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[tab_item title="Partnerships"]

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t Holbrook Travel, we believe that it takes a village to raise a village. In accordance with this philosophy, we've spent decades developing partnerships with individuals and organizations that support our values and goals. We extend the travel experience far beyond the destination and in the process create and support communities of global learning.

Our expertise in travel is broad, and our long-time relationships span a number of fields including education, science, technology, conservation, community, nature, and wildlife.
American Public Gardens Association (APGA)
The American Public Gardens Association (APGA) is committed to increasing the knowledge of public garden professionals throughout North America through information sharing, professional development, networking, public awareness, and research so they have the tools to effectively serve visitors and members. As a corporate gold member of APGA, Holbrook Travel provides exclusive opportunities for public garden enthusiasts to witness the diversity of the world’s flora firsthand during international garden tours. Visit www.apga.org for more information.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) envisions a world where, as a result of the work of accredited zoos and aquariums, all people respect, value, and conserve wildlife and wild places. AZA provides its members the services, high standards and best practices needed to be leaders and innovators in animal care, wildlife conservation and science, conservation education, and community engagement. As a member of AZA, Holbrook Travel offers travel opportunities for members of aquariums, zoos, and other wildlife organizations. Visit www.aza.org for more information.
Center for Responsible Travel (CREST)
The Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) is a non-profit research institution whose promoting responsible tourism policies and practices globally so local communities can thrive and steward their cultural resources and biodiversity. Holbrook Travel works tirelessly to support and adhere to CREST’s policies for sustainable travel. Visitwww.responsibletravel.org for more information.
ClimateSafe
ClimateSafe is the United States' first federally recognized certification mark for greenhouse gas neutral products and services. ClimateSafe has developed a six-step certification process to ensure that the activities undertaken by an entity, and the carbon offsets applied to these activities, guarantee truly carbon-neutral products, services and events. All of Holbrook Travel’s international programming offers carbon offsetting with ClimateSafe, giving participants a chance to support sustainable travel. Visit www.climatesafe.com for more information.
Friends of Serengeti
Holbrook Travel is a founding member of Friends of Serengeti, an organization dedicated to bringing together travel companies and travelers to build a permanent structure of support, advocacy, and funding for the Serengeti ecosystem. Learn more about the mission at www.friendsofserengeti.org.
Fund for Reconciliation and Development (FFRD)
The Fund for Reconciliation and Development (FFRD) builds bridges between the United States and Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Cuba. Since 1985, FFRD’s non-partisan programs have sought to heal the wounds of war by fostering mutual understanding and respect, encouraging and facilitating cooperation in education, trade, people-to-people exchanges, and humanitarian and development assistance. A licensed travel service provider since 2001, Holbrook Travel provides educational travel opportunities in Cuba with FFRD. Visit www.ffrd.org for more information.
Fund for Teachers
Believing the teacher knows best how they can make a better impact in their classroom, Fund for Teachers awards fellowships for self-designed professional growth to PreK-12 teachers who recognize the value of inquiry, the power of knowledge, and their ability to make a difference. Fellowships range from world travel to conferences and seminars. Fund for Teachers supports educators seeking funding assistance for Holbrook Travel’s international professional development programs. Visit www.fundforteachers.org for more information.
The Geological Society of America (GSA)
Established in 1888, The Geological Society of America (GSA) provides access to elements that are essential to the professional growth of earth scientists at all levels of expertise and from all sectors: academic, government, business, and industry. GSA's membership unites thousands of earth scientists from every corner of the globe in a common purpose: to study the mysteries of our planet and share scientific findings. GSA’s professional development programs with Holbrook Travel have explored the unique geology of Iceland, the Galapagos Islands, and Australia, among others. Visitwww.geosociety.org for more information.
Girl Scouts of the USA
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is the largest organization for girls in the world. Their mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Through activities in science and technology, business and economic literacy, and outdoor and environmental awareness, Girl Scouting provides girls with opportunities for fun and friendship while fostering development of leadership skills and self-esteem. Holbrook Travel has provided several of the Girl Scouts’ destinations programs, allowing girls to travel internationally and develop their understanding of global citizenship. Visit www.holbrooktravel.com/girlscouts for more information.
GISetc
