What we also found is that not all locations offer high chairs, cribs or changing tables which are all necessities for an infant. We found that out the hard way. My wife and I made some adjustments to our vacations and now look towards renting homes as opposed to hotels, motels or inns.

Here is a location that my wife and I absolutely love to visit and it may make perfect sense for you as well.

Martha's vineyard

Located not too far from Boston lies Martha's Vineyard. Home to many of the elites such as Bill Murray and of course the Kennedy's to name a few, Martha's Vineyard boasts wonderful breath taking views, clean beaches and friendly people.

Since staying there I can say I absolutely say that I love the place. It is easy to navigate the island and it has something for everyone. If you like fishing there are marinas galore to take out a charter boat and get your fix in. If swimming is more your thing than anywhere you see the beach, there you are. There are plenty of nice restaurants to choose from also if you like to dine out.

Besides all of the amenities Martha's Vineyard has to offer, it is a great place to rent a home. There are many to choose from and depending on where you stay the cost ranges dramatically. We stayed in Vineyard Haven about 3 miles outside of Oaks Bluff. The house was a three bedroom ranch with two full baths and an outside deck that we took full advantage of. Each morning we would sit out on the deck with a hot cup of coffee and a nice warm breakfast before we began our day.

The house came accommodated with everything we needed and the best part is that it was close enough to the grocery store that we could just walk on over and pick up our supplies. It was a bit pricier than normal, but we expected that since we were on an island.

The house came with a charcoal grill which was great and one that we used for a lot of our meals. It had a washer and dryer for our laundry which was needed for our son with all the dirty bibs and close as well as doing our own laundry so that we didn't have to do it when we got home.

The cost to rent this particular home ran about $1500 for a week during peak summer time which is the end of June through the end of August and about $700 for off peak. We rented the house the week after Labor Day. We paid the $700 price, the water was still warm, everything was still open which this trip a real bargain.

If you have small children and are looking for a nice getaway, consider Martha's Vineyard, and more specifically look into renting a house. The flexibility it gives you is second to none.

First, there are the usual airline carriers. They are fast, safe, and reliable. But they are also pricey and may not always be an option. The second choice would be to go with a budget airline, but their reliability is often in question and in order to get the best deal you may have to fly on dates that do not cohere with your long anticipated travel plans. Fortunately, there are two other very good options to keep your plans afloat without sinking your wallet.

Trains

Fast, safe, and often less expensive than traditional airline carriers trains are how Europeans travel within Europe - and who better to learn from than Europeans themselves? Trains are a great option because not only do they provide an affordable way between almost all cities, but they run more frequently than planes and afford you the opportunity to see more of the countries you are visiting. In fact, an entire trip can revolve around a train trip. Perhaps you wish to retrace the path of the Orient Express. By train it's easy to get off at any stop and stay for a few hours, then hop on the next train to wherever you were going. Non-reserved tickets can be purchased for almost all trains giving the bearer an option of several months within which to travel. The flexibility and affordability are hard to beat!

So why chose anything other than trains for travel within Europe? Well, when trains are an option, you shouldn't! But sometimes towns are too small or too remote for train stations. In that case, take the bus!

Bus 

Often regarded as unsafe travel in Eastern European countries, busses - minibuses included - are safe ways to travel to areas where trains don't go. Busses are ultra affordable and occasionally good alternatives to trains when traveling on a really tight budget. Busses run very frequently and offer smooth traveling - most busses are well designed for comfort, even during extended trips. In fact, many conclude on the end of their bus journey that even Polish minibuses are superior to the Greyhound services available in the United States! The one drawback to busses is that bus drivers rarely speak English and stops are usually announced only in the native language so riding prepared is a must!

For great places to travel by train or bus within Europe check out this list of undiscovered travel destinations.

Whether by plane, train, or bus, happy travels!

Without further ado, here is the list:

1. Krakow, Poland

   Situated in south eastern Poland (a geographic area known as Galacia), Krakow is not subjected to the harsh weather most of Poland receives. The capital of the Polish Kingdom from 1038 until 1596, Krakow contains some of Europe's most majestic churches and an impressive castle. Spared the destruction of World War II and largely spared communist development during the rule of the USSR, Krakow maintains an old world Europe feel similar to Prague or Budapest. Krakow is also an hour by train or minibus from Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi concentration camp from World War II. Poland is a member of the European Union and is quite safe. Despite being a member of the EU, Poland has yet to join the Euro and is still quite affordable.

2. Budapest, Hungary

   Just three hours by train or car from the Austrian capital of Vienna, Budapest is a thriving center of culture in its own right. Budapest is well known for serving as a second and equal capital of the Austrian Empire following the Dual Compromise of 1867, but truthfully it spent equal time in the Austrian Empire and the Ottoman Empire. As a result, the influence of both cultures, though vastly different, is quite apparent. Many buildings reflect Viennese type architecture, while surrounded by Turkish baths (which are quite famous!). Having spent so much time under the rule of others Hungarians, or Magyars, are a proud people with a troubled history. Hungary is also part of the EU and not on the Euro. It, too, is relatively affordable.

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

   A well known city in Europe, Copenhagen is not as full of tourists as one might think. In fact, few enough tourists visit this city that many who do consider it “overlooked.” The established capital of a thriving, if small, western European country, Copenhagen is definitely worth a visit. Danish bread is particularly well regarded throughout Europe and there is no shortage of it here in the capital. The city is also Europe's most cyclist friendly, with cycle lanes that parallel main roads for maximum access. Copenhagen is also conveniently located to northern Germany (also beautiful) and Malmö, Sweden is just across the bridge. For its beauty, as well as its proximity to other great spots in Europe, Copenhagen is a must. Copenhagen is in the EU and has voted by referendum not to adopt the Euro. Despite this, prices in Denmark are quite high (as is true of all of Scandinavia). Copenhagen is less expensive than Stockholm and Oslo.

