Travel is not a hobby with us, it's a passion. That's why our staff is consistently out getting first-hand looks at destinations and resorts that are in the news, as well as checking on our favorites, to make sure that everything is up to par. We challenge ourselves to have the most up-to-date evaluations on conditions at the world's best destinations. Here's a brief travelogue about some of our latest trips, check back for updates as we travel more in the coming months.

BETH'S LATEST TRAVELS

St. Lucia - November
It was a great treat to travel again to one of my favorite islands in the Caribbean, St. Lucia. I was down for a long weekend to inspect the Hyatt Regency St. Lucia, meet with hotel managers and tourist board officials, and check out some of my favorite resorts, small and large. St. Lucia IS the greenest, most lush, volcanic isle in that area, and abounds in mountains, waterfalls, valleys, and natural non-commercial beauty! From my first visit in 1972 until now, I have fallen under the spell of the kind natives, the small great restaurants, horseback riding through the rainforest, sailing in the bays surrounded by waterfalls. St. Lucia has appeal for a special type of couple that wants lush nature, serene sunsets, and does not want the Ocean City crowded seaside atmosphere.

The Hyatt is very nice, with a great beach and spa, for those that want a more modern stateside hotel look, with TV, pools, your usual Hyatt amenities. I recommend a stay of 5-10 days on this island. Many times I will do a split stay for a couple that I send here - the first 3 or 4 nights at the southern end of the island, where the Famous Piton Mountains, volcano, and waterfalls abound, and put you in one of three resorts where you have your own cottage, some with plunge pools. Then, for the last 3 nights, we bring you up to the North end where most of the hotels, restaurants, shopping and nightspots are and end your stay with a more lively atmosphere. Call me for details on these cottage resorts, I have checked them ALL out again.

Oahu and Kaui - April
Off to my favorite place on earth, the Hawaiian Islands. This time, to the island of Oahu, where the beach area of Waikiki is. I am attending a meeting at one of the grand resorts, the famous Hilton Hawaiian Village (it has been in numerous movies and TV shows, most recently, Baywatch Hawaii). A lot of travelers skip Oahu, because they think it is too commercial, (and I confess I have said this at times) but I rented a car and went to the North Shore area of Oahu. It's famous for Sunset Beach, Surfers, and the Magnum PI Robins Nest House, located on a small but great beach. This is another world over on this side: Waterfalls, ranches, great little towns and beaches. I loved it. If a stay in Waikiki is part of your Hawaiian honeymoon, I will tell you my favorite romantic getaway places on the North Shore!

Then I hopped over to Kauai, just a quick 30 minute flight from Oahu's Honolulu airport. I grabbed my bags and went outside to the car rental stall, hopped into my convertible, put the top down, turned on the radio, and off I drove to the Hyatt Regency Hawaii (the absolutely best hotel on the island) on lovely Poipu beach. I love this drive: A scenic two-lane road down valleys, up hills, green, green, green, and then the left turn going through the tree tunnel. Huge trees form a natural arch for about a mile over the road, Sherwood Forest - Hawaiian style! This island is all about low-rise hotels, conforming to nature. The Hyatt is home to my favorite spa. Ladies, call me for all the details about the great treatments!

Lanai and Maui - June
Back to Hawaii again! This time to my all time favorite island, Maui, with a side trip to the islands of Lanai. For those of you, who really want to come and witness a serene almost mystical island that only opened to the public a few years ago, Lanai is the place. Choose between two of Conde Nast's highest rated hotels in the world, and 2 of the highest rated golf courses in the United States, plus acres of riding trails, off-roading to private beaches, dolphins, whales and snorkeling. For those of you who want both privacy, and luxury, you will get it!

Then hop the ferry for a quick 30 minute excursion to Maui. It has fabulous resorts, golf courses, entertainment, and the best restaurants (over 150) in the islands and it's fun fun fun! The natives say Maui is best! I love all EIGHT Hawaiian Islands, each has something different to offer the traveler, and I try to match my couples to a combination of islands that fit their style and their dreams. I honeymooned here, and now, over 20 years later, it's still number one in my heart! You will never forget a Honeymoon in Hawaii, and I would recommend 7-12 days to be able to truly enjoy these islands.

JIM'S LATEST TRAVELS

Ireland - January
The land of rolling green hills, small quaint towns, historic castles, friendly people, and the world famous Guinness Beer. I normally travel to warm tropical destinations, so this was my first trip to a more historic destination. All I can say is "Amazing". Everyone makes you feel welcome, from the large cities to the small farming villages, hospitality abounds.

Ireland would be a great destination to honeymoon in the spring, summer, or the fall. Places to stay range from quaint B & B's to restored medieval castles. I especially liked the Pubs. When you walk in, there is always a fire going and everyone says "Hello". It makes you feel right at home. I would recommend 7-10 days to be able to see everything this exciting place has to offer.

Tahiti - May
I have never seen water so blue in my life. The snorkeling and scuba diving here is incredible. The waters of the Tahitian islands are abounding with marine life. Whether it's from 30 feet under water or on the deck of your over-water bungalow, Tahiti's clear waters will amaze you. From the beautiful white powder sand beaches of Bora Bora island, to the waterfalls of Moorea island, the Tahitian islands exude romance. I can honestly say that staying in one of those over-water bungalows was the most unique type of accommodation I have ever stayed in. They even have glass floors so you can see the fish swimming right under you. For breakfast forget about traditional room service, they row out to your bungalow in a canoe to bring you breakfast.