Summertime means vacation! Whether your family is heading to a beach resort or soaking up some big-city culture, traveling with children can go smoothly if you choose the right hotel and plan your stay carefully following these tips:

• Research 101: Do plenty of research in advance about your destination in general and potential hotels in particular. TripAdvisor is a great online resource to find first-hand hotel and destination reviews from other travelers, and most cities have their own websites describing popular activities in their area.
• Call Hotels Directly: Don't reserve rooms online--CALL the hotels you are considering to inquire about special rates and find out about special events, amenities and safety concerns. Are there kid-friendly exhibits, festivals or other unusual events occurring that week? Will any facilities, such as the pool, be unavailable during your stay?
• Prioritize Safety: During your conversation, make sure the hotel is a safe place for your children. Is the property on a busy street? Can kids play safely outside? Do guest room doors open into hallways or a parking lot? Is the pool area gated and locked? Can the hotel accommodate any special needs your family members have?
• Build an Itinerary: Keep everyone in your family happy with a game plan before you leave the house. For example, any Santa Barbara visit with kids should include time to enjoy the gorgeous beaches, the Zoo, Stearns Wharf, Ty Warner Sea Center, sailing or whale watching out of the Harbor and the Doll & Teddy Bear Museum.
• Have a Plan B. Whenever possible, purchase tickets in advance to ensure you won't be turned away, but if your original plan falls through due to weather or other reasons, be sure to have a list of backup activities handy. Schedule in some down time, too to stave off cranky kids AND grownups!

These valuable tips were provided by Drew Wakefield, Director of Sales & Marketing, Santa Barbara Ramada Limited, 805-964-3511.