The mission of GISetc is to provide cutting-edge GIS professional development, curriculum, and software support to K-12 and post-secondary educators and students. Their goal is to advance education, improve quality of curricula, provide authentic research and learning projects, and provide teacher training and skill development in an atmosphere of discovery. Holbrook Travel and GISetc offer professional development opportunities in field-based GIS training and sustainability education in Costa Rica. Visit gisetc.com for more information.
Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History
Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History’s mission is to conserve the animals, plants, habitats, and other natural components of the Piedmont region of the eastern United States through observation, scientific study, and education for students of all ages." Since 1982, Director Bill Hilton Jr. has banded more than 57,100 birds of 125 species on the 11-acre tract. In 2004, Hilton Pond and Holbrook Travel took Operation Rubythroat internationally, furthering their citizen science project and tracking the migration patterns of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds across Central America. Visitwww.hiltonpond.org for more information.
International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA)
International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) is a non-profit association of travel companies, conservation organizations, and other groups that are dedicated to preserving the Galapagos Islands as a unique and priceless world heritage that will provide enjoyment, education, adventure, and inspiration to present and future generations of travelers. In alignment with IGTOA’s values, Holbrook Travel has been committed to educating our travelers and maintaining strict sustainable tourism standards that support the protection of the Galapagos. Visit www.igtoa.org for more information.
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's membership includes science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in and committed to science education. NSTA and Holbrook Travel have partered together to offer science teachers several cutting edge professional development programs in Costa Rica. Visit www.nsta.org for more information.
PASCO scientific
For over 45 years PASCO scientific has been the global leader in developing technology-based solutions for hands-on science, serving educators and students in more than 100 countries around the world. Holbrook Travel and PASCO have collaborated to promote inquiry-based learning through the use of PASCO’s SPARK Science Learning System (sls), an all-in-one mobile device that integrates the power of probeware with inquiry-based content and assessment. Visitholbrooktravel.com/pasco for more information.
Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices, and consumer behavior. Rainforest Alliance believes that the best way to keep forests standing is by ensuring that it is profitable for businesses and communities to do so. They are committed to helping farmers, forest managers, and tourism businesses realize greater economic benefits by ensuring their employees and the ecosystems within and around their operations are protected. As a Rainforest Alliance Verified Tour Operator, Holbrook Travel has signed a contract guaranteeing that at least 50% of our business practices are Rainforest Alliance Verified. Visitwww.rainforest-alliance.org for more information.
Road Scholar
Road Scholar is a not-for-profit organization that has inspired adults to learn, discover, and travel since 1975. Road Scholar learning adventures engage expert instructors, provide extraordinary access, and stimulate discourse and friendship among people for whom learning is the journey of a lifetime. In partnership since 1987, Holbrook Travel is Road Scholar’s largest program provider, offering a wide variety of programs across Latin America and Eastern Africa. Visitwww.roadscholar.org for more information.
Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center (SCLC)
The Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center (SCLC), located in Costa Rica, 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. The SCLC was founded by the Holbrook family and Selva Verde Lodge to support the local community and bring unique environmental and cultural education opportunities to our travelers. Visit www.learningcentercostarica.orgfor more information.
Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC)
The Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC), formerly the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, is the world's oldest sea turtle research and conservation group. An international nonprofit organization, STC was founded in 1959 by world-renowned sea turtle expert Dr. Archie Carr to save sea turtles from eminent extinction through rigorous science-based conservation. The STC carries out worldwide programs to conserve and recover sea turtle populations through research, education, advocacy, and protection of natural habitats. Holbrook Travel supports sea turtle conservation by offering travelers volunteer opportunities at the STC’s base in Tortuguero, Costa Rica. Visit www.conserveturtles.org for more information.
Selva Verde Lodge and Rainforest Reserve
Selva Verde was founded in 1983 by the Holbrook family to protect the rainforest and wildlife of the Sarapiqui region. Selva Verde’s abundant biodiversity, comfortable rainforest lodge, and exciting activities have attracted adventure seekers, bird and wildlife watchers, students, and families. The 500-acre reserve is located in Chilamate, a key location along the Costa Rican bird route, and its towering Almendro trees are some of the few remaining habitats of the endangered Great Green Macaw. As one of Costa Rica's pioneering eco-lodges, Selva Verde is committed to a sustainable future for Sarapiqui and proudly carries and supports Costa Rica's Certification for Sustainable Tourism. Visit www.selvaverde.com for more information.

