PHOTO BY LAURA HARE
ABOUT HOLBROOK
holbrooktravel.com | 800-451-7111 | travel@holbrooktravel.com
Giovanna Holbrook, founder of Holbrook Travel
OUR MISSION Holbrook Travel was founded on the mission of establishing a true connection between our travelers and the nature and people of our destinations. We combine experienced, reliable travel support with deep knowledge and long relationships to create experiences that last a lifetime.
THE HOLBROOK STORY In 1971, Giovanna Holbrook took on the challenge of leading two University of Florida science professors and a group of naturalists to the Galápagos Islands. At that time, the Galápagos was just celebrating its 12th year as a national park, conservation work at the Charles Darwin Research Station was still in its infancy, and tourism in the islands was virtually non-existent.
Spurred by memories of her pioneering voyage to the Galápagos, a lifelong love of travel, and close ties to the local academic community, Giovanna embarked on a mission to design travel programs that were both educational and affordable. Her tireless efforts led to the founding of Holbrook Travel a few years later in 1974. As the company matured throughout the years, it built relationships with a variety
Andrea Holbrook, president
of organizations throughout the U.S. and overseas and increased its destinations and program offerings. More than 40 years later, Holbrook Travel continues to serve the needs of teachers, students, academic institutions, conservation organizations, and nature lovers. In the words of Andrea Holbrook, president: “Our goal is to continue the great work my mother started.”
HOLBROOK’S HISTORY
1971 Giovanna Holbrook leads one of the first trips to the Galápagos Islands aboard a retired navy vessel.
We’ve been around for a while. Here are some of the milestones we’ve accomplished along the way.
1974 2014
2013
Holbrook celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Holbrook becomes a founding member of Friends of Serengeti, a nonprofit organization designed to support the preservation of the Serengeti ecosystem.
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1982 Giovanna Holbrook purchases 500 acres of land to preserve primary and secondary rainforest in Sarapiquí, Costa Rica.
1980s
TIMELINE OF HOLBROOK TRAVEL’S HISTORY
1998
Holbrook Travel grows, offering a variety of educational tours with organizations around the world.
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1970s
2008 Holbrook Travel partners with ClimateSafe to offer carbon offsetting.
Holbrook Travel is founded by Juan and Giovanna Holbrook to design and run educational tours for professors and students of the University of Florida and Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida.
1985
1990s
Andrea Holbrook becomes president and CEO of Holbrook Travel.
Holbrook headquarters constructed in Gainesville, Florida.
1987 Holbrook becomes a program provider for Elderhostel.
1997 Holbrook becomes a founding member of the International Galápagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the Galápagos Islands.
1989 1994 Andrea Holbrook, daughter of Juan and Giovanna, joins the Holbrook team.
1993 Holbrook builds the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) on the edge of the Selva Verde property, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing community outreach in the Sarapiquí region.
1990
Holbrook establishes an extra division to work with non-profit clients.
Holbrook becomes a founding member of The International Ecotourism Society, a nonprofit association committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that benefit conservation and communities.
OUR DESTINATIONS We offer expeditions in the following locations:
AMERICAS • • • • • • • • • • • •
Alaska Argentina Belize Brazil Chile Costa Rica Cuba* Ecuador & Galápagos Islands Guatemala Guyana Hawaii Honduras
• • • •
Mexico Nicaragua Panama Peru
AFRICA • • • • • • • •
Botswana Kenya Madagascar Namibia Rwanda Seychelles South Africa Tanzania
• Uganda • Zanzibar
ASIA AND PACIFIC • • • • •
Australia China Fiji India New Zealand
POLAR REGIONS • Antarctica • Iceland
* requires license
PHOTO BY JOANNA LIVINGSTONE
WHY HOLBROOK?
CUSTOM-TAILORED TRIPS
24/7/365 SERVICE
FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS
At Holbrook Travel we can customize any itinerary to meet your needs.
Enjoy worry-free travel — our support team is ready to assist 24/7/365 should any problems arise while you’re traveling with us.
We’re a full service travel provider and are happy to assist with arranging the flights for your group.
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
SAFETY AND SECURITY
KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF
We believe travel should have a positive impact on our world. We partner with ClimateSafe to provide carbon offsetting and work with ecofriendly lodges.
Our extensive experience, risk management standards, precise safety protocols, $3 million liability policy, and group insurance options can provide you with a worry-free trip.
With an average tenure of 15 years, our team is highly experienced at planning incredible travel experiences.
SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES
HIGHER AND CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS AVAILABLE
FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS
Whenever possible we stay in locally owned hotels and lodges and use local guides to support the economies of the destinations we visit.
We’ve partnered with renowned universities to offer students a chance to earn fully-transferrable credits while on select academic travel programs.
Our flexible payment plans allow you to choose an installment schedule that works for your budget.
