Dream List Media

Want to stay in the Galápagos Islands for $70 a night?  Watch the video and visit Travel + Leisure’s website to find 25 Secret Seaside Getaways.

Here’s a taste of what you’ll find:
“Tranquil beaches, five volcanoes, and diverse fauna make up the seahorse-shaped island. Wildlife viewing is unparalleled from the private seaview balconies at La Casa de Marita. Doubles from $70.”

Follow the link to view a slideshow of the 25 Secret Seaside Getaways.

Looking to change the world while traveling the globe?

Read Travel + Leisure magazine's article on Great Humanitarian Trips Around the World: From helping hurricane victims to teaching orphaned street kids, outreach projects that need your help.

Follow the link to view a slideshow of great humanitarian trips around the world.

Travel + Leisure magazine’s November 2008 issue listed 20 life-changing trips.  They write:

“There’s growing evidence that the Volunteer Vacations trend is blossoming into a bigger phenomena. A 2007 Travelocity survey found that 17.7 percent of respondents had taken a vacation that incorporated volunteering or philanthropy—a number that’s up 13 percent from the previous year and expected to rise even higher in 2008. But tour operators and travel companies, new and old, are one-upping that trend through new programs and products, tapping into the feel-good Zeitgeist and our collective desire for something more from our adventures abroad, and at home.”

Follow the link to view a slideshow of these 20 amazing trips.

Have you taken a volunteer vacation?  If so, what's your story?

Here's an extraodinary story about a man who truly knows what it means to overcome obstacles and to live your dreams.  Patrick Henry Hughes was born with a genetic disorder that left him physically disabled and without eyes.  He has since gone on to become an accomplished pianist, singer and trumpeter, who is currently a member of his college marching band. 

He recently wrote a book, I Am Potential: Eight Lessons on Living, Loving, and Reaching Your Dreams, along with Bryant Stamford and his father, Patrick John Hughes.  From his book description: "In I Am Potential, Hughes recounts the eight critical lessons he has learned that are at the heart of his success, including “When Life Gives You Lemons, Accept Them and Be Grateful” and “Do All You Can to Change What You Can.” Uplifting and revealing, I Am Potential is remarkably inspirational for anyone facing challenges in their own life." 

If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.
~Milton Berle

Janet Evanovich is a beloved author by many.  She has written over fifteen novels, including the Stephanie Plum series that consistently makes the New York Times Best Seller List. 

Want to know the secrets to her success? Pick up a copy of her book, How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author, where she, along with Ina Yalof and Alex Evanovich, discuss how she comes up with characters, sets up plots and finds insider details.  You’ll learn about the publishing industry and what the life of a full-time writer is all about.

On her website, the Writing Q&A is also a great place to find more advice and even post a question for Janet.

Calling all ladies!  Looking for a magazine to warm your heart, inspire your soul and bring balance to your life? 

I recently came across Aspire Magazine, which is a great resource for just that.  Their magazine is published six times a year, filled with uplifting articles, inspirational stories and valuable advice.  Their website is also a great resource for inspiration and the latest calendar of events. 

I just read a great article in the OttawaCitizen.com by Jen Ross about Torres del Paine National Park.  Hikers and adventure seekers may need to add this to their travel dream list.  Here's a quick clip from the article:

"Torres del Paine National Park is a hiker's paradise that's fast becoming a pilgrimage of choice for nature buffs, adventure tourists and those with an appetite for the non-conventional. Peter Potterfield recommends it in his new book Classic Hikes of the World: 23 Breathtaking Treks. In its 15th anniversary issue, National Geographic Traveler named Torres del Paine as one of the Top 50 "greatest places of a lifetime" and in the Top 10 in the "Paradise Found" category."

If you dream of publishing your first novel, then you must read the story of Stephenie Meyer.

It was only five years ago that she began her journey from housewife to New York Times best-selling author of the Twilight series.  This is a story of an ordinary person who achieved extraordinary feats that will inspire writers around the globe. 

Follow the link to read all about Stephenie Meyer.