(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. 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. * 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. AmericInn is a great choice for families. The chain's SoundGuard construction system ensures guests 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.* 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.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.Copyright >copy; 2006, ARA Content