Founder Giovanna Holbrook in Papua New Guinea
About Us
Our Mission
Our mission is to facilitate a true connection between our travelers and our destinations. Since 1974, we’ve taken thousands of travelers on expeditions across Latin America, Africa, and destinations beyond. We combine reliable travel support with deep knowledge to create enriching travel 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 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.”
Responsible Tourism
The field of sustainable and responsible tourism continues to evolve with new ideas, resources, and organizations that are forming all the time. Holbrook is committed to this learning and growth process since many of these principles are part of who we are and part of why people travel with Holbrook. At the same time, Holbrook is a pioneer in the field of sustainability.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Holbrook believes in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and that ultimately the principles of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are a part of our commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. Just as we are focused on offering sustainable tourism programs globally, we must also be looking internally and within our communities at home to see how social, economic, and other types of inequalities erode the values of sustainability. Conversely, we acknowledge that the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion create value within our company culture and in our community. Holbrook is working to instill in our organization these core values and to think more critically about core processes to see what changes can and should be made.
Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve
Our roots in Costa Rica
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.