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[tab_item title="Philanthropy"]

Traveler’s philanthropy describes the time, talent and treasure visitors are moved to share with the host region and people. While the term is not widely known, the activity of travelers contributing and involving themselves in the hopes and lives of host nationals is widespread in tourism and is not a new phenomenon. The desire to help others, regardless of their location, is intrinsic to human nature.

Holbrook Travel helps to guide travelers’ philanthropic interests to make sure they are both sustainable and effective within the community or environment. For example, a couple who traveled to the Amazon and Machu Picchu with us informed us that they had decided to send books to a local school they had visited on their journey. Holbrook connected them with travelers going to the region who acted as the postman for these items.

In more structured ways, Holbrook has continuously sought to enable our travelers to directly benefit the local communities we visit. Holbrook is the proud founder of the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center, which is dedicated to conservation, education and community development in north central Costa Rica. The contributions of this non-profit have provided the region with economic development opportunities, ESL studies and environmental stewardship direction for more than 25 years.

Holbrook is inspired and called to action through the partnerships of the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center, the Crest Foundation, and the Sustainable Travel Initiative to establish the guidelines and breadth of our work to enable true action-based global citizenry efforts. Through coordination with organizations like these, the best intentions of Holbrook’s global travelers end up to be in the best interest of global recipients.

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[tab_item title="Safety and security"]

Holbrook Travel has been providing the highest degree of safety and security for our travelers since 1974. While no environment — at home or abroad — is ever completely risk free, our extensive experience, risk management standards, and precise safety protocols can provide a worry-free travel experience for our clients.

Communications
- Our emergency phone line has a member of our staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- All accommodations have a telephone or other means of communication on the premises.
- All leaders, guides and/or drivers have a cell phone or radio device for emergencies.
- Internet is widely available in most destinations.

Guides
- Guides are experienced and trained to handle emergency situations.
- Guides are fluent in English and bilingual in foreign-language countries.
- Guides are trained and licensed.
- All guides attend annual training programs.

Accommodations
- All hotels are regularly inspected by our team.
- All hotels and lodges have plans for:
Safety and security
Incident management
Guest communications
Visitor policies
Medical procedures

Transportation
- Our drivers are experienced and highly knowledgeable.
- Vehicles are inspected regularly and meet local safety standards.
- In most cases, transfers are private.
- Transfers are always scheduled during daylight hours.

Boats
- Boat crews have mandatory safety drills.
- All vessels must meet local certification requirements.
- Live-aboard vessels have regular marine safety inspections with a formal inspection checklist.
- Snorkeling safety standards are in place.

Health
- Wash hands often with soap and water.
- Use hand wipes or waterless anti-bacterial gel frequently.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites and sunburn.
- Keep feet clean, dry, and protected to prevent fungal and parasitic infections.
- Bring a copy of your prescriptions and keep it with your carry-on luggage.
- If you get diarrhea, drink bottled water and stick to a bland diet.
- Drink plenty of bottled water during your flights and trip. Dehydration is one of the biggest causes of fatigue and jet lag.
- Do not drink or brush your teeth with anything other than bottled water.

Diabetes
- Bring a letter from your doctor stating the supplies you will be carrying.
- Bring hard candy or glucose tablets in your carry-on luggage and during long activities.
- Bring a blood sugar testing meter and plenty of testing strips and batteries.
If you are insulin dependent:
- Bring more than one bottle of insulin.
- If you are on a pump, bring extra supplies such as batteries, reservoirs, and infusion sets as they might be difficult to find.
- Bring syringes as a back-up method to deliver insulin if your pump malfunctions.
- Bring a cooling packet to help protect insulin from getting too warm. The Frio cooler is small, lightweight, and easy to use.

Common sense precautions
- Leave expensive jewelry and watches at home.
- Keep all valuables in a money belt that you can hide under your clothes.
- Make copies of all documentation and keep it separate from the originals.
- Carry a small amount of cash in an accessible pocket rather than accessing your money belt while shopping.
- Bring important items (passport, wallet, etc.) with you or leave them locked in a safe. Don't leave these items in your room.

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