Virgin Gorda makes the list

The editors at Frommer's Travel Guides have released a list of twelve surprising, thriving, or emerging travel destinations -- basically places not to be missed in 2007.

And lo and behold -- among such destinations as Krakow, Poland, Portland, Oregon, and Ethopia -- was Virgin Gorda.

VG made the list because of it's off-the-beaten-path feel: "You can take jeep tours of the island, hike through the jungle, or explore funky Spanish Town and its unassuming bars and restaurants. Best of all, you can hang out at the Baths, a string of beaches where giant boulders form tranquil pools and grottoes flooded with sea water," reads the article.

Warning to locals

Have you ever traveled to a place only to be railroaded by well meaning locals?

This happened to me early this year on a trip to Virgin Gorda. Upon arriving at our hotel my husband and I asked our host where he would recommend we go for lunch.

"Bitter End," I asked? "Ugh," said he. "Leverick Bay? Biras Creek?" I enquired. "Terrible," he replied.

Well by now I was ready to give up. I understand that not everyone has a great opinion of evey place, but, C'mon! I had heard enough positive praise that I figured one of these would be ok.

Finally he said grudgingly, "Saba Rock, that's a nice place."

Well -- in the end we stayed at the hotel and went out to dinner at a charming place in Spanish Town.

Note to locals: You may want to consider your audience when recommending a place to tourists.