Greener Travel

05/13/2024

Yesterday we toured Tarcoles river, near the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Though polluted, this river is home to a healthy community of American Crocodiles, including this individual who is about 5 meters (15 ft) long, and close to 90 years old.

05/03/2023

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐮𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥!

There are many advantages of hiring a travel advisor for your next trip- here are just some:

𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲, 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬: A travel advisor can arrange the various modes of transportation, find the best deals and discounts, and access special fares and perks. A travel advisor can also handle any problems that might occur during your trip, such as flight cancellations or changes.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬: A travel advisor can connect you with in-destination specialists who can offer you off-the-beaten-path experiences that you wouldn’t otherwise know about. A travel advisor can also enhance your trip with exclusive experiences not available to the general public!

𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭: A travel advisor can create a personalized itinerary based on your preferences and needs. They can also help you choose the best time to visit your destination, the best hotels and tours for you, and the best travel insurance policy for your situation

08/14/2022

When is the best time to visit Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica?
It's the most popular park in the country, and sometimes the amount of tourists can seem overwhelming. Nonetheless, this park is accessible and amazing for wildlife viewing. Our director Ami Greener was there recently, and reports:

07/16/2022

We love an informative article that begins with the words 'Green Travel'.

These must-read books will make your travel greener!

Do you have a favorite green travel book?

These books from a variety of perspectives can help travelers understand what constitutes green travel — and why it matters.

06/29/2022

Why is everyone traveling to Costa Rica at the moment?
🐒🐸🐋🦥🥥🐠🐍

We could all do with a dose of the pura vida this summer

09/15/2021

Happy Birthday, Costa Rica!

Today, Costa Rica celebrates its bicentennial — 200 years of independence. It’s a joyous day across the country, as Ticos honor freedom, democracy, sustainability and a culture of peace with songs and celebrations!

The latest headlines and information from Costa Rica including breaking news, weather, travel, events, sports and more.

07/31/2021

“Thanks to fast-changing Covid-19 testing protocols, border restrictions, shifting airline schedules, rental car scarcity, and limited hotel inventory, even the most confident jet-setters are turning to the pros for help.”

You know who to call for your next vacation!

Uncertainty in the friendly skies is fueling a run on a profession long thought departed.

07/02/2021

Join our director Ami Greener an hour in Clubhouse for a chat about sustainable travel in Costa Rica with

https://www.clubhouse.com/event/xoBYRZRE

05/26/2021

You never know who will be giving you a surprise visit while exploring Costa Rica!

A green tree frog pays a visit to .harris.86 , a longtime Greener Traveler, while exploring Arenal. These colorful amphibians are mostly nocturnal, though once in a while you can catch them early in the day!

05/05/2021

It’s National Travel Advisor Day!

There’s this pesky rumor going around that it’s more expensive to work with a travel advisor than self booking.

Let me clear the air about this myth.

As your travel advisor I get paid in commissions from the hotels, guides and drivers I book with. I do not get paid unless you actually travel!

Here’s how it works: You work with me to plan your trip and I’m paid by the suppliers you book with. If you book online you are paying the same amount but you aren’t getting an expert to help you along the way. No one to help you figure out the current travel requirements, no one to sit on hold for sometimes hours to change your dates, book or change adventure activities, or troubleshoot issues that might come up during your trip - leaving us at Greener Travel to worry about the details while you enjoy your vacation!

So on National Travel Advisor Day I encourage you to send me a message, email or call me - and let’s start planning your next adventure trip or vacation today!

05/04/2021

Ecotourism has played a lead role in Costa Rica's history, helping to fund the preservation of the ethereal cloud forests of Monteverde and the remote jungles of the Osa Peninsula, as well as popular destinations such as the Tortuguero and Manuel Antonio national parks. And while nations around the world have taken an approach similar to that of Costa Rica, perhaps nowhere else do citizens play as important a part as authorities. Conservation, here, is a national cause.

Low and slow in the land of pura vida.

03/14/2021

03/13/2021

Costa Rica is probably one of the best international destinations to travel to this year. It's easy to get to from North America, no need for covid test or quarentine upon arrival, and the most important - it's magnificent nature.

If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, here's what you'll need to know and expect if you want to visit during the global coronavirus pandemic.

02/17/2021

Are you thinking about your first post pandemic family vacation? Think Costa Rica!

Costa Rica is brimming with activities, and it provides a model of sustainable living that’s a better souvenir than anything you could take home.

12/28/2020

Travel & tourism account for 1 in 10 jobs worldwide. I am one of those 1 out of 10.

Many people surely think that my job working in the travel business is to travel for free (I only wish!)

In reality, 90% of my job is spent sitting at my desk designing itineraries for couples, families, groups and clients from around the world. I spend hours, weeks, sometimes even months working on single trips, making sure every detail is thought out and planned. And I LOVE doing it.

The travel industry has been dealing with the coronavirus since January — an additional two full months before it really began impacting daily life here in the US.

Fun fact: travel advisors only get paid after their clients actually travel.

Many travel advisors have been refunding their hard-earned money back to their clients by the thousands.

They’ve spent these last ten months working tirelessly to negotiate refunds, postponements, and cancellations. And most have had few or no new trips booked now for months.

But we do it without question because we have wonderful, personal relationships with our clients - something that credit card companies & Expedia do not - and we know travel will come back stronger than ever once this is all over.

When you can travel again (hopefully soon!) please remember your friendly travel advisor at Greener Travel!

In this post-pandemic world of travel restrictions, last-minute itinerary changes, test and vaccine requirements, it will be good to have a trusted travel advisor have your back.

