, but its roots go back to 1976, when Dole became the sponsor of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland Park in California. Dole Pineapple Whip, as it was known back then, debuted at the Florida resort's Magic Kingdom Park in 1984 as a sweet treat sold at Aloha Isle.

Dole Whip arrived at Disneyland two years later and has since spread globally to the company's resorts, including to Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disney Resort and Aulani in Hawaii. In 2017, Dole Whip even hit the open seas, sailing aboard Disney Cruise Line.

There's no denying it: Boursin Cheese is having a moment this summer, and it’s all thanks to TikTok. Videos of home cooks making baked Boursin Lemon Pasta have amassed more than 5 million views on the social media app, with many creators praising the dish for its one-pot simplicity and fresh flavors.

Boursin, which is the brand name for a French style of cheese called Gournay cheese, is known for its creamy texture and garlicky flavor. It hails from Northern France, where it first gained popularity in the early '60s. Today, Boursin is a household name, and its versatility has made it a popular choice among cooks and creators on social media. They're using it for everything from cheese boards to pastas to easy, yet seriously impressive appetizers. And now the cheese is behind a viral pasta trend that calls to mind another baked cheese pasta that we still make to this day. Here's what you need to know about the Baked Boursin Lemon Pasta.

There are more than 800 Costco locations worldwide, and like Peloton riders or Disney fans, if someone is a member of the warehouse club, they’ll tell you all about it. Why? Costco is known for everything from its exclusive Kirkland brand of products to its food court, where guests can snag a quarter-pound beef hot dog and a soda for just $1.50.

The company first opened in 1976 as Price Club, a warehouse club for businesses. In the early '80s, the first Costco opened in Seattle, Washington, and by 1993, the two had merged into one mega-store. What makes Costco different from a grocery store, in addition to the savings it offers to those who buy in bulk, is its highly-selective stock: Where grocery stores can carry 30,000 different items, for example, Costco only sells about 4,000 products at a given time. Costco believes this helps it provide the best quality and value possible to its members.

There’s a new flavor of Spam in town and it pairs perfectly with everything from waffles to Brussels sprouts. Spam Maple Flavored is rolling out on grocery store shelves now, bringing the brand’s total varieties to 11. While many Spam flavors, like the original, Spam Hot and Spicy, or Jalapeño, are on the savory side, the brand has released sweet flavors in the past. Allrecipes editors tried the pumpkin spice variety with mixed reviews, so we were skeptical about this new Maple Spam.

“This is by far my favorite-to-date product that we have launched,” says Jennesa Kinscher, a senior brand manager at Spam. “It’s because it just makes sense. When you think about Spam, one of the natural usages that you think about is during breakfast.”

The Texas State Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the state of Texas and one of the largest aquariums in the entire U.S. A visit here makes for a fun family day of learning about the sea creatures and wildlife who call this Corpus Christi aquarium home.

While the nonprofit organization is passionate about helping people learn about and engage with animals, the aquarium's biggest goal is to conserve wildlife in both the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea — as evidenced by its new addition, the Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue, which opened in March 2023.

The first time I told my daughter I was considering bariatric surgery, my family was enjoying dinner at a sports bar during a weekend getaway. It was December 2020, and I had already been to a consultation with the doctor who would later perform the procedure. But I was terrified to move forward; the process seemed overwhelming.

In tears, I looked into my then-10-year-old daughter's eyes and said, "If I do this, I want you to know it's because my body hurts and I feel unhealthy, not because I think there's anything wrong with having fat on your body." At the time, I was 5-foot-4 and weighed over 220 pounds, but I would gain another 15 before I decided to have the surgery nearly two years later.

I've been an avid Costco shopper for most of my adult life but when my family relocated from the Northeast to Central Florida seven years ago, I was disappointed to learn the closest Costco to my beach town was a 90-minute drive away.

The trip seemed just a bit too far so my family and I looked for other warehouse-store alternatives. Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale Club were only about 15 to 20 minutes away so, over the course of six years, I shopped at the two stores. However, I was never completely happy.

Counting down the days until "Barbie the Movie" hits theaters? You’re not alone. As the July 21 release date of the film, approaches with a star-studded cast including Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, Barbie fans everywhere are obsessing over which doll-inspired merchandise to stock up on.

Not only are brands like Gap and Stoney Clover Lane getting in on collaborations to celebrate the new addition to the Barbie universe, but neon, pink and heart-shaped products are more popular than ever as Barbie girls prepare to dress like everyone’s favorite fashionista. From Barbie dolls that look just like Robbie and Gosling to inline skates inspired by the film, the amount of shopping options for Barbie fans can seem a bit overwhelming.

Disney World is known for its four theme parks, but the Central Florida property also offers two water parks — Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

At Typhoon Lagoon, Disney World's tropical-themed water park, there are 11 water attractions ranging from waterslides to a wave pool. Typhoon Lagoon closes at 8 p.m. most days, but on select nights, it holds H2O Glow Nights, a special after-hours ticketed event that runs from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

At San Antonio Aquarium, guests can get up close and personal with sharks, reptiles, parakeets and other wildlife through interactive exhibits and educational programs. With thousands of species calling the aquarium in San Antonio home, the facility offers a wonderful day of fun and learning for visitors of all ages.

Located in the Leon Valley area, the locally-owned aquarium has been open since 2014 and offers additional programs beyond encounters with wildlife and aquatic animals. From photo opportunities with a mermaid to an iguana-themed bounce house, there's lots to see and do on a visit.

It’s been nearly three years since Walmart launched Walmart Plus, its yearly membership program that offers subscribers everything from in-home grocery delivery to discounts at the gas pump. An early adopter of the program, I’ve been a Walmart Plus user since its September 2020 launch, and have saved money and time through my membership. Each year when my Walmart Plus membership renews, there’s no question in my mind about whether to continue subscribing or to cancel.

Margaret Guedes has lived in the Orlando area since high school, but after her son, John, died of cancer as a young child more than 30 years ago, the mom of four decided to work for change in her community.

Today, Guedes is the founder and chief executive officer of Kids Beating Cancer, a non-profit organization based in Orlando that funds pediatric cancer research, works to keep families from having to travel outside of Orlando to receive treatment, supports families throughout their cancer journey, and funds innovative cancer treatments.

There’s nothing better than leaving your house for a day of errands without being weighed down by purses, bags, or backpacks. For those of us who have discovered the magic of using a belt bag instead of these other carry-all items, that hands-free freedom is ours every single time we walk out the front door. To head out into the world without bag straps falling down your shoulder and with the ability to carry essentials like a water bottle or your car keys in your free hands is to truly live.

As the summer sun causes temperatures to rise, it’s tempting to get outside with our pets for some warm-weather fun. But cats and dogs can easily overheat, putting our furry friends at risk for heat stroke and dehydration. When it’s hot outside, it’s important for pet owners to be vigilant about making sure animals are staying cool.

While my family spent years avoiding chain restaurants, we recently started visiting them with our teenagers.

We've been pleasantly surprised by chains we've visited so far — from the Caribbean-themed Bahama Breeze to steak-house chains such as LongHorn Steakhouse — so I was excited to up the ante and head to Ruth's Chris Steak House.