Our story and our team

In the spirit of Holbrook’s founding, our team is composed of lifelong learners and global adventurers who

all share a love of travel. A significant portion of our team has a long tenure at Holbrook, a unique trait that translates into smooth communication, extensive knowledge, and deep relationships with our travel partners around the globe.

andrEa Holbrook PRESIDENT

Worked at Holbrook since 1993 Andrea has been the president and CEO of Holbrook Travel since 1998. She also supports her mother’s work at Selva Verde Lodge and Rainforest Reserve, a place that was her introduction to the hospitality and travel industry. Additionally she is a board member of the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center, a nonprofit organization that connects communities with conservation through education and ecotourism. Andrea holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature with a minor in Russian studies from Columbia University. A newcomer by Holbrook standards, Chris has over 25 years of experience with leading companies including Overseas Adventure Travel, Vantage Travel, and Paul Gauguin Cruises. He has developed partnerships with numerous organizations, including Smithsonian, Harvard, and Audubon. Chris earned his BA from Dartmouth College and holds an MBA from UCLA. He caught the travel bug at an early age on a family sabbatical to Europe and now has ventured to over 40 countries on seven continents.

cHris bEnslEY VICE PRESIDENT OF PARTNERSHIPS AND MARKETING

Worked at Holbrook since 2016

1971

Founder Giovanna Holbrook pioneers a journey to the Galápagos Islands aboard a retired Navy vessel, escorting a group of professors and naturalists.

late 1970s

Holbrook opens operations in Patagonia; also begins organizing lepidoptera and birdwatching trips.

1974

Holbrook Travel is officially founded by Giovanna and Juan Holbrook to design and run educational tours for professors and students in Gainesville, Florida.

1982

In Costa Rica to assist with arranging an ornithological field study, Giovanna Holbrook came upon a tract of old growth forest for sale in Sarapiquí. She purchased it, and Selva Verde was born.

1983

Dr. Juan Holbrook begins leading hikes on the Inca Trail.

1987

Holbrook opens operations in east Africa with Cornelia Holbrook, daughter of Juan and Giovanna, working in kenya.

1985

Holbrook headquarters constructed, in Gainesville.

1990

Holbrook becomes a founding member of The International Ecotourism Society, a non-profit association committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that benefit conservation and communities.

Worked at Holbrook since 1996 Debbie was initiated into the world of travel at an early age, living aboard a 36-foot sailboat from ages 9 to 18 with her family. They sailed from California to Florida and spent a lot of time in Costa Rica, Panama, and the Galápagos. Since then, she has been all over Latin America and developed a passion for nature and birding. She has been to 40 countries and 50 U.S. states. In 2018, Debbie took on the role of Holbrook Ambassador to support our growing travel leader community.

sandY scHmidt SPECIALTY TRAVEL CONSULTANT & GARDEN TOURS DIRECTOR

Worked at Holbrook since 1992 Sandy’s first career was as a professional musician, from high school through her early 30s. She graduated in 1991 from the University of Florida with a BS in horticulture. A year later she met Giovanna Holbrook and began her career at Holbrook. She has worked with all types of client organizations and enjoys planning travel for groups of friends and families as well. In 2006, she developed the International Garden Tours program at Holbrook Travel. Worked at Holbrook since 1990 Lisa says she was drawn into the world of travel with Holbrook and there was no looking back. She has visited 17 countries, swum with sea lions, and been in the middle of a herd of wild elephants. She specializes in working with educators of all academic levels, as well as non-profit organizations. Not only does she love exposing students to authentic experiences, she also loves working with educators who have the passion to give their students learning opportunities they could not have in a traditional classroom. Her dedication to her clients is evident, with many of them returning year after year.

kEvin van diEn SPECIALTY TRAVEL CONSULTANT

Worked at Holbrook since 2019 Kevin received his BS in Biology from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. Before Holbrook, Kevin was developing and teaching adult learning programs at The Florida Aquarium. He enjoys exploring destinations with exotic flora and fauna, but also travels in search of interesting foods, flavors, and coffees! His favorite trips so far include the Amazon, Costa Rica, and Tanzania. Kevin has spent his life learning about the natural and cultural landscapes around the world, and relishes the opportunity to help others enrich their lives through travel!

early 1990s

David and Andrea Holbrook, son and daughter of Juan and Giovanna, join the team. key staff members Frank Richmond and Tom Carr also join the team in field development.

1998

Andrea Holbrook becomes president and CEO of Holbrook Travel.

2013

Holbrook is a founding member of Friends of Serengeti, a nonprofit organization designed to support the preservation of the Serengeti ecosystem.

2020

Holbrook expands its base in Costa Rica with a San José office and new managing director.

1993

At Selva Verde, Holbrook builds the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing community outreach in the Sarapiquí region.

1997

Holbrook is a founding member of the International Galápagos Tour Operators Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the Galápagos.

2008

Holbrook Travel partners with ClimateSafe to offer carbon offsetting.

2018

Andrea Holbrook extends the mission by serving on advisory boards of The Center for Responsible Travel, the Educational Travel Consortium, and Climb for Cancer Foundation.