WHAT SETS US APART? RICH CONTENT
ABOUT OUR GUIDES
Travel has so much to teach. Our programs are designed with education, enrichment, and enlightenment as the centerpieces. Each program is facilitated by an expert in-country guide and incorporates immersion in the natural history and culture of the destination.
We take pride in hiring local guides who have been carefully-selected for their sensitivity and vast knowledge. In addition to their regular duties, they are also trained to deal with the unexpected. They can transform potentially difficult situations into positive learning experiences. You will find them to be attentive to your concerns and possessing a deep love of their country.
EXPERIENCE Holbrook has been coordinating travel programs since 1974, so as a Holbrook traveler you can feel the comfort of our years of knowledge and expertise accompanying you throughout your journey.
VALUE Holbrook’s volume and reputation in our specialized areas allows us to pass on savings to our travelers.
SAFETY • Our guides are trained in first aid. • Our guides have 24/7 access to a communication device. • Our office headquarters maintains an emergency line available 24 hours a day/7 days a week/365 days a year. • A strict emergency response plan is in place if an accident or other incident arises in the field.
HOLBROOK TRAVEL • Fosters global citizenship though meaningful and authentic exchanges between our travelers and local community members. • Provides opportunities to assist communities and schools though service projects. • Practices sustainable tourism by carefully selecting and monitoring our locations. • Supports local economies by selecting locallyowned lodges and services. • Offers authentic cultural immersion, behind-thescenes experiences, and access to experts • Educates our travelers about local and global environmental issues. • Partners with ClimateSafe to provide carbon offsetting opportunities.
FAQsS HOW MUCH DO TRAVEL PROGRAMS COST?
HOW DO I TRAVEL AROUND THE COUNTRY?
Holbrook coordinator can advise you based on your destination.
We offer programs of the highest quality at competitive prices. Costs can vary significantly based on the destination, duration, and size of the group.
A licensed and careful driver will transfer you between destinations in a safety-inspected van or bus. Some destinations may require internal flights or journeys by boat.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
WHO CAN LEAD A TRAVEL PROGRAM? Any interested individual can organize and lead a group.
ARE THESE COUNTRIES SAFE TO VISIT? We’ve led thousands of people on safe and successful travel programs. Safety is our top priority, and we take every precaution to ensure the safety of our travelers.
WHAT IS THE LODGING LIKE? We inspect each lodge to ensure cleanliness, comfort, and hospitality. Whenever possible, we select accommodations that are locally owned and ecofriendly.
WHO ARE YOUR GUIDES? We take pride in hiring local guides who have been carefully selected for their sensitivity and vast knowledge. In addition to their regular duties, they are also trained to deal with the unexpected. They can transform potentially difficult situations into positive learning experiences. You’ll find them to be attentive to your concerns and possessing a deep love of their country.
ARE MEALS INCLUDED? The vast majority of our programs include breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. Meals also include water and fruit juice. Snacks, alcohol, and other beverages are not included.
WILL I BE MET AT THE AIRPORT? Yes, a representative from Holbrook Travel will meet your group after clearing customs and immigration. Your rep will be holding a sign with your last name or the name of your organization.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE? What’s included in the program price will vary from group to group, but the majority of programs include all meals, water and juice with meals, activities, accommodations, guides, and internal transportation.
WHAT ABOUT TAXES AND ENTRANCE FEES? Departure taxes and entrance fees vary significantly by destination. If you book your flights with us, some fees will be included in the cost of your airfare, but not all countries are the same. Your
Items of a personal nature, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and any passport/visa fees are not included in the program price. Gratuities and the cost of international airfare are not included unless requested by the group leader.
HOW DO I GET TO THE DESTINATION? We can take care of your flight arrangements for you or you can book them independently.
ALLIANCES
TYPES OF PROGRAMS SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
ACADEMIC FIELD EXPEDITIONS
LEAD
Teachers and professors – take your students on the ultimate field trip! Travel has the unique ability to bring classroom lessons to life and create memories that last a lifetime. We can provide your high school students, youth organizations (such as Girl Scouts), and higher education students dynamic and enriching travel experiences suited to your specific curriculum. College-level credit is available for high school students through Lees-Mcrae College.
If you’re looking for a unique way to fundraise, build your membership, or connect with your donors, consider leading a group trip! Our most popular types of special interest groups are birding clubs/Audubon chapters, professional photographers, and botanical gardens, but we also work with numerous museums, zoos, aquariums, and other natural history organizations. These tours usually include a mix of formal and informal lectures and workshops related to your topic of choice and are escorted by a qualified U.S. leader (you!) and an expert local guide.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS Our enriching and affordable international professional development workshops allow teachers and professionals to gain hands-on experience and firsthand exposure to new and exciting environments. Graduate and continuing education credits are available through University of the Pacific.
JOIN If you want to join a group, we offer a wide range of topics and destinations to choose from throughout the year. These trips are a great way for you to experience a new country and connect with like-minded travelers.
