Whee - it’s the middle of the week, time to run around the web and see what goodies are out there:

• Little ones who like stuffed animals and blankets should love Pig in a Blankie - they’re pretty damn cute. You can also get different animals and customize your blanket/animal combo. Our advice? Either get one well before traveling so that Junior has time to fall in love with it, or make this a new toy but be sure to bring along any old tried and true faves.
• If you love to come home with new trinkets and clothes when you travel, these folding suitcases by French company Goyard are perfect for you. [via BornRich]
• Although we have railed against cartoon characters, we love literary ones - and Harry Potter is no exception. Join the rising Pottermania from August 2 to 5 in Toronto at Prophecy 2007, one of several themed conventions/events across the world to celebrate the new movie and final book in the chronicles of the infamous boy wizard.
• Subtlety and fashion come together in these detailed map scarves, which include major and some minor attractions for cities such as Paris, New York and Vienna. [via Vagablond]
• File this under Things To Try At Least Once: a floating swimming pool. You’ll find one - the Badeschiff - in Berlin on the Spree River. Apparently refusing to be overcome by the filth of the river itself, the citizens of Berlin take dips in a former barge that has been converted to a floating (but stationary) swimming pool. The pool, which features a bar, also hosts events such as yoga, live jazz sets and films. Not the best bet for the younger set, but something your teens may find rather cool. [via Gadling]

If the whole trans-fat health issue has been of concern to you when feeding your family, you’ve probably been at least curious about the food service on your family vacations.  Today, Starwood Hotels and Resorts announced the company’s goal of eliminating all trans-fats by the end of 2007 from all food and beverage operations at properties in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.  “Our goal is to deliver healthier, high-quality food selections by eliminating artificial trans-fats from our food and beverage operations,” said Paul Scott, Vice President, Food & Beverage, North America in a press release issued today.

The Starwood portfolio of brands includes W Hotels, Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, St. Regis, the Luxury Collection, and Le Meridien.

No, we don’t mean you can rent a baby (although that might be available, it’s really not our bag). But if you’re traveling to Vancouver, Toronto, or Victoria with a baby, Wee Travel Inc. Baby Equipment Rentals can help you avoid lugging tons of extra stuff along for the ride. Need a crib for your hotel room? They’ll provide one. Want a highchair? No problem. Renting a car? They have infant and toddler car seats. They even have toys and pack and plays to keep baby occupied.

You can also get safety equipment like monitors, gates, bed rails and infant tubs - in short, all the safety you enjoy at home without bringing all of the crap from home with you. According to the company, the equipment is all in excellent condition thanks to careful monitoring and sanitizing after each use, as well as frequent replacement of items. Fees are reasonable and include discounts for renting multiple items; they also have a very flexible cancellation policy, understanding that travel with children can often be unpredictable. So if you’re heading across the northern border, save yourself some extra baggage fees, eh?

For Vancouver and surrounding areas, call 604.222.4722 or email shana@weetravel.ca; for Toronto and its environs, 416.737.1622 or email lesley@weetravel.ca.