Dream List Media

I recently came across an excellent website to find your next dream destination.  It’s called Tripbase and it’s easy—you tell them what you’re looking for and they tell you where to go. 

Their search options allow you to choose your budget, temperature, season, location and type of entertainment you’re looking for.  You can find an inexpensive beach getaway or a nature infused adventure.  Either way, Tripbase makes it simple and easy for you to find.

Once you’ve found your perfect match, the site gives a variety of planning options, from maps and photos to a list of things to do.  It even connects with popular travel websites like Orbitz, Kayak and CheapTickets, so you can book your hotel and flight. 

To find your next dream destination, or even find places to add to your travel dream list, visit www.tripbase.com.

If you dream of traveling abroad or learning a foreign language, read the blog post by Todd on iExplore.  He lists a few online resources he used to learn French in preparation for his trip to France.

You can also find 8 other free online language resources at BraveNewTraveler.

Bonne chance!

I came across an article on the Herald Net website about an interesting book for Science Dreamers, Guidebook for the Scientific Traveler: Visiting Astronomy and Space Exploration Sites Across America by Duane S. Nickell.

Green travel is becoming very popular as environmental concerns grow.  “Consumer demand for socially and environmentally responsible tourism is growing globally three times faster than the tourism industry as a whole – at 20%-34% per year,” says Organic Explorer.

I recently found a great website, Organic Explorer, for green travel and tourism in New Zealand.  You’ll find a directory of organic restaurants, eco-accommodation and environmental tourism.  There is also a calendar of events to help plan your trip activities.

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?

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."

I absolutely love road trips.  Most of my road trips have taken me to National Parks in Colorado, Utah and Arizona.  Zion was my favorite!  I’d love to take another road trip within the next year, but the thought of the gas bill makes me think twice. 

Luckily I came across the book, Live Your Road Trip Dream: Travel for a Year for the Cost of Staying Home, by Phil and Carol White.  Although I’m not planning to travel for a year, this book provides valuable tips and resources for planning a short week trip to a year long trip.  It walks you through all the steps you need to take to make your road trip dreams come true:  from financing your dream, to planning your trip, to helpful hints while you’re on the road. 

If you have a road trip dream, pick up a copy and check out their website, www.liveyourroadtripdream.com, to find a helpful list of resources.