TOPICS INCLUDE Conservation Birding
Gardens
Marine Adventure Service
Wildlife
Photography
Biology Cultural Immersion
Natural History
FRIENDS & FAMILY ADVENTURES We offer trips for individuals and small groups and include family reunions, honeymoons and anniversary celebrations, and friends and family vacations.
PHOTOS BY: (THIS PAGE) JOAQUIN GARCIA, (OPPOSITE PAGE) JESSICA MAINIERI, GREG BASCO
Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve In the 1980s, Giovanna Holbrook rescued 500 acres of Costa Rican primary and secondary rainforest from deforestation. The land is now home to Selva Verde, an eco-lodge and private reserve that protects hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, plants, and birds. Located just two hours from San José, Selva Verde provides easy access to the wonders of the rainforest. Abundant biodiversity, comfortable accommodations, and exciting activities combine to create a unique setting for a diverse mix of travelers.
SELVA VERDE CAN CATER TO
THE SELVA VERDE STORY
Birders Families Photographers Herpetologists Biologists Students Artists Adventure seekers Weddings, honeymoons, & anniversaries • Family reunions • Health & wellness retreats
In 1982, during the course of running a birding program in Costa Rica, Giovanna Holbrook discovered a large tract of old growth forest was up for sale and was ready to fall to the chainsaw. When Giovanna saw a 900-year-old tree lying on the ground, she realized that appreciating nature and sharing its wonders with others was no longer enough—she also had to play a part in protecting and caring for it. She bought the property on the spot and embarked on an adventure that continues to this day. By 1985, the once endangered forest became a private rainforest reserve and one of the country’s first eco-lodges, Selva Verde Lodge and Rainforest Reserve. More than a quarter of a century later, Selva Verde is a world renowned eco-lodge committed to advancing the
practice of sustainable tourism. www.selvaverde.com
• • • • • • • • •
PHOTO BY: SCLC
Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center The Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC) is a non-profit community learning center founded by the Holbrook family in 1993. Located adjacent to Selva Verde Lodge, SCLC focuses its efforts in four areas — environmental education, community development, conservation, and tourism — in order to help form future environmental leaders, raise the organizational capacity of local communities, promote sustainable land use, and connect tourists to the local community. These programs, which are run by international volunteers and community members, serve hundreds of local people and thousands of eco-tourists each year.
SCLC PROGRAMS INCLUDE »» »» »» »»
Environmental education Rural tourism activities English classes Community outreach
»» Women’s groups »» Community library »» Scholarship funds for high school students
HISTORY OF SCLC
the area reached a new level when she had the idea of starting a library in Sarapiquí, Bertha Carter spent many as the cost of books was often years in the lowland tropical the deciding factor in whether rainforests of Sarapiquí, or not local families could send Costa Rica assisting Giovanna their children to school. Thanks Holbrook in pioneering the to a few generous donations, creation of Selva Verde Lodge. in 1993 Bertha’s dream was Bertha had a great deal of realized. Today, the library understanding about the local is known as the Sarapiquí culture and was passionate about helping local women gain Conservation Learning independence. While managing Center (SCLC). Over the years, additional educational the lodge, she established programs have been developed a rule requiring each staff to benefit the local community member to retrieve their own paychecks, preventing husbands members and teach visitors about the importance of the from taking total control of unique environment of the all of the household money, a region. common practice at the time. In addition to empowering the women of Sarapiquí, Bertha made a point of introducing the many scientists, biologists, and conservationists that visited Selva Verde to the local naturalists to encourage learning and exchange between the parties. Bertha’s interest in offering educational opportunities to the youth in www.learningcentercostarica.org
PHOTOS BY: (THIS PAGE) NATASHA PALMROTH, (OPPOSITE PAGE) ERIC LINDBERG, TODD GUSTAFSON | GUSTAFSON PHOTO SAFARI, JOAQUIN GARCIA, JILL RICHMOND, LAURA HARE
Road Scholar Road Scholar is a notfor-profit organization that has inspired adults to learn, discover, and travel since 1975. Road Scholar programs include an extraordinary range of topics, formats, and locations in every state in the U.S., in 150 countries, and aboard ships and sailing vessels on waterways throughout the world. Road Scholar’s learning adventures feature engaging expert instructors, provide extraordinary access, and stimulate discourse and friendship among people for whom learning is the journey of a lifetime. In 1987, Holbrook Travel began a partnership with Road Scholar that continues to grow and evolve each year. More than 25 years later, Holbrook Travel is considered to be one of Road Scholar’s top program providers and coordinates dozens of programs across Latin America and Eastern Africa. roadscholar.org
PHOTO BY ISRAEL GONZALEZ
Our programs are fully customizable to meet your unique goals. For more information and program ideas, contact us today! holbrooktravel.com | 800-451-7111 | travel@holbrooktravel.com