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When the world’s sky seems to be falling, many seek the comfort of luxury, whether in a posh hotel that pampers from head to toe or an island bungalow where natural beauty stretches far beyond even the infinity pool’s melting edge. This week, in our Fall Travel issue, we provide a glimpse of such luxury to eager travelers, as well as those who prefer their armchairs.

Our tour guides through Bora Bora, London, Mexico and Scotland-and, yes, right here in Chicago-are the discerning Travel section staffers.

We’re proud to have the Travel section as colleagues on this issue and as neighbors down the hall. They’re an accomplished bunch. This year, the Society of American Travel Writers bestowed 16 awards-including six first-places-upon them in its annual competitions. With this issue, we take our hats off to travel editor Randy Curwen, associate travel editor Carolyn McGuire, assistant travel editor Phil Marty and staff writers Robert Cross, Alan Solomon and Toni Stroud.

Even those of us who prefer a pup tent to a luxury suite can appreciate the lap of luxury this Sunday.