It can be a hassle to carry a map around, with all the awkward folding and re-folding that comes along with most traditional paper versions.

The folks at Rand McNally have come up with an ingenious idea with their microfiber fabMAPs. The maps, which are available for most major US cities, require no folding, and are wrinkle-proof, tear-proof and waterproof.

If you’re heading to a beach-friendly destination, like South Beach, here’s another bonus: Because they’re made of microfiber, you can even use them to clean off your sunglasses.

To purchase a Rand McNally fabMap, visit www.randmcnally.com.

Technorati Tags: Travel, maps, Rand McNally, fabMap, South Beach

The Four Seasons continues to define luxury around the world. The Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip, is scheduled to open October 1, 2008, but is already accepting reservations.

Macau has been called the “Las Vegas of the East,” and the new resort shouldn’t disappoint discerning travelers. The hotel features 360 guest rooms, including 84 suites, that reflect a neo-classical elegance and incorporate Oriental accents. Think rich gold and jewel tones, as well as lush brocades and velvets.

The hotel also features a full-service spa, fitness center, five (yes, five) outdoor pools, and Zi Yat Heen, a restaurant serving traditional Cantonese food and a creative dim sum menu. The Four Seasons Macao is also close to local shopping, restaurants and entertainment options, such as the Cirque du Soleil Macau.

For more information on the Four Seasons Hotel Macao, visit www.fourseasons.com/macau.

Technorati Tags: Travel, new hotels, Macau, Four Seasons, Four Seasons Macao, luxury travel, luxury hotels, new hotels

There are outdoor excursions, and then there are serious outdoor excursions. File this one in the second category: The Nita Lake Lodge, a 77-suite luxury resort in Whistler, BC, is offering a new “Wild About Bears” package, with an excursion led by Michael Allen, a local black bear researcher who was profiled in the BBC documentary In the Company of Bears.

Guided by Allen, guests will go on a 3-hour tour of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains to visit active bear dens, daybeads and feeding sites of the 50 black bears that call the mountains home. Participants will also be treated to views of the wildlife and glacier peaks through deep old-growth hemlock and cedar forests.

The package is available through October, and features two nights of accommodations, breakfast each morning and the wildlife excursion for a price starting at $399 CAD per person.

To learn more about the Nita Lake Lodge and the “Wild About Bears” package, visit www.nitalakelodge.com.

Technorati Tags: Travel, adventure travel, Whistler, Nita Lake Lodge, outdoor excursions, bear watching

If you’re dreaming of vegging on the beach in Turks & Caicosbut not reaching deep into your walletdream no more: The new Seven Stars Resort, located on 22 acres of the famed Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales, is offering guests up to 60% off through November 15.

If you’re traveling with a few friends, or with your family, you’re most in luck: The 60% discount applies to four- and some three-bedroom suites with Grand Salons; all other three- and two-bedroom suites and one-bedroom oceanfront accommodations are 50% off. Garden or Ocean view one-bedroom accommodations are 25% off.

The resort boasts luxurious rooms, two restaurants, a mosaic pool with cabanas, fitness and spa center, tennis courts, a water sports program and an on-site boutique.

To learn more about Seven Stars and make a reservation, visit www.sevenstarsresort.com.

Technorati Tags: Travel, Turks & Caicos, Seven Stars, summer travel deals, travel deals, travel discounts, new hotels

Travelers who want to stay in San Francisco’s popular Union Square (a haven for hotels) now have a new option: the Larkspur Hotel Union Square, which just opened its doors on June 19 and is the first property to open from Larkspur Hotels & Restaurants.

Formerly the Cartwright Hotel, the Larkspur has undergone extensive renovations, including updated decor and the new Bar 1915, which serves pastries and coffee in the morning, small plates, and beer and wine in the evening. The hotel still maintains a classic San Francisco architectural feel, but with modern amenities.

The Larkspur has 114 guest rooms with their signature FeatherBorne bed package, upgraded guest amenities, complimentary WiFi access, LCD TVs and more. For guests who would like more spacious accommodations, there are also five two-room suites available.

For more information on the Larkspur Hotel Union Square, please visit http://www.larkspurhotelunionsquare.com.

Technorati Tags: Travel, hotels, San Francisco, Union Square, Larkspur Hotel Union Square, new hotels