If you are planning on traveling in 2021 or 2022, support a small travel business. Choose people over internet booking sites.

Wishing you and yours happy holidays and a happy new year!

Ami Greener
Director and Founder
Greener Travel

Pic: Ami hanging out in Turrialba, Costa Rica a few years ago. Can't wait to introduce you to this magical place!

11/27/2020

Do you want to send someone who is essential to you to Costa Rica, for free?

Visit Costa Rica, the country’s tourism agency, is asking people to nominate someone who has made a meaningful difference in their lives to win a free trip to Costa Rica.

The “Who is Essential to You” campaign is accepting nominations from all across the US. Fifteen winners will be selected and awarded a trip for two to Costa Rica for seven days. The prize includes roundtrip coach airfare to Costa Rica, six nights in hotel accommodations, a $200 meal voucher, ground transportation, and travel insurance (including COVID-19 coverage).

To enter:
https://woobox.com/w9syp4

Rules of competition:
https://woobox.com/w9syp4/rules

11/23/2020

How is it like to be a traveler in Costa Rica these days? Lonely Planet writer Ali Wunderman recaps it in this article. She had the amazing and talented Luis Diego Soto as a guide (he has been guiding our group trips for years!) and searched for the elusive Quetzal with bird-watching specialist Serge Arias!

Costa Rica is open for travelers, though at this moment few travelers are arriving. It is definitely the destination for the physically distant adventure!

Would you travel to Costa Rica in the near future? Wait for a COVID vaccine? Let us know!

Ali Wunderman visited Costa Rica right after it reopened to talk to the locals, learn the pandemic protocols and seek out a very elusive bird.

11/17/2020

When you travel to Visit Costa Rica, you now have the option of taking the pledge to offset all the carbon emissions associated with your trip!

Take responsibility for your travels.

11/11/2020

Costa Rica is a great destination for a family vacation - it really has something for all ages. Costa Rica is currently open for all travelers, and no need for a COVID-19 test to enter.

Let us plan your trip there this winter!

If your family has been in search of a sanctuary for travel during COVID, look no further than Costa Rica. It's a top family destination.

10/25/2020

Costa Rica ha snow eliminated the need for a covid test before arriving. You still need to purchase enhanced health insurance - and the country as a whole seems to be more serious on adhering to social distancing and masking policies than back here in the US.

After the past 8 months, would you not want to spend a few weeks (or more?) in this tropical paradise? Most of your activities + dining will be outdoors - and the people of Costa Rica are eager to welcome travelers at this point.

Contact us today so we can start planning your trip this winter to Costa Rica!
https://www.forbes.com/sites/johannaread/2020/10/23/costa-rica-all-americans-welcomed-and-covid-tests-no-longer-needed/

10/20/2020

Costa Rica welcomes US travelers back to the Pura Vida!

Come for the nature, relaxation and welcoming people.

10/08/2020

You've hung in there long enough - Costa Rica is now open for travelers from the US!

Here are the entry requirements: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements

10/06/2020

Good news! As of November 1st, Costa Rica will be open to visitors from all 50 US states, with no need to quarantine upon arrival.

Are you thinking of traveling to Costa Rica this winter? It is perfect for a remote family getaway, romantic vacation or wildlife adventure with your 'bubble' members.

Reach out to us today so we can start planning your winter trip!

Costa Rica has expanded its authorizied travel list to allow residents from all US states to visit from November

09/02/2020

Visitors from 12 states and DC now allowed to travel to Costa Rica, with several conditions.

Are you planning to travel internationally this year? Or next?

Americans are consistently and by far the country’s biggest visitor group, which might be why Costa Rica is finding a way to allow some Americans to visit.

08/27/2020

Early morning vibes. Throwback to exactly one year ago when we led an adventure trip to the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. You need to wake up pretty early to see the wildlife in Tortuguero national park, that majestic place that is like the Amazon rainforest on brackish canals, with a vibrant island-village at it's center.
This year has not been easy, both on us and our travel partners in Costa Rica. As we pause and dream right now, we are sure we will be traveling safely once again pretty soon.

08/11/2020

Travel resumed last week to Costa Rica for select countries, though visitors from US are still banned from entering. Many destinations in Costa Rica are heavily dependent on eco-tourism, and have been struggling economically the past few months. One of our favorite boutiques, Hotel Belmar, has been relying on its organic vegetable garden to help the local community as well as generate income.

We hope tourism returns soon; should such communities seek to diversify sources of income beyond tourism?

With its famed Cloud Forest closed, Monteverde fights for its life.

08/08/2020

Is Costa Rica on the top of your travel list right now?

This week it opened up for European and Canadian travelers, after borders were closed mid-March.

It's time for some Essential Costa Rica in your life.

07/27/2020

Costa Rica is the first tropical country to have stopped -- and subsequently reversed -- deforestation. This is partly what makes it a stunning eco-tourism destination.

Can the rest of the world follow its lead?

Costa Rica is the first tropical country to have stopped -- and reversed -- deforestation.

06/29/2020

Costa Rica is the natural destination for your next international vacation.

Wide open beaches, rain-forests, little crowds and privacy make it the perfect place for your first international trip - once borders open up for foreign visitors.

Top 5 reasons to visit Costa Rica

06/20/2020

The halt of world tourism can be harmful for efforts worldwide. How will sustainable travel look like post-covid? How can vulnerable ecosystems be protected with no tourism income?

With no income and lost jobs, nature preserves are struggling to fulfill their missions.