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ERV - Who We Are & Why We’re Here

By: Greg Mattson, ERV Editor - Updated: Mar 31, 2025

Welcome to Excellent Romantic Vacations (ERV)! Back in 2003, we had an idea for the young (at the time) information super highway: a website focused solely on romantic travel. And not just for big-name honeymoon destinations like Hawaii, Paris and New York City, but inclusive of lesser-known vacation spots for couples in places closer to home, like Ohio, Michigan, Oregon and Missouri.     

20 years and 17 million readers later, Excellent Romantic Vacations continues to be relied on as one of the web's most established independent sources of romantic travel guides and hotel reviews. Over the years, ERV has been steadily refined and shaped, increasingly focused on niche hotel stays. Our team checks into JACUZZI® Tub suites, plunge pool rooms and cozy inns, filming exclusive videos and crafting detailed reviews so you can book with confidence. Whether it’s a honeymoon in Key West or an anniversary trip in the Rockies, we’re here to uncover the romance others overlook.

Meet Us:

greg mattson - 
publisher/editor

About: Travel, aviation and hotels have been filling Greg's to-do list since starting work as an agent with ANZA Travel in 1987. An 18-year career with 2 major air carriers followed, along with over 700,000 miles of air and road travel through 28 countries and 37 U.S States. Aviation & Tech are his main interests, and his favorite stops include Hilton Hotels, Starbucks, and In-N-Out Burger. 

2023 Hotel Nights: 44

2024 Trips: Florida, Ireland, Portugal, NYC, WA State

Social Channels: 

• YouTube

• Instagram

• Linkedin

• TripAdvisor

• Contact Greg

maureen mattson -
assistant editor

About: A published author and travel writer, Maureen has settled in comfortably as ERV's honeymoon, hot tub suite and social media scribe. When she’s not checking Google for cat cafes at her next destination, she's probably binge watching animal videos on YouTube or researching romantic suites at any Kimpton or Marriott hotel closest to a vegan restaurant.

2023 Hotel Nights: 44

2024 Trips: Florida, Toronto, Ireland, Portugal, NY State 

Social Channels:

• Facebook 

• Youtube 

• Instagram

• Contact Maureen

daleann shellborn -
writer

About: DaleAnn lives with her husband Kerry in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and has worked with words for more than two decades as a reporter, writer and newspaper editor. She lists her most romantic experiences as a cruise on an Arab dhow in the Indian Ocean, a stay in a 13th century castle in Spain, and an afternoon on the beach at Surveyor’s Lake in southeastern British Columbia. 

2024 Trips: Rockies, Alberta

• Contact DaleAnn

Your Trusted Guide to Unforgettable Romantic Getaways Since 2003

By Greg Mattson, ERV Editor - Updated: Mar 11, 2024

Meet the ERV Team

Greg Mattson - Publisher & Editor

“I’ve logged 700,000 miles chasing romance and great coffee.”

Greg’s love for travel kicked off in 1987 as an agent with ANZA Travel, followed by 18 years with major airlines. With visits to 28 countries and 37 U.S. states, he’s the mastermind behind ERV’s vision. When he’s not rating a Hilton hot tub suite, you’ll find him at Starbucks or In-N-Out Burger.

2024 Adventures: Florida, Ireland, Portugal, NYC, Washington State

Connect: [YouTube] [Instagram] [LinkedIn] [TripAdvisor] [Email Greg]

Maureen Mattson - Assistant Editor

“I hunt for cat cafes and vegan-friendly suites—romance is in the details!”

A published author and travel writer, Maureen brings her flair to ERV’s honeymoon guides and social media. She’s the one scouring Kimpton and Marriott hotels for the coziest, most romantic vibes—often with a YouTube animal video break.

2024 Adventures: Florida, Toronto, Ireland, Portugal, NY State

Connect: [Facebook] [YouTube] [Instagram] [Email Maureen]

DaleAnn Shellborn - Writer

“From castles in Spain to lakes in BC, I’ve lived romance firsthand.”

Based in the Canadian Rockies with her husband Kerry, DaleAnn’s 20+ years as a reporter and editor shine in her vivid storytelling. Her favorite romantic moments? A dhow cruise in the Indian Ocean and a 13th-century castle stay.

2024 Adventures: Rockies, Alberta

Connect: [Email DaleAnn]

Why We Do This

We’re not just travel enthusiasts—we’re romantics at heart. Every suite we review, every video we shoot, is about helping you create memories with the one you love. After two decades, we’re still excited to share the joy of travel, one couple at a time.

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