Family-Friendly Accommodations

You love to travel and have decided the kids are ready to try it too. Here's how to choose places the whole family will enjoy:

• A convenient location: Choose a property with plenty of activities for good weather and bad--sand castles to build, boats to row, mountains to climb, farm animals to feed, horses to ride, and museums to visit. Minimize travel time; cramped kids are cranky kids.
• Appropriate accommodations: A family suite, cabin or cottage will give you extra space and privacy, so the kids' lack of "volume control" won't disturb others or make you tense.
• Food: Hungry children whine and fuss. Find innkeepers who understand that kids prefer teddy bear pancakes to eggs Benedict. A refrigerator for snacks is a plus.
• Family-friendly furnishings: Combine museum-quality antiques with young children for guaranteed stress. Teach your kids to respect property, but select accommodations with sturdy, comfortable durable furnishings.
• Welcoming atmosphere: Find lodgings where children are truly appreciated. Look for family rates; games, puzzles, outdoor play equipment, cribs and even special children's programs and/or baby-sitters. An extra plus for children is the new friends they'll make. On the other hand, remember that close supervision of your children is your responsibility as a parent.

To find family-friendly properties on www.Inns.com, go to Advanced Search, enter your destination, then check the “kids” box to find accommodations that welcome families.