Backpacks like this cute one from Amies Circle have a decidedly European feel, with cute non-famous doggies with names like Fritz and Chris’topher neatly emblazoned upon them. They’re great kids’ carry-on luggage, and because the design doesn’t scream “toddler” (the way an Elmo backpack would), even teens and tweens might like them, especially when the designs are also offered in wallets, wristlets and laptop sleeves. Oh – did we mention the price? A cool $25 for the vinyl lead-free backpack, the most expensive of the bunch – leaving more money for the actual vacation.

[via CoolMomPicks]

Whoopee! It’s Wednesday and it’s a hot one where we are… Take our whirlwind tour through the web for this week. Enjoy!

• Over at the Miami Herald, you’ll find a great article about traveling to the magical places of child’s literature. While the Hogwarts Express and Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory may not exist, you and the family can visit the places that inspired them – and learn more about Mark Twain’s haunts, Charles Dickens’ world and more. Great inspiration for a literary jaunt…
• The New York Times has a fabulous article called The Zeus Trip, about one writer’s successful attempt to turn a trip to Greece into a living history and literature lesson for her three children. Get some great ideas and tips on turning a trip into a learning adventure.
• The folks at the Five Star Alliance have made their picks for 2007′s best luxury hotels for families. Whether you prefer the beach, the slopes or the city lights, you’ll find a spot here for your next family vacation.
• Sometimes we may seem toilet-obsessed, but if you have a young child, you know why. We came across this portable toilet seat sized for little ones at Leaps and Bounds; it should make your trips to the bathroom less stressful and more sanitary.

• Traveling with children requires paying careful attention to your kids – meaning your mind’s not always on your wallet and pockets. Avoid losing your money and your pride; bone up on foreign street scams at The Perrin Report.

From Juliana at HotelChatter: we’ve learned that several Texan Omni properties will now feature kids’ suites. These come brightly decorated with beanbags, twin beds (for the kids, that is) and an assortment of toys and “kid” stuff. Select properties in Austin, Corpus Christi, Houston, Dallas and San Antonio will feature the new digs , and you can also find suites at their L.A, San Francisco and San Diego posts, which debuted similar family accommodations in 2005 .

You can learn more about the Texas suites (which are available starting tomorrow) from Juliana here and from Omni Hotels here. (HotelChatter includes a snapshot.) Omni Hotels already have a kids program that offers suitcases of games and books to be used during the stay and a welcome goodie bag with “cool stuff” like bracelets, kaleidoscopes and kazoos.

copyright Omni Hotels