4. Istanbul, Turkey

   While it is true half the city lies in Asia, the old town, or Sultan Ahmet as it is called, is located entirely on the European side. Located in the political hotbed Middle East, Turkey is a surprisingly safe and out-of-this-world friendly country. Though it borders countries such as Iraq and Iran, Turkey is astonishingly democratic and very western. Turkey is the only secular Muslim country in the world. Furthermore, Turks, proud of their history and eager to tell their part of the story, have done a fantastic job preserving Ottoman palaces and relics. From the Hagia Sophia to Topkapi Palace, Istanbul is sure to please and educate. Though not a member of the EU, customs is a simple process and visas are available at all entry points (by train, car, or plane) for a fee of $20 U.S.

5. Istria, Croatia

   Located on a peninsula to the north of its more famous relative, the Dalmatian Coast, the Istrian Peninsula is equally beautiful and less touristy. Begin your stay in Poreč, located only an hour south from Trieste, Italy. This town of 9,000 is easily accessible by car or bus and customs through Slovenia into Croatia are a breeze. Visit Vrsar and Rovinj on day trips, but be sure to be back in Poreč for every dinner, as Croatian and Italian cuisine are on display each night in some of Europe's finest restaurants. Fresh fish and other seafood are available in small markets around town and they sell only the current day's catch. Don't forget a boat cruise around the Adriatic like only Croatian tour guides can provide! In short, Istria provides all the beauty of the Mediterranean without being overrun by unappreciative visitors. But hurry, Europe's best kept secret is about to get out! Like Turkey, Croatia is not a member of the EU, but it is a candidate and should be admitted by 2009. No visa is required for U.S. citizens.

One final note: I have traveled extensively throughout Europe and have visited each of the aforementioned destinations. All of this advice is first hand information and comments will be quickly answered.

The park is the brain child of Universal Orlando Resort, and will feature Hogwarts School in its entire splendor, along with surrounding locales like the forest and the town of Hogsmeade, complete with its colorful and fascinating little stores. Knowing how attention to detail was so important in all the Potter movies, this park is sure to please wizarding enthusiasts of all ages. Their creative team will surely pull out all the stops to re-create Harry's magnificent world of wonder to make the experience as lifelike as possible. There will be rides, activities and attractions that will give us a glimpse into J.K. Rowling's unbelievably creative mind.

Sets from Harry Potter movies past and future will be included in the park's layout. This park will help to appease Americans' hunger for anything Harry. The frenzy caused by both Rowling's movies and books has caused adults and children alike to become devoted followers of Harry, his friends and the faculty at Hogwarts. The world needs more fantasy, that isn't steeped in our everyday real-life problems. It is fun to get lost in the fantasy of a magical world unlike our own. Where else will you see owls deliver mail, or fire-breathing dragons in true-to-life detail?

This new theme park is going to be a huge hit. It may even spark new fans, as well. For those of us who aren't able to visit the real sets in the United Kingdom, Florida will be the perfect locale. Since Orlando has a variety of top attractions like Disney World and others, it is a fitting place for Harry's new home away from home.

The U.S. owes Britain and J.K. Rowling a big "thank you" for allowing us to be able to soon experience the world of Harry Potter here at home. Who knows, this park may the first of many others. After all, the whole world has fallen for Harry Potter with a vengeance. Welcome, Hogwarts School, to Florida. We will make sure to make you feel right at home by coming to class as soon as you open your doors.

The condo I chose was near the beach but out of the evacuation zone, in the Tampa Bay area. If there is a hurricane, people in evacuation zones must evacuate, because they live on low ground and risk flooding. My new place is situated on a peaceful lake, off the main streets in a quiet neighborhood, which is close to stores of all kinds. Every day, large water birds come to visit, looking for food. Most common are egrets, wood storks, blue or green herons, moorhens, and ducks.

Turtles can be seen basking themselves on logs in the water. It is a serene setting that is most definitely worth the pricey rent. With large windows, and a lovely balcony, my houseplants are growing without my needing to do anything except prune or water them once in awhile.

The bright sunshine, blue skies and puffy, white clouds naturally improve a sad mood here in Florida. Up in Ohio, the skies tend to be gray most of the year, and that can make many people depressed. It never occurred to me how much my mood had been affected by the weather until moving down here.

Driving in Florida can be intimidating, due to the many people who all decided to move down here to get away from the northern weather. Roads are crowded and traffic moves fast. Parking in cities can be hard, but it comes with the territory of living where everyone wants to be. Taxis are plentiful and cheap I prefer to hire taxis instead of using my own car, to save money and avoid parking hassles.

The stores and malls here are plentiful and fun to browse. Since tourists come here all the time, there is a huge variety of merchandise to see. It is a shopper's paradise. It is so convenient to live in the suburbs, where everything you need is only a street or two away. My former home in Ohio was in the suburbs but nothing was close by, without a car life would be hard. There is everything from large international style malls to family owned small stores, and everything in between. And, if you feel like being a tourist, drive over to the beach nearby and check out the gift shops and boutiques nearby.

If you love nature, sunshine and being outdoors in general, Florida is a wonderful place to live. As long as you have a good air conditioner for those hot months, living here is comfortable and there are many activities to entertain just about anyone. Sure, there are big bugs, snakes and spiders, but well-maintained properties are vigilant about keeping the critters where they belong, outside and away from your living areas, by spraying regularly with pesticides. Wherever you go, there are lush, tropical landscapes and beautiful flowers. Come to Florida for a visit, and like me, you may want to move here. If you do, you'll be very glad that you did.