Sometimes only an exotic, out-of-the-ordinary destination will satisfy your travel yearnings. And when those travel desires go well beyond the do-it-yourself approach--with a complicated itinerary, unfamiliar territory, and other travel "what ifs"--it helps to have the services of a knowledgeable travel planner, someone who can put together a highly personalized private or small-group tour that caters to your interests, your "must-see" list, and your particular travel budget.

We asked a few members to share some highlights of their recent private-guided and small-group tours planned by Hideaways, and tell us why they chose to take a tour in the first place.