Say hello to paradise

White sandy beaches, warm water and sunny skies begin to call vacationers to the Caribbean as the fall arrives and temperatures cool in North America. St. Kitts is a pristine island with all the attractions of a luxurious Caribbean paradise without the crowds and pollution. This year new package deals called ''Fall in Love with St. Kitts'' are being offered to prospective guests. Stay four nights in a beachfront hotel or a beautiful plantation home inn and only pay for three nights. In addition to saving 25% you will also enjoy a complimentary breakfast daily.

If you are looking for a quiet breathtaking spot, St. Kitts might be the place for you. Development projects have been held at a minimum in order to protect the habitat of the island. Lava formations, seaside lagoons and tropical forests allure nature lovers to explore the sights with hikes, boat tours and scuba diving expeditions. Traditional vacation activities such as golf, water sports, fine dining and tennis are also available. To find out more information contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority at 1-800-562-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn or visit the Web site at www.stkitts-tourism.com. BIRD WATCHERS Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands in Florida offer a unique attraction for those who love to watch birds. More than 190 species of birds frequent these regions, which are a part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, and the North American Migratory Flyway. The desert beaches and mangrove-shaded rivers offer a rich habitat for both year-round and migratory birds. The wetlands and marshes are teeming with herons, egrets and woodpeckers, just to name a few. Many endangered species also find harbor here. Accommodations near the area start at $190 per night at Fishermen's Village for a small villa. For $200 a night you can rent a vacation home in Boca Grande, and for $320 a night you can stay at Palm Island Resort where many special nature and birding programs are offered. Guided kayak trips will take you through calm shady rivers to see thousands of birds and sometimes an occasional dolphin or manatee. It's not just birds in this huge wildlife reserve; there are also many species of fish, reptiles and mammals to see. For information contact the Charlotte County Florida Visitor's Bureau, 18501 Murdock Circle, Suite 502, Port Charlotte, FL; 941-743-1900, or call toll free at 1-800-652-6090 for a free Visitor's Guide; you can also visit the Web site at www.CharlotteHarborTravel.com. GOLFING IN THE MOUNTAINS Northeast Tennessee offers the beautiful slopes of the Great Smoky Mountains, and some challenging golf. Comfortable lodging is available close to the mountains, the national park and the golf courses yet not too far from the airports, the dinner shows and the shopping malls. The Resort at Governor's Crossing is a beautiful vacation lodge, and also Mainstay Suites Pigeon Forge is in a very convenient location. Golf courses close to Mainstay include Gatlinburg Country Club Smoky Mountain Par 3 Golf Course, Creekside Plantation, and Bent Creek Golf Course, among others. The courses have beautiful scenery and the green fees are only a fraction of the prices in Phoenix or Las Vegas. For more information about the resorts and golf courses in this region visit www.GatlinburgVacationStore.com.

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Say hello to paradise