The Holbrook Explorer
Where we travel
Photo of the Month: December 2017
I love going to the ends of the Earth to find dramatic, uncommon, extraordinarily beautiful subjects. One of those subjects is the clear night sky. It’s fascinating, especially when viewed from remote locations where there is no light pollution. Here, in Namibia, the Milky Way stands out from a...
Photo of the Month: November 2017
I decided that 2016 would be my “Year of Cuba.” I joined a group of avid birders on a Holbrook trip in hopes of experiencing as much of the country as possible. Being a travel photographer, my birding skills are fledgling at best but the itinerary fit the bill. We visited diverse habitats, from...
Photo of the Month: October 2017
Glacial lagoon near Svéitarfelagio Hornafjörour, Iceland. I was one of a group of six Jacksonville University Alumni (all former biology majors) led by Dr. Quinton White, Executive Director, Jacksonville University Marine Science Research. Charles Duggins JR. Iceland | Iceland |...
Photo of the Month: September 2017
A sunrise drive at Sabi Sands, a consortium of private landholdings just outside Kruger Park in eastern South Africa, produced some electrifying action between two leopards. The nine of us were quietly watching this young female leopard from an open safari vehicle. She had hung what was left of her...
Photo of the Month: August 2017
During a once-in-a-lifetime seven-day sailing trip in the Galápagos, we had the opportunity to see many unusual and unique species of animals and ecosystems. Each day was filled with amazing sights I had only seen on nature shows. On Rábida Island, we walked along a volcanic trail and saw fur...
Photo of the Month: July 2017
I was participating in the Cuba’s Protected Natural Landscape Photo Contest, which brought us to the Topes de Collantes nature reserve. Dr. Hiram González, a prominent Cuban ornithologist, spotted a Cuban Tody, a small, colorful, endemic Cuban bird with a large head. I was able to photograph it in...
What Does President Trump’s Announcement Mean for Travel to Cuba?
Today, June 16, President Donald Trump made a statement that will affect how U.S. citizens may engage in travel to Cuba in the future. We understand you may have concerns about how your travel plans could be impacted. Here’s what you need to know. According to the Department of Treasury Office of...
Peru: Off the Beaten Path
From Machu Picchu to the Amazon rainforest, Peru is home to abundant natural and cultural wonders. Look a little beyond these iconic destinations, however, and you’ll find lesser-known attractions for an off-the-beaten path experience. Some of these locations are remote, but well worth the trip!...
Photo of the Month: June 2017
Collana Corazón is a tiny, manmade island on Lake Titicaca, made out of the very reeds that grow in the lake. The reeds, called totora, serve as land, shelter, and even a source of nutrition for the families that have made their lives on these islands for generations. When our boat arrived, we were...
Why Iceland is Primed for Educational Travel
Iceland is surging in popularity among travelers, and for good reason. The country offers volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls, plus history, culture, and more, all within a relatively small area. Moreover, there are a wealth of topics for academic study. So what does Iceland’s recent tourism boom...
Photo of the Month: May 2017
It was such a treat to see the many and varied chameleons in Madagascar, but it wasn’t always easy to get the perfect photograph! As bright and colorful as they are, they are often camouflaged and blend well with their surroundings. I was happy to finally capture this shot of the Parson’s chameleon...
12 Amazing Experiences in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s "pura vida" attitude and rich and diverse landscapes—brimming with hundreds of bird species, endemic plants, lots of mammals, and other natural wonders—make it a goldmine for curious adventure-seekers looking to explore new territory. Here are 12 reasons why you should visit the "world...