Tips for Traveling with Kids this Summer

(ARA) - Summer family trips are a time-honored tradition. From a cross-country drive to visit the grandparents to a trip to a national park, for many folks, summer just wouldn't be complete without the annual vacation.

As any parent knows, traveling with kids can be wonderful, sharing their excitement as they explore new places or reconnect with distant relatives. But traveling does take its toll - schedules are disrupted, so both kids and parents may be tired and cranky; you may be eating food you're not accustomed to; and hours cooped up in a car, train or plane getting to your destination can be taxing on the whole family.

Here are some easy ways to make the trip more fun for everyone:

• Hungry kids are grumbly kids. No matter what your mode of travel, make sure you take along a selection of healthy snacks. Granola bars, fruit and packets of cheese and crackers are good choices. If you're traveling by car, take along bottled water or fruit juices; if you're flying, opt to buy drinks at the airport instead of lugging around heavy bottles.
• Plan some entertainment. Before the trip, invest in a new book, or a few inexpensive portable games or toys to keep kids entertained as you travel. A portable DVD player can be a sanity saver on extended trips.
• Get up and stretch. It's hard for kids to be confined for long periods of time. If you're driving, make sure to plan plenty of stops along the way to let the kids run around and blow off steam. If you have an airport layover, take a brisk walk through the terminal.
• Pick the right hotel. When traveling with kids, a pool is a must-have. A quiet room that allows everyone to get a good night's sleep is another necessity. You don't want to wake up at the crack of dawn when the person upstairs starts the shower. Likewise, you don't want to worry that your kids are making too much noise for the people in the room next door.
• Create memories. After all, that's what family trips are all about. Give kids a disposable camera to snap photos during the trip. When you get home, turn the pictures into a scrapbook. You can also share them with people you met or visited on your trip.

Keeping kids on their normal schedule as much as possible means everyone will be happier. Try to work in time for naps in between sight-seeing or visiting with relatives. If you get to bed late, let the kids sleep in the next morning. Bring along a special pillow, blanket or stuffed animal if it will help your child sleep better.

AmericInn is a great choice for families. The company is so focused on travelers' comfort that it has developed the AmericInn SoundGuard construction system that reduces sound so guests can enjoy a quiet, peaceful night. The system includes masonry block, sound-deadening foam and heavy sheetrock between rooms and floors. In addition, the chain constructs its buildings to minimize noise intrusion from outside as well as from public spaces within the hotel, including separating the pool and recreation areas from the residential portion of the hotel.

With over 200 hotels in 21 states throughout the United States, chances are there's an AmericInn where you're heading. For more information, visit www.AmericInn.com.